Checking a long gun on Delta
 

I’m getting my son in law a shotgun for Christmas. They are coming from Denver to SW Florida. Their website says he can check it through with a hard case and TSA approved lock. Is that a good option?

My understanding is that guns are generally one of the safest things on a plane, because as soon as your gun is checked, it's every movement is tracked until it's back in your hands.

You do occassionally run into someone in the airport that doesn't know the rules, and in those situations, things can be a pain. I would expect it to go fairly smoothly in places that are more gun friendly. I would think that it would be OK in FL, and I assume Colorado deals with a lot of guns and hunting people.

But I've never done it myself. That's just what I've read, heard, and seen videos about.

Done it many times.

The lock is the key. They will want to peek.

Pretty safe, in my opinion. Tell ya why..airlines seem to be careful with firearms, so not the theft problem of other objects. Another option would be to have it shipped via a private carrier. On a pool site I visit, some mentioned shipping their cues as if they were firearms, because of the theft protections. Others use a shipping service, one that ships club sets for golfers...forget the name of the service, sorry.

Travel is no problem. But he cant legally (Fed law) acquire a new gun across state lines unless from a FFL and he has to do the paperwork. Only valid if transaction is legal in both states

Personally not worth it for him to pick up in person. Give him the cash, have him order it from buds gunshop or wherever to be delivered to his local FFL

They always ask me if the firing pin is removed. Kind of difficult if you are not a gunsmith. But I have removed the bolt and say yes.

Unless flying to EWR, I always fly with a handgun. I have checked a long gun once or twice. Last week in Phoenix I saw a lot of people carrying Pelican rifle cases. It's no biggie. Most airlines will just deposit it with the rest of the luggage on the carousel. AA will make you go pick it up at the service office.

In the past, I checked a long gun every year on my annual deer hunting trip. Never had an issue with airline employees, they know the drill. They will send you a special room where they will ask you to open it and inspect it. Helps if you put a bolt flag in. Lock both ends of the case tightly so they cannot lift a corner. One year I only had the center locked, and some dirtbag in Detroit tried to steal my rifle by bending the corner up and puling it out. Luckily it was well secured with velcro straps, and he could not get it out. Unbelievable. 'Secure' airport my ass.

Thanks for all the info. Going to have him take it home on airline. Seems way more simple.