Rifle & Ammo Case Lock Recommendations

[crossfire3006]

My first African Plains Game hunt is coming up in April 2026 and I'm counting down the days. I've been spending a lot of time practicing from shooting sticks, reading experiences from fellow hunters here on African Hunting, preparing the gear I plan to bring, researching everything from travel requirements to what to expect regarding weather, terrain, and shipping your trophy. What I'm a bit confused and concerned about is the number of threads discussing travel locks for your rifle and ammo cases. I've read posts where some say only TSA locks, while others say don't use TSA locks. What locks (Manufacturer/Model) do you recommend for your rifle and ammo case when traveling to South Africa? I apologize if this has been discussed previously. Perhaps I just missed those threads. Thanks for the assistance!

 

[JimP]

My rifle case has two lock tabs where I place two Master locks that are keyed the same. If your case has more than two tabs you either need to cut off the extra ones or have a lock for each and every tab.

For my ammo box in my checked bag I have TSA keyed locks so if by chance they want to open it during their inspection of my checked bag they can open it. My rifle case is opened or inspected in my presence so if there are any questions I can answer them. My first trip they wanted the case opened and I handed them the keys while I watched. My second trip they just sent my rifle case through a scanner.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

what JimP said, but take an extra set of both in case some moron TSA agent wants to cut them off

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I fly out of Canada so no need for TSA locks. I bought a 4-pack set of quality Master locks with same key for my Pelican Vault case and my ammo box has a cheaper lock (so not confused with the others). Inside the ammo box are five more locks with three separate keys in case the locks get cut off. I also wrap duct tape around the case over each latch so the case can't be "accidentally" opened during transit. Don't put the duct tape roll in your carryon. For some reason the security folks at Tambo have decided duct tape can be used as a weapon and they'll confiscate it. Happened to a couple of us. Duct tape residue is easily cleaned off with WD-40. Put the roll in checked bag.

I tape the lock to side of ammo box so it's not flopping around. Not a high quality case and I'm a bit concerned the hasp could get broke off. Also need to wrap the ammo case well with tape as latch is easily released.

 

[JimP]

what JimP said, but take an extra set of both in case some moron TSA agent wants to cut them off

On my first trip in 2015 I had two extra unlocked padlocks inside of my rifle case. The agent opened my case and inspected my rifle and then asked me to relock the case. I started to lock it and she just started to laugh a little and said that I had left a lock inside of my case. I just told her that they were extra if the locks were cut off and needed replaced. She just said that was a good idea but had never seen someone do it before.