I have only flown twice with a gun. Sept 11th 2002, and Sept 15th 2002.

It was nothing more than a Glock 30 in it's original case with a padlock on it. The lady check it out, I put the red ticket inside, relocked it and threw it in my unlocked luggage.


Now I have to fly to GA in Nov and am taking a rifle with me. I cannot toss the rifle case in my bag as it will be too big. The case will have to be naked.

My questions are-
1. Are you able to lock the case after they check it out at the counter?
2. Are the TSA monkeys going to cut off my lock and open my case even AFTER I have it checked at the counter?
3. Am I just fucked and have to send a $3k firearm through standard security stuff unlocked?

Also, What do you guys take your ammo in? When I went before, I had 50rnds of .45 in the factory packaging. This time I am planning on taking 340 rounds of 5.56, can I leave them in the magazines, or will I have to stick them on strippers and in bandos?


TIA

-U-

1. Yes
2. No
3. N/A

Of course it must be a hard case.  And there is a limit to how much ammo can be packed with it and I believe all ammo must be in "packaging" like an original box.  Be prepared to get a lot of attention when you declare it and open it up.  Cops at Tulsa airport were cool, stating they needed to get an AR-15 too.

Have a printed copy of TSA rules.
Have a printed copy of Airline Rules.
Know the up, down, left and right.

Then politely show them the rules when they tell you to do something otherwise.