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Posted: 1/24/2016 1:40:15 PM EDT
[#1]
I declare a firearm when i travel and have for many years. I use the cheapest case and padlock i can find.I want TSA to be able to get in it and a thief is going to take it case and all. The whole case/ lock deal is a bureaucratic ploy and im not spending any extra cash to coply.
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Posted: 1/24/2016 1:52:46 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I declare a firearm when i travel and have for many years. I use the cheapest case and padlock i can find.I want TSA to be able to get in it and a thief is going to take it case and all. The whole case/ lock deal is a bureaucratic ploy and im not spending any extra cash to coply. Uh...no. My policy is go Pelican or go home. And I use the best locks that will fit through the mount. TSA checks it visually with me observing. Why would I want to make it easy to break into when their own policy is "we don't want to have access to it."? In summary I want a case that can be thrown across the tarmac and have 2,000lb of crap loaded on top of it without damaging the contents. And I want it locked securely (metal on metal). |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:05:09 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Uh...no. My policy is go Pelican or go home. And I use the best locks that will fit through the mount. TSA checks it visually with me observing. Why would I want to make it easy to break into when their own policy is "we don't want to have access to it."? In summary I want a case that can be thrown across the tarmac and have 2,000lb of crap loaded on top of it without damaging the contents. And I want it locked securely (metal on metal). Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I declare a firearm when i travel and have for many years. I use the cheapest case and padlock i can find.I want TSA to be able to get in it and a thief is going to take it case and all. The whole case/ lock deal is a bureaucratic ploy and im not spending any extra cash to coply. Uh...no. My policy is go Pelican or go home. And I use the best locks that will fit through the mount. TSA checks it visually with me observing. Why would I want to make it easy to break into when their own policy is "we don't want to have access to it."? In summary I want a case that can be thrown across the tarmac and have 2,000lb of crap loaded on top of it without damaging the contents. And I want it locked securely (metal on metal). This is what I've started doing too. I only fly 3 or 4 times a year with guns though. I got the largest Pelican that can be considered carry-on for the times I don't check a gun a model 1510. And when I do check a gun, I put any other valuables in the checked Pelican and use two padlocks. It gets inspected with me observing and then goes into baggage check. It's too big to hide under a coat and small enough to not burden me when hauling it around. I used to put a locked pistol case inside of a larger checked bag with TSA locks on it until I read about people's gun cases being stolen out of their checked bags. Cheers! -JC |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:19:27 PM EDT
[#4]
Case Cruzer makes quality stuff, used them for years at work.
This'll put you into a medium pistol sized case with foam under $50 - http://casecruzer.com/shipping-carrying-cases/kr0907-04/kr0907-04.html |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:25:36 PM EDT
[#5]
nanovault
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:25:54 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a couple of cases made by Seahorse. They're not Pelican quality but they're adequate. I've flown with them a few times and they work fine.
http://www.seahorse-cases.com |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:42:39 PM EDT
[#7]
A pistol case for a pelican is like 40 bucks?? and TSA doesn't get the key to it, you check it in, declare It to be unloaded, and the counter person may request you ensure it is unloaded, they then give you a slip of paper to put INSIDE saying gun isn't loaded, . then you go to a special line and check your bag, they swipe it for bomb residue and you watch. then your bags gets on a conveyer belt to the back and your done. they wont jack with your bag because it just went around the xray, portion, sure they know it has a gun in it, but they cant go get it, and while TSA is stupid and full of thieves they aren't retarded, they would rather steal cash and jewelry, than Ipads and guns(hard to get rid of, and lots of trail on them).
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:54:55 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A pistol case for a pelican is like 40 bucks?? and TSA doesn't get the key to it, you check it in, declare It to be unloaded, and the counter person may request you ensure it is unloaded, they then give you a slip of paper to put INSIDE saying gun isn't loaded, . then you go to a special line and check your bag, they swipe it for bomb residue and you watch. then your bags gets on a conveyer belt to the back and your done. they wont jack with your bag because it just went around the xray, portion, sure they know it has a gun in it, but they cant go get it, and while TSA is stupid and full of thieves they aren't retarded, they would rather steal cash and jewelry, than Ipads and guns(hard to get rid of, and lots of trail on them). This. If you, the traveler don't make it a thing, it won't be a thing. If you are traveling with a pistol, put it in the case and put the unlocked case at the top of the bag you plan to check. At the ticket counter say "firearm(s) to declare", they will give you a tag or tags and you discreetly slip your hand in your bag and open your pistol case(s), slip the card(s) in, lock the case(s) and then lock your bag and hand it to 'em. Done. I've never had them ask to see it, unload it, nothing...I suspect they don't want anyone pulling a firearm out and even trying to unload it in front of them. I've traveled with an M4A1/M203 (in a Pelican case) and just checked it: they never even saw what I had...now the little kid in line behind me who's eye level was about even with my case saw them...and said something but it still wasn't a big deal. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 2:58:15 PM EDT
[#9]
Serious question: I have traveled through many different airports and the procedure has always been the same:
1. Declare firearms. 2. Ticket agent gives you the card(s). 3. Card(s) in case(s). 4. Agent takes bag/case and it goes "behind the wall" never to be seen by me again until I reach my destination. How is it so many people are saying that TSA makes them open the cases up after the bag has supposedly been checked (and gone)? Again, serious question. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 3:01:00 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. If you, the traveler don't make it a thing, it won't be a thing. If you are traveling with a pistol, put it in the case and put the unlocked case at the top of the bag you plan to check. At the ticket counter say "firearm(s) to declare", they will give you a tag or tags and you discreetly slip your hand in your bag and open your pistol case(s), slip the card(s) in, lock the case(s) and then lock your bag and hand it to 'em. Done. I've never had them ask to see it, unload it, nothing...I suspect they don't want anyone pulling a firearm out and even trying to unload it in front of them. I've traveled with an M4A1/M203 (in a Pelican case) and just checked it: they never even saw what I had...now the little kid in line behind me who's eye level was about even with my case saw them...and said something but it still wasn't a big deal. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
A pistol case for a pelican is like 40 bucks?? and TSA doesn't get the key to it, you check it in, declare It to be unloaded, and the counter person may request you ensure it is unloaded, they then give you a slip of paper to put INSIDE saying gun isn't loaded, . then you go to a special line and check your bag, they swipe it for bomb residue and you watch. then your bags gets on a conveyer belt to the back and your done. they wont jack with your bag because it just went around the xray, portion, sure they know it has a gun in it, but they cant go get it, and while TSA is stupid and full of thieves they aren't retarded, they would rather steal cash and jewelry, than Ipads and guns(hard to get rid of, and lots of trail on them). This. If you, the traveler don't make it a thing, it won't be a thing. If you are traveling with a pistol, put it in the case and put the unlocked case at the top of the bag you plan to check. At the ticket counter say "firearm(s) to declare", they will give you a tag or tags and you discreetly slip your hand in your bag and open your pistol case(s), slip the card(s) in, lock the case(s) and then lock your bag and hand it to 'em. Done. I've never had them ask to see it, unload it, nothing...I suspect they don't want anyone pulling a firearm out and even trying to unload it in front of them. I've traveled with an M4A1/M203 (in a Pelican case) and just checked it: they never even saw what I had...now the little kid in line behind me who's eye level was about even with my case saw them...and said something but it still wasn't a big deal. This is entirely subjective to the airport, airline, and individuals you deal with. On different occasions I've had either the ticket agent or the TSA screener ask me to show the weapon was clear. I've had to take them to special screening areas, or had my bag go on the belt like a normal piece of luggage. I just tell the agent I have a firearm to declare and go with the flow from there - the one thing that's been consistent is no drama and my gun was always there on the other end. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 3:03:26 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Serious question: I have traveled through many different airports and the procedure has always been the same: 1. Declare firearms. 2. Ticket agent gives you the card(s). 3. Card(s) in case(s). 4. Agent takes bag/case and it goes "behind the wall" never to be seen by me again until I reach my destination. How is it so many people are saying that TSA makes them open the cases up after the bag has supposedly been checked (and gone)? Again, serious question. Perhaps you do not fly to as many airports/airlines as you think? For example, at DFW/AA they do not drop it behind desk. You and your bag walk to a room where, in your presence, TSA opens bag and checks to make your case is locked. Happened to me as recently as Monday at Terminal D. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 3:06:36 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Serious question: I have traveled through many different airports and the procedure has always been the same: 1. Declare firearms. 2. Ticket agent gives you the card(s). 3. Card(s) in case(s). 4. Agent takes bag/case and it goes "behind the wall" never to be seen by me again until I reach my destination. How is it so many people are saying that TSA makes them open the cases up after the bag has supposedly been checked (and gone)? Again, serious question. A couple ways... 1) Some smaller airports still have in-terminal baggage screening. After the agent puts the tags on your checked luggage you take it to the TSA guys, they put it on the belt when they're done. 2) Large airport with "behind the wall" screening - ticket agent calls TSA over and they take you to an area (always a private room or partitioned area in my case) where they check the case. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 3:17:20 PM EDT
[#13]
Spend the extra couple dollars and get a pelican or similiar. Secure the pistol case to the frame of your suitcase with a cable. Get a suitcase that can be secured by your padlock.
Calm and polite goes a long way. If you perceive that you're being hassled or the agent is not following protocol ask for a supervisor. A chamber flag makes it easy for either the agent or TSA goon to see that the weapon is unloaded without any handling of the weapon. Allow a little extra time to escort your bag to whatever checkpoint you may have to go to. I don't leave my bag until I see TSA secure my bag. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 4:08:04 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
A couple ways... 1) Some smaller airports still have in-terminal baggage screening. After the agent puts the tags on your checked luggage you take it to the TSA guys, they put it on the belt when they're done. 2) Large airport with "behind the wall" screening - ticket agent calls TSA over and they take you to an area (always a private room or partitioned area in my case) where they check the case. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Serious question: I have traveled through many different airports and the procedure has always been the same: 1. Declare firearms. 2. Ticket agent gives you the card(s). 3. Card(s) in case(s). 4. Agent takes bag/case and it goes "behind the wall" never to be seen by me again until I reach my destination. How is it so many people are saying that TSA makes them open the cases up after the bag has supposedly been checked (and gone)? Again, serious question. A couple ways... 1) Some smaller airports still have in-terminal baggage screening. After the agent puts the tags on your checked luggage you take it to the TSA guys, they put it on the belt when they're done. 2) Large airport with "behind the wall" screening - ticket agent calls TSA over and they take you to an area (always a private room or partitioned area in my case) where they check the case. I've never had either occur; just lucky I guess. Frequently it's military "hardware" so maybe I'm getting a free pass. Still never had anyone look once let alone twice at my firearms, mil or private. I did get called out once in a small, in-terminal screening airport for explosives residue on my non-firearm containing bag...which was in fact valid: I had used the bag on a demo range. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 8:18:15 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've never had either occur; just lucky I guess. Frequently it's military "hardware" so maybe I'm getting a free pass. Still never had anyone look once let alone twice at my firearms, mil or private. I did get called out once in a small, in-terminal screening airport for explosives residue on my non-firearm containing bag...which was in fact valid: I had used the bag on a demo range. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Serious question: I have traveled through many different airports and the procedure has always been the same: 1. Declare firearms. 2. Ticket agent gives you the card(s). 3. Card(s) in case(s). 4. Agent takes bag/case and it goes "behind the wall" never to be seen by me again until I reach my destination. How is it so many people are saying that TSA makes them open the cases up after the bag has supposedly been checked (and gone)? Again, serious question. A couple ways... 1) Some smaller airports still have in-terminal baggage screening. After the agent puts the tags on your checked luggage you take it to the TSA guys, they put it on the belt when they're done. 2) Large airport with "behind the wall" screening - ticket agent calls TSA over and they take you to an area (always a private room or partitioned area in my case) where they check the case. I've never had either occur; just lucky I guess. Frequently it's military "hardware" so maybe I'm getting a free pass. Still never had anyone look once let alone twice at my firearms, mil or private. I did get called out once in a small, in-terminal screening airport for explosives residue on my non-firearm containing bag...which was in fact valid: I had used the bag on a demo range. I'm thinking this. |
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Posted: 1/24/2016 11:45:53 PM EDT
[#16]
Thanks for the input guys!
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Posted: 1/25/2016 9:18:53 PM EDT
[#17]
It does depend on the airport as to what procedure is followed. I usually fly the same airline and tell them the orange tag is already in there. And it is. I haven't had to prove clear for a long time at a check-in counter.
Denver you follow your gun to an openly viewed TSA area and they stick it an x-ray machine and then you follow it back to the counter to be checked. Boston the agent gets flustered, calls a supervisor and then they just check it and it gets x-rayed by TSA out of sight. Tampa they call an agent over, upgrade you to prescreened, offer you a seat at a door with extra leg room and walk you to a crowded little TSA room where you watch it x-rated through glass, then back to the conveyor. Those are the only airports I have checked guns through, and each one several times. The case with the gun doesn't have to small and have only a gun in it. Once your bag is prescreened by TSA it's not getting opened. A larger, hard sided locked case with other items with the gun is more secure for all the contents. Photographers and others with nice gear check a starter gun with them so they can lock their gear up with their own padlock 
Cheers! -JC |
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Posted: 1/25/2016 9:57:59 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is entirely subjective to the airport, airline, and individuals you deal with. On different occasions I've had either the ticket agent or the TSA screener ask me to show the weapon was clear. I've had to take them to special screening areas, or had my bag go on the belt like a normal piece of luggage. I just tell the agent I have a firearm to declare and go with the flow from there - the one thing that's been consistent is no drama and my gun was always there on the other end. The part in bold in particular. Gotta love all the security theater. Go though all this to get it on the plane initially and at the other end you pick it up from the baggage claim where it's sitting and anyone could walk up and grab it. 
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Posted: 2/2/2016 1:15:23 PM EDT
[#19]
What lock do you use? I was going to go with one of those "D" locks, but I can't find any with a 6mm (1/4") shackle.
Eta: just found out those are trailer coupler locks, but none of the high-end manufacturers make them in 1/4", so it looks like master lock. I'd still like to know what you guys use before I go the low-end route. |
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Posted: 2/2/2016 2:06:44 PM EDT
[#20]
I use regular Brinks combination locks. I also tape a business card with my cell number on the firearm case JIC the ramp side "behind the wall" screening folks need to contact me.
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Posted: 2/2/2016 3:49:27 PM EDT
[#21]
I have a zero suitcase with the gun case riveted inside.
And not pop rivets. It is going to attract a lot of attention getting into the inner gun case. |
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Posted: 2/2/2016 6:33:34 PM EDT
[#22]
I have a question that hopefully can be answered for those with experience. It seems most responses refer to small handgun cases......what about the large cases for rifles. I have ARs that I may travel with for some courses. Is it basically the same procedure with the exception of putting the case into a travel bag? Do I lock it with normal/upgraded locks, declare firearms when checking in and unlock, let them examine and re-lock in front of an agent? Or would it be easier to ship the firearm to the place holding the course if they accept them?
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Posted: 2/3/2016 1:32:42 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have a question that hopefully can be answered for those with experience. It seems most responses refer to small handgun cases......what about the large cases for rifles. I have ARs that I may travel with for some courses. Is it basically the same procedure with the exception of putting the case into a travel bag? Do I lock it with normal/upgraded locks, declare firearms when checking in and unlock, let them examine and re-lock in front of an agent? Or would it be easier to ship the firearm to the place holding the course if they accept them? Yep, process is the same for a rifle case. |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 1:53:32 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yep, process is the same for a rifle case. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I have a question that hopefully can be answered for those with experience. It seems most responses refer to small handgun cases......what about the large cases for rifles. I have ARs that I may travel with for some courses. Is it basically the same procedure with the exception of putting the case into a travel bag? Do I lock it with normal/upgraded locks, declare firearms when checking in and unlock, let them examine and re-lock in front of an agent? Or would it be easier to ship the firearm to the place holding the course if they accept them? Yep, process is the same for a rifle case. Thank you. |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 1:14:46 PM EDT
[#25]
Expect size charges on rifle cases unless you have a take down rifle.
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Posted: 2/3/2016 4:57:13 PM EDT
[#26]
I went with Brinks, thanks.
I mentioned the idea for a trailer hitch lock to my buddy and he said only if I want my expensive case destroyed. I told him there is a small identification window by the handle and I was going to put my phone number there and a note saying please call if you need to open. He said good luck with that. So I went with exposed shackle lock that the morons can cut off if they think they need to molest the contents of my case after it's already been inspected.
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