Travelling with a Rifle

[bharrisCA]

Hi. I am planning to fly to Florida next week and would really like to take my Sig 556. The problem is that the case is huge and blue and obviously for a rifle. My questions are:
1. Is this a bigger pain in the *** than flying with a pistol in checked baggage?
2. Should I even bother since someone might recognize and steal it?
3. Am I being too paranoid?

I'd also just like to hear any stories people might have of taking rifles with them while flying. Thanks!

[Big Jake]

I have flown quite a few times with handguns in checked baggage with no problems. If you do fly with your rifle then make sure it is in a really strong case as it will get tossed around in luggage transfer. Also make sure the case has a good lock and buy extra insurance for it when you check in just in case something happens to it.

[kmca]

+1 on the strong case, I've seen barrels sticking out the end of "hard plastic" cases and stocks broken in two. Insurance??? It's expensive, then I remembered, I've got mine covered in my homeowners policy

[bharrisCA]

All I have is the stock Sig blue hard plastic case. I think it will hold up as long as i put a couple of locks on it. Homeowner's/Renter's insurance covers loss from a flight? Anyone know how much the insurance would be on a flight?

[paul0660]

Make sure it cannot move at all in the case, because those cargo boys THROW stuff.

[kmca]

ooopppsss

[bharrisCA]

I see that it will cost me $35 for the case for the pistol and rifle for EACH trip. Screw that. I'll just take my pistol in my checked baggage.

[kmca]

All I have is the stock Sig blue hard plastic case. I think it will hold up as long as i put a couple of locks on it. Homeowner's/Renter's insurance covers loss from a flight? Anyone know how much the insurance would be on a flight?

Your plastic case should be fine, provided you pack it in your luggage after you declare it (providing it's still acceptable). Fastest way to find out about your policy is to call your insurance carrier. I just thought about NRA insurance...does it cover guns during transport?

[smle-man]

I shipped a rifle from Pittsburgh to Burbank two years ago. My suitcase was the first one on the luggage belt at baggage claim. The rifle was no where to be seen. They sent it to San Diego, then Las Vegas, then Phoenix. It got back to me 2 days later. All it would take is one handler who doesn't like guns and off it goes for a tour of the country. I felt lucky to get it back.

[Greg-Dawg]

Answers:
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.

Make sure when you get to check in you are "declaring an unloaded firearm".

[Brianguy]

Don't get cheap. Buy a big *** metal case with a big *** padlock!