What Type of locks for Gun Case and International Travel?

[JimP]

While a number of us don't agree with TSA's policy of allowing their locks on firearm cases, you can do it.

Right from the TSA web site

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
Here is the page that the above came from:

Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

TSA has guidelines in place for the storage and transportation of firearms on passenger aircraft.

www.tsa.gov

 

[BeeMaa]

Would you like to feel better about the Master locks you are using?

 

[JimP]

As they say, locks keep honest people honest.

If a baggage handler wants your rifle he'll take the whole case.

He looks less conspicuous packing a whole case than he would packing a rifle.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

On the Pelican 1700, you only really need to lock the two out lock holes…those that are reinforced…but would have a couple small combo locks for the inner two holes in case you have an ill informed agent at some point.

For locks, look at “American Locks” as they are a nightmare to remove as I discovered when someone, TSA or Customs put two on my lost rifle that was finally returned last night…after it’s wander about after Frankfurt. The cut my Abus locks (tossed them in for good measure to rattle around on my Rigby) and put two honkin American Locks on (not 4). Through TSA in US, at JNB checking back and all the places the rifle went after, only ever had the two reinforced holes filled.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Grinding off.

 

[rgsiii]

On the Pelican 1700, you only really need to lock the two out lock holes…those that are reinforced…but would have a couple small combo locks for the inner two holes in case you have an ill informed agent at some point.

That makes sense to me. However if you go on the airlines websites their rules may vary from the TSA. This is from Delta. This might be open to interpretation. I would not want to be in line and have to come up with a few locks.

• The case must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. All areas designed to be locked must be locked.

 

[Flipper Dude]

TSA locks on ammo and gun cases. 10 trips with my rifles No issues. Knock on my wooden head.

 

[Jonathan Kashouty]

Don't use TSA locks. Use locks that only you have the combo/key. If they (TSA) want to see your rifle and ammo they will come and get you to unlock your cases.

 

[UpNorthMI]

My son and I used 4 TSA locks each on our Pelican 1700 cases on our recent trip to South Africa, 2 of mine broke off, my son lost one on the way over. We will order more substantial locks all keyed alike for the next trip!

Sorry but the TSA locks are just not up to it. You live and learn.

 

[358 Norma]

I just return from South Africa and I used high security Master lock that we're key the same. I had no problems from TSA or delta airlines!

 

[HuntingFreak]

I plan on using a Pelican Vault V800 for two rifles. Unsure on locks still.

 

[Altitude sickness]

On this topic, international airline company employees interpretation of the rules is more likely an issue than theft or the TSA.

On my recent travel leaving Harare one employee was adamant that the ammo had to come out of the suitcases. And travel separately. We of course eventually resolved that. Seems Zim has to have 6 experts checking your ammo and rifles at the same time. Each of the 6 giving me different instructions. Luckily my PH had someone helping with the process.

Then, while going through one of many carryon bag screening at Doha an employee called the 3 rifle scopes in my carryon bag. Sniper accessories. Military items.

His supervisor finally shows up and agrees with employee number one that they are illegal and can’t even be checked.

The place is bursting at the seems busy, (Doha has gotten too big for its current britches) they need an expansion and overhaul of their current process.)

So supervisor number two pulls out the rules, I explain (again) that I am returning from hunting animals not humans and he then says they are rifle parts.

I am now resigned to the fact that I’m going to be forced to check them. Or forfeit them. $5k in scopes.

Finally after showing him pictures of the scopes on the rifles while hunting in Zim does he get tired of not understanding what I’m explaining and tells his employee to let me go.

Never again. The scope stays on my rifles from now on.

So back to my original point. I’m more concerned with overseas Airline employees misunderstanding the rules than the TSA

 

[autofire]

My first to trip to Africa, someone in Jberg broke lock on guncase. 2nd Trip someone in Jberg sprung lock on gun case. I now use heavy Yale locks (on Amazon via England). I only use combo lock and carry spare lock in rifle case. Combo lock avoids issue of losing key. One trip to bots airline employee mad that he got chewed out by air crew for causing 30 minute delay so he demanded that I turn over my gun case key to him B4 he would load rifle case as we were boarding aircraft. He shut up when I told him it was a combo lock. Air crew interceded and got keys to my buddy's lock or otherwise my buddy's keys would have stayed in Botswana.

 

[Vintageguy]

Thanks @BeeMaa
I really have no idea why some folks are so passionate about this? I've used TSA locks on a huge number of airlines to many different countries. I have watched TSA whip out their key on many occasions To open a gun case.
To each his own on locks. I'll be using TSA compliant locks and will be having a drink in the lounge while others are worrying and waiting for TSA.
Regards,
Philip

I am going to do this myself in the future. TSA is supposed to inspect the opened case before loading on the first flight. Every place I’ve departed from you are expected to hear a page. I have yet to hear the first one. I’ve had stress over my rifle making the flight over this and have also made quite an effort to present myself and keys to TSA only to be met with confusion and couldn’t care less attitudes. I have rarely ever been present when my case was opened. They take the keys with a “you wait here” order. So I will have an air tag in my case, up to date insurance on my gun, and TSA locks in each hole. If someone is going to actually steal your gun they’ll have a much easier time leaving with the case than the gun alone. The best lock made on the typical airline case wouldn’t be any trouble to deal with once gone with it.

 

[UpNorthMI]

My son & I are just getting ready for a hunting trip to Australia, we took our pelican rifle cases to South Africa last year, we lost 50% of our TSA locks during travel as they were severely damaged, bent or just lost. No more TSA locks!

I'm giving a shout out to Rich Page at allpadlocks.com, our new locks are American Lock A5200 Solid Steel Padlocks, I ordered 10 of them all keyed alike for $18.31 a lock, free shipping. Each lock comes with 2 keys, I have a total of 20 keys (all same). They are certainly more substantial than any TSA lock!

I will be happy to take the call about inspecting my gun case. Each gun case contains about $20,000 worth of rifles & scopes. I'll add airtags and will be very relaxed about my new locks.

 

[Philip Glass]

I am going to do this myself in the future. TSA is supposed to inspect the opened case before loading on the first flight. Every place I’ve departed from you are expected to hear a page. I have yet to hear the first one. I’ve had stress over my rifle making the flight over this and have also made quite an effort to present myself and keys to TSA only to be met with confusion and couldn’t care less attitudes. I have rarely ever been present when my case was opened. They take the keys with a “you wait here” order. So I will have an air tag in my case, up to date insurance on my gun, and TSA locks in each hole. If someone is going to actually steal your gun they’ll have a much easier time leaving with the case than the gun alone. The best lock made on the typical airline case wouldn’t be any trouble to deal with once gone with it.

Exactly. Believing we have any kind of extra security based on which lock we choose is foolishness. I'll be relaxing in the lounge while others are biting their fingernails waiting for that page!

 

[YancyW]

I use TSA locks, the locks are all for show, there is no benefit to using a heavy lock.

I use heavy locks in my real life for a variety of things, but on a piece of luggage isn't one of them.

 

[JimP]

As they say, locks are for the honest people out there.

Now days with cordless grinders with cut off wheels any lock out there can pretty much be cut off in a mater of seconds. If they can't get to the lock itself there is usually something that can be cut off to gain access. A friend has some private property that he hunts with a gate and locks inside of a tube where it is difficult to access the lock. He went up there a few years ago to find the hinge pins on the other side of the gate cut off and the gate still locked laying on the side of the road.