Discreet Guitar rifle case TSA approved?

A

attila787

New member
I found a website and thought I bookmarked the website, but I didn't:(. I can't for the life of me find it.

It was a TSA approved guitar shaped rifle case. They had a few to choose from from cheaply constructed to TSA approved.

Can anybody point me to the right direction?
 
Why advertise it as something it's not.

Baggage handlers would be more likely to "lose" (steal) your guitar as it would be nearly impossible to track.

When they see a rifle case, they all know that it has S/N's that can be tracked. They can't pawn it as it would be traced back to them...

I say, if you want to travel with a rifle, buy a Pelican case or something similar and don't worry about it.
 
I found a website once that showed how to convert an old guitar case into a gun case. It held one rifle and a variety of handguns. It was really cool and I've often thought about making one myself.

For me, it wouldn't be for airline travel. It would be more for discreet transport. I already play guitar, been in bands, etc ... so my neighbors are already used to seeing me come in and out of my house with guitar cases. ;)
 
There is some wisdom there,,,

Way back in time,,,
When I was a young Airman,,,
I was heavily into photography as a hobby.

Lots of my friends had those real nice Halliburton steel camera cases,,,
They might as well have had a sign that said "Camera, Steal Me!"

I used an old raggedy suitcase that I cut foam for,,,
No one ever tried to walk away with mine,,,
Several of my friends had theirs stolen.

A semi-beat up guitar case with a cheap brand guitar logo on it,,,
Would be a great disguise for a nice rifle and/or handguns.

Aarond
 
Two points...
  1. Keep in mind that a container used to transport a firearm in airline luggage does not necessarily have to be "TSA approved". Allowable types of containers are usually a matter of individual airline policy. They generally must be hard-sided, but TSA approval is often not mandatory if it's obvious that the container is sufficiently stout. ALWAYS thoroughly check the airline's policy before taking a firearm to the airport.
  2. +1 to what Precision Shooter said; be aware that musical instruments are stolen A LOT. Sure, using a guitar case may be "discreet", but my fear would be that your rifle would be stolen by someone who was after a guitar, then thrown in a river when the thief realized he didn't get what he bargained for. :(
 
If it meets the necessary criteria, why not use it? When I fly I use a lockbox that looks like a dictionary, never had a problem.
 
carguychris said:
Two points...

1. Keep in mind that a container used to transport a firearm in airline luggage does not necessarily have to be "TSA approved". Allowable types of containers are usually a matter of individual airline policy. They generally must be hard-sided, but TSA approval is often not mandatory if it's obvious that the container is sufficiently stout. ALWAYS thoroughly check the airline's policy before taking a firearm to the airport.
Click to expand...
The original post confused me, and this post hints at the reason. Where and how does the TSA "approve" gun cases? Not the actual regulations, but the TSA's web site provides the following guidance: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

From that page:

Failure to adhere to the following regulations will preclude passengers from traveling with firearms, ammunitions or firearm parts:

* Travelers must declare all firearms, ammunition, and parts to the airline during the ticket counter check-in process.
* The firearm must be unloaded.
* The firearm must be in a hard-sided container.
* The container must be locked. A locked container is defined as one that completely secures the firearm from being accessed. Cases that can be pulled open with little effort cannot be brought aboard the aircraft. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
Click to expand...
Nowhere does this mention any sort of "approval" for containers in which firearms may be carried. Of course, this is a FAQ, not the actual regulations, and as such may not be 100% correct. As an example, the very next bullet point says

TSA inspects all firearm cases at the ticket counter. Travelers should remain in the area designated by the aircraft operator or TSA representative to take the key back after the container is cleared for transportation. If travelers are not present and the security officer must open the container, TSA or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner. If contact is not made, the container will not be placed on the aircraft.
Click to expand...
"... to take the key back ..." implies surrendering the key. But the actual regulations, and Federal law, stipulate that the owner shall retain the key or combination. It has been known for years that the TSA's informal guidance on this point is in direct violation of Federal law, and it is disturbing to see that they continue to promulgate information that tells would-be travelers to comply with unlawful instructions.
 
Two reasons why I'm looking at a guitar shaped rifle case.

First, I'm currently going to school in Seattle and people at least here in the city freak out about firearms especially the apartment building I live in.

Second, I would like to travel with my firearms back home to Houston. I figured obtaining a discreet case like I mentioned will take care of my concerns.
 
And, .................. there are some realllllllllly tough guitar cases out there to protect high end guitars.

They should easily protect your rifle(s), . . . maybe some ammo, . . . maybe a handgun, . . . all very discreetly camoflaged.

That's called "hidden in plain sight".

May God bless,
Dwight
 
A discreet riflecase is fine for around town, but TSA will still flag it as a firearm so that won't stop it from disappering at any of our airports.
 
I just finished this yesterday.
I found a violin case at a thrift shop for $3.50 and carefully pulled out the liner so I could reuse it. Then I got a sheet of scrap egg crate packing foam and cut a couple of pieces to fit the two halves. Laid the rifle and magazine where I wanted them, traced and cut out the foam to match the contours, then recovered the foam with the liner that I had removed earlier.

I sure wouldn't use it for shipping or travel, I just wanted something different for carrying to the range. Total investment in it is less than $5.00.
SANY0832.jpg
 
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