Firearms in airline checked baggage

[MikeP]

Has anyone recently packed a handgun in their checked baggage on a domestic flight? I've read all the TSA stuff and individual airline requirements and it doesn't seem to be that big a deal as long as it is declared and in an approved locked container.

HOWEVER, as things sometimes don't go a smoothly as the "regulations" say, I was wondering if anyone has actually done it and if it was as relatively painless at it appears to be on paper.

 

[sarettah50]

It is no a big deal at all. Each airline is slightly different but in general as long as you declare the firearm to the ticket agent and it is unloaded in a locked hardside container you are fine. It can be in a pistol rug inside a locked hardside suitcase and be fine or a locked hardside pistol case inside a softside bag. Ammo packed in a separate container of wood, plastic, or fiberboard made specifically to hold ammo. A maximum of 11lbs. of ammo maybe checked. I hope this helps.

 

[labrador]

Mike, need some protection in Mexico?

 

[hyperfishing]

I did talk to a DOD guy who was tasked to bring an Uzi submachine guy in an aluminum suitcase through an airline terminal..it ended with a great many airport security people crowded around him asking heated questions. <gg>

A guard for a foreign president forgot it on a U.S. warship they were visiting. The guy I know was tasked to bring it back to the presidental aircraft. "so, you want to bring a submachine gun that is not yours, through airport security to a foreign presidental aircraft....sure, no problem!" Not!

 

[MikeP]

No, not for Mexico - got a good price on a Walther PPK in TX that I want to take for protection at our marina in MD!





Just kidding about the protection part but the TX to MD part is correct.

 

[Boatnut]

You might want to check out the laws in MD, a lot of states require a permit to own a hand gun.

 

[MikeP]

MD does not if I read the laws correctly. There is a 7 day minimum waiting period to pick up the handgun if you buy one in MD but no licensing requirement to buy/own one, as I said, IF I understand the law correctly.

 

[rsmith]

Ive transported hunting rifles and handguns but they have always been in hard side or metal cases seperate from my checked baggage.
The ppk was kool for James Bond but I dont know if I would trust my life to it.
too many semi autos jam ( a little dirt or corrosion).I prefer a 38 revolver with +p hollowpoints at least you know you have 6 for sure and all you need to think about is pulling the trigger.

 

[MikeP]

The PPK being cool/James Bond is the reason I want it; I agree with you and have other more "suitable" handguns. But of course they pale in home defense intimidation factor next to my Mossberg Mariner 12ga pump.

My wife and I both enjoy target shooting (used to do all my own reloading rifle/pistol/shotgun) and we both think it would be fun to pop away with the PPK at an indoor range.

 

[Boatnut]

Mike,

I think I would check with the airline I am flying and ask them. Lately airlines are changing rules daily. I learned this the hard way returning from a job offshore, Good old American Airline had changed the rules 2 days before my return trip, they now only allow 2 checked bags, you can't take a third bag for any amount of extra baggage charge.

 

[Bertramp]

I sold my PPKS and got a S&W 5 shot revolver (model 36). The Walther was a fun gun and fit the hand great, but they are known for jamming (stovepipe) ... with the SMITH, I pull the trigger, it makes a noise EVERY time.
I would rather not have one than have one that doesn't work when needed.

 

[Walter P]

I don't understand why you folks are experiencing "jam" on your semi-auto handguns. A visit to a competent pistol smith should cure the problem. Often it just requires a little polishing of the feed ramp or a slight adjustment of the magazine. My Saturday night "going to meetin" carry was/is an old reliable 9mm Browning HP. I have put several thousand rounds through it and have never had a "jam" of any kind. As far as the airlines are concerned, it's very simple....they (most of them) are nuts. I have never heard of a gun in a locked metal case (or any other storage container) creating a problem all by it's lonesome. The problem is that they don't trust their own security on board their flights.

Walt

 

[rsmith]

I don't understand why you folks are experiencing "jam" on your semi-auto handguns. A visit to a competent pistol smith should cure the problem. Often it just requires a little polishing of the feed ramp or a slight adjustment of the magazine. My Saturday night "going to meetin" carry was/is an old reliable 9mm Browning HP. I have put several thousand rounds through it and have never had a "jam" of any kind. As far as the airlines are concerned, it's very simple....they (most of them) are nuts. I have never heard of a gun in a locked metal case (or any other storage container) creating a problem all by it's lonesome. The problem is that they don't trust their own security on board their flights.

Walt

Serpico's gun! I have one too, but any semi or full auto can jam.Just the way it is. just ask the 18 guys that recently died in a firefight in afganastan when their POS M4's jammed. O wait their dead because their weapons jammed.