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nitrogen wrote:Can you take pictures of this?

I'm more of a visual learner

I do something similar but it only works for bags with the little extend-a-handle.

The camera software is on the fritz but I will try to explain in more detail.

I actually used 2 eyebolts. The eyebolts are threaded rods with a closed circle, or loop,(the 'eye") made on one end. The ones I used were 3/16" in diameter. I have a hardsided Samsonite suitcase. On the bottom side where the hinges are located, I drilled 2 holes 3/16" in diameter in the metal structural band around the suitcase between the hinges spaced about 10" apart. This is on the bottom of the suitcase as it sits with the handle on the top.

I then take each eyebolt and thread a nut all the way onto it, and then from the inside of the suitcase, insert the threaded end of the eyebolt through the hole on the suitcase and then, from the outside of the suitcase, install a lock washer and thread another nut on to the eyebolt. Then, tighten the two nuts against one another to secure everything in place.

At this point you can measure the excess amout of threaded rod sticking out beyond the nut on the outside of the case, remove all the parts, cut off the excess and reinstall...OR your can leave everything securely in place and use a hacksaw blade to cut off the excess. Do not cut exactly flush with the edge of the nut on the outside of the case. Leave about 1/2 turn of thread. You can then use a small hammer or punch to ruin that 1/2 turn of thread so that the nut cannot be backed off and removed. This is what secures these eyebolts to your suitcase.

With the "eye" part of the eyebolt now discreetely located on the bottom {hinge) side of the inside of your suitcase, take the cable of your Center of Mass guncase, or similar design, and thread it through the "eyes" and lock it back into the guncase. In this fashion, it would be nearly impossible for a smash and grab thief to make off with the easily concealable guncase as he would be dragging the whole suitcase with him. They don't carry cable cutters or bolt cutters with them...and that is what they would need to seperate the items.

With a bit of care in drilling and cutting, there should be almost no damage to the suitcase. Inside the suitcase, all you can see are the two round "eyes" sticking up from the hinge area. From the outside, nothing is really obvious as the installation is on the bottom of the suitcase and the nuts only extend about 1/4" out from the suitcase frame so they do not snag other items.

If I have not been suficiently clear or if you have other questions, please, feel free to ask.

Last summer I flew to Atlanta on Continental. As AggieMM said, a bit of preparation, courtesy and patience goes a long way.

I, too, was asked to step out of the main line to have my firearm inspected. I also used the Center of Mass type steel box. The Continental attendand was very professional and courteous. He also did not try to touch the firearm. Made sure the orange tag was in the bag and not in the locked guncase.

I also found, at my destination, and card saying my bag had been inspected after it left my possession. They (TSA) insert these "love notes" (a TSA term) to let you know it was done. My ammo was also in a factory box within main locked suitcase which contained the locked guncase. The key to the guncase stays in the owners possession.

HINT: I have heard stories of snatch and grab thieves stealing from luggage. What I did to reduce the risk of losing my pistol to theft was to install a small eyebolt on the inside of the suitcase through the metal frame of the suitcase and locking the threads so that the nut cannot be backed off. I then thread the cable of he Center of Mass box through the eyebolt and lock it back into the guncase. This way they cannot just grab the guncase out of the compromised suitcase and run off to open it at their leisure...the have to drag along the eitire suitcase. A much harder and more obvious proposition. The modification can be done very discreetly with little obvious sign on the outside and no damage on the inside. Hope this helps someone.