Flying with a rifle
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 28
Flying with a rifle
I'm going to be flying from DCA to ATL next month and needing to take a few firearms with me for a class. Usually I take a handgun (or 2) with me and check it in my luggage per TSA regs. It's inside my bag and it doesn't scream "gun" to baggage handlers. On this trip I'll need to take a rifle, 2-3handguns, and 2 suppressors all packed in a lockable hard sided rifle case. Has anyone ever had any theft issues with a long gun? I'd hate for my case to just walk off because it's a rifle case.
#2
#6
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
Programs: Many
Posts: 6,450
One of those bags used to wrap car-seats or strollers?
#8
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 28
I think that's a no-go. I'm pretty sure firearms can only be sent to a manufacturer (but I might be wrong) via FedEX/UPS. I do know that it's a big no-go to send NFA (National Firearms Act - ie supressors, automatic weapons) to someone other than a dealer or manufacturer.
#12
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
"A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm."
"The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun."
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b7
"UPS does not accept automatic weapons, including machine guns, for shipment. "
Use These UPS Services for Your Firearm Shipment
Last edited by oklAAhoma; Dec 11, 2008 at 11:21 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
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Lots of misadvice in this thread. There are specific packing & checkin requirements. Check with the airline several days before your departure and be sure you are in compliance.
Looks like the OP has done this before, he's just worried about having to use a case that makes it obvious. Unless the rifle is easily broken down, I'm not sure how that can be avoided.
Last edited by MikeMpls; Dec 11, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: OKC/DFW
Programs: AA EXP/2 MM
Posts: 9,999
Then my memory is bad because I could have sworn that in the past we have picked ours up at the carousel.
I agree.
I agree.