BEST HARD RIFLE CASE FOR FLYING

[dusterdave173]

Hey gang
We are just back from 3 days of Fantastic PD shooting in Wyoming--I will post all about that later--on the drive back we decided no more cross country drives--we are flying out next time for sure--NC is just too far from WY for these old bones
Question is--What is a decent hard rifle case TSA approved for flying? What are your tips for flying with rifles--Tell me about TSA locks etc --Educate me on what I need to do and look out for know before we go
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[karrarararararar]

I've used a pelican with no issues. Ran a plain Jane keyed lock on each end. As long as they can't touch your rifle with the latches undone, you'll be fine. No need for fancy locks.

 

[newbieshooter]

additional resources:

Traveling by Air with Firearms — Know the Rules « Daily Bulletin

Airport photo by Politikaner under Creative Commons License. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. We know many readers will soon be traveling to spend the holiday with family members. If you will be flying with firearms this November, you should read this article.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

Air Travel Advice — How to Fly Safely with Firearms « Daily Bulletin

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[Tommie]

Ive been shopping for hard cases lately. Haven’t made a decision yet but one thing I have decided is that side strength is kinda overlooked in many models. You’ll see cases that are heavily bolstered at the corners but the side of the case is kinda flimsy.

 

[RegionRat]

Getting the rifle into a case and to the other end isn't the challenge.

https://www.pelican.com/us/en/products/cases/gun-cases
https://www.skbcases.com/collections/sports/gun-cases/rifle

What happens on that kind of trip has more to do with their ammo limits and what to do with everything else you want to bring like bino/rangefinders, swivel tables, tripods, shade, etc.., stuff that can get hurt during transit.

Flying trips were great for the ones that flew, but somebody always drew the short straw and had to truck all the ammo and equipment. All that stuff needed to be protected for the trip too.

 

[nettle]

I have a Pelican Vault. It's a tank.

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/pelican-vault-v770-single-rifle-case

 

[dusterdave173]

Well we figured on UPSing ammo to the destination and leaving tables at my sisters in Denver. Fly in to Denver rent vehicle grab our gear stashed there and roll

 

[Pres100]

I have a couple of older aluminum cases from cabalas for Safaris that are extremely durable and what I use to fly with ... I'd also look into African safari forums and see what they are using....

I have pelican and storm cases, but when fly I prefer to use the aluminum ones. I'm sure the composite pelicans (and and similar) hold up ok, but I have had some damage to a composite hinge where it looks like it was dropped and landed on hinge and broke plastic off.... just my preference

 

[LuvDog]

Pelican, Boyt Nanuk, SKB are all good

Each airline has their own rules to read them. Print them and take the printed copy with you because many check in agents don’t know their own rules

For example Delta requires a lock in every lockable location on your case

 

[topclass2017]

I was told by a TSA inspector in Oakland, CA to not use TSA approved locks as they are flimsy and not terribly secure. He said to use the heaviest duty locks that would fit through the holes, and to put a lock in every hole, AFTER an agent had inspected the firearm. Just my experience flying back and forth to Texas.

 

[Nowhere Man]

Pelican Vault. You'll need long cable locks.

 

[ken158]

We use SKB cases which are locked on both end latches. Regardless of what you buy, be sure it has very good wheels because you surely do not want to carry it. If you are shooting in Wyoming, you will be flying into Denver. I do that yearly. Denver TSA has so many guns come through there it is not treated as a big deal. You can PM if you want any Denver airport tips.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Do you guys leave the bolt in the action?
I was just thinking that might save a chance of it slipping out of the case when opened or something.

 

[RegionRat]

Do you guys leave the bolt in the action?
I was just thinking that might save a chance of it slipping out of the case when opened or something.

There is a rule that basically states that if the locked case is unbuckled, that it cannot open more than 0.25" gap.
When I ran cases with a lock shank that went through separate holes, I stacked nuts or washers to insure no gap would open.
So a bolt can't slip out of a gap that way or they won't let the case go.

 

[rdb8847]

Pelican or Hoyt, Use all four lock positions available with short shank padlocks all keyed the same do NOT buy TSA approved locks. Only you will have the key to the locks, if they need in they will need to contact you. Also note that TSA is not allowed to handle your firearms, only the LE in the county or city where access is required

 

[sw282]

Krack-l always take the bolt out of my rifle before flying. I put in my carry-on bag. lt never leaves my person.
lf my rifle does get stolen, lts USELESS to the thief. btw-l use an SKB single rifle case. Been bounced the best
gorillas at airports in prairie dog country. One bit of extra insurance l practice is a couple of quick wraps of yellow duct tape around each end of the case after TSA checks it, but before the baggage guys gets it. Takes maybe 15 seconds. The yellow tape provides extra protection from opening. Also tells of any unwanted tampering or theft

282

 

[JimPag]

No brainer a Pelican.

 

[RegionRat]

I put in my carry-on bag

Um, I wouldn't.

If you didn't get noticed, you are lucky since it would have been very expensive.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transpor...ines, clips,be transported in checked baggage.



If we each sneak one piece and then meet up somewhere past security to assemble..... then you can understand why even a magazine or piece part is a violation for carry on.

Into a separated piece of checked luggage is a different issue.

Weapon parts are not allowed for obvious reasons. Some folks jetting out of PHX after big matches and others leaving LV after a SHOT Show got to find out what it costs to tangle with the TSA to stay out of jail. You were lucky.

 

[sw282]

Thanks RR. Another reason NOT to fly

 

[markT]

I used to fly but now drive ( brutal).. Would recommend removing the scope and flying with scope.. Also I have shipped my rifles to a local gun store and they can ship back...