i need a gun case. what do you recommend?

[vash]

i elected NOT to drive to denver in the winter. so i need to bring two firearms on southwest airline. one bolt action rifle (pig hunting with my bow is not that fruitful) and my new-to-me beretta silver pigeon! met a guy with a crazy pheasant problem in LODI, CA. bro will drive them up from texas, and do the hand off.

i need double gun capacity, TSA keyed, and absolutely BOMBPROOF construction. my SKB bowcase is fantastic, and if i was just bringing the o/u shotgun, i could use it in a pinch. the rifle,,not so much.

i dont want to bust the bank.

[vash]

Cabela's -- SKB Freedom Double Rifle Case

[jeffgrant]

Cabela's Bullet Proof Two Large Scoped Rifle Case

I routinely fly from BC to Ontario with this case, carrying a shotgun, extra barrel, a large scoped rifle, and a spotting scope. I love it.



Mine is a bit older, so has slightly different locking mechanisms, and has the built-in wheels, but it is absolutely solid.

It's very well reviewed on Cabelas as well, for a very good reason.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by vash

i elected NOT to drive to denver in the winter. so i need to bring two firearms on southwest airline. one bolt action rifle (pig hunting with my bow is not that fruitful) and my new-to-me beretta silver pigeon! met a guy with a crazy pheasant problem in LODI, CA. bro will drive them up from texas, and do the hand off.

i need double gun capacity, TSA keyed, and absolutely BOMBPROOF construction. my SKB bowcase is fantastic, and if i was just bringing the o/u shotgun, i could use it in a pinch. the rifle,,not so much.

i dont want to bust the bank.

TSA keyed is wrong. You want a place to put a regular keyed lock(s), which even the TSA can't open. They will put a special sticker on the box and it will not need to be opened again. If they need to open it, they have to contact you. It all depends on the Airport, how this whole thing happens. Truely, it is different at every airport.

[vash]

Originally Posted by red-beard

TSA keyed is wrong. You want a place to put a regular keyed lock(s), which even the TSA can't open. They will put a special sticker on the box and it will not need to be opened again. If they need to open it, they have to contact you. It all depends on the Airport, how this whole thing happens. Truely, it is different at every airport.

ok, now i am confused. i thought i want it TSA keyed, that way, i can crack it open for the lady or guy at the ticket counter (have yet to meet a gun fan there), show him things are safe, lock it up and send it away. i dont want an airline employee taking a peek. i was told if a TSA person cannot get in, they will crack it open anyways.

am i mistaken?

[jeffgrant]

Every time I've flown, I've used my own padlocks (non-TSA).

When I check in the case, I go through a special security area where they have me unlock the case, they then examine things (basically ensure that everything's unloaded), and then have me lock it back up.

It then goes through the x-ray machine while I wait.

Never had an issue.

I'd also go for a padlock type lock, as it's easier to "re-key" if required.

[jriera]

Check Pelican cases Welcome to www.pelican.com Pelican™ Products - Manufacturer of high-impact, watertight equipment Protector™ Cases and safety approved, technically advanced flashlights

[vash]

Originally Posted by jeffgrant

I'd also go for a padlock type lock, as it's easier to "re-key" if required.

great point!

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by vash

ok, now i am confused. i thought i want it TSA keyed, that way, i can crack it open for the lady or guy at the ticket counter (have yet to meet a gun fan there), show him things are safe, lock it up and send it away. i dont want an airline employee taking a peek. i was told if a TSA person cannot get in, they will crack it open anyways.

am i mistaken?

For regular luggage, TSA locks.

For gun cases, only you are supposed to be able to get in. TSA is supposed to check them immediately, and put the special sticker on. In Houston, this is done right in front of you. Other Airports, it is done "downstairs" and you are supposed to wait at the baggage counter until TSA calls back with an all clear.

When you go to the baggage counter, quietly tell the baggage person you need a firearms declaration card. If they give you an orange one, all is correct. If they give you "the other one", which allows you to take it though security, tell them you need the orange one. I've been given the wrong one about 20-25% of the time.

[vash]

thanks red beard. good stuff.

[Joe Bob]

Pelican Cases....I keep my hand guns in them.....don't have any long guns anymore...

They are water tight and suitable to use as airline cases.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by jeffgrant

Cabela's Bullet Proof Two Large Scoped Rifle Case

I routinely fly from BC to Ontario with this case, carrying a shotgun, extra barrel, a large scoped rifle, and a spotting scope. I love it.



Mine is a bit older, so has slightly different locking mechanisms, and has the built-in wheels, but it is absolutely solid.

It's very well reviewed on Cabelas as well, for a very good reason.

For many years when traveling from CONUS to Europe or Africa, I used one of these cases. No matter what they tried to do with it, it always took the punishment and kept the contents secure.

Very good product!