Pelican Rifle Case Lock

[Motown]

In November a few buddies and I will be heading to Montana for a Mule Deer hunt. I purchased a Pelican Vault V800 case and was wondering what TSA locks you guys are using that will hold up to the abuse of airport employees? I see master lock has a few options, but based on reviews I have seen they do not hold up that well. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[tntrker]

I would suggest using NON TSA LOCKS. No one is to be able to open the case but you..

 

[rlmmarine]

Get masterlock combo locks and forget it

 

[Bonehammer]

Another vote for non tsa locks

 

[waldo9190]

It is actually a requirement that your locks must be NON-TSA, I have a 4-pack of masterlocks that have been sufficient and have held up to the abuse.

 

[pattimusprime22]

I have the same case and use Non-TSA masterlocks. This is probably obvious, but just make sure they have a long enough latch as shorter ones I already had didn't work for me. I can't speak to how they will hold up, and I'm sure if someone was determined, they could get through them, but that's not really the point. Here is a picture of the ones I used

 

[Motown]

Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I looked over the TSA regs a few days ago and for some reason thought it said you needed a TSA lock.

 

[Antares]

It is actually a requirement that your locks must be NON-TSA, I have a 4-pack of masterlocks that have been sufficient and have held up to the abuse.

Whose requirements?

From the TSA website: "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

I use 4 of these. They work fine. Plus, they're TSA approved so there won't be any fussing. If you're travel to some place that doesn't see a lot of hunters/firearms it's not uncommon for TSA and airline staff to not know they're own organizations policies. You have to know them for them. I also like that these locks have the big shackles; makes it easier to wiggle them into the holes on the case, especially those pesky ones inside the handle area.

 

[waldo9190]

Whose requirements?

From the TSA website: "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

I use 4 of these. They work fine. Plus, they're TSA approved so there won't be any fussing. If you're travel to some place that doesn't see a lot of hunters/firearms it's not uncommon for TSA and airline staff to not know they're own organizations policies. You have to know them for them. I also like that these locks have the big shackles; makes it easier to wiggle them into the holes on the case, especially those pesky ones inside the handle area.

View attachment 322358

The line right above the one you posted states the following.

"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."

If it is a TSA approved lock, technically you're not the only one with the ability to open it. I've NEVER had a hassle with my case(s) being locked via. non-TSA approved locks, and don't want to take the chance of anyone having access to the case other than myself.

 

[tntrker]

It does say " all locks including TSA locks are accepted". But I would again recommend a non tsa lock. I have 4 of the Masterlocks recommended by Pelican.

 

[Antares]

The line right above the one you posted states the following.

"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."

If it is a TSA approved lock, technically you're not the only one with the ability to open it. I've NEVER had a hassle with my case(s) being locked via. non-TSA approved locks, and don't want to take the chance of anyone having access to the case other than myself.

Yeah ok, that's a pretty creative interpretation. Instead of doing mental gymnastics, I would just focus on the portion that specifically says that you may use TSA-recognized locks.

Keep in mind, you're never going to be the only one with access.

 

[crich]

Regular master locks so they cannot mess with your stuff. If they do cut them then you have an excuse to raise hell. Alaska Airlines rep at the counter specifically told me that if they needed to get in my case for whatever reason they would have to contact me to open it. I flew with 2 handguns, 2 suppressors and 750rnds of ammo.

 

[Marbles]

I would not (and never have) used TSA locks for firearms. My Pelican cases get Abus 83/45 locks, 3 on a rifle case, 2 on a handgun case. Depending on the agent who checks it they will give you grief if you can pry a corner of the case up.

 

[waldo9190]

Yeah ok, that's a pretty creative interpretation. Instead of doing mental gymnastics, I would just focus on the portion that specifically says that you may use TSA-recognized locks.

Keep in mind, you're never going to be the only one with access.

View attachment 322368

Still don't understand why you would use a TSA lock if not required, but I'll let you do you big dog. Honestly if you size the hoop of your lock appropriately, they can't be cut with bolt-cutters.

 

[Antares]

Still don't understand why you would use a TSA lock if not required, but I'll let you do you big dog. Honestly if you size the hoop of your lock appropriately, they can't be cut with bolt-cutters.

Preference about the use of TSA-recognized locks is a different conversation and one that is worthy of discussion. I was simply pointing out that your statement about non-TSA locks being required was not accurate.

 

[waldo9190]

Quite honestly the verbiage they use to write the 49 CFR standard pertaining to the requirements is contradictory to the notes written on the link you provided. 49 CFR 1540.111, PAR (c) SUB (iv) states:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) published by the Government Publishing Office

www.ecfr.gov

(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

Again, you don't have to be very flexible to do those "mental gymnastics", pretty black and white. Though I'll agree on that the line on your link contradicts the standard.

Ultimately OP can use whatever he wants to lock the case, but just pointing out the actual verbiage from the standard.

 

[Antares]

Fair enough, that narrow reading is very clear cut. I submit.

 

[Marbles]

Quite honestly the verbiage they use to write the 49 CFR standard pertaining to the requirements is contradictory to the notes written on the link you provided. 49 CFR 1540.111, PAR (c) SUB (iv) states:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR)

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) published by the Government Publishing Office

www.ecfr.gov

(iv) The container in which it is carried is locked, and only the passenger retains the key or combination.

Again, you don't have to be very flexible to do those "mental gymnastics", pretty black and white. Though I'll agree on that the line on your link contradicts the standard.

Ultimately OP can use whatever he wants to lock the case, but just pointing out the actual verbiage from the standard.

Yep, in the end it is a prosecutor/judge/jury that largely determines how a law is interpreted. TSA can provided its interpretation, but that interpretation does not provide legal protection and there are cases where interpretations by implementing agencies have been disregarded by the courts.

Someone is unlikely to have an issue using TSA locks, however, with how some jurisdictions (New York City) will actively violate the McClure-Volkmer Act to create hassle for those traveling with firearms, I choose to avoid a practice that could reasonable be interpreted to actually violate a federal regulation. There are lawyers who advise the same.

So, once again, I agree with @waldo9190 in no mental gymnastics being necessary.

Every time I have flow with a firearm, at multiple airports, once it is declared I have been directed to personally carry the bag with the firearm to the TSA screener, and TSA has me stay there until screening is complete so I can open the container if they desire it.

Edit: Many Master Locks are only slightly more secure than a zip tie, but offer less tamper evidence. I have a very limited skill set for security penetration, so if I am able to bypass a lock, I consider it wholly inadequate and would prefer to use a tamper seal. That said, Master Locks cheaply satisfy the regulation.

 

[Antares]

I'm not trying to be argumentative here, just trying to understand what we're talking about.

The concern is that a TSA agent is going to reject your locks because they're "TSA-recognized"?

For the sake of conversation let's leave JFK and LaGuardia out of it.

 

[Gorp2007]

There was a time in the not-so-distant past that TSA-approved locks were explicitly prohibited for firearms cases. They have since relaxed that requirement, which leads to the confusing verbiage.

Check with your airline and then have the airline regs available when you go to check your luggage. I use masterlocks that aren't TSA compliant because that's what I've got on hand.