Locks for hardcase/airplane travel

[Jcastaneda1105]

Is there a specific type of lock required for when travel by air with rifles?

[ocabj]

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

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.

[beanz2]

Airline regulations says the rifle case has to be locked in such a way that one cannot open the case with the lock(sj in place, so if the rifle is long and especially if the material is not rigid enough, you may need multiple locks. Therefore a set of padlocks keyed the same would be ideal.

Preferably also a non TSA lock. TSA locks would give them freedom to get into your case without your knowledge. With that said, I’ve had a case with MasterLock padlocks opened without their asking for my key. I found their inspection tag inside without me giving them the key. They have master keys for MasterLock, and presumably other major brands.

[morrcarr67]

Yup, I have these for just such an occasion.

https://smile.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Padlock-Aluminum-131Q/dp/B00004Y8D4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2E0YCTGYETKPU&dchild=1&keywords=master+lock+4+pack&qid=1627652187&sprefix=master+lock+4%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-6

[Fjold]

The FAA used to specifically prohibit TSA locks on gun cases, now their regulations have this contradictory statement:

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.

The statement, "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock" followed by the statement, "You may use any brand or type of lock ... including TSA-recognized locks", makes no sense.

[tony270]

I have a few of those sets^^^ that I have used, not recently.
Need 4 locks for my Flambo plastic rifle case, has 4 hasp built into the contraption. Without using all 4 locks, it can be peeled open.

[tony270]

The FAA used to specifically prohibit TSA locks on gun cases, now their regulations have this contradictory statement:

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.

The statement, "Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock" followed by the statement, "You may use any brand or type of lock ... including TSA-recognized locks", makes no sense.

Why doesn't it make sense. There saying that any lock is okay, just because they recognize a particular lock doesn't mean they have the key. I think at one time they were requiring a particular TSA approved lock, they did away with that requirement, but you can still use those TSA locks.

[Fjold]

I have a few of those sets^^^ that I have used, not recently.
Need 4 locks for my Flambo plastic rifle case, has 4 hasp built into the contraption. Without using all 4 locks, it can be peeled open.

A couple of International airlines have added the requirement that locks must be on every hasp fitted with locking points. My Pelican case has four locking places so I bought a set of 8 locks all keyed alike. I put four on the case and carry a spare set of locks inside. I put the four open locks in the side of the foam with a big note that says: "If this case was opened for inspection and the locks were cut, please re-lock it with these spare locks."

[tony270]

A couple of International airlines have added the requirement that locks must be on every hasp fitted with locking points. My Pelican case has four locking places so I bought a set of 8 locks all keyed alike. I put four on the case and carry a spare set of locks inside. I put the four open locks in the side of the foam with a big note that says: "If this case was opened for inspection and the locks were cut, please re-lock it with these spare locks."

Yeah, need all 4 locks, or it can be peeled open.

[duckman1]

Yup, I have these for just such an occasion.

https://smile.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Padlock-Aluminum-131Q/dp/B00004Y8D4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2E0YCTGYETKPU&dchild=1&keywords=master+lock+4+pack&qid=1627652187&sprefix=master+lock+4%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-6

That is exactly what I use.

Throw in a spare lock in the event your locks are cut for any reason, you'll be glad you have them.

[mossy]

Preferably also a non TSA lock. TSA locks would give them freedom to get into your case without your knowledge. With that said, I’ve had a case with MasterLock padlocks opened without their asking for my key. I found their inspection tag inside without me giving them the key. They have master keys for MasterLock, and presumably other major brands.

No we don't. We have people (I was one of them) that know how to pick/bypass locks. Most travel locks are not shielded, or very easy to pick open. On occasion someone would use a real padlock on a pelican case, those were always fun.
My old work kit. Bootleg TSA 7&2 key, wafer picks, knife tool, warded picks, 3 hook, 3 rake, lot's of tention tools.

Yup, I have these for just such an occasion.

https://smile.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Padlock-Aluminum-131Q/dp/B00004Y8D4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2E0YCTGYETKPU&dchild=1&keywords=master+lock+4+pack&qid=1627652187&sprefix=master+lock+4%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-6

Those masterlocks are junk BTW. knifetool goes in, slide to the left, lock pops open.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

I personally prefer non-TSA combination locks. If you lose the key you're screwed. Also, if you end up having multiple cases, or one time travel with a handgun in a small pistol case, then later on travel with a long gun case that may require multiple locks the combination locks are the most versatile. You don't have to worry about multiple keys for different locks or keeping track of them. With the combo locks you can set your own combo and have all your locks set the same.

[edgerly779]

^^^ Agree I travel with firearms all the time.

[k1dude]

I use these:



or these:



For the simple reason that I won't have to worry if I lose a key. They also don't weigh nearly as much as the brass versions. With weight being a issue on all airlines now, I don't want something heavy.

[Kickstand]

I use two of these for my pistol case. Small and light. They keep the case from opening too much. Regular size padlocks are too big.

ABUS 64TI/40 Titalium Aluminum Alloy Padlock, Keyed Alike with Nano Protect Steel Shackle, Pack of 3
by ABUS Security
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G7P3A2W...ing=UTF8&psc=1