doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Advice wanted on TSA-OK hard travel case for DR

OT for OH

Sir Edwin Henry Landseer,"There's Life in the Old Dog Yet", 1838

TSA says to not use TSA locks on gun cases-


"Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. 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."

"TSA approved locks compromise the security of your firearm. Remember, the law states that you ALONE maintain possession of the keys to your gun case"

i used a heavy duty pad lock

and carried a spare


and Thanks Drew - always liked Landseer

So if I understand correctly, the key lock on the TuffCase is not TSA compliant for firearms. OK, so you got the thumb turn lock on yours? Does it hold a decent sized padlock? From Tuffpak's website, it looks pretty skimpy. Can you share some pics of your TuffPak so I fully understand what I am getting into? Thank you, OH!
Edit: I think the TuffPak part is called a padlockable thumb turn cam lock. It is no stronger than the standard vending machine lock on the case, but it does allow different padlocks to be used.

Thank you for all the excellent advice, guys.
Update: Bought a used but great condition TuffPak. With the TSA lock (coke machine key style), it was NOT TSA compliant, so I purchased a padlockable thumb turn cam lock for $8. Removing the TSA lock was easy. Installing the thumb cam lock was a little more time than anticipated. It required using a Dremel to carefully remove plastic from the lock area. Several raised bars of plastic there protect the lock from direct blows. Once the thumb turn handle turned into place easily, the TuffPak was ready for a padlock. Buying a four-pack gave me backup extras in case the lock was cut off by TSA. Two were put on the hard Pelican case that held 40 rounds of ammo, which fit perfectly inside the TuffPak on top of the rifle stock. The fourth lock went in my carry-on. The trip to Scotland went well, smoothly, with no hiccups or problems. Upon blessed return home to the USA, battle scars all over the TuffPak were clearly evident. The valuable double rifle was fine. I'd have to say that I cannot imagine a better way to transport a firearm. One downside is the TuffPak is oversize in terms of inches, and it is likely to be overweight, too. That cost $200 each way. But if having your special gun on the hunt with you is important, the $400 is part of the cost of having the hunt of a lifetime. PS I'd add photos but I can't seem to upload them from the iPhone