Locks for Pelican 1750 or Nanak 995 to prevent the TSA knuckle or finger in the case?

[slowjunk]

Hi, I look to travel with a rifle case and it is the first time on an airline. I am buying either a Pelican 1750 or a Nanak 995 and I would appreciate a recommendation for non-TSA locks to go in the padlock holes that will ensure success when traveling in the airlines.

The key things is that in the following thread Frank mentions having problems with the TSA trying to stick their fingers in the case after unlatching it. He mentions having proper sized locks to prevent this. What padlocks would be best?

Suppressors - Airline travel with a suppressor?

Who has travelled with a suppressor? I'm looking at a match which is far enough away that air travel is the only option. Does anyone have a recommendation on how to transport the suppressor? I don't like the idea of having it in the rifle case knowing of instances where TSA has cut the lock off...

www.snipershide.com

I watched a great video by DeviantOllam and he recommends Abus 83/45 locks but those have a 5/16” (8mm) and I have read that the Pelican case hole is not big enough to accommodate a 8mm shackle. The Pelican sight says the hole is 8mm so perhaps tolerances are tight or loose on hole diameter. I saw a video where they showed a 8mm shackle lock not fitting, but I have read on this sight a post that those locks are recommended. To me it is an open point.


I really look for help on this from people‘s person experience.

 

[NiteQwill]

This is my experience and my experience only.

I fly with my guns A LOT (either for competition or work). In the last 2 years, I have flown upwards of 99+ times with firearms all over the country. Yep, I'm tired of flying...

I use TSA locks. Why? Because the TSA will break your locks and DGAF. The screening procedure is not consistent between airports and can be very easy to creating migraine headaches. It just makes my life easier to use TSA locks (I use Nanuk locks). I carry regular combo locks in my bag if I need to use them (I never have).

Additionally, normal locks can and do get ripped off by baggage handling or machines.

I use a Nanuk 995. It's bombproof.

 

[USK308]

+1 on what @NiteQwill said. TSA will definitely will not GAF about any lock you put on. In the time I have flown, checking a firearm, I will usually put the firearm lock through the rifle or pistol as appropriate, as an additional measure, to protect my investment/money, along with the TSA locks on the hard-sided case.


When I fly out, here at DEN, I will escort the weapon to the TSA scan and then secure the weapon or luggage and walk with the agent, back to where it is placed on the conveyer belt (for my own sanity).

 

[slowjunk]

This is my experience and my experience only.

I fly with my guns A LOT (either for competition or work). In the last 2 years, I have flown upwards of 99+ times with firearms all over the country. Yep, I'm tired of flying...

I use TSA locks. Why? Because the TSA will break your locks and DGAF. The screening procedure is not consistent between airports and can be very easy to creating migraine headaches. It just makes my life easier to use TSA locks (I use Nanuk locks). I carry regular combo locks in my bag if I need to use them (I never have).

Additionally, normal locks can and do get ripped off by baggage handling or machines.

I use a Nanuk 995. It's bombproof.

I like how the Nanuk 995 is offered with TSA locks built into it. It seems some people really insist on using non-TSA locks, especially the security researcher I mentioned in my original post. It seems TSA locks get accepted though.

By the way, what is the biggest padlock shackle diameter that will fit the Nanuk 995 case lock holes? I looked on the website and they list it as 0.03inches which seems far from what is in the pictures. Then I see some other mentions that a 8mm shackle diameter will fit. Thanks.

 

[NiteQwill]

I'm telling you... They will cut or rip your locks off and your gun won't fly if it can't be secured. That is the risk you take. I have experienced that. My SBR with suppressor was left behind because my locks were destroyed and my case could not be secured. It took 3 days to recover my gun. YMMV.

But if you insist on locks. The cheapest combo master lock will be fine.

Don't overthink it.

 

[slowjunk]

I'm telling you... They will cut or rip your locks off and your gun won't fly if it can't be secured. That is the risk you take. I have experienced that. My SBR with suppressor was left behind because my locks were destroyed and my case could not be secured. It took 3 days to recover my gun. YMMV.

But if you insist on locks. The cheapest combo master lock will be fine.

Don't overthink it.

I appreciate the advice from people with clearly tremendous travel experience. The only point I did like about putting a padlock on it is from the point of view DeviantOllam brought up. He says he flies up to 100 times a year with a firearms and says the use of the lock is to prevent/detect tampering following the TSA screening therefore he is OK with a lock being cut. It seems like a great idea to use the Nanuk 995 with the TSA locks and then maybe a small easily cut lock to see if the case is opened after initial TSA screening; do you ever do that or is it a bad idea?

 

[NiteQwill]

I appreciate the advice from people with clearly tremendous travel experience. The only point I did like about putting a padlock on it is from the point of view DeviantOllam brought up. He says he flies up to 100 times a year with a firearms and says the use of the lock is to prevent/detect tampering following the TSA screening therefore he is OK with a lock being cut. It seems like a great idea to use the Nanuk 995 with the TSA locks and then maybe a small easily cut lock to see if the case is opened after initial TSA screening; do you ever do that or is it a bad idea?

I don't use the included TSA locks on the latches cuz if you lose the key you're SOL at your destination unless you want to destroy you case to open it. All combo locks for me.

The locks on cases don't prevent any tampering from anyone older than a 10 year old. If someone wants to mess with your gun, they will. If someone cuts your lock, and they can't secure it, your gun doesn't fly.

A lot of airports DO NOT allow you to be present during the screening process in my recent experience: Las Vegas, LAX, Austin, Portland, Memphis, Nashville, Newark, JFK, Tampa, etc. So they take your case and throw it on the conveyer belt and it gets pulled in a rear screening room. You do not know the outcome of the process until you land (I put an airtag in my gun cases to track it). If they CUT your lock and have no way of securing it, it will not fly.

Just food for thought.

 

[broncoaz]

I've been flying with four keyed master locks on my Pelican 1700 case the past few times. I unlock at the check in counter to insert the card, then keep the key and send the bag on the conveyor. I'm traveling again next week with a Pelican 1720 case and plan on what has been working. Reading this thread it makes me think that predominantly placing an extra pair of locks right on top inside the case would allow them to relook and send the case on its way. I also considered using two keyed locks and two TSA locks.

 

[LeftyJason]

I've been flying with four keyed master locks on my Pelican 1700 case the past few times. I unlock at the check in counter to insert the card, then keep the key and send the bag on the conveyor. I'm traveling again next week with a Pelican 1720 case and plan on what has been working. Reading this thread it makes me think that predominantly placing an extra pair of locks right on top inside the case would allow them to relook and send the case on its way. I also considered using two keyed locks and two TSA locks.

 

[broncoaz]

I appreciate the knowledge, but as others have said the case itself is vulnerable to attack with a saw, grinder, or hammer before someone tries to defeat the lock itself. I have read up on padlocks and keep meaning to have a set (maybe 16-20 locks) of high quality Abus or similar locks in various sizes made keyed alike, but it seems I end up with a need to buy locks immediately for whatever reason.

For this week’s uses I purchased a set of the Master 3008B, set of 4 keyed alike. These locks have a 7mm shaft and smallish body that fits the Pelican cases nice and tight, so the case doesn’t budge when the latches are opened. The last few flights on American the gate agent has opened all the latches and tried to pull the edges of the case open.

Amazon product ASIN B00004Y8DL
I also purchased a pair of the NANUK TSA Approved case locks. These look like they will fit the case great and have a low profile so they don’t snag like the Master locks. I looked at the design of these for $18 vs the other options for $15 and much prefer the mechanism on the NANUK. It uses a machined notch on the side of the shaft to lock rather than a tiny machined ball on the end for the lock to grab. I’m going to run two of these and two of the masters on the Pelican 1720, and leave an extra pair of the Master in the case to relock if necessary. If these NANUK locks work as well as I think they will I’ll standardize on them for regular trips to the range rather than larger padlocks.

Amazon product ASIN B07T3RBXWT
Shafts. The NANUK looks much better to me.

I use a Nanuk 995. It's bombproof.

I looked into other cases including the NANUK 995 in the past, but living in AZ most of my life I always look at the temperature rating of the case. Most cases, including NANUK 995, have a top end rating of 140 degrees. The trunk of my sedan in Phoenix in summer routinely exceeded 160 degrees. The baggage carts baking on the tarmac at Sky Harbor are also excessively warm. I was concerned about the cases getting flimsy or weak at those temperatures. The polypropylene Pelican cases are rated for 210 degrees, these are the only hard cases I’ve run. The new Pelican Air cases are using a different material with only a 160 degree rating and there are several reviews mentioning cracking, so no go for me.

 

[hlee]

Locks only keep honest people out. You gun case is in TSA custody for hours. They have all the time (and tools) they need to open any bag/box/case that you check. If you buy expensive locks, expect to have expensive lock pieces after a flight.

Deviant Olam travels with a gun- charitably- only to expose the “security theater” that we call the TSA. He gets a lot of clicks when he posts his “the TSA are hacks” videos. If it were safe, secure, and painless, he wouldn’t have a reason to check a stripped AR receiver.

If you want to show up at your destination with your firearm, drive. Obey the traffic laws.

 

[broncoaz]

Locks only keep honest people out. You gun case is in TSA custody for hours. They have all the time (and tools) they need to open any bag/box/case that you check. If you buy expensive locks, expect to have expensive lock pieces after a flight.

Deviant Olam travels with a gun- charitably- only to expose the “security theater” that we call the TSA. He gets a lot of clicks when he posts his “the TSA are hacks” videos. If it were safe, secure, and painless, he wouldn’t have a reason to check a stripped AR receiver.

If you want to show up at your destination with your firearm, drive. Obey the traffic laws.

Unless you plan on driving across NY, NJ, or MD where they completely ignore FOPA. You might win your case in the end, but the hassle and legal expenses would be significant. Unfortunately I now live in MA, so any major trips are across Hochul’s danger zone. When I moved I had a moving contractor handle the firearms, no way I wanted to drive across NY in a truck with AZ plates carrying my entire collection.

 

[Rookie]

I've been watching this thread because I need to fly with a pistol or two next week. I haven't checked a firearm into luggage in like 10 years. So I can put a TSA lock on a pistol case, throw it in checked bag, declare it at Ticket counter and I'm good right? Flying AA.

 

[Herb Stoner]

I've been watching this thread because I need to fly with a pistol or two next week. I haven't checked a firearm into luggage in like 10 years. So I can put a TSA lock on a pistol case, throw it in checked bag, declare it at Ticket counter and I'm good right? Flying AA.

As stated above - the understanding of the rules by airline / airport personnel is all over the map. I've always used non-TSA locks as that is what the federal rules require and I've yet to have an issue (mostly flying California to Utah).

Declare it at the counter and you are re-directed with the firearm to someone nearby. You will open the case for them and they will check to see if its unloaded (a very cursory look only in my experience), put a document inside and you will lock the case right there and keep the keys. The idea is to keep the firearm secure in transit as any schmuck can get a set of TSA keys on Amazon or elsewhere for around $5. I keep a spare pair of TSA locks in my carry on anyhow as I've had TSA lock go missing from regular bags in transit and could put those on a gun case if the retreads at the airport didn't know better. I've yet to have an issue at the airport and, again, always use non-TSA locks as required.

 

[Rookie]

The AA website states a locked case but no mention of TSA locks. There is a link to a TSA video but it says nothing about type of lock other than no cable locks.

 

[NiteQwill]

I've been watching this thread because I need to fly with a pistol or two next week. I haven't checked a firearm into luggage in like 10 years. So I can put a TSA lock on a pistol case, throw it in checked bag, declare it at Ticket counter and I'm good right? Flying AA.

Flew 100k miles with AA in 2021. With firearms. Just declare it. Sign the little form. Follow whatever directions they want you to do. Enjoy your flight.

Every single airport is different. I fly with TSA locks on my case because I rather not deal with the hassle of them cutting my locks (I've had 10+ non-tsa locks cut in the past).

 

[Threadcutter308]

As stated above - the understanding of the rules by airline / airport personnel is all over the map. I've always used non-TSA locks as that is what the federal rules require and I've yet to have an issue (mostly flying California to Utah).

Declare it at the counter and you are re-directed with the firearm to someone nearby. You will open the case for them and they will check to see if its unloaded (a very cursory look only in my experience), put a document inside and you will lock the case right there and keep the keys. The idea is to keep the firearm secure in transit as any schmuck can get a set of TSA keys on Amazon or elsewhere for around $5. I keep a spare pair of TSA locks in my carry on anyhow as I've had TSA lock go missing from regular bags in transit and could put those on a gun case if the retreads at the airport didn't know better. I've yet to have an issue at the airport and, again, always use non-TSA locks as required.

Not trying to muck up the works of this thread, but in the last year and a half, I have brought handguns back from Phoenix to Seattle via Delta airlines at least three times. I've never had any problems per se. I'd go so far as to say the whole process was pretty easy. (Chinesium knockoff of Pelican case/TSA approved, cheap Master combo locks/TSA approved, packed inside of a second checked bag, declared at Delta check in).

Each time, I accompanied the CSR and my bag to the TSA inspection area in Phoenix. The TSA squid took my bag, opened it, removed the locked case, used his extensive selection of TSA keys and opened the case. In ALL instances, the TSA agent NEVER PHYSICALLY TOUCHED the handgun and most certainly DID NOT check to insure it/they were unloaded.

Honestly, I was shocked all three times. He made a point of lifting up the foam to check for other items that might have been tucked into/under the foam. I'm assuming he was looking for loose ammo. I've never traveled with ammo and of course, I make absolutely certain that they were all unloaded.

But Damn, I thought one of the major points for TSA was to check firearms to insure they are unloaded. Apparently not. They have their rules/regulations. I just kept my mouth shut and didn't ask any questions. And, each time, everything went smoothly.

 

[Herb Stoner]

I have yet to have an issue over the type of lock - always use non-TSA locks and I keep the keys. Checking firearms has always been an easy process overall - at least in California and Utah. Most just look at the gun and said OK when I open the case. Once or twice they wanted me to show them it was unloaded - not sure they knew what they were looking at.

Looked up the website and it appears that TSA or non-TSA locks are acceptable now - I stand corrected. I still prefer having my locks on it to deter (not prevent) some knucklehead from opening the case.

From the TSA website:
Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition

 

[DedicatedShooter]

Interesting read. The last two Decembers I’ve flown from DCA to PHX and back for a predator hunt. I put my rifle, can, and ammo in my Pelican 1750 and locked it with run of the mill Master locks. The brass bodied ones. Had no issues. What’s interesting is that DCA just has me open it at the ticket counter, they take a Quick Look, I toss the card in then they walk me to the baggage drop off for an xray. I get a thumbs up and I’m on my way.

On the flip side, PHX takes you to a special TSA counter where they open your case and sift through literally everything. Even peeling back the foam and checking under it. Then they swab everything to check for bomb residue. Finally I’m able to insert the declaration card and relock it.

I was surprised at the difference in procedures between the two airports. DCA is quick and easy but PHX adds an extra 30min to my check in process.

 

[Herb Stoner]

On the flip side, PHX takes you to a special TSA counter where they open your case and sift through literally everything. Even peeling back the foam and checking under it. Then they swab everything to check for bomb residue. Finally I’m able to insert the declaration card and relock it.

Popped hot on that Swab test coming in on an international flight - it sucked. Random swab on my carry-on and I was quickly led to a small room by 3 of Homeland Insecurity’s finest. One asked me questions while the fat one with bad breath juggled my junk.

We had been just over the border in Canada and were coming straight from the shop floor of a place that was building some equipment for us. It was all stainless and they treat the stainless with a chemical that is picked up quickly in that test. I had no idea but I missed my connecting flight.

I’m sure it’s all in the file…

 

[sroc112]

If checking a firearm, what is proper procedure for also checking the ammunition?

 

[Ceramik]

If checking a firearm, what is proper procedure for also checking the ammunition?

Depends on the airline. Supposedly you should be able to lock your ammo up in the same box as your firearm, but that wasn't my experience. Had to move it into another checked bag. Either way, it needs to be in a hard case (not like a Pelican or anything, plastic box that brass comes in is fine).

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

www.tsa.gov

 

[broncoaz]

Most airlines I’ve dealt with will allow up to 11 pounds of ammo. TSA guidelines seem to suggest having ammo in a magazines that completely covers the ammo (thinking a Pmag with dust cover installed) would be ok, but I always carry ammo in a factory box or plastic ammo case that secures each round separately.

 

[broncoaz]

I flew out of Tucson on Tuesday this week. The ticket agent was pleased with the Pelican case and having all four lock holes filled. She said that American Airlines has a rule that all lock holes on the case must be filled with locks. She also complained that many of the cases she saw were crap and couldn’t prevent someone from reaching in when locked but unlatched. No issues with locks being cut.