Has anyone tried sending the upper(s) ahead and only carrying the lower in their luggage?

Would this result in fewer hassles since it is not (in spite of the BATF) a firearm?

Does anybody know?

Tnx,
Cheers!

I've flown with my upper and lower seperated. The lower was in a locked gun case and the upper was packed in my check on bags. Seperating the two allowed me to pack an extra gun into the gun case. However, this was before most of the airlines began screening all check on baggage. I hate to think about what might happen now if they discover the upper in your bag even though its not considered a firearm. The personal checking bags are probably not up to speed on many of the current gun laws. Except for the attitude that any gun is a bad one.

No, I meant send (as in mail or UPS or whatever) the upper and check the lower in some kind of locked case. I am not sure just precisely makes a locked case a "gun case" as opposed to any locked container which will fit.

Clear?
Cheers!

I am flying with complete AR's (actually Stoner Rifles) all the time because I work for KAC.  I can tell you even if you are flying with only half a AR, go ahead and declare it to the desk agent as an unloaded firearm.  Then they will walk you over to the x-ray people who will also open the bag and look around.  So don't lock your bag yet.  Stand there and watch, then hand them the keys after their inspection so they can lock the bag.  Not doing it this way may cause your bag to be opened at x-ray without you being present, possible breaking your lock, and or other bad results.
Note, these people are not concerned that "you are only traveling with an inconsequential firearm component".  They will not understand.  I mean after looking at a couple of tons of dirty underware, they can't wait to open a bag with someting suspicious inside.  After all, its their job.