I think removing the bolt and/or seperating the upper from the lower is a bit much.
I have never had an airline employee actually ask me to show them that the gun was unloaded. They just want to see it, period. Makes little sens, but that's the way it goes....
Leaving Orlando, they didn't even want to see it. I signed the declaration slip , and the agent tied it around the handle of my pistol case. The case went back into the big gear bag, and that was the end of it. I never even opened the case, or unlocked it!!
BTW,
Leaving Luboock, for Atlanta, a few weeks ago, I "learned" something!! The TSA and Delta said it was fine for my gear bag to be unlocked, as long as the pistol case inside was locked...hmmmm. I went ahead and locked both. They thought it was a good idea, but not necessary they said.
Don't go overboard here. Just act calm and normal, and be POLITE!!! They should reciprocate in turn. Don't ask to see a supervisor until there is a problem. It just insults the agent(s) when you walk up and ask for their sup. first thing. You just lost all respect and any edge you had.
Delta is, by company policy, very gun friendly. They are also very LEO/Mil. friendly. They have no problems with people flying with guns. They also recognize that other airlines have been asses about it in the past, and they want to go after that business. They have mine!!
YMMV
Monty