If you can't fit it in your gun case do you take it with your carry on or is it ok packed in your bag?

My first preference, always, is to take it in my carryon, with binos and camera. Never had an issue going through security. Have a couple of times put my spotter in my check in bag, always well padded, and that also worked OK. I just feel happier about security of my personal possessions if they are under my immediate supervision.