I'm looking for a TSA approved case for air travel for pistols. Started looking at Pelican's numerous offerings, VAULT series V100 11"x8"x4.5" $50, V200 14"x10"x5.5" $80, V300 16"x11"x6.5" $90, V550 19"x14"x8.5" $130. Their STORM and PROTECTOR series are also in a similar to slightly higher price range for the Protector 1200 and 1400 specifically. The big difference seems to be the foam, handles, and latches. The Vault just has standard foam, not pickable so you have to cut everything away to fit. I want something to accommodate a minimum of two large pistols, 2 mags each and two boxes of ammo.

I've seen some cheap Chinese knock-offs for under $40 or so that appear solid, but would rather stick with Pelican or another well established brand.

Recommendations?

So this is NOT something you’re packing in other luggage? I’d honestly go with a couple of GunVault portable units (the keyed kind) and pack them in regular luggage.

Otherwise, if not Pelican, I have some Nanuk cases and they are top quality for a bit less.

-Rob

Have you looked at Harbor Freight?

https://www.harborfreight.com/...large-tan-56769.html

I have the larger 4800 and am very satisfied with its durability. If you have a Harbor Freight near you and you hurry you can get this 3800 for $30 today only.

quote:

Originally posted by jcsabolt2:

I've seen some cheap Chinese knock-offs for under $40 or so that appear solid, but would rather stick with Pelican or another well established brand.

Recommendations?

I’m glad everyone here has actually read your post before recommending cheap Chinese shit from Harbor Freight…

OP, strong +1 for Pelican, whichever size fits your need best.

You might look at Dillon Precision, their double pistol case is $20....TSA approved with appropriate lock and made in USA. Part number 40192.

I have a Vaultek VLP20-SD that I'm quite fond of. Fits nicely in a small check-in bag and has plenty of room for extra mags and boolits, and a knife and charge cards etc... Cost a bit more but I think it was worth it. TSA approved.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/zRv7mt5

I'm a fan of the Nanuk ones and amazingly they are made in Canada... Their #910 will do what you want but will have to cut the foam to what you are packing... and as mentioned I'd put it in checked bag... in fact after getting it tagged I actually use a second locking cable to secure it in the bag.
Here's one with a P250 and P320c and 4 magazines but only a 20 round box... where I was flying to that's all I needed for carry and had a couple hundred rounds reserved :


Oh and even though I've always done it this way, pistols, mags and ammo in the locked case I'm pretty sure the only item that actually has to be in the case is the pistols... Ammo in factory case and empty mags can be anywhere in your checked luggage.

Some will note that the magazine on the left has ammo in it... seems the TSA says this is okay... Delta says it isn't. Sure is a lot easier to get fitted up once out of the airport if you don't have to load a magazine....

Pelican is my first choice then Condition 1. Mild to wild.

Also, hide an AirTag or Tile etc. inside the foam.

I use a Pelican 1510 roller with 2-3 pistols, mags, some gear and ammo. I’ve been using TrekPak foam dividers. Ammo in MTM boxes closest to the wheels, guns verticals and facing back to front. So, when you open the lid the sights are up and the grips are towards you. Shoes or something towards the handle end with the Leatherman and pocket knife in plastic MTM Magazine box. Ammo bag and stuff that may get dirty or residue on it. Heavy key locks, keyed alike. Non TSA! Not too hard to stay under the 50 pounds.

I prefer a roller case because if they have to open it, all your other stuff doesn’t get tossed about and rummaged through. Plus, the guns are right there in plain sight when you open the case so it’s easy to put the tag in.

If you want to get crazy, look at custom cut foam if you normally travel with the same guns.

I fly to matches a few times a year and I use a Pelican 1450. I remove the foam, put the pistols in gun rugs and stick them in the case. In fact everything I don't want to disappear goes into the case. Magazines, holster (Belt goes with me in my carry-on), knife. You get way more in the case by removing the foam and the case is usually packet so full that I've never had issues with broken dots or anything else once I get to my destination.

I have a rolling duffle and a 3/8" steel cable with loops that is wrapped around the frame a couple times and then the loops are locked through the lock holes on the case securing the case to the bag. Keys are with me in my carry-on.

I typically ship ammo to my destination and I usually bring another couple hundred rounds with me in the checked bag. I have a cooler that fits inside the bag that has all of the other gear and ammo, toilet kit in it and I also get another set of shoes and rain gear in the bag.

All of my clothes and gun belt are put into a backpack that goes on the plane with me.

Some have used the cheap foam filled small plastic cases and just tossed them with a small lock in their checked bag and things have made it to the other side but I would never attempt that.

Whatever you do, do not lock your gun box with a TSA lock. The only person that is supposed to be able to get into that box is you or law enforcement with you in the immediate area.

You can buy custom foam for your Pelican cases that will be pre cut to hold your pistols, magazines, ear muffs and whatever.




4 Pistol Foam for Pelican™ 1450 Case

+++ Condition1. Texas made, too!