Rifle case for Africa

Question on the locks: I see some people using padlocks. Is this a non-USA thing or is it universal. I forked out the money for 4x TSA approved shackle locks. I would really have rather used padlocks? I just went with the TSA locks to avoid issues.

TSA locks are REQUIRED for ammunition. TSA locks are ILLEGAL for rifle cases.
 
TSA locks are REQUIRED for ammunition. TSA locks are ILLEGAL for rifle cases.
Absolutely.

I use combination locks, because there is no key to go missing.
 
Absolutely.

I use combination locks, because there is no key to go missing.

Since I drive myself to the airport for departure to Africa I just place my padlock key on my vehicle key chain. I also have a couple extras that are in different places on what I take over such as my suit case and carry on.
 
Absolutely.

I use combination locks, because there is no key to go missing.

For case locks and (in Europe) trigger locks, set to the caliber of the rifle.
 
Here's what I fly with. Bought it at Cabelas about 20 years ago, I don't see them in their online catalog anymore. I use this case whenever I travel with my rifle.

A TSA agent told me a couple weeks ago as I was checking my rifle in this case that some of the cheaper plastic cases he has seen can be broken into with two screwdrivers and they prefer something more solid. He didn't say metal or plastic, just not a cheap case.

This has the rod that goes through 4 loops and folds down to place an ordinary padlock. Only one lock required, I keep a spare inside that uses the same key. I used non-TSA locks and they worked fine.

On another note, I carried ammunition in a small plastic ammo box manufactured by Plano. I did use a TSA combination lock on this box, with a spare lock inside. When I checked my bag with this container inside I disclosed it had ammunition in a locked container. The only question was if the ammunition was in the original factory box. I said "yes" and they tossed the bag on the conveyer to load on the plane.

View attachment 524971
He is talking about the cheap Plano cases that have been around forever. They are why you have to have 4 locks now!
 
The Pelican Vault worked out very well for me. The case is made to carry rifles very tightly.


Wrap them in 2-3 layers of cheesecloth or a sheet. The Vault is too tight to carry rifles while they are inside a soft case.

Put bolt-cutter proof locks that are keyed alike (non-TSA) in all 4 places.
It is not too tight if you take out a layer of foam. You do not want to appear to be hiding guns with clothing. Be careful there.
 
Oh my, all the unnecessary and imaginary straw man issues created or envisioned for traveling with a firearm. The idea is to NOT make it harder for inspectors to access, inspect and re-pack the rifle correctly. Use simple, inexpensive, defeatable padlocks. If a crook or group of crooks are going to steal your rifle it will be an inside job, out of sight in the bowels of the airport system. They might simply pick up the case, and smuggle it out of the airport. I've posted it before and will again- it is very self-defeating to irritate inspectors or make it harder for them to open and inspect a firearm. Making it harder does nothing to help prevent some crook from stealing the firearm or an inspector from damaging the case or firearm or re-packing it wrong causing later handling damage. Everyone handling baggage around the airport knows which have rifles and which have trombones or golf clubs. If an inspector wants to get into a case they have complete authority to do so. If the locks are too tough to cut or jimmy open, they will cut or somehow bugger up the loop or hasp of the gun case to open it. Also, stuffing dirty clothes or clean clothes or boots or towels or other crap around or on top of a firearm or wrapping it in something within a case only increases the odds for a screw up or delay. I've quit counting the times I've watched this nonsense play out- especially upon return to the US. It is especially problematic and maddening when this preventable BS is going on and you are behind an idiot or two who have caused the delay with the inspection and your flight arrived late and you risk missing your connection.
 
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Oh my, all the unnecessary and imaginary straw man issues created or envisioned for traveling with a firearm. The idea is to NOT make it harder for inspectors to access, inspect and re-pack the rifle correctly. Use simple, inexpensive, defeatable padlocks. If a crook or group of crooks are going to steal your rifle it will be an inside job, out of sight in the bowels of the airport system. They might simply pick up the case, and smuggle it out of the airport. I've posted it before and will again- it is very self-defeating to irritate inspectors or make it harder for them to open and inspect a firearm. Making it harder does nothing to help prevent some crook from stealing the firearm or an inspector from damaging the case or firearm or re-packing it wrong causing later handling damage. Everyone handling baggage around the airport knows which have rifles and which have trombones or golf clubs. If an inspector wants to get into a case they have complete authority to do so. If the locks are too tough to cut or jimmy open, they will cut or somehow bugger up the loop or hasp of the gun case to open it. Also, stuffing dirty clothes or clean clothes or boots or towels or other crap around or on top of a firearm or wrapping it in something within a case only increases the odds for a screw up or delay. I've quit counting the times I've watched this nonsense play out- especially upon return to the US. It is especially problematic and maddening when this preventable BS is going on and you are behind an idiot or two who have caused the delay with the inspection and your flight arrived late and you risk missing your connection.

The "disguising a firearm" I feel the same way. I'll throw a sticker or two on my case, just so I know it's my case, along with a durable luggage tag. There's a gun in there, most people with half a brain know it, especially the criminals. And yes, I've seen it with cars, bikes, watches, money etc. If the criminals want it, they will find a way to get it. So that's that.

The locks, this one I am honestly clueless. Right from the TSA website:

"You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."


What causes more of a delay? Having a TSA lock that they can open with a master key? Or having a padlock that they need to have YOU come and provide the key?

I'm not arguing just trying to make sure I get the right locks that avoid me having issues. We called customs and United (our airline) and both said they want TSA locks. I guess I just have to go with what they say. I'll throw the same lock on the ammo too.

Maybe the policies changed?

TSA locks are ILLEGAL for rifle cases.

Respectfully, the TSA website seems to contradict that. See above. I am going to call again today because I really want to get this all sorted out.
 
Here's why TSA locks are supposed to be illegal for Rifle cases, gentlemen.

The locks on guns are deemed non-tamperable. Therefore, if under your direct supervision a foreign power's customs opens your rifle case and they find machine guns, or 50lbs of coke, or a six year old boy, you are prima facie guilty of whatever crimes apply. You are purposefully denied the defense "its not mine, I didn't put that in there, I'm innocent I tell ya!". TSA / Customs is not supposed to open your gun case away from your view for this very same reason, whatever is in that case is YOUR liability, you can't say somebody put it in there while you weren't looking.

That's why rifles are supposed to be locked with a device only you, the authorized owner, can open.

TSA locks are a joke. First of all, you can brute force hack the lock by trying all the combinations. Second, TSA locks have roughly 20 "top secret" keys that only the TSA is supposed to have. But of course, TSA being morons, their clerks took photos over the years that featured their keys so the dark web has 3D print designs for all the TSA numbered keys. TSA locks are A.) Junk, B.) Easily broken, C.) Easily guessed combinations, D.) Keyed to a key that anyone can get, and E.) Can be picked in 10 seconds by an amateur.

TSA Locks are designed where the TSA needs to inspect. This applies to luggage and ammunition. It is the opposite intention and purpose of a gun case lock from a legal perspective.

Asking the TSA this question is ill advised as they are morons at every turn and if they give you an answer, it isn't a defense in court anyway. "TSA clerk told me" cannot override the various statutes.

@wesheltonj is my jurisprudence sound on this matter?
 
Respectfully, the TSA website seems to contradict that. See above. I am going to call again today because I really want to get this all sorted out.

If you don't like the first answer to your question wait a while and call back and ask it again. Odds are you will get a totally different answer.

I have used Master Locks on two trips to South Africa with zero problems. If you are escorted to the TSA room at your departure airport for their inspection odds are you will not be called back for a second inspection. On my last trip they didn't even ask me to open my case but just X-rayed it and gave it back to the airline agent who then took it to load on the plane.

If you are worried about a second inspection just make sure that you have your cell phone on you and pay attention to the announcements. I'd also stay close to your departure gate.
 
Here's why TSA locks are supposed to be illegal for Rifle cases, gentlemen.

The locks on guns are deemed non-tamperable. Therefore, if under your direct supervision a foreign power's customs opens your rifle case and they find machine guns, or 50lbs of coke, or a six year old boy, you are prima facie guilty of whatever crimes apply. You are purposefully denied the defense "its not mine, I didn't put that in there, I'm innocent I tell ya!". TSA / Customs is not supposed to open your gun case away from your view for this very same reason, whatever is in that case is YOUR liability, you can't say somebody put it in there while you weren't looking.

This makes sense and is pretty scary.

So looks like padlocks with a durable luggage tag on the case with my name and phone number.
 
I the past I have used SKB and Pelican cases. I have had one SKB and one Pelican case destroyed by the airlines over the years but in each instance the airline bought me a new case. The cases did their job though as my guns and scopes were not damaged in either incident. The airline that destroyed the Pelican case bought me an SKB case because that is who they had a relationship with. I still have that SKB case and a single gun SKB case that I use when I am just bringing my double rifle.

Some months ago at the suggestion of @rookhawk I began a search for an Americase safari case and with the help of Mark Biggerstaff I was fortunate to find a previously owned but never used Americase 3 gun safari case. I took it on my trip to Uganda earlier this month and it worked great. If you can find a one of their safari cases in good shape I highly recommend them. Best case I have ever used.

Regarding the locks, and let me preface my comments - they are not meant to argue with or somehow imply that what @rookhawk mentioned earlier in this post is not correct, but I have always used my own keyed Master locks on both my rifle case and my small pelican case that I store my ammo in. More than a few times TSA has gone in my luggage that had the ammo and left their little calling card, as they did on my trip earlier this month, but they have never opened the ammo box by cutting my locks or contacted me to come open it. I do make sure I have a lock in every place you can put a lock.
 
My work place ships millions and millions of dollars of tv production equipment every day all over the world, almost all in pelican cases. I have never seen one fail. I’m sure it could, but in 40 years I haven’t seen any. Function over form for me.
 
My work place ships millions and millions of dollars of tv production equipment every day all over the world, almost all in pelican cases. I have never seen one fail. I’m sure it could, but in 40 years I haven’t seen any. Function over form for me.

I have a buddy who ships $30,000-$40,000 in camera equipment. All Pelican cases. I'm sure people have rifles worth that much and more but cameras are pretty delicate. He's never had an issue either.
 
I have a buddy who ships $30,000-$40,000 in camera equipment. All Pelican cases. I'm sure people have rifles worth that much and more but cameras are pretty delicate. He's never had an issue either.

Pelican cases are fine, I've used one for ammo on 15 trips or so and its beat to hell but still functional. The issue I have with Pelican gun cases is that to get the optimal protection, you need to cut the foam to fit your gun. If you change guns or accessories, you lose your fit.

If you're a one-gun guy you're going to be just fine. If you're swapping out your arms based on the hunt, the americase style gives you a bit more flexibility.
 
Here's why TSA locks are supposed to be illegal for Rifle cases, gentlemen.

The locks on guns are deemed non-tamperable. Therefore, if under your direct supervision a foreign power's customs opens your rifle case and they find machine guns, or 50lbs of coke, or a six year old boy, you are prima facie guilty of whatever crimes apply. You are purposefully denied the defense "its not mine, I didn't put that in there, I'm innocent I tell ya!". TSA / Customs is not supposed to open your gun case away from your view for this very same reason, whatever is in that case is YOUR liability, you can't say somebody put it in there while you weren't looking.

That's why rifles are supposed to be locked with a device only you, the authorized owner, can open.

TSA locks are a joke. First of all, you can brute force hack the lock by trying all the combinations. Second, TSA locks have roughly 20 "top secret" keys that only the TSA is supposed to have. But of course, TSA being morons, their clerks took photos over the years that featured their keys so the dark web has 3D print designs for all the TSA numbered keys. TSA locks are A.) Junk, B.) Easily broken, C.) Easily guessed combinations, D.) Keyed to a key that anyone can get, and E.) Can be picked in 10 seconds by an amateur.

TSA Locks are designed where the TSA needs to inspect. This applies to luggage and ammunition. It is the opposite intention and purpose of a gun case lock from a legal perspective.

Asking the TSA this question is ill advised as they are morons at every turn and if they give you an answer, it isn't a defense in court anyway. "TSA clerk told me" cannot override the various statutes.

@wesheltonj is my jurisprudence sound on this matter?

You said illegal, can you hash that out a bit. What federal statue is the basis?
 
You said illegal, can you hash that out a bit. What federal statue is the basis?


That's actually not entirely correct, but I stated it in the slang use of the term. Technically, the Civil Aviation Act and Patriot Act created administrative authority to the TSA to make your day lousy. It includes fines and penalties as outlined solely by their interpretations. So unlike a law where you get your day in court, you deal with a kangaroo court on administrative violations:

 

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