Airline Travel - Lockable Hardside Case?

AggieMM · #1

I know, not another question about airline travel, but I have a quick one. :) When reading the regulations, it states:

http://www.toptonfga.org/Info/TSA_Advis ... rearms.htm

All declared firearms must be unloaded and transported in a locked hard-sided container.

What is considered a locked hard-sided container? Does it have to be metal? Do the locks have to be "integrated" into the case? Or can you use an external lock?

Is this acceptable (with a Master Lock)?

http://doskosport.com/Catalog.plx?ID=52

Or does it have to be more like this (with key or combination)?

http://doskosport.com/Catalog.plx?ID=30

Just using these as examples, not recommending them. :) Thanks in advance for your help.

Ryan

Texasdoc · #2

thats like the one I used when I flew to Az, I used a good lock .

I had no problems with it .

300shooter

Cosmo 9 · #3

Try this one it doesn't take up much room and you can secure it to yhe inside of a lot of different luggage.

http://www.center-of-mass.com

HighVelocity · #4

I use an aluminum case similar to this:

http://www.caseplaceusa.com/shopdisplay ... ase+Pistol

Except mine has "pick and pluck" foam inside that allowed me to customize the case for a specific gun.
It has a 3 digit combination lock, reinforced sides and corners, etc.
I put it inside a locked hardside suitcase.

jimlongley · #5

http://doskosport.com/Catalog.plx?ID=30

Integrated locks like that are among the easiest to defeat, I recommend sturdy cases with padlocks. (I spent three years as a TSA screener)

http://www.caseplaceusa.com/shopdisplay ... ase+Pistol

I have also "picked" those in a matter of minutes.

40FIVER · #6

Jimlongley or other lock knowledgeable people:
What's your opinion of the locks on the http://www.center-of-mass.com cases that seem to be so favorable on other forums?

40FIVER

lrb111 · #7

40FIVER wrote:Jimlongley or other lock knowledgeable people:
What's your opinion of the locks on the http://www.center-of-mass.com cases that seem to be so favorable on other forums?

40FIVER

If the picture accurately depicts the current lock, then it's easily pickable. Two minutes tops.
There are locks out there that would fit that same application, but use a cylindrical key. That would raise the bar for security quite a bit, given the application and location.
It would take the pickablilty away from the common thief, and put it nearer to locksmith. If teh case is an otherwise sound platform, I would look to do a retrofit on the lock cylinder.
jmo, but I was a locksmith once.

jimlongley · #8

Yes, the Center of Mass cases look like simple four pin (if that's the correct term) locks, which are very easy to pick with rudimentary tools. OTOH, the cylindrical locks usually can be opened with a BIC pen (done that a few times in my late lamented nefarious career as a government agent.)

I think that most locks are merely; speed bumps for the dishonest, deterrents for the curious, and tend to keep honest people that way.

My personal preference for a lockable case to transport firearms would be one of the aluminum ones with the padlocked rail, and equipped with MY choice of locks. Of course they are too expensive to be an option on my budget right now, so . . .