Originally Posted by
yohanson
I'm talking about flying with both handguns and long guns. Delta (or TSA) lumps rifles and shotguns together and has a limit of 4/case. Handguns are separated with a limit of 5/case. I would never expect a fee for one gun as the Delta website never mentions one but it does limit it to just one firearm case. In my previous example about scuba, I've never been charged an extra fee (which the terms say there is) and I've also had two bags checked with scuba gear every time I've flown. BTW, I also flew in and out of Hawaii and no issues.
So, here's my dilemma. I've never flown with firearms before and I'm starting to split my time between Montana and Minnesota. I'm also planning on competing in 3 Gun which if you didn't know, requires a rifle, shotgun and a handgun. Double that and that's what one will need to travel with and no matter how you split it, is probably going to require a second firearm case, which I have but wouldn't want to use if I didn't have to.
Perhaps I shouldn't worry so much about the fees. I'll bet they'll wave them anyway. I guess at this point my main concern is if I can ship long guns and handguns together in ONE case just to make my life easier. That isn't particular to this forum though.
I understand your situation (I shoot USPSA, but not 3 gun). I have many friends who shoot 3 gun and also many who travel to Area matches with lots of equipment and ammunition. You have a few issues in terms of flying with firearms and ammunition. First, you can't carry enough ammunition to shoot a match, let alone practice. Second, guns, particularly long guns, are very identifiable and apparent and subject to theft as a result. LAstly, the overall amount of equipment you need.
Most of the people I know drive to competitions. It's just a lot easier. Other options include shipping guns via common carrier (FedEX ans UPS qualify) and it is legal for you to ship guns to yourself at another address. You could also get an FFL and make that even easier. Ammunition is not easy to ship and I'd recommend that you stockpile it at both locations. (Most folks don't realize that even a relatively casual competitor burns through lots of ammunition with practice and matches. I start to panic if my on-hand quantity of 9mm Major drops below 10K rounds). You'll also want to keep any items that could create problems for you in both locations. Handgun mags are the most apparent. If you shoot Open, your mags are illegal to possess in many states so you don't want them with you when you're travelling. Then, how about your competition belts and equipment. You're not wearing the same gear for handgun, shotgun and rifle. You're going to have so much stuff that you'll probably exceed 3 bags.
If you end up shooting competition at both locations, you'll end up with duplicate guns and shooting equipment and supplies at both. You'll probably just reload at 1 and make an occasional drive.
Good luck and enjoy yourself.