Posted on 03/16/2010 2:39:37 PM PDT by Joe Brower
Shooters, I apologize for the vanity, but I could use some advice from any of you who have already dealt with these issues. The short version: I plan on flying out to AZ from FL in a few months, and I want to take a few guns along. Up to now, I've either driven or used what my relatives had there.
I've reviewed the TSA website for its regs, as well as other sites for information of a more, er, "practical' nature (thefiringline.com, thehighroad.org, etc.). Lots of good info there, but I've run into a few snags:
1) What's a good case for rifle transport? I have a Pelican 1750 already, and like it a lot. I have two ARs I want to add to the bolt-gun in the 1750, and it seems like the 1770 will do the trick. It's a bit longer, but it's much taller, which would allow for the foam to be cut to accommodate two ARs, plus a variety of accessories. There is also a company called Starlight, but they don't offer anything like the 1770 that I have seen, plus wheels are extra. Gotta have wheels... It's also not as tall. Does anyone have experience with the 1770? Any other options out there?
I'm also wondering if I should just break 'em down into sections and ship them seperately at different intervals, marked as 'machine parts" or somesuch. I've done this before with unserialized components, but am unsure of the law regarding shipping an AR lower, for example.
2) What's a good case for pistols? I plan to take two semiautos as well, plus mags & hoslters. What Pelican or other case do you recommend for this?
3) Shipping ammo. With ammo prices still high, I figured I would ship the ammo I'll need via UPS. At least, what I will need beyond the 11 pounds allowed by most airlines. However, I just got off the phone and UPS needs you to be a registered hazmat shipper and other unanticipated flaming hoops. So who might I use for this? Or perhaps my local gun shop could ship it for me? (I plan to call him tomorrow and ask.) Or what other options exist, short of buying a bunch of stuff and having it shipped to AZ?
4) Anything else I haven't thought of... ?
I appreciate your input,
JB
Man, are you asking for problems...Go over to AR15.com and those guys can point you in the right direction...
I recommend one of these...
I don’t have any guns...lost them all in a terrible boating accident...they went straight to the bottom...
Do yourself a favor...have a local licensed dealer ship your stuff to another licensed dealer at your destination. Much cheaper than the lawyer’s fees you will incur to get your stuff back after it is impounded or confiscated or “lost”...not to mention all the BS you will have to go through to take the stuff on the plane with you.
Get very clear and complete instructions from the airline that you’ll be flying and get to the airport as easrly as you can. Bring the written instructions with you as the agent you get may not have a clue.
Personally, I would suggest that you ship them UPS or FedEx. Your guns are easier to insure that way and you won’t have to worry about theft by ramp personnel or TSA crooks. They are much more likely to arrive safely and your predeparture time will be much less stressed.
Break ‘em down. I always break my shotguns down and never have a problem. They will ask you to hang around after you check your guns until TSA clears them. I figure if they are broken down less likely they will want to open up and have a look.
Some airports make you present ID to pick up your firearms, at others they will just come out on the carousel so be prepared either way.
Also, don’t transport them in something that screams “FIREARMS” like a Browning or Colt sticker on it. I have a plain Americase.
If the OP is not a Team member and posts those questions in General Discussion he'll end up with a bunch of crap.
So, Joe, if you go to AR15.com, post in the Hometown forums for AZ and Fl and good luck.
They're more bolt-action folks; I just built a DMR variant that I thought would be fun to have for the trip.
That's terrible!!
I had a similar experience but managed to save a .22 and a .38 special..................
All states vary, but if you own the guns, you should be able to ship them to yourself without going through an FFL. It’s not like your buying them and will require a background check to pick them up.
Your local FFL should know the ropes or be able to research the rules for FL and AZ and back.
“That’s terrible!! I had a similar experience but managed to save a .22 and a .38 special..................”
Yeah, I felt real bad ... all I got left is a little old Mossy shotgun for the house and ... well, maybe some other stuff ... I’d have to look around though ... terrible, though, just terrible ...
Theft from TSA agents is the only real problem.
Years ago a good lock and NOT using a gun case which had ANY gun mfg logo on it would be good enough.
I’m not sure I’d fly with one with all the theft problems.
Definitely check with the airline. Believe it or not, lots of people do this every day and it won’t be foreign to them at all. Alaska Air is probably the best in this regard.
Shipping the ammo from one dealer to another sounds like a pretty good idea. Then again... you might just consider buying ammo when you get there. You could even pre-arrange an order with a gun shop so they have it all ready (and in stock) when you arrive.
go to the website of the airlines you are traveling on, print out the instructions for flying with firearms, take them with you to the airline ticket counter
I don’t think you can ship guns, even if you own them. I think an FFL on both ends will be needed.
I generally put my Sigma into its hard case and lock the case. I usually put the mags in their cases inside the hard case as well. I then put the case into my luggage and lock that with a bike lock. Satisfies the “double-locked and ammo in closed container” requirements of TSA and most of the airlines. And I plan for the extra 45 minutes for the Thousands Standing Around to figure out how to deal with somebody who actually declares his weapon and follows the rules.
Colonel, USAFR
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