Travel to comps.

[holstil]

Looking for advice. I'm trying to go to the 1000yd nationals in Iowa and thinking about how to get there. I've never gone this far before with my guns and gear. Driving by myself will require extra time off of work, especially if they get rain and go extra days. Maybe ship my stuff to a dealer then fly out and pick up on the way to the shoot? I am considering posting a thread for a car/bus pool. Any body ever taken a train? How about legalities?

 

[TonyR]

I have a book called 'Traveler's Guide to Firearm Laws of the Fifty States-2008' ISBN 097254890-4 published by www.gunlawguide.com . I think I got mine from the NRA on-line shop. Helps a lot if you are driving near major cities or some of the Northeast states.

 

[holstil]

Tony, thanks. I see your from MD. I'm from Hagerstown originally. Do you travel very far for shoots? Have you ever flown to one. I wonder what its like trying to check your gun and how safe it would be going through with the luggage. My luggage has taken a serious beating in the past. I've watched them load other planes, and it is comical as long as its not mine. Its like there really pissed at it.
Jim

 

[TonyR]

Hi Jim.
I have never checked a gun onto an airplane for just the reasons you mention. I have spent more than my share of time on airplanes and what I've seen done to luggage makes me want to drive whenever possible. I think I would want one of those welded aluminum gun cases if I absolutely had to do it.
Good luck at Pella.

 

[expiper]

Hi Jim,,,,,I retired 8 yrs ago and have had the opportunity to travel all over the US and attend matches....I have NEVER had any problems with my guns....one woman at the check in counter just about peeddd her pants ...but the TSA guys resuciated her!!grin....
You MUST have a good gun case ...I have s Starlite...there are lots-0-good uns on the market....you can take 2 ,rifles or shotguns in combination)long guns only...,, 5 pistols!!!)) they constitute one piece of your checked luggage....and if they weigh over 50lbs you will be charged 'overweight' fees....you are allowed 5 kilo's,,11 lbs. )) of loaded ammo...no gun powder or primers ...just loaded ammo...there is no problem with using MTM style ammo boxes....the ammo can and shuld be in with the guns...
This is why I usually shoot a 6mmBR ...I could not carry enuff loaded 30-06 or magnum class ammo...250-300 of em wuld be way over ....300 6mmBR's just barely make it!!!!
When you arrive at the check in you declare that you are carryin firearms...the TSA baggage checkers ask you to unlock the case...they inspect to make shure that they are NOT loaded and sniff for explosives....then you lock the case and keep the key...I use a combination lock for MY convenience,,,,When you arrive at your destination they usually come out on the roteciree...hahaha...with the other checked luggage...,sometimes at the overweight counter---my two guns and ammo are usually 70lbs.),,,,If you have a good sturdy gun case you shuld have no problems....I put my cleaning rods in with the guns....and the rifle rest and cleaning suplies are in my other checked bag,and under 4oz.of Sweets etc..)...I use a Wichita aluminum front rest and small rear bag to keep the weight down in my other checked bag....
Dont let others scare you out of traveling and shootin ...it worth the small hastle and keeps everyone aware that this is still America and we are still free men...Roger

 

[TonyR]

Roger.
I gather that your most recent rip west was worth the effort. Congratulations on some great shooting.

 

[spclark]

You can fly with rifles,pistols too but they need to be unloaded, declared, and in your checked luggage) on most airlines but you should check your choice of carrier for their specific rules. As for packing, I've used Pelican cases with no harm for my LR & OTC rifles before.

Usually you can carry up to 5 kg,a bit over 11 pounds) ammunition but the rules are a muddle about packaging. Some will insist it be factory cartons, which makes hand loads problematic. Others will let you go with the plastic cases but the uncertainties make it confusing. It has to go in your checked luggage too.

Shipping ammo is hard,unless you get a compliant UPS clerk) as you really need a HAZMAT certification to ship ammunition even though it's classified as ORM-D.

Some UPS clerks will let you ship it, some won't. You're taking a chance on a BIG fine if you don't declare it & they find it while in their system though....

FedEx has an on-line course you can take for $200 to get certified to ship via FedEx Ground & then you can ship up to 25 kg in one package.

Don't even think about the USPS for sending ammunition. Prohibited, and hefty fines & prison can be the outcome if their rules are ignored. Their inspectors are licensed to carry MP5's too....

 

[holstil]

Hey thanks for the info fellas, sounds like it might be a good idea to call the different airlines to get the specifics for each. Which airline/s do you typically fly expiper? I guess your starlite has wheels on it? A friend of mine has one of those and that baby is awesome. I think it was about $250.00 or so but worth it. I wouldn't mind having a pelican either. I like my case but the old Wally world special may not hold up to the riggers of baggage handling.
Jim

 

[expiper]

Yep it's heavy,,,,but I am not gonna tote 7,000$ worth of shootin iorns around in a 20$ gun case and wonder why the latch flew open and let ole' 'Betsy' fall out on the tarmak.!!!!!
There are several good un's out there...you get what you pay for....Loaded most will be aprox. 70lbs,,sooo ...the wheels are a necesity..I am not a kid anymore and with the other chekd lugage with my rifle rest and clean socks is usually around 50lbs,,,++ my cary on,,,with my camera and GPS and clean shorts and 'PILLS',,,and my MAN PURSE,,,it is all I can drag around the airport by my self!!!!....
Dont waste time callin the airlines...you will just get some well manicured 'tootsie' who will give you a song and a dance and some vague self imagined answer,,she dont know a shiete from a shineola!!!),,,just pak your stuff properly and go for it!!,,,,the TSA gun checkers are the only people at the airport who know what their job is and what the laws are...
Just remember ...5 kilos,,11 lbs.) of ammo....you can be a lil' over ...but not much...that is one more reason to shoot a 6mmBR or one of its wildcat children...the ctgs. are little and you can take a bunch of em...
Good luck at Iowa....let us know how it goes...Roger

 

[FBecigneul]

Another option is to contact the match director, ask him where your things can be shipped, and ship them. When you get to Iowa rent a car, drive out to the location of your stuff, thank the person responsible, and take them out to dinner. It will break the ice and you'll get to know one more person well.

 

[holstil]

That is a great idea.

 

[BobLor]

Any body ever taken a train? How about legalities? [/QUOTE]

Last I heard no guns on the trains. Anyhow your baggage is accessible to about everyone on the train. That is baggage you bring on. It is just plopped down usually on the bottom level of the passenger car. You can check your baggage at some stations, not all, and then it is put in a baggage car.

If you do travel by train allow yourself a lot of extra time as the Amtrac trains are almost always late, which can cause you to miss a train or two. Freight has priority on most of the tracks. It is a different way to travel and see things, mostly the 'armpit'of every city but some nice scenery too. Be real flexible with your time.

Oh, for a train system like Switzerland has.

Bob