[Sturmgreif]

I've been hassled twice. The second time, I thought, Hmmm, if I disassemble the weapon, putting the barrel in one bag, slide in the second, and frame in the third, they won't crap when they see it on the xray machine...

Nope. They asked me why it was in there, and I told them it was not only legal, but none of their damned business. They then proceeded to tell me they couldn't let me or my bags onto the plane. We went back and forth for almost 15 minutes, much like the first time, before an off duty Detroit PD officer came over and explained to them that it was, indeed, legal. They then reluctantly allowed me onto the plane. I must either look like a terrorist or have crappy luck, because I've only spoken to one other person who's had any trouble with the airlines or luggage checkers. *shrugs*

Oh, and here's a comment made to me by the TSA guy there...he said that if I were going to lock the case, it had to have a TSA-approved lock. When I asked him what that was, he said it was a lock that allowed TSA employees to open the lock without knowing the code, via a special key. Yeah, right...like I'm going to trust random individuals to go rifling through my luggage. It's Masterlock for me and my gun luggage.

 

[Sturmgreif]

The TSA approved lock is pretty much standard now. You can lock your luggage with whatever you want, but get the wrong guy and they can detain you or in a worst case situation just bust open your luggage. While you probably would be compensated for it, it's still going to be a hassle.

Original topic, sorry don't have any personal experience checking through firearms/ammo, just what I've heard from guys I've talked to down here.

I wouldn't mind them busting open my luggage as much as I'd mind them searching my luggage without even asking me or letting me know.

If they ask me if they can search my luggage, I'd always say yes, as I have no reason to decline. However, I don't like the idea of them searching anyone's luggage they so please, or having a universal key to everyone's luggage. I personally believe that this, along with the so-called Patriot Act, takes the government's authority a bit too far. It would not be hard to simply have the individual present when you examine their luggage. I've had packages ripped open and things stolen during shipping; what's to make me think this would be any different? At least I'll know if they messed with my luggage this way.

Sorry if I'm venting, but I simply feel as though I've lost a significant portion of my privacy in this matter. I understand that sometimes we need to make sacrifices for the greater good of our country and its security, but I consider this step unnecessary. Just my $0.02...