Question about a minor competing

[Gillster]

Couldn't figure out how to title this thread. Here is my question: My ex-wife and I have joint custody of our son. His primary residence is in another state from where I live. He competes in steel challenge and IPSC matches when here in Texas with a gun we purchased for him. He has found a local place in his hometown which is hosting some type of handgun competition. Since he will be here this weekend, he asked about the possibility of taking his handgun back with him to try out this match. Does anyone have any info on a minor flying with a gun in their checked luggage? Since he can't legally possess a handgun, would the handgun have to be transferred to his step-dad through an FFL to possess it out of state? Off the top of my head I don't think it is a good idea but he's a good competitor and I would like to see him get more practice in. Maybe just have his step-dad buy a similiar gun locally? Any advice or info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

 

[rayra]

Couldn't figure out how to title this thread. Here is my question: My ex-wife and I have joint custody of our son. His primary residence is in another state from where I live. He competes in steel challenge and IPSC matches when here in Texas with a gun we purchased for him. He has found a local place in his hometown which is hosting some type of handgun competition. Since he will be here this weekend, he asked about the possibility of taking his handgun back with him to try out this match. Does anyone have any info on a minor flying with a gun in their checked luggage? Since he can't legally possess a handgun, would the handgun have to be transferred to his step-dad through an FFL to possess it out of state? Off the top of my head I don't think it is a good idea but he's a good competitor and I would like to see him get more practice in. Maybe just have his step-dad buy a similiar gun locally? Any advice or info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

I'd stay far away from the minor traveling with firearm. FAR too much hassle.
Simplest solution is your last idea - have the step-dad purchase an identical firearm.

 

[Logan5]

Agreed. It's a really, really poor idea. I won't go all lawyer on it, but it's not such a great idea. Crunch the numbers, and either lock it in your trunk and drive it to his residence over a weekend, or have an adult on the other end buy a duplicate, or... well, anything besides having a minor in exclusive posession and control of the handgun during interstate travel. I favor the duplicate idea myself, since it allows for more practice, and more practice means better performance and more fun all around.

 

[Brian Dale]

A duplicate seems like a good idea. Is his step-dad a shooter, too? I acknowledge that it's none of my business, and I don't mean to pry. Will your son have shooting buddies or coaches available in his other state, so he can practice outside of matches?

 

[Gillster]

Is his step-dad a shooter, too?

That's kind of another thing, his step-dad is more hunter then shooter. I really doubt he's ever shot in any type of competition. In addition, my son's handgun is an open class gun with optics and a compensator which I'm sure the SD would not be familiar with. As far as coaches for practice and such, I don't know what he might find available. I wasn't much of a shooter myself when I lived in his hometown. Don't worry about prying, I came looking for advice/info so any questions help to clarrify, as well as bring up things I hadn't thought of yet. Thanks

 

[Brian Dale]

Cool. I was asking more to find out if his step-dad would support the whole idea; he needn't be a coach or compete himself. I'm glad that the "step-whoever doesn't like guns" problem that some folks have experienced doesn't affect your son. I expect that he'll be able to find coaches and shooting buddies at the range.

Be sure to let us know how he does! {Note: I believe that "enjoyed himself" is a good primary goal for any young shooter; he might have magnificent scores, but to me that's secondary}

p.s. - it might be fun to invite them both to join THR, too, if you haven't already done so.
There's a lot of stuff here for people with different gun-related interests.