Airline approved gun cases?

Make sure it is metal and if you can push the sides in don't use it.  For the paddle locks, make sure they DO NOT have the TSA indicator on the lock.  When you check in you gun, you will actually go over to a TSA individual who will inspect your bag in front of you.  They then have no reason to go into your bag again.  If you do use a TSA approved lock, beware that almost everyone who works for an airline has access to the different keys the TSA uses for the locks.  You can use a normal lock.

SKB Here is the link. http://www.skbcases.com/sports/

Don't skimp on a case if your going to fly with it, those baggage handlers could care less when they give it a toss. I've flown all over with my rifles and bow and the cases take a LOT of abuse. Yes there spendy, but your rifle will thank you.

Forgot to add, the TSA agent will check your gun prior to checking it, you will fill out a form declaring it unloaded and they will close the case, you lock it and you maintain the key. very simple process.

Great info!  I was about to start a thread on this!   Thanks...Bob

I forgot to ask.  How about shipping ammo?  Does it normally go in the gun case or in your checked  luggage?  

Ammo has to be in it's orginal packaging or if you have reloads you can use those hard plastic cases, i just wrapped my cases with some electric tape, comes in handy in the field too. AMMO MUST be in your checked baggage. I also know that some airlines have a limit on rounds that can be transported, each one is specific so i will not list quanities here. Check with your specific carrier. I never had a problem with ammo limits, 20 rounds has always been more than enough.  Hope this helps.

I have put the ammo in with the gun.  Just in case they scan your other baggage and it shows gunpowder residue.

Thanks - the way I shoot I only need to take along  one shell anyway!

Hmm, a 10 day plains game hunt in Africa for 10 species, I might need a dozen rounds in case the gunbearer drops one or two.....

Bob, if you need another gun bearer who is slower on the hoof than you (in case of a rogue lion) let me know.

Im a competitive rifle and pistol shooter so i am always flying around the country with rifles and pistols. I currently have all storm gun cases and pelican ammo cases. Both Cases are great. U can put these things through anything you want. I personally have the shorter storm case for my rifles because i separate the action from the stock to minimize the chances of breaking my rifle even more, because even in these cases i have seen many broken competition guns. But your safest bet is to buy a good storm case and cut out the foam inserts to fit your gun tightly, hope this helps. O and pack your ammo tight as well.

Thanks for the helpful info. guys.  I appreciate it.

shooter5999,
Is there a certain model that you recommend from those two companies?  It will be for a tikka .300 win mag. Thanks.

MissedAgain Said:
I have put the ammo in with the gun.  Just in case they scan your other baggage and it shows gunpowder residue.

No you haven't.  Ammo must be packed seperate from your firearm.

Only times I've flown with my weapons I had them on my person..... 

Jiffy Said:
Only times I've flown with my weapons I had them on my person..... 

I call BS if you were on a commercial carrier.  Unless you had a badge and proper paperwork and were escorting a prisoner.  Or you're an Air Marshall.

The C-130 pilots didn't seem to care.....never did get any peanuts either.   

MissedAgain Said:
Make sure it is metal and if you can push the sides in don't use it.  For the paddle locks, make sure they DO NOT have the TSA indicator on the lock.  When you check in you gun, you will actually go over to a TSA individual who will inspect your bag in front of you.  They then have no reason to go into your bag again.  If you do use a TSA approved lock, beware that almost everyone who works for an airline has access to the different keys the TSA uses for the locks.  You can use a normal lock.

What you been smoking? Having the TSA locks makes your travels a lot easier. Not all airports are set up to have TSA inspect the gun in front of you. Nobody but TSA has access to the keys. I can assure you that if you do put a normal lock on the the case and they do need to get into your gun case and they cant reach you for what ever reason your gun will not travel. Ammo can be stored inside the the gun case with the gun as long as it is its original package or in another hard sided case. It can even be stored in your clips as long as the clips are inclosed in a sheath like the one law enforcement uses.  So if you want your own locks on the case I suggest sticking around ticket counter for awhile or asking the agent what is best way to go if it so happens they need to get into your case. Every airport is different.

huntingdad Said:

MissedAgain Said:
Make sure it is metal and if you can push the sides in don't use it.  For the paddle locks, make sure they DO NOT have the TSA indicator on the lock.  When you check in you gun, you will actually go over to a TSA individual who will inspect your bag in front of you.  They then have no reason to go into your bag again.  If you do use a TSA approved lock, beware that almost everyone who works for an airline has access to the different keys the TSA uses for the locks.  You can use a normal lock.

What you been smoking? Having the TSA locks makes your travels a lot easier. Not all airports are set up to have TSA inspect the gun in front of you. Nobody but TSA has access to the keys. I can assure you that if you do put a normal lock on the the case and they do need to get into your gun case and they cant reach you for what ever reason your gun will not travel. Ammo can be stored inside the the gun case with the gun as long as it is its original package or in another hard sided case. It can even be stored in your clips as long as the clips are inclosed in a sheath like the one law enforcement uses.  So if you want your own locks on the case I suggest sticking around ticket counter for awhile or asking the agent what is best way to go if it so happens they need to get into your case. Every airport is different.

This is from Deltas web site.  TSA locks are not approved for securing firearms.  I wonder why they have them then?

Shooting equipment

Shooting equipment is accepted as checked baggage only. It must fit within the very specific criteria that we outline below.

• Declare to the Delta representative that you are checking a firearm
• Declare the existence of a firearm to security personnel if a security checkpoint is prior to the Delta counter
• All firearms must be declared by the passenger to a Delta representative at the main ticket counter
• Present firearm(s) unloaded and sign a "Firearms Unloaded" declaration
• Firearms must be packed in a manufacturer’s hard–sided container specifically designed for the firearm, a locked hard–sided gun case, or a locked hard–sided piece of luggage. Handguns may be packed in a locked hard–sided gun case, and then packed inside an unlocked soft–sided piece of luggage. However, a Conditional Acceptance Tag must be used in this case.
• Maintain entry permits in your possession for the country or countries of destination or transit
• Ensure small arms ammunition is packed in the manufacturer's original package or securely packed in fiber, wood, plastic or metal boxes and provide separation for cartridges

If you need to travel with a weapon as checked baggage, you are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State, or Local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. TSA locks are not approved for securing firearms. For more information about this regulation you can visit the TSA site.
 

Jiffy Said:
The C-130 pilots didn't seem to care.....never did get any peanuts either.   

Kinda what I thought.

Nope, had it packed with the gun.

guns4ever Said:

MissedAgain Said:
I have put the ammo in with the gun.  Just in case they scan your other baggage and it shows gunpowder residue.

No you haven't.  Ammo must be packed seperate from your firearm.

huntingdad Said:

MissedAgain Said:
Make sure it is metal and if you can push the sides in don't use it.  For the paddle locks, make sure they DO NOT have the TSA indicator on the lock.  When you check in you gun, you will actually go over to a TSA individual who will inspect your bag in front of you.  They then have no reason to go into your bag again.  If you do use a TSA approved lock, beware that almost everyone who works for an airline has access to the different keys the TSA uses for the locks.  You can use a normal lock.

What you been smoking? Having the TSA locks makes your travels a lot easier. Not all airports are set up to have TSA inspect the gun in front of you. Nobody but TSA has access to the keys. I can assure you that if you do put a normal lock on the the case and they do need to get into your gun case and they cant reach you for what ever reason your gun will not travel. Ammo can be stored inside the the gun case with the gun as long as it is its original package or in another hard sided case. It can even be stored in your clips as long as the clips are inclosed in a sheath like the one law enforcement uses.  So if you want your own locks on the case I suggest sticking around ticket counter for awhile or asking the agent what is best way to go if it so happens they need to get into your case. Every airport is different.

huntingdad,
I hate to tell you this.  But I do have friends in the airlines.  I will guarantee you the TSA are NOT the only ones with the TSA keys to unlock those kind of locks.