MTM Mule Mobile Gear Crate & Tactical Rifle Crate Review

› MTM doesn’t deal in thin, brittle or easily broken cases; they have produced some of the toughest gear in my armoury, and their latest large rolling cases are no disappointment.
The Mule and Tactical Rifle Crates are essentially identical, except the former comes in a coyote/buff colour and the latter in a grey/green. Their differences become apparent once the lids are opened, revealing different internal components.

Similarities
The external dimensions are 1105x297x292mm (43.5x11.7x11.5”) with two wheels at one end. There are twin carry handles, with the one at the opposite end to the wheels becoming the grip when rolling the case along behind you.
The injection-moulded trunks feature extensive three-dimensional reinforcement, with ribs and recesses that add strength and rigidity, while also allowing cases to be stacked securely without the risk of sliding. There are four latches on the lids with padlock tabs for security, and the external surfaces are stippled to improve grip during handling.

Differences
When you open the cases, you’ll notice a rubber O-ring seal around the rim that helps keep them watertight and dust-free, which is something pickup truck owners are likely to appreciate. Both crates feature segmented dividers, with a central 180mm (7”) tall divider screwed in semi-permanently to reinforce the case, but this is where the differences become more apparent.
The Mule Crate includes a second divider that can be fitted into either the left or right slot, along with a smaller black tray that fills the opposite side. In contrast, the Tactical Rifle Crate comes with all three dividers already in place and features a 50mm (2”) deep, full-length tray above them, lined with eggbox foam. This will accommodate a rifle up to 1000x300x76mm (39.3x12x3”), and while a full-length centrefire may not fit, some ARs, airguns and rimfires might.

Tough stuff
I like the fact that the cases are totally dust and waterproof. I have filled the Mule crate with all my smaller range gear, including rest bags, rangefinders, ear defenders, spotting scope, etc. The Rifle crate is actually very handy for keeping my airgun gear in. When travelling to the range with shorter .22 rimfires, I can confidently have everything in the case, knowing that whatever I drop in it will still be securely retained. The internal dimensions are 990x274x249mm (39x11x9.8”) before segregation with the slot-in dividers.
MTM manufactures in the USA and takes great pride in its long-standing reputation. Although the products are a little more expensive, they stand the test of time, and these cases have proven tough, showing no signs of cracking even in colder weather. Lastly, they also make a great seat if you aren’t too heavy!