Kharn: Right!
You're not supposed to use a TSA lock on firearm cases, federal law requires the passenger be the only one with the key or combination.
I hope I was just unclear
.
You're correct.... The TSA lock is for the suitcase
only - they
want to be able to open those.
The gun case lock should be keyed so you can hand them the key and then get it back again, rather than a combination, because you have to "advertise" the combination, which isn't good. The idea being that only you and the specific screener who checks the weapon can access it.
Not the best security in the world if your gun case is plastic, but the spirit of the law seems to be to restrict rather than eliminate access. Theft doesn't bother them, apparently, viz the old "Steal Me" firearms sign that was once supposed to be on the outside of the case.
I don't plan on flying again until I get a FL license or reciprocity with TX, but I have to take mom to the airport in a couple weeks, and she's going to qualify for a "caregiver" - me - to take her to the gate. No firearm, of course, but possibly an empty holster
. She's old enough and infirm enough that I may have to go get her in TX, and who knows what Santa will send our AG by then.
Meantime, I wanted to get a line on those TSA locks 'cause with or without the weapon, I may need that suitcase....
(My other suitcases are big old Samsonites with built-in locks. Best kept locked 'cause they tend to pop open. Everybody's got keys to those except probably the TSA....
)
(As I understand the problem with TX, they could issue non-resident licenses with one phone call to someplace or other that OH doesn't bother to ask when qualifying CHL's here. $50 and a photocopy of our OH license ought to do it. But that's way too simple.... I have the FL paperwork, but haven't been able to deal with it....)
Thanks!