TSA approved lock?

[JEVapa]

For those that have traveled with their firearms, did you use a TSA approved lock or go with your own? I want to make sure my rifle is secure, but my guess is that a bad guy will easily have the master TSA approved lock key.

Absolutely not. In fact, TSA and the airlines recommend against it. It will allow any TSA agent to access your case which they are not allowed to do. You use a keyed lock and maintain possesion of that key and don't give it to anyone...that's the rules. If an airline agent or TSA agent needs to check it for inspection or verification it's unloaded, they will have you open it and then relock it. I travel with weapons quite a bit.

Check with the airline you're using, they will tell you. I'll add that American is the most gun-friendly carrier I've dealt with.

Most weapons stolen from airports have used TSA locks and cases using only one lock.

 

[dsmith1279]

Probably should have put this in my original post, but my confusion actually came from reading of the TSA website, "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. 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
Alaskan Airlines said:
Container must be completely secure so that it does not allow for accidental or unauthorized access.

• Multiple locks may be required on some cases to ensure the case cannot be opened.
• Only the passenger shall have the key or combination to the lock.
  
  • Passenger may need to supply the key or combination upon request from the TSA when the case is screened.

https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/transporting-firearms

 

[JEVapa]

including TSA-recognized locks."

This allows TSA unfettered access to your cases without you present. Also allows unscrupulous individuals s access to your weapons and they tend to disappear.

Most of the time they will say not to use one... like "you should use a keyed padlock". That's TSA speak for "someone here might steal your Sh if you use a TSA lock"

Passenger may need to supply the key or combination upon request from the TSA when the case is screened.

This requires you to be present when they want to screen your case.

 

[Rez Exelon]

I know about these changes before the public knows.

Cool story. But again, considering that most people are not "Glocktogo" then a good general rule is to read the primary information sources that are made public to answer questions just like these.

 

[Gadsden]

Each airline may also stipulate different limits on ammo. The federal regulatory limit is 11 pounds.

I've also seen differences in the way TSA deals with it depending on the city one is flying through. I've breezed through their check in conservative cities while being subjected to a much more stringent process in left leaning cities with the same item being carried the same way.

 

[JEVapa]

I've also seen differences in the way TSA deals with it depending on the city one is flying through. I've breezed through their check in conservative cities while being subjected to a much more stringent process in left leaning cities with the same item being carried the same way.

Only two places that I've ever had issues were CA (if it's not a "hunting gun" you had better be on orders or official business, they get mall cops and a sheriff to escort you to your car, etc.), and DFW.
At DFW, 50% of the time the the TSA dudes want to ooh and aah your weapons and rub their DBs on them. No other reason. They've even said as much...it showed up on the scanner as something cool so they just want to look at it.

 

[Gadsden]

Portland and Seattle, pain in the butt. Never had any issues in Tulsa, Houston, Eugene OR or Salt Lake City.

 

[KOPBET]

... You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks."

That seems to contradict what 49 CFR § 1540.111 has to say:

(2) Any unloaded firearm(s) unless -

(i) The passenger declares to the aircraft operator, either orally or in writing, before checking the baggage, that the passenger has a firearm in his or her bag and that it is unloaded;

(ii) The firearm is unloaded;

(iii) The firearm is carried in a hard-sided container; and

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


Seems like the law would prevail over TSA or airport website info. But what do I know...

 

[ssgrock3]

a buddy flew into Raton for the barrett class with his 107, Pelican case had massive combo locks on it. just reiterating what others have said in regards to rifles.

 

[JEVapa]

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


Seems like the law would prevail over TSA or airport website info. But what do I know...

They are adding to, but not taking away from the law. If they required only a TSA lock then they would be taking away. They are giving another option for passengers, and I think it's primarily so they can open up your stuff without you being there.