Good lock for flying w/ a checked firearm?

[Jay Christopherson]

I'm planning a trip where I will be checking a rifle & ammunition in, packed in a pelican case. I was reading about the various rules for flying with a firearm and came across some information regarding "TSA approved" locks- anyone have a recommendation for a good lock for flying with that is TSA approved? I'd rather not run into an issue where they cut my lock or case open and refuse to fly my rifle or something.

 

[spclark]

Your next step is to go here:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/locks.shtm

- then look for the products shown, maybe on eBay....

 

[280man]

Some of the hardcases come with TSA locks built into the latches

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I've got a pelican case that I want to use- it has four notches for locks and according to the TSA, you have to have a lock for each. I guess I am purchasing 4 locks, I just wanted something that would be fairly rugged, but easy for me to get through TSA screening.

 

[nhm16]

You do not want a TSA approved lock; you want a lock that only you have the key or combination to. After your gun case has been inspected in your presence by the TSA and cleared to go on the plane, nobody should be able to open it but you. The TSA approved locks are only for regular luggage.

 

[Va Jim]

Can I get a little clarification. I just bought 4 TSA approves locks for my pelican rifle case. Am I using the wrong ones. I will be checking the rifle case. Thanks

JimC

 

[spclark]

I think nhm16 has it right. I've flown with checked rifle's in locked cases before (last time was late in 2006 so things may have changed but I kinda doubt it) with no trouble. This was out of and back into O'Hare here in Illinois so you know they're gonna be a good test.

Got taken out of the regular check-in line, escorted to a special inspection station. No problems at all. The locks I used were hardware store Master laminated steel key locks. Never got told they weren't acceptable.

One thing you DO NOT want to do is tape the locks down. TSA will only rip the tape off in the inspection, then when they're done they have special tape they'll use to re-secure the locks (so they don't flap around loose in handling) before loading. Once the inspection's done they'll lock up the case & tape the locks in place & you won't touch it again until you get to the baggage claim at the other end of your trip.

 

[nhm16]

Can I get a little clarification. I just bought 4 TSA approves locks for my pelican rifle case. Am I using the wrong ones. I will be checking the rifle case. Thanks

JimC

Here is what the TSA says about the general procedure:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

Note that any inspection should be done in your presence.

This is the controlling federal regulation, 49 CFR. § 1544.203(f)(2)(iii) (link is to PDF), which provides:

(f) Firearms in checked baggage. No aircraft operator may knowingly permit any person to transport in checked baggage:
(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless—
(iii) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the individual checking the baggage retains the key or combination;

By definition, you can't be the only individual "retain[ing] the key or combination" to a TSA approved lock because, by design, the TSA has a "skeleton key" and can open all such locks without your key or cutting the lock.

In fact 49 CFR 1544.203(f)(2) provides the general regulations for transporting firearms on a plane, and supersedes what is said on the tsa.gov link above to the extent they conflict.

 

[Va Jim]

Thanks for the clarification guys.

JimC