5 Best TSA Approved Firearm Travel Cases
Posted by Cici Tim on Sep 16th 2022
In the United States, flying with a firearm lawfully requires adherence to airline regulations, TSA guidelines, and both national and international firearm laws when traveling abroad. Ensuring compliance with these rules is crucial for legally transporting your firearm by air.
According to TSA firearms policy, "Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5, a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm.
For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm with inaccessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered 'loaded' for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. 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.”
To summarize:
Your firearm must be locked in a hard-sided case that only the owner can open. You can use TSA-recognized locks.
Cedar Mill Fine Firearms - Hard Gun Case Pistol Case
You can buy it on:
MSRP: $20.99 - $29.99
The Cedar Mill Fine Firearms Hard Gun Case is crafted with DS3TeK polymer, making it both tough and lightweight. It features an egg crate foam glued into the lid and two layers of customizable Pick and Pluck foam to secure your firearm. The Cedar Mill Fine Firearms TSA-Approved lock fits the case perfectly.
Key Features:
Accommodates large handguns and closes tightly without any gap.
- Customizable Pick and Pluck foam and attached egg crate foam add an extra layer of protection.
- Made from carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene (DS3TeK) for enhanced durability and strength.
- Compatible with Cedar Mill single shank TSA lock.
- Available in four colors: Desert Tan, Socom Black, USAF Gray, and Olive Green. These stackable cases are ideal for those with limited space.
The dual-latch locking system ensures your handgun is secure, and the customizable Pick and Pluck foam can fit various sizes and shapes, making it suitable for two small handguns or a larger handgun and a box of ammo.
Lockdown Handgun Vault
Buy it from:
- Amazon
MSRP: $28.99
The Lockdown Compact Handgun Vault is a well-constructed case, ideal for smaller handguns, but its size limitation means it may not accommodate standard or larger firearms. Before purchasing, it's essential to check the dimensions to ensure compatibility with your handgun.
- Size Limitation: Designed only for smaller handguns, limiting its versatility.
- Foam Quality: Lacks pick and pluck foam; the included PU foam is loose and thin, risking your handgun making contact with the metal frame during movement.
- Metal Construction: While providing additional security, the metal build makes the case heavy, potentially leading to excess weight for airline checked baggage.
- Integrated Combination Lock: Offers built-in security without the need for an additional lock.
In summary, the Lockdown Compact Handgun Vault is a great option for those with smaller handguns who prefer the added security of a metal case. Its integrated lock simplifies securing your firearm, but the added weight and size limitations should be considered when planning for air travel.
Plano Protector Series Pistol Cases
You can buy it on:
MSRP: $8.99
If you're extremely budget-minded, the Plano Protector Series Pistol Case is worth considering. Its color is a darker shade of gray rather than true black, and it features an aggressive, bold exterior texture.
- Fits Larger Handguns: Accommodates bigger firearms, offering versatility.
- Loose Egg Crate Foam: The foam is not attached to the case and can fall out easily when opened.
- Single Locking Lug: While it works with a TSA-approved lock, the case only has one locking lug, which compromises security.
One major disadvantage of this case is its single locking point. This design flaw means you can often fit a hand inside and slip the gun out, making it less secure. Additionally, closing the case requires significant pressure. Although it is TSA-acceptable, it is not recommended for air travel due to its security limitations.
The MTM Case-Gard
You can buy it from:
MSRP: $11.99
The MTM Case-Gard is an affordable and secure option for transporting your handgun. Designed to work effectively with TSA-approved locks, it ensures the lid stays closed and prevents unauthorized access.
- Accommodates Large Handguns: Easily fits larger firearms, providing versatility for different handgun sizes.
- Lacks Customizable PU Foam: The case does not include PU foam for a tailored fit, relying instead on standard egg crate foam.
- Effective Locking Mechanism: Compatible with TSA-approved locks, ensuring compliance with airport security regulations.
While the MTM Case-Gard serves its purpose and works well with TSA-approved locks, its standard egg crate foam does not adequately secure heavier handguns. When shaken or shuffled, the pistol can slide around inside the case, leading to potential damage. Despite this, it remains a budget-friendly option for getting through airport security with your firearm.
Condition 1 Waterproof Protective Hard Case
You can buy it on:
MSRP: $19.99
The Condition 1 Waterproof Protective Hard Case stands out for its larger size compared to other cases, easily accommodating a large handgun while still closing securely. However, it is not compatible with single shank locks, requiring the use of a cable lock instead. While cable locks are versatile, their security is often insufficient for protecting valuable firearms.
- Spacious Design: Fits large handguns with ease, ensuring a secure closure.
- Loose Egg Crate Foam: The foam is not glued in place and can come loose when opening the case.
- Cable Lock Compatibility: While it can use a cable lock for air travel, this type of lock is often less secure and not recommended for high-value items.
Despite being TSA-approved, relying on an inferior cable lock could compromise the security of your firearm during air travel. To ensure adequate protection, it's crucial to use a higher-quality lock. Overall, while the Condition 1 Waterproof Protective Hard Case is a bit pricey for its quality, its larger size may make it a viable option for those needing extra space. However, caution is advised when choosing the appropriate lock to secure your handgun.
Final Thoughts
When buying a case for your handgun, ensuring it is travel-ready and properly fits your firearm is crucial. Some cases are only suitable for small handguns, so always check the size and weight of the case to avoid additional airline charges for overweight bags. Consider the quality of materials and construction. If the foam is insufficient or not securely glued in, your handgun risks getting damaged during transport. Additionally, verify that the case is compatible with a TSA-approved lock, adding an extra layer of protection and preventing unauthorized access.
If you've been searching for the best TSA-approved gun travel case but are unsure which one to choose, I hope this article has provided the guidance you need to make an informed decision.
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