Can it be done anymore? I know it’s legal, but carriers are refusing to accept & ship handguns to non-FFLs.

I’m flying to FL from TX in a few weeks, can I ship an empty 45 to myself to my brother’s home?

I know I can’t send it there to a local FFL and receive it as I’m not a FL resident. Or can I?

Should I just abandon the idea?

I’m flying there for a week and plan on only a backpack with my clothing and toothbrush.

Or should I check a pelican case (briefcase sized) with a mini gunvault inside and check it thru TSA and Southwest?

Is that even viable-the briefcase sized pelican case with my own locks?

I would check it.

I have flown numerous times and checked a pistol through Southwest. Never had any issue.

Far simpler to check it.

Just check it. And with Southwest it’s free. And you’ll have it from the moment you leave the airport. Id suggest leaving ammo in a factory box to minimize potential trouble.

Why would you not check it in your luggage? I do it at least 10-20x per year. Never an issue. And depending on the airline, you can bypass all the lines at check-in because you have to go to the line for business/first/special handling, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by honestlou:
Just check it. And with Southwest it’s free. And you’ll have it from the moment you leave the airport. Id suggest leaving ammo in a factory box to minimize potential trouble.

Last year I did not have factory boxes to put the ammo in. I had drove a car from a friend from Orlando to San Diego and carried. Get to the airport in SD and I'm ready to fly back. Airline rep asked me to put the ammo back in boxes but I did not have boxes. He then told me to just put them back into the magazines and into the lock box along with the pistol before putting the lock box into my check in.

FWIW, the factory 20 rd, hard plastic box for Federal HydraShok is better and sturdier than any aftermarket container. It's worth buying, even if that isn't your carry ammo brand. Believe me, when you get a know-nothing at the check-in counter and they see the Federal label on the box, they can't say it's not a factory container.

Ok if I check the gun, is a briefcases sized pelican OK. I can put a lockable metal mini gunvault inside that. I wasn’t planning on bringing ammo, I’ll just buy a box there. I intend to leav the gun at my brothers house

Make sure you read/print Southwest’s policies on checking firearms, and go only by that.
I fly with handguns regularly and it really is easy.
Plus, your luggage is all but guaranteed to make it to you. You will have to pick it up with ID at the carrier’s luggage office.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I intend to leav the gun at my brothers house

If that's the case, you 'can' just ship the gun FFL-to-FFL, and have your brother (presumably an FL resident) pick it up. There may or may not be a transfer fee(s) depending on the FFL(s), but it's certainly an option.

Check your state laws, here is the ATF’s answer: Shipping firearm to self

^^^Rifle, sure I guess, but I wouldn't do that with a handgun.

It is legal though handgun or rifle, just getting it done through shippers is the issue.

Just because it's legal doesn't mean they have to participate.

I would imagine a briefcase size pelican is ok, you can lock it shut as well so it doesn't open and the locked case inside for extra protection.

Legally you can, however, you have one choice for common carrier: UPS. At MST cost. Priority Overnight, only.

USPS is off limits (non-licensee shipment of handguns is a federal crime).

FEDEX only does FFL-to-FFL now.

You are far better off getting a Harbor Freight Pelicommie case for $30, two decent keyed padlocks with shackles that are small enough to prevent wedging the case open, and taking it as checked luggage.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Ok if I check the gun, is a briefcases sized pelican OK. I can put a lockable metal mini gunvault inside that. I wasn’t planning on bringing ammo, I’ll just buy a box there. I intend to leav the gun at my brothers house

I checked pistols on Southwest in the original manufacturers box, locked and inside a standard suitcase. Go to SW business select/A list perferred line and say I have to "declare my luggage." Fill out there paperwork in person, hang out for a few minutes in case someone behind the scenes want to talk with you. Otherwise, then just head to security as normal. Claim it on the carousel on the other side as you would any other piece of luggage.

I’m not bringing luggage because m just bringing a backpack.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
I’m not bringing luggage because m just bringing a backpack.

Gotcha. But you can ship your weapon for free without issue if you check it with your luggage...and bags fly for free on Southwest.

quote:

pelican

16" 2 Pistol Case #179

Pre-Cut Foam, 2 Guns, 18 Mags
Interior: 14.61” x 10.46” x 6.01”
Exterior: 16.00” x 13.00” x 6.86”

https://condition1.com/product...-18-mag-pre-cut-foam

Locks are irrelevant,
If they want in , they will get in

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
Locks are irrelevant,
If they want in , they will get in

Maybe true, but they're still required.