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I just purchased a new Tuffpak 1050 gun case. After purchasing it, I got to talking with a friend that travels with guns a lot and he said two things. 1. You don't want the TSA locking version (which I think I bought)... 2. You don't want a Tuffpak as the TSA and the airlines do not allow you to pack anything with the guns. That the Tuffpak case would have to only include soft cases with the gubs and whatever bubble wrap or foam I wanted to surround theguns with. So the two questions... Is it a big deal to have the TP case witht he TSA lock? And two, am I going to show up at the airport wit my TP case packed perfectly and the airline/TSA will make me empty my personal items packed to protect my guns into a separate bag and have to send my TP case on with onlt tw soft cases rattling around on the inside? I have read many stories of people using TP cases, and didn't hesitate on buying, but now... not sure. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance | ||
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No. TSA locks should not be used on your guncasese.....and I always stuff mine full of stuff.. . | |||
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TSA locks are not allowed on gun cases and they have never given me any problems over all the stuff I put in the case. | |||
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Agree with both posters. Only the gun owner may have a key, and thus direct access to the gun case, under federal law. Having a TSA lock on your gun case does not meet that requirement. And, I always pack my case with hunting items and clothing as well. | |||
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Used one in 2014 no problems sans TSA locks. Did have to get rifles out to inspect in and out of Zim. A small backpack and tuffpak was the sum of my luggage and it made for an easy, discreet, uncluttered trip. | |||
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Never had a problem either. If you pack your other stuff (clothes, etc.) in bags, it makes it easier to repack if you have to remove your guns for inspection. I have used compression bags and pillow cases. Keeps things organized and easy to repack. For many years I used a hard side golf club case for gun travel but the tuff pack is much "tuffer". | |||
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Bob; It probably depends on which airline and which clerk you deal with at check in. We traveled British Airlines several times, packing rifles, boots, jackets and (they insisted ammo be packed with rifles) without a problem. Then in 2010, they insisted only rifles (in soft cases) could be in Tuffpaks). So there in the middle of the Business Class check in I had to remove all but rifles and places all else in duffles. Ended up travel with 2 rifles in their soft cases in one Tuffpaks and 2 ammo boxes in the other Tuffpak. Now I'm always prepared to switch stuff around to suit the whim of whoever does the check in ie ammo separate, ammo in Tuffpak, clothes with guns, guns separate. I now always take a Zanax enroute to airport. Just be prepared to change stuff around.  Best regards, D. Nelson | |||
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I have two Tuffpaks, one for guns and one smaller one for clothes/other stuff. Never a problem with clothes, boots, or other things in the gun case. No TSA locks on the gun case, use your own lock. | |||
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I have never had any problems filling my TP full of crap along with the guns DRSS Searcy 470 NE | |||
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We've never had an issue filling ours up with extra gear either. | |||
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Here's what I did with my TuffPak: I went to Lowe's and bought a small aluminum plate (it already had two screw holes and I added two more with a drill). I rounded off the top in a grinder to take off any sharp corners and then riveted it to the inside of the TuffPak so that it protruded past the top about 1.3 inches with one of the holes exposed. With a small hand-held rotary saw, I cut a slot in the top cover of the TuffPak that allowed the newly installed metal to slip through it when the Pak was closed. A TSA lock (I use the type with a flexable cable) can then go through the exposed hole and the cable, when in place, keeps the top from being removed. (note: make sure that the hole is only 1/4" above the top of the TuffPak when closed so there is no "play" in the top... also, the strap on the Pak should be quite tight). I now have a TuffPak with both locking systems, when and how I chose to use them. All that said, I most always use only the TSA lock and don't engage the other lock. Why? Because I ask the TSA representative which they prefer. And that's about 30 flights in a row. Go figure? JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous.   JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Title 49 CFR Section 1540.111 prohibits any others from having access to your firearms case, including the TSA, unless you are asked to provide the key to them for inspection. Here is the pertinent section: §1540.111 Carriage of weapons, explosives, and incendiaries by individuals. (a) On an individual's person or accessible property—prohibitions. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an individual may not have a weapon, explosive, or incendiary, on or about the individual's person or accessible property— (1) When performance has begun of the inspection of the individual's person or accessible property before entering a sterile area, or before boarding an aircraft for which screening is conducted under this subchapter; (2) When the individual is entering or in a sterile area; or (3) When the individual is attempting to board or onboard an aircraft for which screening is conducted under §§1544.201, 1546.201, or 1562.23 of this chapter. (b) On an individual's person or accessible property—permitted carriage of a weapon. Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply as to carriage of firearms and other weapons if the individual is one of the following: (1) Law enforcement personnel required to carry a firearm or other weapons while in the performance of law enforcement duty at the airport. (2) An individual authorized to carry a weapon in accordance with §§1544.219, 1544.221, 1544.223, 1546.211, or subpart B of part 1562 of this chapter. (3) An individual authorized to carry a weapon in a sterile area under a security program. (c) In checked baggage. A passenger may not transport or offer for transport in checked baggage or in baggage carried in an inaccessible cargo hold under §1562.23 of this chapter: (1) Any loaded firearm(s). (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. With all due respect to his Honor (and who I admire), allowing TSA to have unfettered access to your rifle case is a violation of federal law, even though some TSA employees feel that it's more convenient for them by you having a TSA lock on your gun case.  In addition, you must complete and sign (along with the ticketing agent's initials) an unloaded firearms declaration card and place it in your firearms case. (Per your U.S. carrier, i.e. Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, etc.) | |||
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First, I respect your opinion, but carried to the illogical extreme, the last portion of the code section as to who a "person" is would mean that the manufacturer or a wife at home or a locksmith could not have a key. I wondered about that and made inquiry at the Federal Law Enforcement Center as to whom "person" referred. They excluded TSA employees as "a person". Being usually a belt and suspenders guy, until I get a written opinion from one of the guys at FLETC (the school is in my home town and the airport where I usually fly out of is adjoining the campus).... I'll go ahead and lock the non-TSA lock. That is, until the TSA guy insists I unlock it and put the other lock on. That's happened, too. If, and when, I get something in writing from the agency, I'll pass it along. JudgeG ... just counting time 'til I am again finding balm in Gilead chilled out somewhere in the Selous. | |||
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Judge: Again with all due respect, here is clarifying language from the TSA itself on its very own website (please look it up): "Transporting Firearms and Ammunition You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage. Contact the TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage. Firearms When traveling, comply with the laws concerning posession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments. Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply. Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock. Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only. Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage." Once again, the TSA itself states, as does 49 CFR, that only the PASSENGER transporting the firearm is to retain the key or combination to the lock. You are the PASSENGER flying with the firearm, not your wife at home, the manufacturer, or the locksmith. You, the PASSENGER, are to have the only key or knowledge of the lock's combination while that firearm is flying with you. As has happened with me many times, if TSA wants to inspect it, they call for your key(you usually wait until you are told to leave for the gate) and you give it to them. When the inspection is completed, they return the key to you and release the gun case for flight. As may be the case, you wait and they do not want to inspect it and the gate agent instructs you to leave for the gate. As I see it, it has nothing to do with the definition of a person. I'm just trying to keep you and any misguided TSA employees out of trouble, my friend. | |||
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Nor have I. Usually center the Firearm(s) in soft case(s) where they can be unzipped (untied) and easily slipped in and out for inspection. As to ammo -in a separate locked container inside the TuffPak - Depends on the country/airline , etc. | |||
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A Tuff Sak used with mine sure makes getting everything in and out easier!  | |||
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A lot of you guys mention repacking your firearms but it has been years since I was allowed to touch them. That is true in many airports, including Denver the month before last. I was not allowed to even touch the locks. | |||
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I have made the modification that JudgeG posted on both of my Tuffpaks. They need a chainsaw or sabre saw to get into them now. Combine that and a shielded master lock that can't be cut, nearly bulletproof. | |||
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Ditto with pagosaw's comment about Jugde G's lock modification. Bullet proof now. | |||
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I have the keyed version of the Tuffpak 1050. I usually include other items to get the most of the 50lbs weight allowance but never ammo. Hats, clothes, and other soft items usually. In New Zealand I did all the handling of the firearm, when opening and removing it for inspection. At Denver, I was at least allowed to watch the TSA bungle the job. They had to ask me multiple questions as to how it worked. They let me repack it once they had done their part. In Baltimore and Los Angeles, they took my key and did not let me follow. I was slightly apprehensive since that is not what the law says, but no use arguing the law with the TSA. They are clueless. I have never had a problem, but only 3 trips to date with the Tuffpak. DSC SCI Life NRA Life WSF Life <1 Club | |||
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Depends on the airport. I've had them escort me to a room and have me open the Tuff Pak and get out the rifles, and in others (the vast majority) I never see them open the case and inspect it. They merely come out of a door near the area where I've been instructed to wait, take my key and 10-20 minutes later return with the key and tell me that I'm good to go to the gate. Just did that recently (last month) in both Las Vegas and in Tucson on a Coues deer hunt. And yes, TSA employees are, in a number of instances, both clueless about the procedure and about the law. I carry a copy of the regulations with me on every hunting trip just in case I get someone who incorrectly instructs me or doesn't know what to do. | |||
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"I carry a copy of the regulations with me on every hunting trip just in case I get someone who incorrectly instructs me or doesn't know what to do." Brilliant | |||
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The only problem I have had with my tuff-pak is when it is too big for the vehicle. I had an uncomfortable 4 hour ride with it. I always pack clothes around the rifle. Ammo is always confusing. Same case, separate case, separate with belongings, etc. | |||
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Gents: I bought and shortly sold my TuffPak--absolutely hated it. I use an SKB now as it is so much easier to get to what I want. But, the point here is I always pack items in it and never had a problem or a question. It could be clothes, small wood carvings coming back from Zim, a bush axe, etc. Cal _______________________________ Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska www.CalPappas.com www.CalPappas.blogspot.com 1994 Zimbabwe 1997 Zimbabwe 1998 Zimbabwe 1999 Zimbabwe 1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation 2000 Australia 2002 South Africa 2003 South Africa 2003 Zimbabwe 2005 South Africa 2005 Zimbabwe 2006 Tanzania 2006 Zimbabwe--vacation 2007 Zimbabwe--vacation 2008 Zimbabwe 2012 Australia 2013 South Africa 2013 Zimbabwe 2013 Australia 2016 Zimbabwe 2017 Zimbabwe 2018 South Africa 2018 Zimbabwe--vacation 2019 South Africa 2019 Botswana 2019 Zimbabwe vacation 2021 South Africa 2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later) ______________________________ | |||
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I've got an old Cablela's aluminum gun case that has always protected my rifle/scope perfectly. It has about 6 lock rings. Although designed to use only two locks via a bar that is inserted, I usually use 6 separate locks. I think this trip I will put on two TSA locks and 4 regular locks, just in case the TSA cuts off the non-TSA locks, then it can still be locked. Also I used to pack my ammo in the case with the rifle, but I understand that RSA does not allow this, and expects the ammo to be in a separate, TSA locked container, either included within your other checkin bag, or as a separate check in bag. Does the Tuffpack have two separate, locking parts? Otherwise I would think RSA might object to the ammo being included in the rifle case. (or could you put locking ammo cases in the rifle case?) BH63 Hunting buff is better than sex! | |||
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Only one lock on a Tuffpak. We lock our ammo in a pistol case and put locked case in our regular luggage. That way if they say in needs to go as it's own checked luggage, it's ready to go. So far they've never taken it out of luggage. | |||
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Thanks for the replies. BH63 Hunting buff is better than sex! | |||
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for about $15 you can go to walgreens or walmart and buy a little locking cashbox. It holds 4 boxes of bullets easily. Locks ok and is fairly sturdy. One could get in it with a screwdriver and hammer, but so what? it's just ammo. legally, it only has to lock. both times in RSA, it became its own piece of luggage at no extra charge. | |||
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This is exactly what I do as well. I have had locks cut off - they once paged me in the Denver airport and I didn't hear it. Luckily my gun case had TSA locks on it as well. | |||
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I actually put another set of 4 locks in my case with a note on them that says "If you had to cut my locks to open case, please use these 4 locks to re-seal it. I have a key for these with me. thanks." | |||
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Neither have I. Infact , with the double guns- all I have needed to do is unzip the soft case - show the Serial Number on the receiver - zip it up again an move on. | |||
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In 6 trips I have never had a problem with my TuffPak. My secret-I put my gun/s in soft cases and inside a Tuff Sack. I surround the guns with "protective packing material" which consists of my clothes like pants, shirts, underwear etc. rolled into "logs" and put in black plastic trash can bags that I tape around and use to fill the voids in the case around the rifles. I can usually get 3 maybe 4 "logs" in the case and my gun is securely packed with padding all around. I cut 3" hard foam that I put in the bottom of the case before putting everything it. Works like a charm, gun is securely packed and padded. Only once did I have to pull out a log and show them what was inside and pulling the gun out in the Tuff Sack is simple. In my view the best thing about the Tuff Pak besides is protection is that it only weighs 15 pounds empty...every other gun case is a lot heavier so you start out behind the curve with weight. Good luck Paul "Diligentia - Vis - Celeritas" NRA Benefactor Member Member DRSS | |||
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I am pretty sure it is an SAPS directive (I saw the memo posted in the SAPS office at JNB) that you can only put "hunting equipment" in the same case as the firearms. No clothing, boots etc etc. So perhaps you are OK using your Tuffpak for your clothes etc. if going to countries other than RSA? Or has RSA relented? Russ Gould - Whitworth Arms LLC BigfiveHQ.com, Large Calibers and African Safaris Doublegunhq.com, Fine English, American and German Double Rifles and Shotguns VH2Q.com, Varmint Rifles and Gear | |||
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My tuffpack is older than TSA. I have had zero issues with it in regards to packing two to three firearms and clothing and other items in the case, and I weigh it an keep it under 50 pounds. I think they are a terrific case. NRA Patron member | |||
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And this is the reason I carry the rules and regs with me when I travel..Lord, how I have trained airport officials over the years..BTW they embarrass easy..dumb bunch of monkeys for the most part! I have always traveled with a tuff pack and you are not supposed to allow anyone to have access to your guncase unless you agree to it and are there to observe and assist, thats by there own regs unless its changed in the last few years. However things are constantly changing in these trying times, so get a set of regs and go by what they say, not some idiot.. I recall coming home from SCI Dallas and a employ told me I could not take my guns with me!! I asked for her manager and he was idiot no 2 that's when I pulled out the rules and he read them and allowed he would let them go this time. I told him bulls--t I want to talk to your boss, he refused and I said well Im going to airport security and well get to the bottom of this, the high muckleup shows up and starts apoligising his a$$ off..I got a first class seat out of the deal... I have had some issues in Africa but one should never get mad there, might end up in a African hooscow...Bribery, as we call it, is a way of life there, but you damn well better know the rules of edicate if you go there, if not just act dumb that'll getcha by every time.. My funniest bribe was when Pierre van Tonder loaded my suitcase with 70 lbs of brochures to take home with me..Counter guy says $300. extra. I ask for his boss, and asked if there was any way I could get by with less money like perhaps buy his mother some tea, He then asked why I have unloaded rifle cases in my luggage, I told him I cut them off and made buttons for my hunting coat..He liked that so I gave him a 6 404 cases to make buttons with, he was so happy and said his grandmother would also appreciate some tea, that cost me $20 bucks and I was on my way to the good ole USA... As I was boarding the plane the manager comes running hell bent for leather calling out my name, I damn near passed out, scared the crap out of me, He handed me a receipt for tea for is mother and grandmother and thanked me again.. I still have that recipe..Great contry Africa and they have a way of expediting things, we could learn from them..  Ray Atkinson Atkinson Hunting Adventures 10 Ward Lane, Filer, Idaho, 83328 208-731-4120 rayatkinsonhunting@gmail.com | |||
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