How to guide to traveling to Ottawa for Nationals & FCWC

308BAR

308BAR

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I though a just throw some questions out here and maybe start as a how to guide for newbs (like me) to get to Ottawa for competition. Question could be answer by those with experience flying to and from competition abroad. Feel free to add any additional questions, tips or tricks that will make life easier for the traveling competitor.

I personally have never flown with a rifle and it makes be ultra nervous about my equipment considering the savage baggage handlers. I've heard stories of Pelican cases, scopes being destroyed and even heard first hand about barrels being bent!

So questions:

Q series 1 traveling with rifle) What kind of consideration when buying a gun case? Should TSA be allowed access? Types of additional locks? equipment insurance? What to expect at the airport?

Q series 2 equipment) I usually have enough equipment to fill a small wagon when I'm shooting locally. Shooting mats, ammo, spotting scope, bipod rear rest etc..
How do you kit yourself when traveling? What do you take as a carry on and take as a range necessity? Do you take a soft case allow to get your rifle from the different firing points?

Q series 3 Gun cleaning) Do you take a cleaning kit? Cleaning rod? Cleaning Solutions?

Thanks in advance!
 
Mushman should chime in.
Bagage handlers are brutal. They damaged my first pelican case. I know the guy that had his barrel bent. Never ship your scope take it as a cary on. I am lucky my wife usualy goes so she gets some gear. I take my cleaning rod and supplies i gust check a small amount of cleaner just enough for the match in an original contaner. If they take it not a big deal ill buy some there.
Never travel with ammo ship it to the range mushman will help with that detail. There is a process for that.
Remove the bolt from the rifle and use TSA keyed locks they may want to look at it. Why i dont know they xray it.
I take my rear bag as a cary on they dont like that becease they see it as a dense item and think its explosives. So they want to swab it.
When i take intenational flites i go atleast 3h before departure. Its unreal how many times you get asked the same queation and seperat security then non of your suff arives when you do. It usualy comes the next day. But thats international.
For the most part i have good experiance at the airport just be patient.
 
What a great question. Am very interested in the responses from experienced travelers as, like the OP, I carry enough to a match to warrant a mule train.
 
Loosen the bedding screws on your rifles before packing it in your gun case. Any glass like scopes and spotting scopes I would pack as carry on. For some reason spotting scope stands can get the TSA's panties in a twist. I have never called the airline to notify them about bringing a firearm but do show up with extra time to sort out any paperwork. If possible, always fly West Jet.

With all the extra kit that F'ers have over TR guys, I would ship ammo to the DCRA ahead of time. And I would crate up everything else that you think you will need and ship that to the DCRA also.

One thing I have noticed about Brit teams coming to Canada and bringing or having ammo shipped over is...
The have the ammo loaded long and use a LEE hand presses to reseat their bullets, something about bullets pushing out in a non pressurized cargo hold of the aircraft. Don't know if that is true or not, but that was their story and they were sticking to it.
 
We are in CANADA... be friends with PUROLATOR.. Ship ALL gear on a pallet or crate.. DONE. AMMO is now easily shipped with little hassle and headache BUT it will take a bunch of time as this is likely going on rail.

Bring measurements, weights and contents so you can discuss "limited useage" tags, and insurance.

Yes, it can be that easy. Big problem will be on the receiving end. If going to DCRA, make sure they are willing and able to accept.. they may not.

Odds are they have already figured out a way to handle the huge amount of inbound freight coming from overseas. Contact FTRRookie and ask Scott. Then ask them to post info and links for info on DCRA and Worlds Facebook page.

The lead time can be pretty big so know what and when.. otherwise, it is just a bunch of money and away you go. I would avoid flying with gear as much as possible... 2 scopes busted and zero support from the airlines.

Yes, there were tire marks on my rifle cases.....

Jerry
 
maynard said:
....

One thing I have noticed about Brit teams coming to Canada and bringing or having ammo shipped over is...
The have the ammo loaded long and use a LEE hand presses to reseat their bullets, something about bullets pushing out in a non pressurized cargo hold of the aircraft. Don't know if that is true or not, but that was their story and they were sticking to it.
Click to expand...

Just the time sitting over large amounts of powder can push the bullets out. Got burnt by this last year.... I would strongly recommend reseating bullets before the match.

There are some things you don't want to learn through personal experience.. GRRRR

Jerry
 
I have flown several times with my precision rifle in a Pelican case. Nothing ever happened to it, always arrived fine. Maybe I am very lucky? You have to walk it down to over size baggage and it goes through the x-ray machine there. They never asked me to open the case. My scope in carry on has always singled me out for a hand search of my bag. They always want to see the scope, and one time the woman asked me what it was. I said it was an optical surveying instrument. My bag and case have always been swabbed for explosives but they never swabbed the scope itself.
 
I remove the action from the stock and ship the two packed side by side. The barrels action makes the unit very stiff and much less likely to have a broken stock. I have seen a number of broken stocks.

If you know anyone driving to Ottawa, see if you can give them your ammo and some other heavy or bulky kit.
 
Have Flown to Ottawa 6 times with WestJet

- have not experienced any problems; most staff are very accommodating, some curious and some wish me luck (but that's only good for a few points)
- last two (2) times they have not wanted to open up the rifle case, was told they generally don't now (x-ray)
- I disassemble the entire rifle and pack it in a well padded case with locks - you can zap strap in addition if you like
- All optics are with me as carry-on, if they are damaged, it's me then
- I carry my match paperwork and have it ready to show if necessary
- Most of my ammo is shipped by courier, but I put a box of 50 in my suitcase (in case my ammo is delayed; then at least I can do my sight-ins or practice)
- One year, my ammo overshot Ottawa and ended up in New Brunswick, it arrived 3 days after I left Ottawa.......(thankfully the shooter I was staying with was using the same calibre and bullet, just loaded up some ammo and I was off to the races....thanks Don!)
 
Mystic Precision said:
We are in CANADA... be friends with PUROLATOR.. Ship ALL gear on a pallet or crate.. DONE. AMMO is now easily shipped with little hassle and headache BUT it will take a bunch of time as this is likely going on rail.

Bring measurements, weights and contents so you can discuss "limited useage" tags, and insurance.

Yes, it can be that easy. Big problem will be on the receiving end. If going to DCRA, make sure they are willing and able to accept.. they may not.

Odds are they have already figured out a way to handle the huge amount of inbound freight coming from overseas. Contact FTRRookie and ask Scott. Then ask them to post info and links for info on DCRA and Worlds Facebook page.

The lead time can be pretty big so know what and when.. otherwise, it is just a bunch of money and away you go. I would avoid flying with gear as much as possible... 2 scopes busted and zero support from the airlines.

Yes, there were tire marks on my rifle cases.....

Jerry
Click to expand...

Just want to get a sense of what you're shipping. So you're shipping guns and any equipment that you would take to the range such as bipods, rests, cleaning equipment, mats, etc by Purlator. How big of a crate would that be and approximate cost?

How in turn after your completion you get it returned back to yourself. I maybe leaving the very same evening on the last day of competition and it will be very tight on time to make these kind of arrangements to crate everything back Also Sunday is the final day and most postal outlets are closed.

Mystic Precision said:
Just the time sitting over large amounts of powder can push the bullets out. Got burnt by this last year.... I would strongly recommend reseating bullets before the match.

There are some things you don't want to learn through personal experience.. GRRRR

Jerry
Click to expand...

So what type of press are you bringing along to reseat your bullets? Arbor? Hand Press? or do you have a local bring in a press for emergencies. :)
 
There will be NO shipments to DCRA this year. The office has neither the time or the space to try and accommodate, especially with 500+ people expected.

If you can ship to a depot ad hold for pick-up that would be ideal, but we are also working to firm up another option for people to ship their gear to. If shipping via/to a courier you can likely have your stuff held for a few days at no charge. If the other option comes through then I would expect there may be some handling/service charge associated with that but it's still being worked out.
 
308BAR said:
Just want to get a sense of what you're shipping. So you're shipping guns and any equipment that you would take to the range such as bipods, rests, cleaning equipment, mats, etc by Purlator. How big of a crate would that be and approximate cost?

How in turn after your completion you get it returned back to yourself. I maybe leaving the very same evening on the last day of competition and it will be very tight on time to make these kind of arrangements to crate everything back Also Sunday is the final day and most postal outlets are closed.



So what type of press are you bringing along to reseat your bullets? Arbor? Hand Press? or do you have a local bring in a press for emergencies. :)
Click to expand...

This is where you will have to work out how to get the crate to and from the range. Odds are you will need to stay another day to sort that out then fly out that afternoon/evening. Unless you can find someone willing to ship it out for you, you are on your own.

One plan was to ship EVERYTHING in a big crate... ammo in a separate parcel... On the return, add the empties to the crate, fly home with any live ammo while staying under the 5kg limit. Costs and size will depend on what you need to bring and what it measure out to.

Weight is not really a concern. Pallet/crate dimensions will be so contact your courier and discuss that very very clearly.

We were going to rent a truck so the crate could be loaded into the bed. If you can share with your roommate/travel person, the costs drop quite a bit per person.

For on site seating, an arbor press and wilson dies are the most common. I would use a Lee hand press and my normal seater.

Ideally, you will find someone that is going to drive across and can take your gear....

Jerry
 
FTRRookie said:
There will be NO shipments to DCRA this year. The office has neither the time or the space to try and accommodate, especially with 500+ people expected.

If you can ship to a depot ad hold for pick-up that would be ideal, but we are also working to firm up another option for people to ship their gear to. If shipping via/to a courier you can likely have your stuff held for a few days at no charge. If the other option comes through then I would expect there may be some handling/service charge associated with that but it's still being worked out.
Click to expand...
Scott Thanks for updating and providing comments regarding the DCRA's event policy regarding receiving parcels for this years event. Just to confirm NO ammo and equipment receiving by the DCRA. Very useful information indeed.
 
Ditto on flying Westjet. I travelled to Saskatchewan several years for hunting, and never had troubles.

I used a plastic gun case with 6 pieces of 1/4" masonite to reinforce all around the egg shell foam. I knew it wasn't very rigid as purchased, and didn't want the rifle to take all the torque and flexing force.

If you are a serving soldier or a veteran, register with Canadian Forces Appreciation program to get discounts on all kinds of services. That might include an extra checked bag or a weight allowance. There was a CANFORGEN on this a few years ago.

When you check in, expect the ticket agent to send you to another 'full service' counter. Expect to be swabbed for explosive residue, so suggest not handling powder or ammo for a day or two before flying and changing into fresh duds after showering that morning.
 
308BAR said:
I though a just throw some questions out here and maybe start as a how to guide for newbs (like me) to get to Ottawa for competition. Question could be answer by those with experience flying to and from competition abroad. Feel free to add any additional questions, tips or tricks that will make life easier for the traveling competitor.

I personally have never flown with a rifle and it makes be ultra nervous about my equipment considering the savage baggage handlers. I've heard stories of Pelican cases, scopes being destroyed and even heard first hand about barrels being bent!

So questions:

Q series 1 traveling with rifle) What kind of consideration when buying a gun case? Should TSA be allowed access? Types of additional locks? equipment insurance? What to expect at the airport?

Q series 2 equipment) I usually have enough equipment to fill a small wagon when I'm shooting locally. Shooting mats, ammo, spotting scope, bipod rear rest etc..
How do you kit yourself when traveling? What do you take as a carry on and take as a range necessity? Do you take a soft case allow to get your rifle from the different firing points?

Q series 3 Gun cleaning) Do you take a cleaning kit? Cleaning rod? Cleaning Solutions?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I have only flown inside of the US with firearms, but I do it a lot. I just came back from the PRS Finale in Texas.


Here is a rundown.

Ship whatever you can to your hotel. Your bags are limited to 50 lbs. each before you get an oversized bagage surcharge. This will save you a lot of grief. If you are flying with ammo, you are limited to 11 lbs. That is about 200 rounds of 6x47L. Some people have told me that their ammo has been pulled from their bags and weighed. This is per person, so if you're wife or significant other is flying with you, you can take double that (in the US, they probalby require a licence in Canada). In the US, you can have ammo in the rifle case. I have heard this is not allowed in Canada though. They are rough. I have had ammo boxes smashed hard enough that the plastic deformed into the extractor grove and I had to pull the rounds out with pliers.

You can't do online check-in with a firearm. You can, but you will have to go to the counter to check in the firearm, and they will re-issue you your boading pass(es) anyway. Show up at the airport with your locked case and firearm unloaded. In Canada, they may require trigger locks. Do NOT use TSA locks on your rifle case. They are very specific about this, they don't want them on firearms. The only one who should be able to get into that case is you. They will call you if they need to get into it.

When you show up at the counter, declare the firearm. They will ask you to open the case and show that it is unloaded. You will sign a declaration that you are complying with the regulations and put it in the case, then lock it back up. Some airports will make you take the rifle case to a specific location. When I left San Antonio on Monday, they made me bring it into a side room where they swabbed it for bomb residue before accepting it. Don't worry, it won't set it off. On my way down there, they pulled my Gamechanger bag from my carry-on and swabbed it and it was fine.

The rifle case should go to the airlines office near the baggage claim and you should have to go and show ID to retreive it. This does not always happen. I have had it come out on the carousel several times. So, make sure you wait long enough or can see it at their office before you leave the baggage claim area.

It really isn't difficult to fly with firearms. 50% of the time I find in the TSA bagage search notifications in my gear bag, but have never been called over for anything.
 
I've never had any issues and I fly to matches and for work a bunch in a year. In Canada use westjet. Seriously. They are 100x better than the other guy. Less attitudes and nonsense. I once had AC ask me to open the case in LAX to see if it was unloaded. There were at least 100 people in line behind me watching. Once the case was open the woman said "well is it unloaded?" I told her to look herself since she made me open it. She had zero idea what to look for. Westjet I've NEVER had to open it.
I fly with both bolt guns and restricted. All in the same case with a spotting scope. Optics are on the guns and I've never had an issue. Pelican cases are pretty hard. Watch the oversized baggage on the other end because it will likely end up there with no one around. Travel with your docs/permits etc although I've never been asked for them. No really any of their business anyways.
To the US you'll need either your hunting liscence, form 6 or invitation to a match. They'll likely ask in customs. The American side generally doesn't care but the Canadians will want to look when you come back. Ship ammo ahead of you can. Its WAY easier!
 
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