i was hoping to fly with only my one carryon and planned to ship a pistol to my destination. however, after looking at the regs, it looks as if checking it as baggage might be the best method.

the way im reading things, it sounds as if handgun shipments through ups or fed ex have to go to a licensed address?? (ffl) is that true? usps wont take them at all. its a usp that i could break down and ship just the 'firearm' part if that makes a difference. i could send the rest of the parts with outdoor gear i'll be shipping anyway. have you ever just shipped as 'auto parts' or something similar and bypassed all the firearm crap?

im flying out of a smaller airport and will be arriving same. us airways. any thoughts on how to best prepare for the checking process? extra time? locked case, etc? ive looked over their website, but am wondering if its that cut and dry in real life.

thanks...

Last time I checked, it was legal to ship your own guns TO YOURSELF.

i think that shipping to yourself is not necessarily legal, or a good idea.

firearms on checked baggage are fine.  just not OOC (out of country) and you want to check with the airline.  nothing wrong with 'em, just put 'em in a locked case and pack it in the checked luggage, and notify the airline as you check your bags.  

unless you're an air marshal, you don't get to carry anything in your carry-on bag, or attempt to do so.  i think even a licensed cop could get in trouble for that...

Quoted: i think that shipping to yourself is not necessarily legal, or a good idea.

I was advised by the local ATF agent that this is fact the best way to travel interstate.

YMMV

Quoted: i think that shipping to yourself is not necessarily legal, or a good idea. firearms on checked baggage are fine.  just not OOC (out of country) and you want to check with the airline.  nothing wrong with 'em, just put 'em in a locked case and pack it in the checked luggage, and notify the airline as you check your bags.   unless you're an air marshal, you don't get to carry anything in your carry-on bag, or attempt to do so.  i think even a licensed cop could get in trouble for that...

There's a little form LEOs fill out at the counter.  It's actually pretty easy and trouble free.

Call the air port you are departing from / going to. Get the air port rules.  (Call the AIR LINE  at each end. Write down The names of Who you talk to. GET exact proceedure as to what to do. Small airports are usually cool ,Big ones are usually assholes.

Good excuse to buy a Pelican case.

One important thing I learned recently....TSA approved lock(s).