Luger transportation in post 9/11 world?

Chuckc · 10-15-2005, 10:26 PM

I have not transported a firearm on an airline since 9/11. I would like to hear about how some of you transport these lugers to gun shows where you have to fly.

You can't carry them on, I am sure, but are you comfortable checking them and letting the baggage gorillas handle them? What kind of cases? Insurance? Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Edward Tinker · 10-15-2005, 10:34 PM

I have transported 2 or 3 times with guns, (and fly once to several times a month on my own). No real changes, must be a hard case, must be lockable, must be checked by the TSA before being locked to ensure it is unloaded. Since TSA takes it and then hands it to baggage, I hope they don't treat it too rough...

I have seperate gun collector insurance (pay about $120 a year) and it covers travel, so yes, I don't worry about the TSA or baggage handlers.

Ed

lew1 · 10-15-2005, 10:58 PM

Like Ed, I have transported pistols on airplanes and I would agree with Ed's statements above ---- with two additions. The first is to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, since the firearms must be declared to the ticket agents first who will give you a tag to put with them. Then you are off to TSA. Be early as sometimes there can be lines.

Second, pick a metal gun case or a very heavy plastic one - as they can stand being bounced around. Depending on the number of pistols, I would suggest either a single or double (take down) shotgun case. Small enough to be carried (if it does not have wheels) and big enough not to get misplaced.

sambuscemi · 10-15-2005, 11:01 PM

Chuckc: I do it all the time. You must declare the weapon at check in (be slow and precise in your declaration and explain that it is an antique firearm) and be prepare to make it available for inspection if asked. In most cases they are curious to see an old weapon especially a luger. It must be out of battery and open with the magazine removed from the gun. Some airlines may ask you to break it down if possible and separate the receiver from the rest of the gun and check them in their own individual hard cases. Ammo must not be in with the gun. The case or cases must be of the hard case variety with a lock and it is usually a good idea be to have an additional lock like a master lock also preventing the case/cases from being opened - this lock can be wrapped around the handle. It would be a good idea to bring the extra hard case even if never used to be on the save side if asked to break the luger apart. You will sign a document that says the gun is unloaded and out of battery and accept all responsibility for its transport. This document will then be put in the case and you will lock it and it will be checked with your other luggage. Usually I put it into another suitcase that have my clothes packed within. There is nothing on the outside of your luggage that states or suggests there is a gun inside. Once checked, it will arrive at your destination and you will pick it up just like you would your ordinary luggage and no one will be the wiser. Make sure you have the registration for the weapon to prove that it is yours also. You can not transport a weapon that is not yours. As far as insurance goes that is between you and your insurance company as far as I know. Airlines do not provide insurance for the transportation of weapons last time I asked. By the way the rules for transporting a weapon have not really changed even since 9/11 just more observation of the law and adhering to the details of the law. Nothing lax today. They actually now check all the details in every declaration to the letter of the law. There were many instances where inspections were rare - just sign the document , stick it in the case, check it in and pick it up at your destination. Nothing that easy any more. Same procedure just alot of eyes watching to make sure everything is perfect and to the letter of the law. Hope this helps.

Chuckc · 10-16-2005, 11:13 AM

Thanks for the update. I used to transport target rifles to matches and even got away with putting the ammo in the same case. Can you even transport ammo now?

I guess from the responses you do not need a separate case for each pistol (?).

lew1 · 10-16-2005, 07:38 PM

Correct -- You do not need a separate case for each pistol.

sambuscemi · 10-16-2005, 09:48 PM

Usually you do not need a separate case for each pistol/weapon but some airlines limit the number of guns you can put in any one case and that appears to be totally at the discretion of the airline. The best thing to do is call the airline ahead of time.

hqbmw · 10-17-2005, 02:08 AM

Before I travel, I go to the website of the airline I am using to review their specific restrictions. It can be helpful to you if you print out their rules and check off on each of them that you abide to. I think everyone else hit on most of the points i check each time.

I also go to the site: packing.org before going into a state I am unfamiliar with. An enormous cache of information is contained on the site including links to each states Government and their specific laws.

Buy a copy of the book: The Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States. It is very helpful especially if you have a CCW and intend to carry wherever you travel.

Jack Hiles
Mesa, AZ

Mike B · 10-18-2005, 10:34 PM

I am not trying to break any laws, but since a Luger is so simple to break down, why not pack the frame in one suitcase and the rest in another? Why would you even have to declare their presence since it is only parts? Is this not legal? Mike

policeluger · 10-18-2005, 11:13 PM

No...it is not a matter of parts, it the numbered frame that will get you everytime...

Edward Tinker · 10-19-2005, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike B
I am not trying to break any laws, but since a Luger is so simple to break down, why not pack the frame in one suitcase and the rest in another? Why would you even have to declare their presence since it is only parts? Is this not legal? Mike

This is legality and you sure don't want to mess with that. Trying to hide anything and it gets found out is automatic consification, and possible jail time. Not worth it. I had "parts" to a luger, but I made sure I declared it, as it wasn't worth it to me to have it show up on the x-rays, and the x-rays that they have for luggage is much stronger than the ones for carry on.

Ed

Mike B · 10-19-2005, 01:02 AM

Thanks guys. I didn't know the frame was as strickly regulated as the weapon itself. I am planning to attend the Louisville show in February and will be carrying several Lugers. I guess I should start looking for the keys to my rifle case.
Mike

Dwight Gruber · 10-19-2005, 03:09 AM

With a Luger, the frame "is" the weapon.

--Dwight

10-15-2005, 10:26 PM	#1
Chuckc User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cave Creek, AZ Posts: 68 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Luger transportation in post 9/11 world? I have not transported a firearm on an airline since 9/11. I would like to hear about how some of you transport these lugers to gun shows where you have to fly. You can't carry them on, I am sure, but are you comfortable checking them and letting the baggage gorillas handle them? What kind of cases? Insurance? Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. __________________ Art in metal and wood

10-15-2005, 10:58 PM	#3
lew1 Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,108 Thanks: 82 Thanked 204 Times in 112 Posts	Like Ed, I have transported pistols on airplanes and I would agree with Ed's statements above ---- with two additions. The first is to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, since the firearms must be declared to the ticket agents first who will give you a tag to put with them. Then you are off to TSA. Be early as sometimes there can be lines. Second, pick a metal gun case or a very heavy plastic one - as they can stand being bounced around. Depending on the number of pistols, I would suggest either a single or double (take down) shotgun case. Small enough to be carried (if it does not have wheels) and big enough not to get misplaced. __________________ charlie

10-16-2005, 11:13 AM	#5
Chuckc User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cave Creek, AZ Posts: 68 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the update. I used to transport target rifles to matches and even got away with putting the ammo in the same case. Can you even transport ammo now? I guess from the responses you do not need a separate case for each pistol (?). __________________ Art in metal and wood

10-16-2005, 07:38 PM	#6
lew1 Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 1,108 Thanks: 82 Thanked 204 Times in 112 Posts	Correct -- You do not need a separate case for each pistol. __________________ charlie

10-17-2005, 02:08 AM	#8
hqbmw User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 228 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Before I travel, I go to the website of the airline I am using to review their specific restrictions. It can be helpful to you if you print out their rules and check off on each of them that you abide to. I think everyone else hit on most of the points i check each time. I also go to the site: packing.org before going into a state I am unfamiliar with. An enormous cache of information is contained on the site including links to each states Government and their specific laws. Buy a copy of the book: The Traveler's Guide to the Firearm Laws of the Fifty States. It is very helpful especially if you have a CCW and intend to carry wherever you travel. Jack Hiles Mesa, AZ __________________ Jack Hiles Mesa AZ

10-15-2005, 10:34 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,933 Thanks: 2,032 Thanked 4,530 Times in 2,092 Posts	I have transported 2 or 3 times with guns, (and fly once to several times a month on my own). No real changes, must be a hard case, must be lockable, must be checked by the TSA before being locked to ensure it is unloaded. Since TSA takes it and then hands it to baggage, I hope they don't treat it too rough... I have seperate gun collector insurance (pay about $120 a year) and it covers travel, so yes, I don't worry about the TSA or baggage handlers. Ed

10-15-2005, 11:01 PM	#4
sambuscemi User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 4 Posts	Chuckc: I do it all the time. You must declare the weapon at check in (be slow and precise in your declaration and explain that it is an antique firearm) and be prepare to make it available for inspection if asked. In most cases they are curious to see an old weapon especially a luger. It must be out of battery and open with the magazine removed from the gun. Some airlines may ask you to break it down if possible and separate the receiver from the rest of the gun and check them in their own individual hard cases. Ammo must not be in with the gun. The case or cases must be of the hard case variety with a lock and it is usually a good idea be to have an additional lock like a master lock also preventing the case/cases from being opened - this lock can be wrapped around the handle. It would be a good idea to bring the extra hard case even if never used to be on the save side if asked to break the luger apart. You will sign a document that says the gun is unloaded and out of battery and accept all responsibility for its transport. This document will then be put in the case and you will lock it and it will be checked with your other luggage. Usually I put it into another suitcase that have my clothes packed within. There is nothing on the outside of your luggage that states or suggests there is a gun inside. Once checked, it will arrive at your destination and you will pick it up just like you would your ordinary luggage and no one will be the wiser. Make sure you have the registration for the weapon to prove that it is yours also. You can not transport a weapon that is not yours. As far as insurance goes that is between you and your insurance company as far as I know. Airlines do not provide insurance for the transportation of weapons last time I asked. By the way the rules for transporting a weapon have not really changed even since 9/11 just more observation of the law and adhering to the details of the law. Nothing lax today. They actually now check all the details in every declaration to the letter of the law. There were many instances where inspections were rare - just sign the document , stick it in the case, check it in and pick it up at your destination. Nothing that easy any more. Same procedure just alot of eyes watching to make sure everything is perfect and to the letter of the law. Hope this helps.

10-16-2005, 09:48 PM	#7
sambuscemi User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 192 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 4 Posts	Usually you do not need a separate case for each pistol/weapon but some airlines limit the number of guns you can put in any one case and that appears to be totally at the discretion of the airline. The best thing to do is call the airline ahead of time.

10-18-2005, 10:34 PM	#9
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	I am not trying to break any laws, but since a Luger is so simple to break down, why not pack the frame in one suitcase and the rest in another? Why would you even have to declare their presence since it is only parts? Is this not legal? Mike

10-18-2005, 11:13 PM	#10
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	No...it is not a matter of parts, it the numbered frame that will get you everytime...

10-19-2005, 01:02 AM	#12
Mike B Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 979 Thanks: 1 Thanked 271 Times in 99 Posts	Thanks guys. I didn't know the frame was as strickly regulated as the weapon itself. I am planning to attend the Louisville show in February and will be carrying several Lugers. I guess I should start looking for the keys to my rifle case. Mike

10-19-2005, 03:09 AM	#13
Dwight Gruber User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,902 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1,317 Times in 431 Posts	With a Luger, the frame "is" the weapon. --Dwight