What Type of locks for Gun Case and International Travel?

[Bushog]

Oh, I wasn’t asked for anything, nor called out as all was above board.

 

[Hogpatrol]

If you forget the combo on your TSA lock, follow these easy steps.

 

[mdwest]

The LPL can be a real bummer. Makes even the most secure locks look so simple. Imagine having the confidence to buy a used high security lock, without a key!

I can teach a monkey to pick most basic locks (padlocks, desk/file cabinet locks, common door locks, etc) with very basic tools in just a matter of minutes… it’s really just about understanding how a lock works and then knowing what to “feel” for…

It’s scary how unsecured our homes, vehicles, etc are… and yet people think because they threw a padlock on it, etc that everything is safe..

For stuff I am truly concerned about I prefer Abus or Medico locks… a pro will still get around those systems, but the proverbial monkey with 10 minutes of @mdwest training won’t… and while they aren’t cheap, they’re affordable enough that most people can buy them in number and not have to put a second mortgage on their house

For my gun cases I just use a common master lock… I bought 12 that all have the same key for convenience… the same lock on my fence is the same lock on my trailer is the same lock on my gun case, etc etc… I only have to keep up with one key..

 

[Duke1966]

Has anyone had a rifle stolen while traveling commercial airline? I can't imagine how someone could pull that off. I can see a baggage handler grabbing a wallet out of a bag or some jewelry. But how would that get away with walking out with a rifle? It just seems unlikely and very high risk even for a bad guy.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Don't use TSA locks. Use locks that only you have the combo/key. If they (TSA) want to see your rifle and ammo they will come and get you to unlock your cases.

not true! my last trip this past April TSA some how opened my master locks after I checked the case. no call no nothing. I only knew they got into the case by the card they left in the case. I have no idea how they opened the locks. there must be a master key out there for them

 

[Philip Glass]

 

[Hogpatrol]

TSA locks, one step up from zip ties. Reminds me of the FAA, i.e. "We're from the government and we're here to help". NOT

 

[Wildwillalaska]

View attachment 746302

Philip this a general advisement correct or specific something new that applies to firearms? For general baggage, locks are to be TSA approved to allow their entry as needed, but firearms are supposed to be fully secured, meaning non-TSA locks and sufficient locking points to prevent any intrusion into the case. I can’t recall if it’s one or two fingers, but if lock shackle length or case flex allows much room to reach in while locked, they will also require different or more locks.

 

[Denvir Tire]

For what it's worth, a few years ago I asked at check in if I needed to hang around with the key, for the padlocks, on the Pelican.
Airline agent said, "the TSA has a ring of keys to open any padlock"
Not sure if that's possible or true....

 

[Philip Glass]

Philip this a general advisement correct or specific something new that applies to firearms? For general baggage, locks are to be TSA approved to allow their entry as needed, but firearms are supposed to be fully secured, meaning non-TSA locks and sufficient locking points to prevent any intrusion into the case. I can’t recall if it’s one or two fingers, but if lock shackle length or case flex allows much room to reach in while locked, they will also require different or more locks.

This is for all checked luggage. Straight from the airport. I use and recommend heavy duty TSA locks. It is false that it is illegal to use TSA locks on rifle cases. Fairy tales. You just have a lock in each hole (look up my post by the same name).

 

[Flipper Dude]

I always use TSA locks. If someone wants in there, they’re getting in there, period. Regardless of what locks you use. I want my rifle and baggage to get through TSA with as little a hassle as possible. Don’t tell me you can’t do it.. I’ve done it a dozen times.

 

[absales]

I just read all of the posts here. I am seeing the back and forth about TSA locks and heavy duty locks. I understand that anyone can get into any lock, so no point of TSA lock, and I understand that it is much easier to just allow them access if need be.

My concern is that I see a number of reports about the TSA locks breaking or falling off. I would think this would be a major concern.

I have read every post here, and still cannot make a decision on which type of lock is best hahaha.

 

[JimP]

I just read all of the posts here. I am seeing the back and forth about TSA locks and heavy duty locks. I understand that anyone can get into any lock, so no point of TSA lock, and I understand that it is much easier to just allow them access if need be.

My concern is that I see a number of reports about the TSA locks breaking or falling off. I would think this would be a major concern.

I have read every post here, and still cannot make a decision on which type of lock is best hahaha.

Go to the TSA website and search requirements for firearms.

The last time that read the requirements it stated that you are the only one with a key to unlock the locks.

While I am a pure amature flying to Africa I have flown quite a bit with firearms. I use keyed Master locks and never had a problem. Once TSA inspects your firearm in your presence there should be no reason for your case to be opened unless you have something inside that case that arouses their suspicion later.

 

[375-9.3x63 Fan]

One thing I learned the hard way for travel with guns here in the US from TSA was not to put any cable combination locks, even though they are TSA approved locks on any of my gun cases, these are not allowed as TSA said anyone can get inside the case by wiggling the cables…. At least that’s what I was told at the airport.

For international travel it might be different just sharing what I dealt with…. I always use camp guns on international hunts ….but that might change soon for me… why have a safe full of hunting rifles and not put them to use…. Just my thoughts.

 

[Tbitty]

If you all haven't realized it yet, there is no right or wrong answer. Different airlines companies/personnel will tell you different things. The website can say one thing and the agent at the counter will tell you another.

I have personally only ever used masterlock keyed padlock style locks on my firearm and bow cases and never had an issue.

I have seen others travelling with me use TSA locks, cable locks, and combination locks. The only issue I saw was when someone only had 1 lock and needed a 2nd for the other side of the case. Oddly, they flew "out" with 1 lock, but it was a problem on the return. I always travel with spare locks and let them use mine so we kept moving.

Read the rules in advance for the airline you are flying, form your own opinion (aka, do what you want), and it never hurts to have a backup plan ready.

 

[Russ16]

All this talk about keys. Does anyone use combination padlocks? I prefer them because I don’t have to worry about losing the keys.

 

[JimP]

All this talk about keys. Does anyone use combination padlocks? I prefer them because I don’t have to worry about losing the keys.

Depending on the type of combination lock. The ones that have the numbers in a row can be opened in about 30 seconds. Now the old round dial type are better.

For key locks, I just keep the keys in my carryon bag.

 

[shootist~]

All this talk about keys. Does anyone use combination padlocks? I prefer them because I don’t have to worry about losing the keys.

Absolutely. I'm too paranoid about loosing keys.

 

[Scott CWO]

This TSA video about traveling with firearms actually shows a non-TSA keyed padlock being used to correctly lock a rifle case. It also shows a non-TSA keyed locking handgun case.

 

[Scott CWO]

Sorry but I’m not using a “TSA recognized lock” because those TSA keys are notoriously available outside of the TSA and the TSA is not supposed to have access to firearms after initially inspected. Note that ONLY THE PASSENGER should retain the key. This is not possible with a TSA lock. The regulations literally contradict but I think anyone with a brain should be able to understand that only the passenger should have access, therefore, I don’t use a TSA lock. Yes, the regulations allow a “TSA recognized lock” but why would you when the TSA keys are all over the place?