Traveling with Firearms

[pomoxis]

Last year I had no problem going through TSA screening. All you have to declare your firearm. I had a copy of the airline policy printed from the website to assist the clerk if that was needed. I had the gun cases locked and told the TSA person I had a firearm in a locked case and the rifle was unloaded and the ammunition was in a separate locked case. Because of the length of the case they had to open up the baggage and that is when I handed them the keys. I asked them for further security reasons I would like to have the rifle case relocked. They had no problem with that request.

My rifle case was in an oversized duffle bag designed to handle a double rifle case so it was not out in the open. If I had to do it again I would take a hard shell airline approved golf club suitcase. It would be easier to wheel through the airport.

Going through customs in South Africa, Zimbabwe and back to the US the only thing the custom agents looked at is to see if the serial numbers matched the weapons you are brining in. With the proper forms that were the only thing they looked at. Starting off in Portland Oregon with a smaller airport and at 05:00 probably had a more relaxed staff than LAX.