I saw a few posts on Delta forum of FT on this, but most didn't specifically address or were several years ago, so apologies if this duplicates a prior thread.

Two questions regarding 1) hard-sided 18x15x8" pistol case with pin-type TSA locks and 2) impact on connecting flights.

I've flown with firearms before, always case for rifles/shotguns. I've always had to open the case at the time of check in and go to the baggage office to claim the bag, as I expected. I have always used my own locks in the past, typically 4 to the case. I am now thinking of flying with a hard-sided pistol case (Pelican V300) with 2 TSA pin-type locks (vs cable-style TSA locks.) I am planning on checking the case separately, in part because old threads on FT suggest that case-within-another-bag may make theft less obvious and therefore higher risk, most as far as I can tell where the outer case was locked.

My decision to use TSA locks is based in part on advice by TSA agents was to use TSA locks (once for a flight when I was flying with a shotgun case, the other when I specifically recently sought out TSA agents after arriving on a different flight.) It's only a minor inconvenience to me to wait for the TSA agent to wait at the ticket counter for the return the keys to my locks, but it would be more convenient to be able to skip that step. I have different number combinations on each lock, although if the hole in security is someone having the TSA key, that obviously won't help much. I plan to photograph the pistol(s) ahead of time for a record of what is being transported.

The second question relates to tight connections. I have at times when not checking a firearm I have made flights where the first leg was late, even "rebooked" on the app. I can see how having a checked firearm could work both ways: either hold the second leg of the itinerary so that the CAGPT (Check And Give Protection To) baggage isn't left at the connecting station. Alternatively, that it could work against making a tight connection if they figure normal handling will create the risk of a misconnect and refuse to allow me to continue on my scheduled itinerary. In case anyone knows, I would be less likely to book a tighter connection if the latter is more likely.