Traveling with Firearms

SECURING YOUR FIREARM FOR TRAVEL

By Scott Ashton, Vice-President of Sales, Negrini Cases

Have a wingshooting trip of a lifetime around the corner? Driving there may be an option but not for out of state travel. There is no faster way to get to your destination than flying, but we may not put convenience on top of our list.

Is your shotgun case secure and ready for the abuse of airline travel? You need to ask yourself if your case complies with TSA regulations while traveling. When traveling with firearm cases, it is important to check these bags through TSA Security at all domestic airports for hand-checking. According to the TSA website, “The gun case must completely secure the firearm from being accessed.” Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

While the TSA does not officially approve or recommend any particular lock or brand of lock for securing your firearm luggage, we found a solution with Negrini brand of cases, their integrated locks are compliant with TSA requirements. any particular lock, some travelers consider the use of “TSA-Recognized locks” stamped by either Travel Sentry® or Safe Skies® as a preferred method for securing their luggage. These locks specifically allow TSA agents easy access by utilizing master keys.

While these locks are convenient and are fairly common options for many travelers’ standard luggage, the fact is that these master keys can be purchased via eBay, Amazon and can be made by commonly available 3D printing programs. Because of this issue, Negrini has opted not to offer TSA-Recognized locks on their cases. This further adds security while you fly and fully complies with TSA regulations. Your firearms and high-end fly rod equipment are very valuable, and choosing cases with proven tumbler style TSA compliant locks will give you the best protection possible.

These locks offer customers added protection with simplicity and security without the fear of losing keys. Choosing cases with either an all-steel Germanmade tumbler style lock or a tumbler style polymer latch lock that allows you to choose your own combination is the way to go.

FIREARMS

■ When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.

■ If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.

■ Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.

■ Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5, a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

■ Bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.

■ Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.

■ Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.

■ Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. tsa.gov/travel

GENERAL LOCKS

Travelers may leave their checked baggage unlocked or choose to lock it. If you lock your case and it sets off the alarm, TSA officers may have to forcibly open it to complete the screening process. TSA is not liable for missing locks or any damage to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

Ways to protect your case from lock damage is to supply all contact information to reach you while traveling. We recommend a fitted canvas travel cover. The heavy duty canvas covers feature storage pockets for luggage tag information or business card slots for your contact information. Best yet the cover adds exterior protection from scuffs and scratches, a carry handle, and a detachable shoulder strap for hands-free use while traveling.

For additional travel tips and information about TSA screening procedures, prohibited and permitted items, please visit .tsa.gov/travel.

AMMUNITION

■ Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.

■ Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.

■ Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.

■ Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case.

■ Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

VISIT WWW.TTHA.COM