[HowardCohodas]

The choice of hardware offers some personal choices. Here are mine.

• Hard sided container - Not TSA accessable - Center of Mass - http://www.center-of-mass.com/
  I like this choice because it has a small form factor. I have 3 large sized. Unfortunately, I did not take advantage of getting them all keyed the same. I loop the cable through the hanger hardware in my generic luggage.
• Pistol Lock - VisuaLock - http://www.visuallock.com/
  I prefer this to the cable lock that comes with the LCP. It permits the slide to be closed and requires a special key. With the cable lock, if the slide is released because of rough luggage handling it closes on the cable. Probably no harm. I just don't like it.
• TSA compliant luggage lock - http://www.tamperseal.com/tsa-lugga...=searchalert&gclid=CK38gKiC5JUCFQaYQAodZWVqfQ
  TSA can open your bags anytime they please. They will break your locks if necessary. TSA compliant locks permit these locks to be opened with a pass key. The Silent Alert locks have an indicator to inform you that this has happened. I'm not sure of the benefit of knowing, it just is satisfying to know.
• Luggage Handle Wrap - http://www.organize.com/luggage-handle-wrap-green.html
  I use generic luggage. By this I mean that my bags look like dozens of bags on the carousel. I want to make sure noone else walks off with my guns. These bright handle wraps help differentiate my bags without making it obvious I have something really valuable inside.

 

[HowardCohodas]

I am embarrassed to say that I forgot to mention that in order to work with the LCP, a special sliding assembly is required. Phill Bradly at VisuaLock replaced the original at no charge. I am very pleased with his support.

Below is an email I sent him to try to head off the problem so you don't have to wait for an exchange. I would recommend, however, to send him a note before your order is shipped.

Hi Phill,

I have been promoting the VisuaLock on the new forum devoted to the LCP, http://ElsiePeaForum.com. I just got messages that some orders had been placed. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to mention that to work with the LCP, the special sliding assembly is required. I don't know if it is possible to head this off. Just wanted to give you a heads-up. I will post this note on the forum to help in the ordering process.

Thanks,
Howard

 

[pistol-packin-preacher]

Smart-looking setup!

 

[Match10]

Isn't the magazine supposed to be unloaded as well?

 

[HowardCohodas]

Isn't the magazine supposed to be unloaded as well?

I believe you are correct. I was wondering when someone would spot this and ask about it. I will confirm that the mag must be unloaded and if so, a new picture will go on the "to do" list.

 

[HowardCohodas]

# You can't use firearm magazines/clips for packing ammunition unless they completely and securely enclose the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
# You may carry the ammunition in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as you pack it as described above.

I'm still not sure, but discretion would probably be advised.

 

[rmarkob]

Isn't the magazine supposed to be unloaded as well?

A loaded magazine is not supposed to be carried "loose" with the top round exposed. Some interpret that to mean mag holsters or pouches are ok, but I've heard of some airline employees disputing that. The other authorized way is in a factory ammo container, which holds each round separately so they don't rattle around loose in a box. I keep a couple of the 20 round boxes around for just that purpose, and haven't had a problem. I even put them in my luggage outside of the center-of-mass locked container.

 

[kensteele]

they don't want a round to be exposed so if you have a loaded magazine, put the magazine in a pouch or cover the top of the mag with a cap.

 

[kensteele]

i track my bag with gps so if it tries to "walk" away, i can find it. peace of mind.

 

[VdrSain]

These are great pointers thanks for posting them, I've done a bit of checking on this myself but there is a lot here I'd not thought about.

I'm curious, though, you mention the Center of Mass not being "TSA accessible"? I assume that means they do not need to be able to get into the internal case for inspection? I guess I need to re-read the TSA policy but I thought they needed to be able to get into both the outer luggage and the case for the gun as well.

 

[kensteele]

These are great pointers thanks for posting them, I've done a bit of checking on this myself but there is a lot here I'd not thought about.

I'm curious, though, you mention the Center of Mass not being "TSA accessible"? I assume that means they do not need to be able to get into the internal case for inspection? I guess I need to re-read the TSA policy but I thought they needed to be able to get into both the outer luggage and the case for the gun as well.

iirc, you are supposed to be the only person with a key to the gun. at check-in you will be nearby with the key if they need to inspect, after that, gun is locked up for good.

 

[mneptune]

That is a very cool set-up.

 

[zatx]

Nice set up.

I would only add the following after years of worldwide travel:

- Continue to use the same boring black luggage that everyone uses, but take colored electrical tape and wrap it around all exposed handles. I use a combination of colors in a set pattern such as yellow, red, yellow. I don't cover the entire handle with tape, just three stripes. This makes it high visibility and you won't get bozos trying to pick up your bags by mistake.

The colored tags and or velcro straps are nice, but they sell these at walmart, target, and the airport, so too many people have those. Customize the tape colors of your choice and you'll never see anyone with the same pattern as you. At least I haven't after millions of miles traveled. And if someone does pick up your bag whether on purpose or on accident you can spot them from across the airport.

 

[HowardCohodas]

- Continue to use the same boring black luggage that everyone uses, but take colored electrical tape and wrap it around all exposed handles. I use a combination of colors in a set pattern such as yellow, red, yellow. I don't cover the entire handle with tape, just three stripes. This makes it high visibility and you won't get bozos trying to pick up your bags by mistake.

I like your solution more than the one I initially listed. Simple, elegant and effective. Thanks for adding this idea. It now supplements the material I pass out to my students.

 

[zatx]

I like your solution more than the one I initially listed. Simple, elegant and effective. Thanks for adding this idea. It now supplements the material I pass out to my students.

You're welcome. I came up with this after seeing people try to pick up my boring black luggage thinking it was theirs. Some people tie ribbon and all kinds of crazy stuff to their bag, but I think this makes it stand out too much. I don't like drawing attention to myself or my property and this is a nice way of causing the average person to realize this isn't their bag as they reach for the handle. Like I said, make sure you get all the handles. On my bags there is one on the side, top, and bottom.