Hard Cases

A hard case has two quite different jobs and the specification you need depends entirely on which. For range trips, impact protection and a lockable latch are enough. For checked airline baggage, the case must be lockable in a way that renders the firearm inaccessible and must survive baggage handling, which is a much higher bar.

For flying, look for a case with multiple padlock holes rather than a single central latch, because a single point of failure is exactly what gets forced. Waterproof cases with a pressure-equalisation valve are the standard here. Check the internal dimensions against the rifle with its optic and magazine fitted — most returns happen because the scope turret fouls the lid.