flying commercial with a firearm in checked baggage- question

me ^ | 11-26-13 | TZ

[marktwain]

I have never had a problem with the type of lock.

I like a combination lock because if you lose/forget a key, you have a real problem.

[marktwain]

"Your ammunition MUST be in the same box the manufacturer packaged it in. You are not permitted to put loose ammo in with your weapon. You are not permitted to have ammo in your magazines or in the firearm." Good advice, but my understanding is that the ammunition has to be in a "factory container designed to hold ammuniton". I have often used plastic ammunition boxes, and have never had a problem. I like the MTM case-gard AmmoWallets because they hold each round individually. As stated, no loose ammo, no ammo in speed loaders or magazines.

MTM AmmoWallets

[TurboZamboni]

The airline I’m using says the manufacturer’s packing is OK- each round is separate from another. They also say ammo and firearm must be in the same case.

[TurboZamboni]

do you ever fly Delta with a firearm recently?

[marktwain]

No, I have not.

[TurboZamboni]

It went fine leaving MPLS. although the agent asked to see the gun was unloaded(she didn’t touch it nor did I, but I opened the case and showed the slides were locked back) I know the procedure is I only need to state it’s unloaded and sign the card to vouch for this, but I appeased her as to not face a retribution delay) I then locked the case with a keyed Masterlock ,closed the suitcase and put a TSA lock on the outside zipper.

Coming back from the left coast(same airline) the agent claimed that my gun case lock needed to be a TSA lock. I explained it did not and why-federal law prohibits TSA from opening the case once it’s been declared and locked...she sort of captitulated, but said they “may need to break the lock” to which I said, “good luck”. No problems followed.

I also made a nylon cable lock to go through the suitcase inner frame and locked to the case.

[marktwain]

Was it California. They are the least informed, in my experience.