Interstate air travel with suppressor

Flying to CO. Will check a pistol and want to take a can as well. Will presumably put it in the locked box with the pistol, although I'd love to carry it on.

To stay legal do I need to file anything with ATF telling them that my suppressor is temporarily leaving the state?

Nothing required per ATF. Suppressors and AOWs are not included in the list of items that require a 5320.20. You can see that list on an F1, F4, and 5320.20, as well as in the regulations themselves.

ATF will usually approve one if you send it, and you can carry it if you want...just no requirement to do so.

BigWaylon said:

Nothing required per ATF. Suppressors and AOWs are not included in the list of items that require a 5320.20. You can see that list on an F1, F4, and 5320.20, as well as in the regulations themselves.

ATF will usually approve one if you send it, and you can carry it if you want...just no requirement to do so.

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Thanks, I'm not inclined to go the extra mile since it's not required.

Is there any potential for a .gov issued hall pass to get you through a TSA Q&A session?

Catfish said:

Is there any potential for a .gov issued hall pass to get you through a TSA Q&A session?

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I fly on the TSA Pre Check system, never been questioned.

Even if 10 people saw it 9.9 of them wouldn't have the faintest clue what it is..... Tell them you dip snuff and that's your spit "can".....

Catfish said:

Is there any potential for a .gov issued hall pass to get you through a TSA Q&A session?

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you mean for the suppressor? I've assumed that if I put it in the locked box that the ticket agent will deal with it and not tsa. Maybe disassemble it so it's obviously not a "device." You guys think I could legally carry it on?

I would think that maybe GS residue has the slight potential to be an issue for carry on, especially if it get secondary screening if it is initially viewed as a potential pressure vessel.

Don't we have a TSA dude here?

Well it's technically a firearm so I wouldn't try to carry it on. If you declare a firearm can't the TSA open your box to inspect? I've had them leave me "We officially invaded your privacy" notes in my luggage before.

Also be wary of the fine print: Last time I flew I was limited to only ONE checked firearm.

JimB said:

you mean for the suppressor? I've assumed that if I put it in the locked box that the ticket agent will deal with it and not tsa. Maybe disassemble it so it's obviously not a "device." You guys think I could legally carry it on?

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I think that you would really be asking for it. What happens if the TSA screener thinks that it's questionable, calls over a law enforcement rep to give it a glance, and they recognize it as suppressor parts.

HEADLINES - Man attempts to smuggle firearms silencer onto airplane!

Ain't no way in hell....

Johnny said:

I would think that maybe GS residue has the slight potential to be an issue for carry on, especially if it get secondary screening if it is initially viewed as a potential pressure vessel.

Don't we have a TSA dude here?

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Catfish said:

Well it's technically a firearm so I wouldn't try to carry it on. If you declare a firearm can't the TSA open your box to inspect? I've had them leave me "We officially invaded your privacy" notes in my luggage before.

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Scsmith42 said:

I think that you would really be asking for it. What happens if the TSA screener thinks that it's questionable, calls over a law enforcement rep to give it a glance, and they recognize it as suppressor parts.

HEADLINES - Man attempts to smuggle firearms silencer onto airplane!

Ain't no way in hell....

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Agreed, so in the box it goes.

Yeah...between the fact it's technically (no matter how absurd) a firearm, and the possibility of it failing a residue test, I'd definitely check it.

It was 3 years back and with a bolt action rifle but I had a can in the case (Pelican with all four locks in place) but Southwest and the TSA agent I dealt with had no problems.

You said CO so just make sure you are not connecting in NY, NJ, CA or IL where suppressors are illegal for individuals. While likely nothing would become of it ... it still ain't worth the risk.

Fyi: TSA cannot open a case that contains a firearm once it's accepted at baggage check. Locked pistol case goes inside your checked baggage.
Declare it at check in.

Verify regs with your specific airline.

Many require a HARD sided case.

Many folks fly with a pistol so they can put other pilfer-able items in the same case, away from TSA fingers.
You are the ONLY one who has key/combo to gun case.
They are not allowed to open it without you, unless it's deemed a safety issue.
Then all bets are off.

I'd put the can in with the pistol, mags, map of the democratic baseball field and quart of personal lubricant (ablative.)


(Too soon?)

Is congressman Barney Frank behind the plate again?