So I may be traveling to a match, and was considering the complications of flying with firearms.

This got me thinking, how do you handle travel if you want to take your suppressor with you?

Call the ATF and ask them- then get a copy of whatever they say and take it with you so you don't get hung up.

RangerX wrote:So I may be traveling to a match, and was considering the complications of flying with firearms.

This got me thinking, how do you handle travel if you want to take your suppressor with you?

I just did it last week.

Packed an AR and a silencer in a hard sided case. Copy of Form 4 included.
Declared firearm at the ticketing counter. Showed unloaded. Signed a form stating that it's not loaded.
Carried it to the TSA station (in Birmingham I carried it over, in Denver I was escorted over to it.)
Ran it through the CAT scanner.
Put my locks (good strong locks, not wimpy TSA approved locks) on it.
(in Denver, chatted about the silencer w/ TSA smurf and got compliments on my rifle)
Applied stickers and watched it go into the baggage handling system.

No hassle.

Had to fly recently and wanted to bring my CCW. Checked American Airlines site to see what they said on any ammo restrictions and was surprised to see them specifically say you could bring your guns and suppressors in a hard locked case. Guess a lot of people are flying with them these days....

For some reason when I first read the title, I was thinking the OP meant somebody actually flying (read: carry-on) with their can. Though since it's technically a 'firearm', I would guess that checking it would be much less hassle and less chance of being arrested.

Been a while since I posted this.

Deviant Ollam - Packing & The Friendly Skies
http://www.vimeo.com/3923535
http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/

He approaches this with the idea of using firearms to secure other valuables so you don't have to use the dinky TSA approved locks. A BIG ASS box with a BIG ASS lock that secures one gun, and everything else.

I'm sure you've seen this guy and his flying suppressor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ-KG1od ... ata_player

Wahnsinn wrote:For some reason when I first read the title, I was thinking the OP meant somebody actually flying (read: carry-on) with their can. Though since it's technically a 'firearm', I would guess that checking it would be much less hassle and less chance of being arrested.

Yeah-no.

I am DEFINITELY not interested in an extended airport stay with accompanying body cavity search.

Thanks for the info all.

zevdogs wrote:I'm sure you've seen this guy and his flying suppressor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ-KG1od ... ata_player

Guy of camera: "It's funny because it's not mine!"

LOL

L1A1Rocker wrote:Been a while since I posted this.

Deviant Ollam - Packing & The Friendly Skies
http://www.vimeo.com/3923535
http://deviating.net/firearms/packing/

He approaches this with the idea of using firearms to secure other valuables so you don't have to use the dinky TSA approved locks. A BIG ASS box with a BIG ASS lock that secures one gun, and everything else.

This is great stuff ^ and I referred to it prior to flying with guns and cans.

You have to check it and declare it.

What type of match are you using a can in? Sniper match?

Last year I traveled to AZ for wrestle mania and asked the exact question... Got some good advice but all would have taken too long... If you have the time there is a "form" you should fill out and wait for approval... If not simply declare your goodies with a ticketing agent, they'll give a short info form which is placed in the weapons case... No one even looked at me twice, in fact in AZ at airline agent didn't even want to inspect the case, said she couldn't tell the difference between a real one or fake one so what's the diff... So unless you're planning to fly with an RPG, you're gtg.

Ben B. wrote:What type of match are you using a can in? Sniper match?

Necro posting....

No, a 3-Gun, but I knew at the time several shooters would be suppressed. I still don't own one, but was curious as to the complications involved. At this point if I did get one and travel, I'd probably just drive.

I've since flown with suppressors for a pig hunt, 2 yrs ago. I shipped the guns. I put the cans with the ammo in checked baggage that locked, and don't recall if I declared the silencers but I may have said, "This bag contains ammo and silencers but no firearms". They didn't examine, to my knowledge.

Shooting a 3 gun match with a rifle silencer is not a winning strategy. I did it once at a carbine night match for the novelty and that was enough for me.

diablito wrote:If you have the time there is a "form" you should fill out and wait for approval... If not simply declare your goodies with a ticketing agent

I know this is a necro post, but the above is potentially dangerous advice. Silencers and AOWs do not require the form 5320.20 to take across state line, but all other NFA items do require the approved form. You can't travel to another state with your SBR, MG, etc. without an approved form just because you "didn't have time" to do the 5320.20. Silencers, sure.

When I fly with NFA I always get a 5320.20 for everything. It takes some extra planning but can mitigate any questions at check-in and helps you with the classic "document dump" if anyone gives you hassle. But I have never been hassled at all when flying with weapons. Show up early, declare your items, assure the ticket agent the weapons are unloaded, place the orange form inside your case, lock it with NON-TSA locks, and take it to the appropriate TSA counter for xraying. Once they give you the thumbs-up, proceed to security like for any other flight. Some airlines will pull obvious gun cases from the baggage claim and hold them at the baggage office, others won't.

I second make sure you file a form 5320.20, or it's equavilent...

Chris

Ben B. wrote: Shooting a 3 gun match with a rifle silencer is not a winning strategy. I did it once at a carbine night match for the novelty and that was enough for me.

Curious as to why. I'm a noob with no cans, so I have no practical experience other than trying out other folks rigs at the range.

I'm not a huge 3 gunner, but cans are not good for most high-speed sport shooting. They make your gun heavier and slower to point, generally don't reduce recoil or muzzle rise as well as a naked muzzle brake, and gas you in the face.

And then your flight is diverted to IL, NY, Washington DC for what ever reason and when you try to check back in you get arrested ...