Legal or Not?

[nwmanitou]

Well, I'm headed up to Washington State today for my sister's wedding. It'll be the first time I've flown with my pistol as Utah is now recognized by WA. I've printed out the Reciprocity list from the AG's webpage, just in case I meet some LE that aren't up to date on who's honoring whom. I hope things go smoothly with the TSA.

Here's my question though. I may be taking possession my dad's Colt Python, that is, if I can convince him to let me keep it "secure" in my safe here in Utah. I'm planning to just fit it into my pistol case and declare it at the airport along with my carry weapon. Are there any legal problems with this? Also, there is a case of about 1k rounds to go with the pistol. I don't know if I can ship it so I'm going to get my sister to drive it down here with her new husband. You guys that have accuired and transported firearms and ammunition over state lines, am I doing things right? It will be a gift from a family member, though it is out of state. The last thing I want to do is break the law.

 

[Cortland]

Clearly interstate transfer among non-licensee family members happens ALL THE TIME, but it is my understanding that the only lawful way for a non-licensee to acquire a firearm across state lines is via a licensee (i.e. acquire it from a licensee in the other state, or have it shipped to a licensee in your state). The fact that the gun is a gift or belongs to a family member makes no difference.

You can't have the Python transferred to you via a licensee while in another state since it's a handgun. I think the only legal way for you to acquire the pistol is to have it shipped to your home state.

But please don't take my word for it -- When in doubt, ask the ATF!

 

[Bullet Bob]

Personally, I wouldn't take a gun at all, although some people seem to do it all the time with no trouble. I wouldn't like having it out of my possession and sight for long periods of time, given the more than slight possibility of theft during baggage transfers, not to mention the very possible problems that can arise with airline personnel who aren't very familiar with the law, or even their airline's regulations.

 

[Old Dog]

No problems getting your firearms through (in or out) of Sea-Tac ... I fly with guns all the time. Leaving, your airline will make you go over to the TSA screening area, where you may have to wait a bit -- get there at least a couple hours prior to your flight departure (earlier if possible, it's the holiday season).

Remember, in Washington state, you can't carry in bars (in case it's allowed in Utah; I haven't checked).

You should do the firearm transfer through an FFL here to an FFL in Utah to keep it legal. Yeah, it'll cost you 20 to 50 bucks, and you'd probably be able to get the gun back home without -- but you're flying, not driving, so play it safe. If you do a quick search here on THR, you'll find recommendations for friendly FFL dealers in this state.

As far as the ammo, airlines have either a weight limit (one I saw was 11 pounds) or a cartridge limit, and most airlines require it packed in original manufacturer's boxes, though some don't.

 

[CAS700850]

I have to agree that it is worth the trouble of going through an FFL for the Python. So you spend up to $50, but it's a lot better than watching someone take the Python away from you, never to return. Also of concern, though it may just be me and my sense of paranoia, but the airline/TSA may have a problem with you enterring WA with one handgun and exiting with two. If nothing else, it may get you more attention than you want or deserve. As for ammo, check with the airline.

 

[nwmanitou]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, it looks like the safest way will be to ship it through an FFL. That is of course if I can convince my dad that the gun will be happier in my possesion than left to waste away through disuse.

 

[HankB]

When it comes to reciprocity on CCW, be aware that the specific laws in the reciprocal state are the ones that apply when you're there - NOT the laws back home. CCW laws vary CONSIDERABLY from one state to the next.

As for flying with the handgun, I strongly suggest you contact the airline for THEIR interpretation of the requirements for bringing along a firearm in your checked baggage.

As for the Python . . . I applaud your intent to comply with the law. Some would either bring the family Python home with them, or have their sister (who's driving the ammo down anyway) bring it along, with nobody the wiser . . . especially if the Python has been in the family for a long time.

 

[reagansquad]

Where in Washington are you headed? Some places in Eastern and Central Washington are really sketchy, as is Tacoma. Stay safe.

 

[UnintendedConsequences]

Offical vs Unofficial

As a Class 01 FFL dealer, I go on the don't ask, don't tell policy with customers. When I work on them I just follow the reg, but I don't ask more questions than I have to. As for transfers between non-licensees, I try to keep the costs down for them. That is the official comment.

Unofficially, if you are a law-abiding person and have a family heirloom firearm, I might comment that if you could have your sister bring it down with her on a visit, that would be the most unofficial way to move it. It keeps the movement under wraps and out of the view of nosybodies.

Honestly, the criminals do much worse with what they do. Law-abiding people get punished for their crimes.