suppressor on a commerical airline flight.......

[PBR Streetgang]

Has anyone flew with just their suppressor on a commercial airline flight and how was it handled?

 

[25cschaefer]

I would imagine since it is classified as a firearm by the gov. you would have to declare it and have them make sure it is unloaded. I have never taken a suppressor on a flight but I have taken a handgun several times without a problem, except the TSA destroyed the box for my HK, it had a boot print on it. I really don't see a problem.

 

[crazy-mp]

Several manufacturers flew to the Silencers are Legal shoot in Dallas with their suppressors, you have to declare it like a firearm and make sure your gun case is airline approved and every spot you can put a lock on your case, DO!!

 

[TurtlePhish]

you have to declare it like a firearm and make sure your gun case is airline approved and every spot you can put a lock on your case, DO!!

That's kinda dumb. Seems like it would be a little more efficient to allow the expensive, harmless tube as carry-on.... but it's TSA, so who knows what they're thinking.

 

[Explorer1]

Remember that you need to have permission from the ATF to move NFA items between states. In cases of commerical shipments, you have to provide the shipper with a copy of the tax stamp, don't know if the airlines even know what that is let alone the potential mess admitting it could create.

 

[TurtlePhish]

Remember that you need to have permission from the ATF to move NFA items between states. In cases of commerical shipments, you have to provide the shipper with a copy of the tax stamp, don't know if the airlines even know what that is let alone the potential mess admitting it could create.

ATF doesn't require permission to move a suppressor, but they recommend telling them anyway.

 

[Zak Smith]

Remember that you need to have permission from the ATF to move NFA items between states. In cases of commerical shipments, you have to provide the shipper with a copy of the tax stamp, don't know if the airlines even know what that is let alone the potential mess admitting it could create.

You don't provide UPS/FEDEX with copies of any of the paperwork. Copies of the appropriate forms are included to the receiving SOT can comply with ATF regs. You also do not need 5320.20 permission to move a silencer interstate temporarily, TurtlePhish is right.

 

[SANDRAT]

You don't provide UPS/FEDEX with copies of any of the paperwork. Copies of the appropriate forms are included to the receiving SOT can comply with ATF regs. You also do not need 5320.20 permission to move a silencer interstate temporarily, TurtlePhish is right.

Zak Smith is correct.I fly with a firearm,silencer,and ammo in the same hardcase.At the airport,you declare your firearms,TSA will inspect the hardcase,then you lock it with a NON-TSA lock.This is the only checked luggage they cannot open (it already was inspected).You don't need to provide the Airline employee with anything except the extra bag fee.I do keep a copy of my Form 4 with any NFA weapon I am using,transporting,etc.Funny thing is,I've never been asked to show it,ever,by a LEO.

 

[PBR Streetgang]

Thanks for the info. I've flown numerous times with firearms (suppressor is considered a firearm) but I question the new procedures of the TSA and airlines employees. In past times I would show the airline employees the weapon was safe and unloaded, they would tag it ,sometimes TSA would also want to inspect it too. No problem with that.I would then lock the approved case with my non-TSA locks and the case would be taken to be loaded. A few weeks ago I was told by the airline employee that I was to give them the locks and keys with the firearm and they would take the weapon to be inspected by a TSA employee who would lock my case ,place it in my luggage and then the airline employee would return my keys to me.I didn't want to allow my firearm unsecured out of my sight but had to follow their rules or miss my flight. My firearm did arrive but wasn't secured properly. I've contacted TSA and the carrier on this issue but up to now I only get a computer generated reply of general rules and regs.......no real person to answer my specific question....anyone else have a situation like this?

 

[SANDRAT]

@ PBR Streetgang,I just read your post a couple of times to make sure I was seeing it right.The NFA weapon designation puts it in an entirely different category.Nobody except the owner,a CLIII dealer/CLII mfr w/SOT,or LEO,is supposed to even touch or have access to it.As far as getting ahold of a real person at the TSA by phone...........:banghead:

 

[Ranb]

Silencers are firearms as defined by the US Code, so they have to be treated as such by the airlines and TSA.

If the TSA decides that they want to inspect your firearms in a secure area in which you are not allowed, then you have a choice. You can let them do it the way they want to, or you can cancel your flight and go home.

It is a good idea to let the TSA know what is in the case so they do not freak when they x-ray it and discover silencers which they may or may not know are legal. Never travel without copies of your ATF forms.

Ranb

 

[SilentStalker]

Now keep in mind even when you show it to them and lock it, there have been cases where they have opened them. Some people I know have even had stuff stolen. Yes, it is against the law for them to do so but trying to figure out who did what is nearly impossible it seems so making a case may be rather difficult. To the person who posted his box was destroyed, can you elaborate on that some? That would have made me pretty pissed in and of itself. IMO, it's easier to just ship it to wherever you are going and be done with it. Its not worth the hassle of doing everything at the airport and your stuff will be much safer...

 

[MasterSergeantA]

I flew last weekend from Arizona to West Virginia (and, yes, my arms WERE tired) and took my pistol and silencer in a locked hard case. The Southwest ticket agent had me fill out a form, taped it to the outside of the hard case and sent me over to the TSA screeners. They took the hard case out of my bag, wiped it down with a wand and put it back, then had me carry the bag back to SWA to load it on the conveyor. Took about 10 minutes in all. I guess they could have asked me to open it...and it actuality, I expected they would, but that did not happen on either the flight east or the return.

The funny thing was, I asked the TSA guy what the wand was for and he told me it was to look for explosive residue...then he shrugged his shoulders and said, "Stupid, I know."

 

[bbuddtec]

to Master, are you saying there's an acceptable protocol for bringing pistols as carry-on?

I would be doing that if I could, as I don't check any baggage, typically.

Bryan

 

[MasterSergeantA]

to Master, are you saying there's an acceptable protocol for bringing pistols as carry-on?

I would be doing that if I could, as I don't check any baggage, typically.

Bryan

No, not at all. The only protocol for carrying on the plane (as ar as I know) is to be a special agent or air marshal. My comment about the "conveyor" was meant to indicate that it was a checked bag. Sorry for the confusion.

I actually hate turning anything over to the gorillas that load the planes as stuff does get stolen and the airlines will fight hard against any blame. But sometimes you have to bite the bullet (no pun intended). Hell, the USPS lost a Bushmaster M17 that I bought a while back; never had any trace of it found. Luckily it was insured and the money that was eventually returned let me buy another.

Have a good Memorial Day, all.

 

[zoom6zoom]

A few weeks ago I was told by the airline employee that I was to give them the locks and keys with the firearm and they would take the weapon to be inspected by a TSA employee who would lock my case ,place it in my luggage and then the airline employee would return my keys to me.

Federal Law trumps airline regulations, and they violated them.

Per 49 CFR 1540.111;only the passenger(s)/lawful owner(s) of the firearm(s) are to have the key or combination to the firearm case.
It is ok to give the TSA screener the key if they need to get into your hard side firearm case under your supervision.

Another document to add to your pile to keep with you when flying.

 

[bbuddtec]

Thanks for the response, ahh well I'll take that chance, and particularly good advice with the Law related travel docs. Thanks all, and Happy Thoughtful Memorial Day. Always Faithful.