Suggested gun cases and advice for air transport?

[Mindflayer]

I am taking two handguns with me on a trip and will be flying United. I have read the TSA and United Airlines restrictions. I am looking for a good case for 2 handguns for this - any recommendations? Any advice for easing through TSA?

[tursiops]

I don't think TSA is the problem; the problem is the counter personnel, who are not always on top of the rules. Make sure they don't make you put any kind of notice on the outside of your suitcase, and make sure your suitcase is locked with a non-TSA lock. Don't walk up to the counter and announce you have a gun! Say that you need a firearms declaration.

i use those little locked metal cases that have a cable on them, and the cable is attached to a plate I mounted in the wall of my suitcase, but all you need is the plastic case the gun likely came in...but with a lock on it.

Not sure about United, but some airlines don't want ammo in the same suitcase.

Have a nice flight.

[grumpyMSG]

You can't go wrong with Pelican or Hardigg (now owned by Pelican) case:http://www.pelican.com/
they are a little pricy, but if you are worried about the TSA or airline folks tearing up your weapons, there is nothing better available.

[gunderwood]

You can't go wrong with Pelican or Hardigg (now owned by Pelican) case:http://www.pelican.com/
they are a little pricy, but if you are worried about the TSA or airline folks tearing up your weapons, there is nothing better available.

It's been a while since I flew with a firearm, but I used a Pelican. It worked well.

[Mindflayer]

I'm thinking of this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-Storm-IM2 ... 313&sr=1-1

[tursiops]

In my opinion, the Pelican is overkill unless it is the external/only container. if you are putting the Pelican inside a normal suitcase, then you don't need anything that substantial. Hey! It's a nice case, i just don't think it is necessary inside something else.

[Pumbaa]

Have to disagree with you on the overkill... I have a $600 gun, or maybe transport 2 of them, I want them protected from those apes throwing my baggage. Or if my bag is left out in the rain which I have seen. Next you have the TSA and handlers who are looking at stealing your stuff... I want it as difficult as possible.

This is what I am getting to replace my 20 year old Kevlar case

http://www.amazon.com/Nanuk-Case-Cubed- ... im_sbs_p_2
I am getting the blaze orange. Will add some medical stickers on it, or maybe little kids stickers.. Camo you know

[gunderwood]

In my opinion, the Pelican is overkill unless it is the external/only container. if you are putting the Pelican inside a normal suitcase, then you don't need anything that substantial. Hey! It's a nice case, i just don't think it is necessary inside something else.

+1

Unless you have a use for it other than this trip, it's probably a waste of money. I use Pelican cases to transport high value electronics/optics/rifles to and from the range. I wouldn't bother with one if I were just going to throw it into a suitcase or something.

[Mindflayer]

Unless you have a use for it other than this trip, it's probably a waste of money. I use Pelican cases to transport high value electronics/optics/rifles to and from the range. I wouldn't bother with one if I were just going to throw it into a suitcase or something.

I was thinking of also using it to carry some of my glass when I travel. My last trip, I carried a good number of my lenses with me on carry on, but one lens still managed to get broken.

OTOH, I got to handle one today at Loudoun Guns, but it was packed with "Survival Gear". I wish there was another place locally here in NoVA that I could actually check out.

[Diomed]

The first time I flew with a firearm I used a bargain-basement case that probably would have been rejected if the screeners/ticket agents knew the rules. The second time I was ready - Pelican all the way. It may have been overkill for the J-frame, but not for the subgun!

[Pumbaa]

I will not put $1000+ worth of guns in a cheap box in hopes that the TSA and baggage handler apes will treat my equipment right. There is the potential that my life will depend on these weapons and I want to protect them to the fullest and not have to worry that some cheapo box failed to do its job.

My new travel box for airlines - Just received it last night and spent time getting it prepped for my guns, here's the result.

I selected the Nanuk 905. (The smallest of the series)I custom cut the foam around the magazines and handguns. I also added a place for my M-16 knife. Now I can take up to 2 compact handguns (45 and 9mm), 4 magazines, one knife with me when I fly!

Of course I'll add some fun decals, like Zombie Hunter ones!

This is a resin shell and hard, hard, hard!

12.5 x 10.1 x 6 inches ; 3.3 pounds
Waterproof Seal- Automatic Pressure Release Valve-100% Stainless Steel Hardware


EDIT TO ADD: I chose Industrial Orange as I wanted something that would stand out on security cameras if this was taken out of my main luggage. Anyone walking with it would have to put it in something else or be seen as well.

I used to go with the blacks, olives and grays, but in looking at camera footage it is easy to blend into the surroundings. This is antithetical to my normal belief of being as non-descript as possible.

[Pumbaa]

Just to add since I can no longer edit the post.

The foam is cut into an "L" shape, so the barrel is supported as well. I know some people who have done the case in a similar format just rip out the entire section like a deck of cards. Under the butt of the gun is about 1/2 of foam, and of course on the top is the 1/2 inch in the cover.

I believe this is a good way to secure 2 weapons and protect them during transport. Now of course I could have done this with one weapon and laid it on it's side so there would be more protection.

I debated. I could have gone either way. How often will I need to travel with 2 weapons... Hmmm.....

[grumpyMSG]

Unless you have a use for it other than this trip, it's probably a waste of money. I use Pelican cases to transport high value electronics/optics/rifles to and from the range. I wouldn't bother with one if I were just going to throw it into a suitcase or something.

I was thinking of also using it to carry some of my glass when I travel. My last trip, I carried a good number of my lenses with me on carry on, but one lens still managed to get broken.

OTOH, I got to handle one today at Loudoun Guns, but it was packed with "Survival Gear". I wish there was another place locally here in NoVA that I could actually check out.

I don't know that this can help you because of the time frame you are working with, there is a vender who goes to the Dulles great american gunshow that has a lot of the cases on site so you can touch and try them.

[Pumbaa]

I ordered from Amazon. With my Prime account I got it in 2 days for free, and next day for $3.

[gunderwood]

I think Quantico Arms in Woodbridge has them. Also, there is a dealer out by Dulles...IIRC, Dulles Case Center. They do custom jobs there, but I'd guess you could just buy the standard case too.

[DullesCase]

We stock Pelican and Storm cases. Our specialty is custom foam inserts. I noticed that someone had mentioned us as a possible source. We have cases in stock.
www.dullescasecenter.com

[surefire]

Pelican hard cases are expensive, but are the best for transport, IMHO.

[jdonovan]

Pelican hard cases are expensive, but are the best for transport, IMHO.

I hear the bagage handlers love 'em because they can use them to break other luggage.

[Pumbaa]