Transporting collectible gun from US to France
 

I'd like to bring my 1974 Browning Olympic Target Pistol from the US to France. Of course I would do this in checked luggage with the gun unloaded. It is in a nice case with the counterweights. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions? Would it make any difference if I flew United or Air France or Lufthansa?

I know recreational gun sales are relatively popular in France so I expect they will charge me some duties, but I hope there isn't a special "gun fee" on top of that.

This might be useful: http://ambafrance-us.org/intheus/customs/6000.asp

Is there any way you could ship it instead?

Now that checked bags have to be unlocked (or can be unlocked by force if they aren't), I don't travel with anything more exciting than dirty clothes in checked bags.