Are you a hunter, a competitive shooter, or an enthusiast who likes to take your gun with you on trips? If so it’s essential to ensure that your firearm is adequately secure for transport. That’s why investing in a TSA-approved rifle case is critical.
A TSA approved rifle case is specifically for air travel and meets the Transportation Security Administration’s requirements for flying with firearms.
Quick Overview Of The TSA Approved Rifle Case (Updated List)
| Rating | Preview | Product | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.9 |   | Pelican Protector 1700 Series Rifle Cases TSA Approved Rifel Case | More Details |
| 5.0 |  | Condition 1 Tactical Rifle Case Waterproof Patented Push-Button Locks TSA Approved Rifel Case | More Details |
| 4.6 |  | Eylar USA Flag Roller Tactical Rifle Hard Case with Foam, Two Rifles TSA Approved Rifel Case | More Details |
How To Fly With A Gun – TSA Guidelines
It is important to know what a TSA approved rifle case is, but just as necessary to become familiar with and follow the TSA guidelines to the letter when transporting firearms.
TSA allows passengers to travel with their firearms and ammunition under the following conditions:
- Firearms are always in checked baggage but never in a carry-on.
- Pack your unloaded firearm in a locked and hard-sided case.
- Declare to the airline that you are traveling with a gun.
- Fill out a declaration form at the airline check-in desk that you will use as a tag on your rifle case.
- Pack your firearm and ammunition separately within the same hard-sided rifle case.
- Ensure that your rifle case is inaccessible and that only you have the key to the locks.
- Pack one rifle per TSA approved rifle case. You may take five gun cases in your checked baggage as long as they are within the weight limit of 50 lbs. If you go over the 50-pound weight limit, there will be an extra fee. Unfortunately, not all airlines allow you to pack more than 50 lbs.
Remember, TSA will not allow any weapon to pass through security screening in your carry-on bag. TSA will penalize you if caught violating this rule. The penalty is now $14,950. In addition, you must declare your firearms at the check-in ticket counter.
When traveling with a TSA approved rifle case outside the U.S., there are different rules; please check the requirements and regulations of Customs and Border Protection.
Why Do You Need A TSA Approved Rifle Case
A TSA approved rifle case is the only way to ensure that your firearm is secure and meets all of the TSA guidelines for air travel. In addition, a tamper-proof and lockable case is extra security for your rifle.
The hard-sided construction of a TSA approved rifle case also helps protect your firearm from any damage that may occur during transport.
A TSA-approved rifle case is essential to traveling with a firearm. They provide the necessary security and protection for your firearm and ensure that you meet all TSA guidelines when traveling by air.
Investing in a quality, TSA approved rifle case is the best way to ensure your firearm is safe and secure during transport.
TSA Approved Rifle Case Product Reviews
Without further delay, here are our TSA approved rifle case reviews.
TSA Approved Rifel Case
The Pelican 1700 Case is an excellent choice to keep your weapons safe. It is a hard-side, nearly unbreakable waterproof case that protects and transports your rifles and shotguns.
The 1/4″ O-ring seal has a pressure release valve that regulates air pressure when your case is inside the cargo hold.
In addition, the Pelican 1700 has optional low-density foam that will mold to accommodate your guns and ammo.
The Pelican Protector 1700 series is an exceptional rifle case preferred by the military, law enforcement, and hunters worldwide. This durable Pelican rifle case provides maximum protection when used in extreme conditions.
Inside you will find a customizable 3-piece foam set to fit your firearm. In addition, it is fully watertight and offers excellent protection from the elements.
Benefits
- Premium rifle hard case used by the military and law enforcement, first responders, divers, and hunters
- It has an O-ring seal to keep contents waterproof.
- An automatic pressure equalization valve to release high pressure when it is in the cargo hold
- Dual purpose – as a single for air travel or double rifle case for home storage
- TSA Approved lock holes
- Easy to open double throw latches
- Four padlock holes that can fit a heavy-duty padlock
- USA-made with two double-layered soft-grip handles
- Ruggedly engineered to be an indestructible rifle case
- Dustproof
- Can withstand extreme temperatures
- Padded foam lining for protection against shocks and bumps
- Includes a customizable 3-piece foam set that will fit various rifles and shotguns. (customize it to your desired rifle or shotgun shape)
- Features strong polyurethane wheels
- Comes with Pelican Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence
- Dimensions in inches : Exterior –L 53 x W 16 x H 6.12 / Interior – L 50.50 x W 13.50 x H 5.25
Drawbacks
- The rifle case is heavy, and some prefer smaller handles.
Patented Push-Button LocksÂ
TSA Approved Rifel Case
The high-quality and affordable Condition 1 Tactical Rifle Case has an IP67 waterproof rating – waterproof and dustproof, ensuring maximum protection against the elements.
The Condition 1 Tactical Rifle case features patented latches, rubberized handles, steel pin hinges, and off-road style wheels. In addition, the automatic air pressure release valve makes this case airline friendly to protect your rifle while in the cargo hold.
It has areas on the outside for locks to secure your rifle inside the hard case to meet TSA approval. The exterior grooves help additional cases snap into place. It also comes with a customizable foam you can custom-cut to fit your firearms.
Benefits
- Indestructible hard case for long firearms
- Features patented latches (patent #8,944,476) which quickly close at the push of a button and pop open at the flick of a finger
- Predrilled lock holes on each end for locks that meet TSA approval
- The rubberized handles offer a safer grip for added comfort.
- The GORE-TEX automatic air pressure release valve prevents compression damage to your rifle during air travel
- Multiple layers of foam you can custom-fit for your long rifles.
- Rated IP67 waterproof blocks moisture, sand, and dust to protect your rifle from the damage of natural elements.
- Exterior dimensions (in inches): 54.77 x 16.50 x 5.94
- Interior dimensions (in inches): 51.4 x 13.77 x 5.02
- USA-made
- Steel pin hinge for added strength
- External grooves allow no-slide stacking of additional cases.
- Shockproof; Off-road wheels offer excellent stability and reduce vibration
- Rugged and sturdy
- TSA approved
Drawbacks
- The hard-sided TSA approved rifle case is heavy.
with Foam, Two Rifles, TSA Standards
TSA Approved Rifel Case
The Eylar Mil-Spec tactical rifle hard case secures your firearms whether you take it on a flight or use it for home storage. The two concealed wheels provide swift and smooth transportation of heavy loads.
In addition, with this tactical rifle hard case, you can travel by air because it meets TSA’s strict firearm travel rules for flights within the U.S.
Crush-proof handles make rolling the tactical rifle case easy. Polypropylene injection molding results in a watertight and crush-resistant rifle container.
Its adjustable pressure equalization valve releases air pressure to correct atmospheric pressure at high/low altitudes in the cargo hold where pressure is unstable.
Three foam layers – top, body, and bottom, protect your gun in this TSA approved rifle case. Four press-and-pull snap latches secure the entire 38-inch-long case. It is crush-resistant for up to 3,000 lbs, and you can securely stack this rifle case because of the uniform top and bottom ridges.
Benefits
- Features laser-engraved USA flag design plate to denote this is a USA-made rifle case.
- Exterior dimensions (inches): 44.37 x 16 x 6.12
- Interior dimensions (inches): 42 x 13.5 x 5.25
- It is for 2 rifles or a combination. But you can only put one rifle and ammo in it for flight.
- Rated IP67 waterproof and with a rubber gasket seal, this case is watertight and will protect the contents when fully submerged up to 1 meter.
- Includes three layers of foam: one fully customizable pull and pluck cubed layer, one top solid foam layer, one layer of egg-crate bottom foam padding
- TSA-compliant with two padlock adaptable fittings to allow placement of 2 heavy-duty locks for flight.
- ¼ inch padlock clasps to protect inner contents
- Injection-molded with high-pressure polypropylene waterproof plastic
- An adaptive, quick-release air pressure equalization valve allows captured air to equalize when traveling at different altitudes in the cargo hold.
- Resistant to extreme heat and cold
- Edge-to-edge crush-proof protection up to 3,000 lbs for evenly dispersed weight
- Travel roller case with a limited lifetime warranty
- This case comes in different lengths to fit longer rifles.
Drawbacks
- This case is for shorter firearms but you can purchase them in longer lengths.
What To Look For When Buying A TSA Approved Rifle Case
When carrying your firearms while traveling, finding a gun case that meets TSA requirements and ensures the security of your property and the safety of other passengers is vital.
Knowing what to look for in a TSA approved rifle case will help you make a wise decision.
Lockable And Secure
Technically, TSA specifies that firearm cases must meet their requirements for security. Therefore, you should use a lockable hard-sided TSA approved rifle case with a lock with a key or combination that only you know.
The case must be secure, so no one can pry it open.
The TSA agent will ask you to unlock the container at the TSA security checkpoint to examine the contents of the hard-sided case. Then TSA will ask you to lock the case again when they finish the inspection.
TSA requires that your TSA-approved rifle case is secure to prevent unauthorized access to the gun or ammunition.
A TSA approved rifle case requires at least 2 locks, one at each end, so look for a case with holes at each end to put your lock on.
Shockproof Hard-Sided
A hard-sided rifle case is an excellent choice to protect your firearms from harm. However, for the utmost security, go for one with high-density foam padding; it will offer superior protection for the contents.
It is wise to invest in a solid and dependable hard-sided rifle case from a reputable brand for maximum reliability and longevity.
Size
When traveling with firearms, it is essential to check with your airline regarding their TSA approved rifle case size limitations. TSA allows firearms on a flight if you transport them in your checked bags.
You can only pack one rifle inside a TSA approved rifle case with ammo. But a case that fits 2 rifles will be versatile to use at home.
Frequently Asked Questions About The TSA Approved Rifle Case
Here are a few FAQs you may have on your mind regarding the TSA approved rifle case.
What is the best case for flying with a rifle?
There are various brands of rifle cases, but the best is a virtually indestructible one. Look for one that has a pressure release valve, is TSA approved with 2 areas for locks, and has customizable foam.
What are the different types of gun cases?
There are cases for rifles, Glocks, and handguns; the list is endless. The most important thing is to find one that meets your needs; if you are flying, it must be TSA-approved.
What is a TSA-approved case?
The TSA firearm travel rules state that the case should have a hole on each end with locks to prevent unauthorized access. Only the case owner can possess the key or combination to open it.
Additional Resources on TSA Approved Items
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs and troubleshooting on TSA items, here are some additional posts about TSA Approved items:
TSA Approved Rifle Case – Conclusion
TSA guidelines say you can travel by air with your firearms in your checked baggage. The important thing to remember is to follow the TSA and FAA Travel Rules for firearms and ammunition.
Make sure you pack your firearms and ammo according to the TSA rules, so you make it to your destination with your rifle intact and in your possession.
Happy travels, my friends.
