flying with your target rifle

Jonathan
Look into flying out of Syracuse. The US airlines do not currently charge any extra for flying with firearms, and it may be cheaper.
For a case I use a double sided short case. Barreled action on one side, stock on the other.

Scott
 
The trigger should be okay. I know of lam stocks that have been broken in a long pelican case, they can flex that much. Apparently there are flights out of Ogdensburg now as well which may be closer for you.

What do you mean by "lock"? You should lock the case to keep the nosy out but in Canada no locks are required during transport for non restricted.
 
Ian, i mean a locking sytem on the trigger itself adn was not ware that we are not obligated to have one during transport.

I know Delta airlines is not charging any extra for a rifle even if i leave from Montreal. Then i wonder if any gain flying from either Ogdensburgh or Syracuse ??!! Can i bring more ammo if my flyght start from within the US ?

On another mather, is it possible to send ammo and range cart by "fedex" directly to the range ? There must be someone responsible for those situation within the organisation of the match ??!!
 
Are you near a border crossing?

Ask the US customs officer in charge what their thoughts are on crossing with ammo THEN shipping by US carrier to destination.

I have no black and white, rock solid response BUT it is a possibility. The whole issue is legally entering the US. Beyond that, it is just another big crate of haz mat stuff and there are plenty of ways to move freight IN the US.

All air travel use the same limits for firearms and ammo. Otherwise, you would have a FUBAR on a connecting flight using different rules.

Jerry
 
Ian Robertson said:
The trigger should be okay. I know of lam stocks that have been broken in a long pelican case, they can flex that much. Apparently there are flights out of Ogdensburg now as well which may be closer for you.

What do you mean by "lock"? You should lock the case to keep the nosy out but in Canada no locks are required during transport for non restricted.
Click to expand...

The airlines want the case locked up tight so there is no way a person could easily remove a firearm by opening 1 end. SO, you need locks at both ends of the case - those locks have to be considered TSB accessible. you may run into hassles with generic padlocks???

I went further with duct tape over every latch - more for my piece of mind so that a latch couldn't open accidentally and stuff fall out.

My case looked mummified.

And yes, tape was torn off in the handling so the more layers to protect your goods, the better in my opinion.

FYI, in Raton, my scope zero was bang on. I love these big heavy cases and they protect my gear very well. Some did send down their rifle in shorter cases and taken apart. You may want to ask around but I think someone had a FUBAR anyways.

Bring spare parts... you just never know.
Jerry
 
I add zap-straps to the locked points on the case. If they are removed, then I would call over security (before handling the case) to notify them that there is a possibility that the case has been tampered with.......
 
Jonathan, you are spending thousands of dollars for this competition on practice times, loads, etc. Don't get less than you're comfortable with when it comes to a travel case. BTW, flying from the US to NM is a good idea. Look for deals, all airlines are different.
 
i just cant thank you guys enough. :)

I agree that i will take a case that will stand my weight without flexing much....which should do it. Wether its a Boyt, Plano or whatever...

I'm going to a shoot in Albany, NY next w-e and will ask experience guys what they are doing. As for now, my best option is with Delta Airlines. The flight to Phoenix from Montreal is a HUGE 521.00$ !!!!! and they dont charge any extra for rifle so.... Found an hotel as well for 60.00$/night (Hampton Inn) within 5 miles from the range....only thing left is find a car rental....and someone to bring my cart

questions:

what is TSB accessible ?

what is "fubbar" ?
 
Great question and great answers!

I used to fly for hunting trips and had the extra decision factor of limited funds (after buying the tickets!). My case was a simple clamshell injection molded double case. The difference was to reinforce the six sides with fitted panels of masonite. Each side, end and flat was protected with a 1/4" tempered masonite strip or sheet that nested between the plastic and the foam. The idea was always to keep the case from flexing and racking in handling, without going overweight or oversize. The particular case had six or eight flights with no rifle damage, only a busted hinge. I invested in rolls of duct tape and tie-wraps so as not to depend on the flimsy closures. I've never had to go cross border.

The advice about separating the receiver and barrel from the stock makes really good sense. The more length you have, the more handling "challenges" you are giving to the luggage gorillas. Shorter means the case will not get bridged between other cargo, and less likely to be dropped because someone gets overbalanced. You have to fire sighters anyways, so that is your chance to settle the action before the match.

One final thought. There was a CANFORGEN today that Westjet and Air Canada had just agreed to a free extra luggage deal to serving and retired military members. Just present your ID card or record of service card to get two, three or four extra pieces on board for free. Even if not every CGN'er is eligible, it pays to always ask about discounts, deals and benefits before accepting the first price offered.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

CANFORGEN 110/14 CMP 047/14 071213Z JUL 14
WESTJET AND AIR CANADA ENHANCED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
UNCLASSIFIED
 
Last edited:
I have traveled many times with a target (rifles). Sometimes the counter staff have no idea what the airline policy is on rifles and ammo.

here is a way to create a Get Out of Jail card. Before your trip, write to the airline and explain you are booked to fly to Phoenox on October 15, flt #451 and wuld like to know the proper procedure for packing a target rifle and ammunition. They will write back and typically say the rifle has to be unloaded and in a locked case and the ammo must be in factory packaging. (I use MTM 50 round ammo boxes and I print a fancy label for them.)

If you get a problem at the counter, you can pull out the letter and explain that you have complied with the written requirements.

This procedure has helped me big time, twice. (Air Canada).
 
TSA locks are a must. I just travelled to Utah for a match and used normal pad locks, they were cut off and graciously left inside my case to use as a paper weight on a later date. As long as all your paperwork is done properly, including your ATF forms it should be no problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom