Suppressors Flying with your suppressors... Anyone have any REAL bad luck?

[Fenix Mike]

Going to be flying with a couple suppressors and might take some guns too but mainly just suppressors this time. I've heard many people say use a rifle case regardless because it's more difficult to walk away with, and generally demands more attention, but I don't know if I want to run around with a 25 lb pelican case for two suppressors when my nice small steel locking pistol case is approved and tiny.

Has anyone actually had anything bad happen other than the often dealt with clueless tsa agent and ticket counter person? Granted I don't want to be the first to have something vanish, but I figured I'd ask what you all do. I guess I'm just nervous to let these out of my sight especially when dealing with the government and people who may have sticky fingers, and then more people who couldn't care less if they went missing when I have to report it.

 

[dcnyli]

throw the pistol case into a large suitcase, problem solved.

 

[Fenix Mike]

throw the pistol case into a large suitcase, problem solved.

That's actually a pretty smart idea! Wonder if tsa has any stupid regulations against it? I'd rather check a range bag with my case inside

 

[dcnyli]

well if it's the same procedure I just went thru last week in Atlanta, you should not have any issues. You go to the desk, the device is checked out(lady asked me to open the case and see if it was unloaded, then placed a red card inside that I had to sign), then I was asked to proceed to the TSA/Oversize baggage area. The TSA agent took my case, I stated I wanted to remain with the case and they were totally cool, he swabbed it then we were done. I would assume if you bring the large suitcase(regular bag, not crazy huge) along with you and then toss your small case inside after it's been inspected, you should be golden.

again, this is my assumption, i read all the rules and you could do this case in a case with pistol so why not a can?

 

[rjacobs]

You can't usually just check a small pistol case. They will make you lock it infront of them and then put it inside your normal checked bag. They also generally have a tag you put inside your larger checked bag that says tsa inspected so they don't try to cut off your locks on your pistol case.

 

[bogeybrown]

That's actually a pretty smart idea! Wonder if tsa has any stupid regulations against it? I'd rather check a range bag with my case inside

Shouldn't be an issue. I do the same thing when I check a handgun. It goes in it's "approved" locked pistol case, INSIDE my (locked) checked baggage. No worries. That doesn't mean that TSA won't get goofy, but have all your NFA paperwork handy and you should be GTG. I used to keep a spare copy of the LEOSA paperwork in the case when I was a police officer in the event someone wasn't aware that it was okay for me to have my pistol anywhere in the country.

ETA: I forgot about notifying ATF of the movement of the NFA items. From what I remember some that has changed, and in some cases isn't necessary, but I'd triple check that you're covered from that side of it as well. IIRC Lowlight has posted regarding traveling the country with his suppressors and it didn't seem to be a big deal.

 

[Fenix Mike]

You can't usually just check a small pistol case. They will make you lock it infront of them and then put it inside your normal checked bag. They also generally have a tag you put inside your larger checked bag that says tsa inspected so they don't try to cut off your locks on your pistol case.

Problem is I never check bags when I go home... I have clothes there and usually just bring my laptop and anything I need on carry on. I have a nice 5.11 range bag I'm not using much anymore, I think I may toss this in there and maybe some shoes or something.

 

[Fenix Mike]

Shouldn't be an issue. I do the same thing when I check a handgun. It goes in it's "approved" locked pistol case, INSIDE my (locked) checked baggage. No worries. That doesn't mean that TSA won't get goofy, but have all your NFA paperwork handy and you should be GTG. I used to keep a spare copy of the LEOSA paperwork in the case when I was a police officer in the event someone wasn't aware that it was okay for me to have my pistol anywhere in the country.

ETA: I forgot about notifying ATF of the movement of the NFA items. From what I remember some that has changed, and in some cases isn't necessary, but I'd triple check that you're covered from that side of it as well. IIRC Lowlight has posted regarding traveling the country with his suppressors and it didn't seem to be a big deal.

Not required for suppressors... Had to get one on my sbr though. Prob a good idea to lock the bag too!

 

[dcnyli]

Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

 

[bogeybrown]

Not required for suppressors... Had to get one on my sbr though. Prob a good idea to lock the bag too!

Right, I thought the requirement was for SBR/SBS and machinegun, but a few years ago I had a conversation with an ATF inspector about travel with an AOW where she was convinced that I needed to file paperwork, so I remain perpetually confused on what the rule is "today".

 

[Fenix Mike]

Firearms and Ammunition | Transportation Security Administration

Bookmarked! Going to print that when I go home so I can follow these things until the locks go on. My case is the one the gov supplied to me for transporting and storing my duty weapon so it's steel, double locked with pad lock and combo... Hope they don't try to open it

 

[Fenix Mike]

Right, I thought the requirement was for SBR/SBS and machinegun, but a few years ago I had a conversation with an ATF inspector about travel with an AOW where she was convinced that I needed to file paperwork, so I remain perpetually confused on what the rule is "today".

I'm pretty sure they just change the rules as they see fit, looks to be the trend with dea, ATF, EPA and other letters

 

[Conqueror]

The rules for filing a Form 5320.20 are right on the back of your Form 4. It lists which items require ATF notification for interstate travel.

I have flown with numerous NFA items. Generally no sweat if you follow the TSA rules and behave professionally.