I've read the pros and cons of the various types of gun cases (aluminum, polymer, etc) regarding strength, locking methods, etc. I personally use SKB cases (a single and a double) because I think they are plenty strong and I like the locking system, being field replaceable. Two weeks ago in Joburg while doing the check in thing with Delta along with a bunch of other hunters my SKB double case was the first case placed on a trolley going to be checked out of the country. The security guy was loading several more cases on the trolley and I was watching as he slid a very nice aluminum case (made about 6 miles from my house)onto the trolley and promptly sheared the padlock off of the case as it hit my SKB case! I would not have believed it if I didn't see it myself and the guy the case belonged to had a hard time believing it until I handed him his sheared lock. Luckily one of his companions had a spare lock. So, I guess no matter how good the case is the lock may well be the weakest point. I always carry a spare SKB lock and a small padlock just in case. Anyone else seen something like this?

Karl

Good advise

Hmmm. I have an SKB case without the factory locks and am trying to decide on whether to just get 4 matching padlocks or the factory locksets. Thoughts?

Are non-TSA locksets available? Do you fellows recommend one over the other? Thanks. -WSJ

Use the factory locks! Nothing extra sticking out to get caught on something/break. That's why I use an SKB.

BTW, does SKB still offer free replacements for the once required TSA locks?

I emailed today - hopefully get an answer in the morning.

The word from SKB's Chris Douglas today was that SKB does not offer non-TSA replacement lockiing latches, but may in the future if there is sufficient demaand.

He recommended just regular old padlocks over their TSA lock replacement latch, so padlocks it is. -WSJ

Wonder what my buddies do if their non-TSA locks break and need a replacement?

wsj - do you have an email for SKB's Chris Douglas? I'd like to increase the demand!

Well I was going to post it but apparently I tossed his email. I just made the inquiry through their general customer service email and received a reply from Chris, and a subsequent reply to a follow-up question. You might try that.

It would be nice to have a nice, flush fitting, factory, non-TSA lock though. I'm going with keyed-alike brass Yale padlocks.

I use a SKB and it has TSA locks. What i did was drill a hole in the plastic bumpers (lugs) or whatever else you can call them. I drilled thru te
He top one and the bottom one. Then i used a cable lock that came with some of my pistols. I did this on each end of the case. This way i have TSA locks, which techincally as i read it should not be allowed but the dulles TSA agemts say is ok, and i also have two separate pad locks. Seems as if i am covered this way if one would get sheared off as in the OP or if TSA wants one way and not the other.