#2275368 - 06/25/08 06:06 PM
Another question about flying with guns
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onestar
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Registered: 02/25/06
Posts: 185
Loc: North Carolina, 27052
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I was wondering what you guys did about locking your pelican type gun cases when you take them to the airport. I know they have come up with a peli-lock that the TSA has a universal key that fits and they can open at will but I have heard guys say that anytime they open the case the owner needs to be there to witness them doing it. Therefore no need for the TSA lock, a regular padlock will do. The idea is that with all the flunckies working security at the airports anyone who is dishonest could obtain a key and open your case at will, take the contents and lock it back. I don't want to cause myself anymore hassel than need be at the airport especially since this is the first time I have flown with a gun but I also don't want to have a gun come up missing. Sorry I am so full of questions but you guys are the experts here and your advise is greatly appreciated.
Edited by onestar (06/25/08 06:07 PM)
Edit Reason: can't spell
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#2276070 - 06/26/08 05:38 AM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: onestar]
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tbear
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 10/23/02
Posts: 1704
Loc: Reston, Va.
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I returned from SA about a month ago & I used TSA locks. I know the gun case was opened with out me being present because one lock was missing. I carried spares. If, the authorities want to examine your gun case or even try to steal, conventional padlocks will not matter. I used TSA locks on my wife's & my luggage. My bag containing ammo was opened & lost for a day flying into Kimberly & returning to Washington Dulles. Nothing was stolen. I would definitely recommend gun & optics insurance.
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I eat Spam & I can focus a scope
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#2276905 - 06/26/08 11:42 AM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: onestar]
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test1328
Campfire Regular
Registered: 05/18/05
Posts: 349
Loc: Colorado
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In my experience traveling with rifles both in the US and to Africa, I would personally avoid the TSA locks specifically for the reasons you cite. As Tbear states, if someone really wants to get into your case, they will, with or without padlocks. However, it's one thing to carry around a TSA key with you and check out the contents of someone's case when no one is looking and an entirely different case for someone to carry around a pair of bolt cutters. If it's legit, the bolt cutters will come out. If it's not, access is a lot easier with a small key. I used padlocks where I was the only one with a key. That way, I pretty much had to be around anytime someone wanted inside my rifle case. This was never a problem when dealing with TSA in the states and when dealing with the various checks encountered in RSA and Zim. That being said, I was well aware that if there was an issue with my gun case and I was not around or could not be contacted, that the officials would cut my locks to check things out. For this reason, I placed another set of padlocks inside the gun case with a note asking whoever read it to please use these locks to re-lock my case. This practice was recommend to me by JJHack who is much more experienced at traveling to Africa and elsewhere than the majority that post here. Hope this helps to give you another perspective.
Test
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#2284247 - 06/30/08 08:38 AM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: test1328]
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ConradNY
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 01/31/02
Posts: 1791
Loc: Endicott, NY, USA
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I traveled with rifles a couple of times this year and both times the TSA guys requested a key from me to open the case and I was not present when this was done.
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If you want peace then prepare for war.
If you want war then pursue peace and disarm.
If you want to lose a war then put a Democrat in charge.
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#2284486 - 06/30/08 11:17 AM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: ConradNY]
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atkinson
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 03/04/01
Posts: 1535
Loc: Filer, Idaho, USA
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When you go to the airport, the ticket taker is supposed to give you a red tag..you sign the red tag, stating the gun is not loaded, you put that tag in the gun case and lock it...The airline personal can open any luggage anytime they want to..the can even break your lock, in which case they will put a tag in there informing you that they broke your lock to check the contents...If possible they will sometimes page you for a key, but not always..In foreign countries you are at their mercy and I suggest that you just go with the flow and not make an issue with the 3rd world boys, it will bite you in the a$$ everytime.
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Ray Atkinson
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#2305043 - 07/11/08 01:18 PM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: test1328]
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sawbones66
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Registered: 01/04/05
Posts: 88
Loc: Auburn, AL
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Re the type of padlocks: I have donated my last TSA padlock. Though I haven't used them for rifle case, I have never had one make it through any trip - always disappear so I won't use one for a rifle case. Does anyone have an opinion between key locks and combination style. Keys could be lost and combos dials bent. The pelilock looks pretty tough, but no experience here except with keyed locks.
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#2305202 - 07/11/08 02:34 PM
Re: Another question about flying with guns
[Re: sawbones66]
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ODay450
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Registered: 06/23/07
Posts: 112
Loc: People's Republic of Maryland
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I've always used brass keyed padlocks (Master brand) in sets using the same key. I also keep a second pair in a plastic bag inside the gun case with a notes asking that they be used if the outside locks were cut. Have never had the locks cut off and spares reused. No problems so far in US and international travel.
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