Good TSA compliant travel case

[YVK]

Needs something to carry 2.5 guns (two full sized game pistols and a small carry pistol) in a checked in luggage. Thanks for any suggestions.

[Talionis]

I have used my Pelican 1200 for flying when taking 2-3 pistols, and it works well. Not much room for extras in it, but if you don't mind having all your support stuff separate, it's a great option. I also like the 1300's I've seen, since they are deep enough to allow storing several pistols oriented vertically, and allow several magazines oriented the same way.

ETA: The last time I flew to nationals, I actually just packed my guns, ammo, and gear into one Starlight rifle case and checked that separately. That worked well except the 1k rounds of ammo made it a bit unwieldy. It was also a bit less subtle to gun-up at the airport after debarking.

[Gray222]

Small size skb case.

Has seen dozens of trips. Zero issues. Make sure you get some good locks.

[EVP]

Voodoo any recommendations on locks too?

[GOTURBACK]

I bought a pelican 1510 laptop overnight case for my handgun travel needs just configured a custom cut foam insert for my P30 and HK45C with three mags each, it's secured with two of the largest abus matching key locks that would fit through the latches.

14693

[flyrodr]

I'll also advocate the Pelican cases. They make a wide variety in the small- to mid-size range, so pick the one that works best for you. I will say that after messing for years with the "pluckable" foam, I've decided it's a pain, and buy the cases empty. Instead, I go to Staples (or any nearby office supply place) and get a couple of the zippered, padded cases made for iPads and the like. The ones I got fit perfectly in a Pelican case, have a padded divider so that each will hold a gun and several mags (or two guns).

Back to cases, Pelican also produces the Storm line of cases. They're fine, and a bit lighter than the Pelicans. But, the Storm cases, at least in the smaller sizes, don't have the metal reinforcement tabs around the padlock holes. Thus, I'd opt for Pelican. And, as noted above, don't save money on padlocks. And don't use TSA-approved locks. Gun cases should have locks that only you can open. Open if requested by TSA, then lock back when TSA is finished.

And is often advised, carry along printed copies of both TSA regulations and your airlines' policy. Way too many individuals don't seem to know their own agency's/airlines' rules. Just this week, a local TV station had a web article on somebody attempting to take two handguns in a case through the carry-on line. The article quoted a TSA representative as saying it's OK to check handguns, in a locked case, with ammunition carried in a separate locked case. I sent the station a copy of the TSA regs, highlighting the portion that said ammo could be checked in the same locked case as the handgun. The station rep (very politely, by the way) emailed back and said he'd look into it, but that he'd gotten that information directly from a TSA manager. Soon after, that sentence was removed from the web site.

[Gray222]

Voodoo any recommendations on locks too?

I use two Master Lock Corrozex Padlocks.

Edit just to add, I'd make sure they fit as I got the longer version. As it's easier to use. The skb case won't fit standard locker size locks.

[taadski]

I own an assortment of Pelican cases and have been using them for a long time. They're my "buy once, cry once" solution to this.

I use a 1500 for exactly the purpose you're speaking of. At 18.5" X 14" X 7" (exterior), It's large enough that 3 full sized pistols fit adequately with some room for ancillary gear, while still fitting inside a suitcase or duffle. I stuff additional mags, carry blades, etc... in and under the foam, and pretty much only keep ammunition separate. It takes real sized locks and is pretty much as durable/secure as one can reasonably carry.

I have a couple 1550s too (they're the ones you've seen mounted up as side bags on the Vstrom) and they're nice given the slightly additional space, but just enough larger that they don't jive with the "inside another travel bag" concept as well.

I have a 1750 too that works great for 2X long gun needs, but it's wildly overkill for what you're asking about, IMO, even if you wanted to stuff every little bit of associated gear inside.

You might take a look at the 1470, as it's a similar exterior size to the 1500 but about half the depth. I think I could get away with it if I paired down on some of the extra bits I normally stuff in the case. FWIW.

I'm not very skilled at the 'pick and pluck' thing :P, but here are some pics of the 1500 with match pistols and my carry pistol packed up.

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo324/taadski/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2914_zpsjl8bue8k.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/user/taadski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2914_zpsjl8bue8k.jpg.html)

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo324/taadski/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2917_zpsd5twcpo5.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/user/taadski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2917_zpsd5twcpo5.jpg.html)

http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo324/taadski/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsxaephstw.jpg (http://s388.photobucket.com/user/taadski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsxaephstw.jpg.html)

[YVK]

Thanks to everyone and 5 likes for this^^^, T.

[JTQ]

I own an assortment of Pelican cases ...

I use a 1500 for exactly the purpose you're speaking of... It takes real sized locks ...

What are your locks of choice?

[GOTURBACK]

I researched locks before deciding on Abus german made solid body locks I purchased the model 88/40 which is the absolute largest that would fit my pelican case. https://www.abuslocks.com/p-503-8840-solid-brass-padlock.aspx

[taadski]

What are your locks of choice?


No huge bias here, although I'm admittedly a bit of a neophyte in the realm. I can tell you there's a youtube video on how to defeat the Masterlock 175 series locks (which I've used extensively in the past) in 3 seconds. So if that gives you any indication... :p

[Wendell]

What are your locks of choice?


Abloy Protec 2 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Brand-Info.html) cored padlocks lend a great deal of peace of mind. As long as the padlocks are still there, and intact, you can be assured that no one has messed with the case's contents.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkyEUbUt87k

Security Snobs stocks them: https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Brand-Info.html

[JTQ]

Abloy Protec 2 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Brand-Info.html) cored padlocks lend a great deal of peace of mind. As long as the padlocks are still there, and intact, you can be assured that no one has messed with the case's contents.


Security Snobs stocks them: https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Brand-Info.html
Is it the medium or small padlocks that would go with the Pelican cases Taadski recommended?

[Chipster]

I hate "pluck-n-pick" foam. My best solution is to take the foam out of the case that the gun come in (excluding Glock obviously) and then use it in coordination with the "pluck-n-pick".

[Wendell]

Is it the medium or small padlocks that would go with the Pelican cases Taadski recommended?

The Abloy PL321 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-321-Padlock.html) has a 5mm stainless steel shackle. The Abloy PL330 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-330-Padlock.html) has an 8mm boron alloy shackle. Most of the larger Pelican cases accept an 8mm shackle; some of the small cases have smaller shackle holes.

Those cases taadski mentioned all accept an 8mm shackle.

[Wendell]

Related video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na-bGt5htzI

[bofe954]

The Abloy PL321 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-321-Padlock.html) has a 5mm stainless steel shackle. The Abloy PL330 (https://securitysnobs.com/Abloy-Protec2-PL-330-Padlock.html) has an 8mm boron alloy shackle. Most of the larger Pelican cases accept an 8mm shackle; some of the small cases have smaller shackle holes.

Those cases taadski mentioned all accept an 8mm shackle.

Is shackle strength critical when it is being used to lock pieces of plastic together?

[JohnO]

My son flew coast to coast round trip with a Glock in the plastic Glock case held shut with the Glock cable lock. I can't say I would have tried the same thing however he had zero issues.

[flyrodr]

Locks of a decent make/size are (typically) the strongest part of a lockable Pelican-type case setup. I think the biggest concern is not having a case "removed" from the checked luggage flow. And I think the best way to do that is for the case to stay as invisible as possible throughout the travel process. That's hard to do with long guns, but relatively easy with handguns. I pack my handguns in a padded case (the aforementioned iPad/tablet foam case), then in the Pelican, and put that in a larger wheeled duffle bag with clothes packed around it. I run a sturdy flexible coated wire cable (with loops on both ends) around the duffle bag's frame and secure it with the lock that's on the Pelican case. The duffle's frame is metal, but it's only pop-riveted to the back of the duffle. But, a thief still has to have a saw or cutter, get the duffel open, etc - - - all of which takes time. Odds are that, first, the hard case won't be seen, and second, that any thief will see the cable and look for easier, quicker pickings. Or at least I comfort myself with that thought.

And, as a friend pointed out he has done, as the hassles of flying have increased, I have extended the radius in which I'll drive instead of fly.

[HCM]

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/03/03/texas-airport-baggage-handler-charged-with-stealing-multiple-checked-firearms.html


An airport baggage handler formerly employed at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has been arrested after authorities said he stole handguns from checked luggage to trade for marijuana.


According to a press release issued Wednesday by the U.S Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas, 25-year old baggage handler, Ja’Quan Johnson of Austin, Texas surrendered to FBI agents based on a federal criminal complaint charging him with theft from an interstate shipment and possession of stolen firearms while working at Austin's main airport (ABIA)


The complaint alleges that Johnson stole numerous handguns from inside passenger bags at ABIA between Nov. 29, 2016 and Feb. 2, 2017.

The complaint also claims that Johnson traded some of the stolen firearms for marijuana, which is illegal to possess in Texas.

Austin police have since recovered seven stolen firearms and seized an unspecified amount of illegal drugs in warranted searches, which led to the arrests of two of Johnson's alleged accomplices.


Johnson was released on a personal recognizance bond following his initial court appearance on March 1 before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew W. Austin.

This guy is potentially looking at 70 years for trading stolen guns for illegal drugs and he is released on PR bond - if you want to know why theft of firearms is such an issue start right here.

[Wendell]

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2017/03/03/texas-airport-baggage-handler-charged-with-stealing-multiple-checked-firearms.html



The complaint alleges that Johnson stole numerous handguns from inside passenger bags at ABIA between Nov. 29, 2016 and Feb. 2, 2017.

"...from inside passenger bags..."

More patriotnurse comments: https://youtu.be/7FbLww4iOJU?t=385 (https://youtu.be/7FbLww4iOJU?t=385)

[Zincwarrior]

EDIT: ninja'd by the discussion about the thief.