Flying Out To FL.

[netentity]

Originally Posted by toreskha

That's a typo, right? Just making sure...the government does have some fairly odd rules occasionally.

Nope. The actual CFR was posted later in this thread. Also the firearm case inspection should be done in your presence.

Also be forewarned. I had my first bad experience at IND (Indianapolis Int'l Airport). TSA wanted to get into my locked firearm case. They took my key and went back to wherever the had my luggage with my hard firearm case.

The screener then told me, "Why don't you use TSA locks on your firearm case?" I responded back "because they're illegal on firearm cases."

I came home to find that my firearm case was not packed in the same manner it was when I declared them to the ticketing agent. The case was ajar, but locked. The socks I use as packing/cushioning material were not where they were left within the case; between the P-12.45 and my Taurus 651 and another one between the Taurus and my Kel-Tec P-11. My P-12.45 had about a 2mm chuck of metal taken out of the front sight on the right side and my Taurus 651 has a 3mm scratch/dent on the front of the trigger guard. The front sight of my P-12.45 came into contact with the trigger guard of my Taurus. Whether it was done during screening or during movement during air travel I do not know. I do know that I explicitly packed the firearms where there was sufficient cushioning material between them.

I am pursuing a claim with TSA. At the bare minimum I want the front sight of my P-12.45 to be smoothed out and reblued by a gunsmith if not replaced. The blemish on the front sight can cause it to snag in a holster. I don't know if the scratch/ding on my Taurus can effectively be removed. Since it's on the trigger guard, it may be a permanent fixture to that frame which may have permanently devalued the firearm.

If your firearms are lost or damaged by TSA regardless of how small. Get the claim form and submit it. Since I need to get an estimate from a gunsmith on the repairs, I will submit the form this weekend. My airline has been informed, they told me my recourse was strictly with TSA as it was not due to baggage handler negligence.

I have flown many times over the past few years with firearms. This is the first time TSA has gotten into my case without my observation. The two times TSA or a TSA contractor needed to get into my firearm case, it was done with me observing the screener. They just opened the case and touched the firearms as little as possible.

[Glock Fan]

Remember that TSA = They'll Steal Anything. I've had them request my combination for my gun case on a couple of occasions. I refused to have them open my gun case without me present. I explained that it was for their protection as well as mine, as the way I understood the regulations that I was to be the only one who had the key/combination to my gun case. The lady at OGG (Maui) gave me a hard time and ended up calling her supervisor. The guy agreed with me and said that "what's easier for the TSA agents" isn't always "what's right". He instructed her to retrieve my gun case and bring it back to the screening point and have me open the locks.

Another case was when I was flying out of LAX. My gun case went through and the TSA agent told me that I could proceed through security and to my gate for departure. I heard my name over the PA system and was told to return to the TSA screening checkpoint. I was then instructed to go out to the baggage area where I checked in my luggage to open my gun case. When I got there, the TSA agent asked me for my gun case combination. I refused to give it to him, and he said something like "You're only making it hard on yourself". I asked if he was threatening me, at which point he smiled and I requested a supervisor. The supervisor arrived and I explained the situation. He had a conversation with the TSA agent, then came back to me and apologized for the TSA agent's behavior. The TSA supervisor noticed my IALEFI logo polo shirt and asked if I was "Law enforcement". I told him "no, I'm not law enforcement, but I do train law enforcement officers." He smiled and pointed to the TSA agent and said "don't tell him that." I got the hint and thanked him for straightening everything out. The initial TSA agent allowed me to lock up my gun case, and I was off to catch my flight.

Too bad you had a bad experience in IN "netentity". It's a shame when these people abuse what little "authority" they have.



gf

[netentity]

Originally Posted by Glock Fan

Too bad you had a bad experience in IN "netentity". It's a shame when these people abuse what little "authority" they have.

I don't believe the screener was abusing their power, I believe they were doing as they were told to do and was careless. It may be TSA upper management at IND that caused the issue. What I don't understand is why they just can't just take the locked firearm case out, xray that alone. If it turns out ok then not worry about it then go through the rest of your luggage. My .30 cal ammo can with my ammo almost always gets flagged by the xray machine so that does not bother me. I pack it in the ammo can for obvious safety reasons.

[sambo42xa]

Can anyone please give me some names/brands of Cases that YOU use OR acceptable? I beleive you need a Two lock system in which case I cannot use my ANVIL Case because it has only One key lock, the other case I have posted on here in photo is also a One key lock. I'm looking on the internet and there are alot of them but when I read reviews on them they are pretty much junk OR I have to take out a loan! Must also be able to fit in My suitcase. Any idea's folks?????

[Jes]

Originally Posted by sambo42xa

Can anyone please give me some names/brands of Cases that YOU use OR acceptable? I beleive you need a Two lock system in which case I cannot use my ANVIL Case because it has only One key lock, the other case I have posted on here in photo is also a One key lock. I'm looking on the internet and there are alot of them but when I read reviews on them they are pretty much junk OR I have to take out a loan! Must also be able to fit in My suitcase. Any idea's folks?????

You only need 2 locks if YOU want them. Only 1 is required. Your case should be great.
I travel with my handgun in a cheap cash lock box from wally world (Non-TSA lock). That is then inside my bright orange samsonite luggage which has TSA locks(since TSA busted the original locks in Charlotte).
Never put your luggage on the belt before it is inspected by TSA in your presence (hence the busted locks) no matter what the counter agent says.

[sambo42xa]

Thnx Jes, I'll probably just use then the one I have posted on here earlier in the thread which will fit in my suitcase.

[Glock Fan]

I use a Pelican case to transport my handguns. It's checked in as a single piece of luggage. My rifles are checked in using an aluminum rifle case. There's 4 latches on it, hence I carry 3 locks in the case in the event that TSA tells me that all 4 latches need to be locked. Otherwise, there's a stainless steel rod that goes through all 4 latches and is secured using a hasp and a single padlock. Lot's of folks like to place their gun case into another piece of luggage. In my past experience, I've always had problems when doing this. I've experienced delays and even misdirected luggage on one occasion. Hence why I check firearms in seperate from my other luggage.


gf

[sambo42xa]

Originally Posted by Glock Fan

I use a Pelican case to transport my handguns. It's checked in as a single piece of luggage. My rifles are checked in using an aluminum rifle case. There's 4 latches on it, hence I carry 3 locks in the case in the event that TSA tells me that all 4 latches need to be locked. Otherwise, there's a stainless steel rod that goes through all 4 latches and is secured using a hasp and a single padlock. Lot's of folks like to place their gun case into another piece of luggage. In my past experience, I've always had problems when doing this. I've experienced delays and even misdirected luggage on one occasion. Hence why I check firearms in seperate from my other luggage.


gf

I think I am just going to bring One weapon in My vehicle case like the one I have posted on here and in the other case I am going to bring 100-150 rounds (whatever I can fit in it). Each Case will be in separate suitcases. That should be it.
I'll purchase more ammo in Daytona and spend at least one morning for a couple of hours at the Daytona Range. There is one near the Speedway (I looked it up). I have coverage if the weapons are stolen or lost whether on me or not at the airport or even a rental car or anywhere. From the info I have read for both the airport/s and airline/s they are quite the same, if not, then very close AND from what I have gathered here.
Thnx. for ALL the help. I hope I wasn't a pain in the ass. I just needed some guidance.

[GHF]

Look at these -

http://hunting.flambeauoutdoors.com/otdrs_hunting/gun_cases/guncases.asp

See the Pistol Pack™ Series at the bottom

I use the 10.5 inch one for a single sub-compact.

See my instructions earlier in this thread for the details on just how to do it.

As to ammo, I -

- carry enough rounds to have ready in a separate, plastic reloading box that I store under the case.
- magazines in separate container(s); I use screw/bolt holders from Home Depot to protect the mags, after putting them inside Leatherman tool carriers.

[sambo42xa]

I have those SAME cases that came with my guns. I didn't think those types of cases would be acceptable, being that even though they would be locked you can still pry up between the two covers. Hmmm, gives me an idea now......maybe I'll still use the car safe for the gun and one of those cases for my ammo. I still got time before trip. I think (of course I will) I'll try differnet cases to see which will do the best for me. Glock Fan, You mentioned a Rifle case. Obviousley that would not fit in a suitcase. I want to put My things inside a suitcase (I do not see much more weight in this dept.) because it'll be less baggage to carry...don't forget, I got two Rugrats and the Wife, so the less to carry the better! I can already see My Son crabbing that He has to carry His own bag , and the other little one (7 yrs old).....forget about carrying anything except Her little Hanna Montanna case with wheels!! Once I get setup I'll take a few photo's.
thnx.!

Originally Posted by GHF

Look at these -

http://hunting.flambeauoutdoors.com/otdrs_hunting/gun_cases/guncases.asp

See the Pistol Pack™ Series at the bottom

I use the 10.5 inch one for a single sub-compact.

See my instructions earlier in this thread for the details on just how to do it.

As to ammo, I -

- carry enough rounds to have ready in a separate, plastic reloading box that I store under the case.
- magazines in separate container(s); I use screw/bolt holders from Home Depot to protect the mags, after putting them inside Leatherman tool carriers.