Top quality. Pricey, but way ahead over any competitors. Handy, rock-solid, reliable, secured. It is my 4th personal Pelican 1170 case. We also use deferent Pelican cases for business, never had a single issue over a years. Highly recommend!

This case fits a normal sized pistol, one mag, maybe 2 depending on size. That's all you'll have space for.

I was looking for a case to store my browning .380 1911 with holster in trunk for transportation. Leather holster and handgun just barely fits, but will do the job. If you are worried about finding locks to fit, be sure to see the often purchased together master lock. The locks are not TSA approved, but good for everyday use and fit. Only thing that might be an issue is if your gear goes all the way to the tip of the interior of it there is no way to keep the foam against the edge.

This case is really well made, but a few things pistol owners, at least 1911 owners should know that deal with size which precludes me from using it for my 1911. I am giving this case 4 stars because it is really well made, but it does not suit my purpose.

Measuring available surface area (length x width, not depth which is ample)I ended up with 4 7/8" x 9 3/8. "Available" means that you keep the outer perimeter of the foam. The plastic-to-plastic measurements are (LxW) 6 1/8" x 10 3/4 as measured by me, but for shock and surface protection, it is the available dimensions that matter.

- My Wilson Classic 1911 will not fit into this box no matter how I position it and at the same time stay within the foam cutout line as recommended by Pelican. Overall length of my 1911 is about 8 3/4" to the spur and about 5 3/4" from base (with mag in and including the mag base) to the top of the rear sight.

- My smaller 9mm Sig 229 will fit, but it has to be placed diagonally and after doing that, it would be difficult to find room for 1 magazine.

- This case will not lock with the usual pistol safety lock - the one with the cables - because the distance between the 2 holes is too far apart. If two paddle locks are used this is not an issue, but I have cable locks taking shelf space so it would be nice if they worked. Again the lock issue is not a show stopper.

I will have to get a larger case.

I bought this as a first-time checking a firearm flyer. Lucky for me I live 10 minutes from Detroit Metro and was able to stop in and with this case and my EMPTY Sig Sauer case (yes, both marked "EMPTY" with bright orange tape) carrying through the terminal. I asked TSA what was acceptable. Obviously they said this was -assuming you abide by both TSA and your airline's rules, and the Master locks everyone recommends are indeed perfect. They also confirmed, there is NO SUCH THING as a TSA approved lock. They will cut off any lock if something needs to be opened.

To my surprise they noted 2 important things. The first being that my Sig Sauer hard case (for my P938) was perfectly acceptable with the locks. Secondly, what I didn't think about which made me glad to have purchased this was that this leaves no indication of what is inside. As some "sitters" by the luggage would quickly snatch up a case labeled "Sig Sauer" across the front. This case is discreet and tough it may contain a really sentimental five dollar bill or in my "case" an $800 pistol WITH ammo.

If in doubt and your alternate case is labeled with what may be inside, dish out the money and get this with the 2 recommended Master locks (they really are a perfect fit). Thank you Pelican, Detroit Metro TSA, and reviews for the suggested locks. Happy travels!

p.s. TSA allows live ammo in the same case as a firearm as long as the rounds don't touch (basically your standard 50 round box of Winchester Ranger-T series 124gr +p in the box was fine). The airline itself is what you need to check with. Allegiant had to call it in and get approval to allow it in the same locked case, but they let it fly.