I’m attending the EAG class in late September and I’m wondering what people thought was the preferred method of getting it there.
Part of the consideration is making sure it gets there on time/in one piece, but also I’m not sure what baggage fees there might be and/or might get stolen in transit.
I’ll have to travel with my pistol and declare it in my checked luggage.
Should I ship my AR via USPS? or should I just fly with it?
Do you have a place to ship it to yourself at, at the location of the class?
Either way sounds like a pain, but I think that the AR will spend less time out of your possession, if you fly with it.
I do have a place to ship it.
I’ve just heard a few horror stories about guns being stolen while flying.
But you’re right, either way it’s ugly.
You would think the chances of your gun getting stolen are the same either way. It only takes 1 worker to do it, regardless the logo he wears.
I have flown with my AR a few times and never had a problem. But I also break my gun down and put it into a lockable sampson nite suitcase which looks like any other suitcase on the rack. A gun case creates enticement alone, stay away from it if you can…
note: beware the special treatment you’ll recieve from the airport security
True, but we also just had a thread about fed-ex employees stealing guns, as well.
If it’s out of your possession, it’s at risk, so minimizing the time out of your hands would be the best thing you can do to mitigate that risk.
Plus if your plan crash lands on that island from “LOST”, you’ll know there was an AR on board somewhere 
If you go the flying route, there was a pretty good thread on 10-8 forums recently with some tips from frequent (armed) fliers.
I didn’t think of that 
If it were me, I’d fly with it. Somehow I think if it came up missing they would jump on it right away as far as looking for it, especially because it is an “evil black machine gun” and they wouldn’t want just “anyone” having it. I also think the idea of a lockable case that doesn’t scream gun is a good idea. I flew with a rifle and pistol that I broke down and put in a Pelican case that wasn’t the norm for what is associated with firearms.
Has anyone considered putting a locator beacon in a gun case?
Something like parents use to find their kids.
That way if the baggage claim says “sorry we can’t find it”. I might be able to pull out the tracker and say “it’s 150 meters in that direction”.
best idea yet. they sell these things for under 300bux. Good Idea man, Im doin it. and will use w/ my reg luggage just for fun
I’d be concerned about having an electronic device hidden away in the case, as it might draw some extra attention on the x-ray. Not to mention there is then the problem of dealing with getting the tracker through security as well (i guess you could check it too, but that might also get lost). Plus the airlines seem paranoid about anything that could possibly cause signal interference.
If you want to minimize tampering I’d try and get a non-gun shaped pelican case like Iraqgunz and Rallysoob said. Going further, you could get a non-tactical color (yellow or orange maybe) and stencil “Soil Sample Kit” or something on the case, then roll it around in some dirt.
Not that I’m an expert, but I’ve flown with guns a great many of times.
Some people try to make a great deal of drama out of the whole ordeal. For the most part, it isn’t necessary or advised, as you have to abide by the airline’s rules. Plus, if you look at the ticketing policies, they have the right to kick you off the plane for any reason, at any time, if they so choose…
At any major airport, the TSA and airline people see more firearms pass through their system per day than most people will fly in their lifetimes. Most of the major airports have dedicated areas to handle firearms, and smaller airports are usually on the less busy side that you get more of a personal touch.
Most of the time, you personally are handing your case directly to the TSA folk, and they examine it where you can keep eyes on if you wish. After that firearms cases usually move through their system much better than regular luggage, as it has been super screened by TSA and is locked. Most of the time you have to show your ID to pick it up on the receiving end in cases that are obviously weapon cases.
Having other stuff in a rifle case isn’t an issue as long as it isn’t ammo or loaded magazines, as gun cases are generally X-rayed, swiped, and hand inspected. You can, but those are the only things that have given me minor problems…
I’d be a little more concerned about a non-weapon case getting looked though. Since the airlines don’t mark weapon cases any differently, a stealthy case is probably more likely to get looked through than a weapons case. Probably one of the few situations where having a case that screams “GUNS INSIDE!” is probably helpful…
If you are not present and the security officer must open the container, we or the airline will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If we can’t contact you, the container will not be placed on the plane. Federal regulations prohibit unlocked gun cases (or cases with broken locks) on aircraft.
From here.
Besides, after you see them screen your case, the TSA and Airlines usually will not open the case without you being present, I think they are not allowed to unless you cannot be reached.
From dealing with the folk at Fedex and UPS, I’d take my chances with the airlines and TSA.
Just make sure you declare it…
Teheh?
I’ve known enough people who’ve flown with weapons to know it’s not really a big deal, if you don’t make it one.
My TSA approved case is an SKB, and unfortunately looks like a rifle case. Maybe I can paint it to look like something else. “Soil Sample Kit” might be the way to go.
I’d probably put my handgun in a different bag.
Should I bring the ammo along (in separate container)? or ship it by carrier?
John,
My ammo was in the same case as the weapons, but it was inside a smaller case that locked. Depending on how much ammo you are talking will determine how you want to go. I assume that a Pat Rogers course is probably high ammo expenditure?
Since I have a few Pelican cases it would be a no brainer for me. YSMV.
i’ve been traveling for business on average once/week, but often twice or more. checking guns is annoying, but not nearly as annoying as the delayed flights, canceled flights, sitting on the tarmac for 3 hours with no AC waiting to take off, the hour or two you lose before and after flying, the $3 bottle of water, etc.
anymore, if it’s under 500 miles, it’s just quicker and easier and often cheaper to drive. and if i can’t get a non-stop flight, i’ll drive further. if i have to fly through o’hare, it’s not worth going.
If I were going from Pittsburgh to Raleigh (a trip I’ve made 3 times that I can remember), I’d definitely rent a car and drive, even though PGH is one of the nicer airports in the country and raleigh-durham is relatively pain-free. edit: the trip through WV, especially if the leaves are changing that week, is quite pleasant. good quiet time to reflect on the class
I’m going to the same class, btw.
I haven’t shipped a firearm in quite a while, but most Airlines make you fill out a big “Hunter’s Orange” firearms tag to be displayed outside of the luggage it is contained in. Suggest using a normal firearms case. I like the pelicans…The tracker idea is a great idea and shouldn’t be a problem. Most are the size of an IPOD anyway. As long as you don’t activate it while in flight, there’s no problem. I would turn it on to check that it made it on board when you got to your seat, after the aircraft pushes back from the gate, then turn it off. Then immediately after you clear the aircraft to ensure that its in a “Normal” baggage area in your proximity. It will take 10-15mins to unload baggage, depending on how large the aircraft is and how full it is. That is normal. Outside of that, if anything "smells suspicious, report it immediately to TSA and LEOs. FYI, direct flights are best. The more plane changes, the greater your chance of it becoming lost.
Yeah, I’m thinking about 1500 rounds of ammo (carbine/handgun). But with baggage fees adding up these days, I don’t know whether it makes sense to carry it on board…or maybe just a few hundred rounds.
anymore, if it’s under 500 miles, it’s just quicker and easier and often cheaper to drive. and if i can’t get a non-stop flight, i’ll drive further. if i have to fly through o’hare, it’s not worth going.
Actually I wouldn’t mind the drive but I’ve already bought my plane ticket. Renting a car (since we only have one and my wife won’t let me take it) was significantly more expensive than flying (believe it or not) but probably would have been less hassle.
Thanks to everyone that’s responded.
I’ve flown and checked in guns before. Everything went well, but just like mailing there is always some risk.
As an FYI to others, I called TSA and asked about the electronic tracker idea.
They told me that any electronic tracking/locator device (anything that gives off a signal) would NOT be allowed.
This is incorrect. They make you fill out a firearms tag (orange tag) which is then required to be placed inside the case. They used to place them outside I guess but it became a “steal me” tag so the regulation was changed some time ago to put the tag on the inside of the case. It basically proved that you checked the firearm in as required.
Check your specific airline for more information on their specific requirements for guns and ammo.
Also Google can disgorge lots of information, which may not be correct 
about flying with firearms.
Chad