As I said, different airports will yield different experiences.

I fly out of Nashville. Once I checked in next to a custom firearms maker that was returning from a show. He had two secure cases. The airline rep came out and inspected the cases and he put the locks on them. I talked to him later, and he said BNA was easy. Others were not so easy. He offered no details. BTW, he checked three custom assault rifles and six 1911's, also custom made. I checked his web site and the Model 11's started in the mid $3000's.

The great big warning is NY. IRROPs may be a problem if you stay overnight and the airline tries to give you your bag. You will need to have a serious discussion with the local police, airline and TSA before accepting your luggage. There are lots of stories out of NY. They often violate federal law that permits the acceptance of the firearm as long as one immediately leaves the state with it while properly secured in ones vehicle.