VCI Gun Bag Size Guide — Find the Right Fit
Not sure which Arms Preservation Inc. (API) VCI storage bag to buy? Use this gun bag size guide to compare current stock sizes and find a good starting point for pistols, compact rifles, AR-style rifles, shotguns, gear, and ammunition cans.
API firearm-storage preparation: Before cleaning or preparing a firearm for storage, clear it and verify that the chamber and magazine or other ammunition source are empty. Properly clean the firearm to remove fouling, fingerprints, and moisture, then dry all surfaces completely. Avoid touching cleaned metal with bare skin; use clean gloves or a lint-free cloth because skin oils and salts can promote corrosion. Firearms may be stored dry or with normal functional lubrication; do not overcoat them with oil or grease. Once cleaning and preparation are complete, API VCI bags can provide corrosion protection for firearms stored loaded or unloaded. Place the prepared firearm directly inside the correctly sized VCI bag and close it completely. See complete VCI bag storage instructions.
Find your bag by firearm or storage type
Select a category to jump to its size recommendations. All recommendations remain visible on desktop and mobile, with direct links to matching product pages and alternatives.
Pistols & handguns
Recommended starting point: FSP001 Pistol Bag — 11" × 15" for typical pistols and revolvers. For applications requiring a foil / ESD barrier, compare the FSP001-ESD — 11" × 15".
Measure the handgun with its optic, light, or other mounted accessories. If you need room for extra parts or a bulkier arrangement, review the FSP006 Gear Bag — 16" × 14" and confirm the full fit.
M4-style rifles, SBRs & compact rifles
Recommended starting point: FSP004 Compact M4 Rifle Bag — 14" × 36". Its shorter profile is intended for compact rifle configurations and armory racks.
For a foil / ESD outer barrier, select the FSP004-ESD — 14" × 36". If the stored firearm or accessories need more length, compare the FSP003 — 14" × 49".
Measure overall firearm length in its actual storage configuration; barrel length alone does not establish bag fit.
AR-style, AK-style & full-length rifles
Recommended starting point: FSP003 Rifle Bag — 14" × 49" for modern and tactical rifle profiles, including many rifles with optics.
For a narrower but longer configuration, compare the FSP002 — 11" × 54". For shorter configurations, check the FSP004 — 14" × 36". Choose based on the whole firearm and installed accessories, not just model name.
Shotguns, hunting rifles & longer firearms
Recommended starting point: FSP002 Shotgun / Rifle Bag — 11" × 54" for many long-gun profiles.
If your gun is wider because of accessories, compare the FSP003 — 14" × 49" as long as its available length is sufficient. Need a 66-inch muzzleloader size or another unusual length? Ask API about custom or specialty bags.
Magazines, parts, ammunition & storage gear
Recommended starting point: FSP006 Gear Bag — 16" × 14" for parts, magazines, accessories, and compatible bulk equipment.
For individual handguns, also compare the FSP001 Pistol Bag — 11" × 15". For storage inside a specific military-style ammo can, choose the matching form-fit liner below.
M2A1 .50-cal & 7.62 .30-cal ammo cans
Choose by the actual can designation rather than a flat-bag dimension:
- ASP001 — VCI .50 Cal Ammo Can Liner for M2A1 cans; check current availability
- ASP002 — VCI .30 Cal Ammo Can Liner for the specified 7.62-style can; check current availability
These are form-fit can liners, not interchangeable flat gun bags. Confirm your can type before ordering.
Compare API VCI gun bag sizes
All flat sizes below are nominal outside dimensions. For purchases involving multiple firearms, attachments, or tight dimensions, test the fit before placing a large order.
| API SKU | Outside size | Common use | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSP001 | 11" × 15" | Pistol, handgun | View bag |
| FSP001-ESD | 11" × 15" | Pistol — foil / ESD | View bag |
| FSP006 | 16" × 14" | Gear, magazines, parts | View bag |
| FSP004 | 14" × 36" | Compact rifle / M4 | View bag |
| FSP004-ESD | 14" × 36" | Compact rifle — foil / ESD | View bag |
| FSP003 | 14" × 49" | AR / AK / tactical rifle | View bag |
| FSP002 | 11" × 54" | Shotgun / long rifle | View bag |
| ASP001 | Form-fit M2A1 | 50-cal ammo-can liner | View bag |
| ASP002 | Form-fit 7.62 can | 30-cal ammo-can liner | View bag |
Three steps to choose the correct VCI bag
- Measure overall length. Use the firearm exactly as it will be stored, with its stock position and installed accessories. Do not size a bag from barrel length alone.
- Check the width and bulk. Measure the tallest or widest point, including optics, magazines, lights, mounts, and other protrusions. A filled flat bag uses some of its width and length to accommodate thickness.
- Leave room to close the bag completely. Check that the hook-and-loop closure can be fully joined without strain. Protect sharp edges and avoid forcing the firearm into an undersized bag.
Transparent versus foil / ESD VCI storage bags
Both API constructions use an inner VCI layer and a dedicated outer barrier. For standard gun-storage applications with visual identification needs, start with the transparent bag. For programs requiring a foil outer barrier or specified ESD protective packaging, review the matching FSP001-ESD or FSP004-ESD version.
ESD requirements and military procurement specifications must be evaluated for the ordered configuration; the guide is not a substitute for confirming finished-package compliance. Learn more in our MIL-SPEC packaging standards information.
Gun bag sizing FAQs
Will a 36-inch firearm fit in a 36-inch bag?
Do not assume so. A 36-inch outside bag dimension does not provide 36 inches of usable interior length once thickness, seams, and the closure are accounted for. Choose a longer option if clearance is uncertain.
Should I choose a 14-inch wide or an 11-inch wide rifle bag?
Compare the gun's actual profile. The 14-inch-wide formats provide a wider flat envelope for many tactical rifles and accessories; the 11-inch-wide 54-inch format is longer and narrower. Neither is a universal fit guarantee.
Do optics, magazines, and other accessories matter?
Yes. Always measure the complete stored setup. Accessories can change the clearance required even if the barrel and receiver lengths are unchanged.
What if I need an unusual or larger size?
We can review long-gun, muzzleloader, military, and custom industrial applications. Share your equipment dimensions, quantity, barrier preference, and storage requirements through our Military & Industrial VCI Packaging Quote page.
Need help selecting the right size?
For uncertain fit or larger quantities, send API your firearm or equipment dimensions and any accessories. We'll help you narrow down the appropriate storage bag.
Shop API VCI Gun Bags Request a bulk or custom quote