Airline flightcase for two rifles - help

[Lateral]

There's always one! Good point, but it takes some brutality to thread the padlock's top radius of the shackle around the tight fitting eyes through which they pass . Not impossible though...and I have more nuts...

possibly, but if you're worried about someone doing it, may as well make sure they can't.


TBH, I've lost count of how many times I've travelled with the Peli. I only ever use two padlocks, because I figure if someone determined can get through those, two more won't hold them back, after all, the padlocks are only really there to meet airport regulations, being far too weak to offer any real security.

 

[zambezi]

...I only ever use two padlocks, because I figure if someone determined can get through those, two more won't hold them back, after all, the padlocks are only really there to meet airport regulations, being far too weak to offer any real security.

Agreed. But I am hoping my case with 4 locks will get passed over in favour of the one with just 2.

 

[4trak]

Take the foam out and pack rifles in extra clothing (shooting coats, thermals etc)....it will really help with your baggage allowance

 

[Eric the Red]

Taking the foam out is good advice. Peli (used to) make a double rifle bag that fitted prefectly inside a 3300. Not only does it protect the rifles and give space to put additional items - it also means you have something to carry your guns round in when you dont need the Peli. My only niggle with 3300 is size. I've come to the conclusion that I will always zero my rifles after transport anyway - and so de-stock them to shorten the overall length of the case required.

 

[zambezi]

Taking the foam out is good advice. Peli (used to) make a double rifle bag that fitted prefectly inside a 3300. Not only does it protect the rifles and give space to put additional items - it also means you have something to carry your guns round in when you dont need the Peli. My only niggle with 3300 is size. I've come to the conclusion that I will always zero my rifles after transport anyway - and so de-stock them to shorten the overall length of the case required.

LHR 3 security demurred when I sought to commit non-rifle items to be carried with the rifle case in January. Specifically, I had a canvas duffel made to sheath the rifle case and placed clothing around the case as additional protection. They insisted that the rifle case contain only the rifle and that it travel solo, sans duffel. The duffel+padding had to go in the hold as checked-in baggage. They were also very specific about an absolute bar on any oils or other cleaning products in the rifle case.

As stated in another post in this thread: you will get a myriad interpretations of regulations at each step of your journey. Do not trust that the govt/airline/nationally published position will apply for all stages. As stated in another thread, LHR BA ground staff charged me £315 per flight for the carriage of one rifle to CPT. Never again. And those charges were in contravention of their published charges. But it still took 6 months to get a refund.

 

[CarlW]

LHR 3 security demurred when I sought to commit non-rifle items to be carried with the rifle case in January. Specifically, I had a canvas duffel made to sheath the rifle case and placed clothing around the case as additional protection. They insisted that the rifle case contain only the rifle and that it travel solo, sans duffel. The duffel+padding had to go in the hold as checked-in baggage. They were also very specific about an absolute bar on any oils or other cleaning products in the rifle case.

As stated in another post in this thread: you will get a myriad interpretations of regulations at each step of your journey. Do not trust that the govt/airline/nationally published position will apply for all stages. As stated in another thread, LHR BA ground staff charged me £315 per flight for the carriage of one rifle to CPT. Never again. And those charges were in contravention of their published charges. But it still took 6 months to get a refund.

Yep. Have yet to have the same airport experience twice in a row. They make it up afresh every single time just to keep life interesting...

 

[EMcC]

I always use cable ties through every orifice, padlock as well.
Including any zips on my bags.
There was one occasion where I was asked to open my ammo box for inspection and when he didn't have a knife or anything sharp to cut the cable tie accepted the quantity that I told him, it was when I was bringing the box back into UK.
Never in all my years of travelling been asked to open the ammo box before but it does make sense coming back into UK as anything or any quantity or calibre could be brought in if anybody was stupid enough to chance their arm.

 

[Dickie]

Anyone seen or bought a Pelican vault?

 

[Lateral]

Anyone seen or bought a Pelican vault?

The gun cases don't appear to be available over here yet ?

 

[Leadwasp]

iM3300 arrived today. It will accommodate the two intended rifles plus mods, bolts and slings perfectly. Solid build. Great choice.

If I had one niggle it would be the ease with which the lid clasps can be opened [press button operation, no key]. Final security is delivered by the fitment of 4 padlocks, granted. However, pretty much any padlock shackle size does allow a few millimeters of lid to base separation if clasps are released, so a dishonest baggage handler could create a letterbox sized slot to peer into the case or attempt to hook bits out. [Nightmare scenario: wire coathanger raced up and down the Swaro's body/lens]

To further dissuade ne'er-do-wells , I am planning to drill 2mm holes in the fastening latches and their adjacent shroud to accept the addition of security tags. Easily broken, but a visual deterrent and a matter of record that entry had been attempted should an otherwise inexplicable damage to contents claim need to follow any airline trip:

View attachment 102399

Casemarket do TSA compliant padlocks. I use them on all my survey gear shipped out to foreign parts.

 

[CarlW]

Casemarket do TSA compliant padlocks. I use them on all my survey gear shipped out to foreign parts.

Padlocks on firearms should not be TSA compliant. Nobody should open them without you present.

Kind regards,

Carl

 

[zambezi]

Padlocks on firearms should not be TSA compliant. Nobody should open them without you present.

Kind regards,

Carl

Agreed. Although the TSA website states that TSA staff can request gun case key from the holder. I assume that request is valid during witnessed inspection only. It definitely states that only the firearm owner should hold that key at all other times.

SAA guidance states that both ammunition case and separate rifle case are lockable, without being specific on lock type. However, the inference I take is that only the owner holds a valid key for access. So not TSA compliant.