Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve Review

Many years ago, I used a cheap floating gun sleeve for duck hunting, but gave it up after a season or two. It was just too much of a hassle, and I didn’t see enough benefit in using it to protect my old hunting shotgun.

However, as my shotguns have increased in price, I have again come to see the benefit of protecting them with a gun sleeve. When the Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve arrived at my door, I was still skeptical that it would protect my shotgun from everything the coming duck season would throw at us.

I love the looks and simplistic design, but it lacks some features that I feel all waterfowlers crave from a gun sleeve. It’s much more fitting for upland hunters than for duck hunters.

In short: The Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve ($99) has protected my gun while bouncing around in the back seat and bed of my truck. However, it isn’t waterproof, doesn’t float, and doesn’t have a long carrying strap. I knew this before getting it, but I didn’t realize how vital these simple features are until I didn’t have them.

Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve Review

To be fair, I was aware of most of this gun sleeve’s pitfalls before I received it. While I enjoy dove hunting, I don’t have many upland hunting opportunities, which I believe is where the Canvas Gun Sleeve would shine.

So instead, it headed to the harsh realities of duck hunting.

First Impressions

I immediately noticed the high-quality materials and simple design as I slipped the plastic off the Duck Camp Gun Sleeve. I’m not one to gawk at elegance; after all, I planned to use this to protect my shotgun from the muck and mire common to waterfowl hunting environments. However, it’s nice to see that Duck Camp didn’t skimp on quality or looks, but how well does it hold up in the field?

In-the-Field (and Truck) Testing

Since the gun sleeve is 58.5 inches long, my Retay Masai Mara easily fits inside, with plenty of room to spare. The same is true for my Mossberg Maverick Over/Under, thanks to the 9-inch opening. The zippered side pocket is a great touch, perfect for a small gun cleaning kit or a few spare shells.

I’m not concerned about my gun getting scratched, thanks to the durable canvas material and tricot liner with foam padding. My shotgun stays protected as I travel down rough county roads to my duck hole.

While the gun sleeve isn’t waterproof, it does a good job of keeping my gun dry in the rain and when splashed by a rogue wave in my boat or kayak. As long as you don’t submerge the gun sleeve or leave it lying in water, it’ll keep your gun dry.

Where I See Room for Improvement

If I were only an upland hunter, there would be little need for improvement. Since I primarily hunt ducks, there are several features I’d love to see added to make it the perfect gun sleeve.

While the handles are well-balanced and make carrying the gun and case with one hand simple, I wish this gun sleeve had a longer strap I could place over my shoulder. This is the primary reason I take my shotgun out of the sleeve at the truck. I have a strap on my shotgun that makes it easier to carry on my shoulder, along with all my other gear.

The G-hook clasp is good, but it doesn’t seal and keep water from entering the sleeve if it’s accidentally submerged. Maybe I’m just clumsy, but I typically end up sitting it in the water or mud, only to realize my gun is soaking wet, too late. In those instances, I might as well have not had my shotgun in the sleeve at all.

I’m certain the gun sleeve makes my shotgun a little more buoyant than it would be without it, but I’m still reluctant to trust it while on my boat and kayak. It’s not advertised as a floating gun case, so I don’t expect it to float if it were to fall into the water with my shotgun inside. Yet, as a waterfowl hunter, there are many times when a floating gun sleeve is ideal.

Where Duck Camp Nailed It

I’ve been pretty harsh on the Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve, expecting more out of it than it was designed to do. Duck Camp did an excellent job of crafting a high-quality gun sleeve, despite my nitpicking critiques.

It keeps the snow and rain off my gun thanks to the waxed canvas. I also don’t have to worry about my hunting shotguns getting scratched while they’re inside, thanks to the padding and tricot liner.

Who Is It Best For?

Upland hunters will benefit most from the Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve. The high-dollar over/under shotguns will remain protected during transit, in case you encounter any accidental water, mud, or dirt.

Most waterfowl hunters will find the lack of the features I mentioned earlier a deal breaker. Unless you’re a hunter who leaves the gun sleeve in the truck (which is me 90% of the time), you’ll be pretty disappointed with it. Especially after spending $100 on it.

Final Thoughts: Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve Review

I’ve owned several Duck Camp products over the years and have always been impressed by their quality and functionality. The Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve might lack some features that I would love to see as a waterfowl hunter, but it doesn’t lack in quality.

I’ll continue to use the Duck Camp Canvas Gun Sleeve for dove and upland hunting, but I’m looking for another alternative during duck season.