Air rifle in checked baggage

I am planning to buy an air rifle on my next trip to the US - excellent quality and far cheaper than in the UK. Would I need to declare this as a "firearm" to Virgin when I am checking in (I am aware there are special regulations for firearms), or can I just pack this in my suitcase and check it in as normal? I did find something about the definition of firearms being that they use explosive to fire, but that was related to spear fishing guns, I am not sure what definition Virgin would use. BTW it is not the type which uses a compressed air canister - no danger of it going off mid flight or anything!

I have emailed Virgin but on past experience I will be waiting 2 months for a reply. (Mind you I really would prefer something I can print out and show in case of any probs)

Also does any one know if I am going to have a problem bringing it back through customs?

Many thanks for any help.

Paul.

You will need to contact Virgin about planning to check a firearm in.

There is some guidance on the TSA Website

I have taken air pistols in checked baggage on many different European airlines without declaring them as firearms.
However, the regulations have changed since then (4/5years) with regard to guns in the UK.

Although I doubt you have an issue it would definitely be worth finding out the correct information before arriving at the airport. We always informed the check-in what was in our bag so there were no shocks by security through the scanning process.

Hope somebody can give you a more up to date answer

Mark

from the VS FAQs (i searched 'gun')

the following are NOT permitted

Any dangerous articles such as flammables, erosives, poisons, radioactive materials, ammunition, firearms or explosives.

The dangerous articles page states this

Firearms and a limited quantity of ammunition may be carried subject to proper packaging but you must contact us in advance

So it it slightly contradictory.

I suppose you could just try and check it in but expect all sorts of calls for you at the airport once it has been screened by the TSA and if they find it and even if it is all in order I would inagine they would contact UK customs about it as well who may well be waiting for you.

I don't know all the ins and outs as it's a rare(ish) thing I have to deal with. But basically, declare it, a form will be filled in, some men will come to check it all out, check the paperwork and then off it can go.

Simple way of putting it minus details, but that's the jist of what happens. Just give them a ring and find out the proper procedure!

[Darren Wheeler]

When it comes to air rifles, you have to be very, very careful.

In the US it seems that air rifle power is an open game. In the UK, if it exceeds 12ft-lbf it becomes a section 1 firearm and you need a firearms licence to possess it. Maximum penalty, on conviction is 5 years inside. Given the recent high profile shootings (Cumbria, Rothbury) courts will be leaning on the harsh side.

You will also need to declare it at Customs so they my inspect it and investigate it's legality.

All in all, I'd say don't risk it.

[Scrooge]

I won't argue the UK legal side of it and honestly the US check in and TSA won't care about the UK legal side of it.

However, if you check it in without declaring it in the US expect to not be flying that day. A nice night in TSA holding and a rather stern talking to.

With that said, the US procedure for checking a fire arm is pretty much the same as in the UK, call VS and let them know, have them make a note in your booking, ask for an email confirmation that the note has been made and take that to the airport.

Now the tricky part, when checking in, slowly and clearly state that you will be checking in a firearm, DO NOT say "I have a gun to check in", all the agent will here is "I have a gun" and then all hell will break lose (mental note ( I must see if I can't get Neil to check in an air pistol next time he is out here) but back to the instruction.

Have the confirmation with you just in case "the note goes missing"

A nice person will come out and inspect the rifle, make sure it isn't loaded, make sure it is locked in a secure case (yep you will need one even if your placing it inside your checked luggage) and they will watch the bag get checked in.

The will be a form to fill out, then you can go on your way.

The best page to look at with alot of the information you require is on the VS website here:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/passengerinformation/baggage/sports/shooting.jsp

Paul,

You didn't say where in the US you will be landing. Be aware of inconsistent state law regarding air rifles, some draconian while others are quite liberal.

An air rifle (or pistol) in New Jersey (EWR) is considered a weapon by state regulation. There is no prohibition against lawful ownership but many complex and contradictory laws concerning transport within the state, especially as applied to carriage in a motor vehicle. The odds of being stopped are minimal but the penalties are severe if one is caught.

New York City (JFK) is even worse. I am not familiar in detail with their laws but can say with certainty that the mayor of the city is leading an anti-gun coalition. Police there have zero tolerance. Local lore is that if one is found with a gun of any type there is a presumption of guilt and an automatic city paid hotel stay at the Riker's Island lockup - not a place you wish to be!

Chicago (ORD) is on par with New York City, as is Washington DC (DCA). Pennsylvania is OK with the exception of the City of Philadelphia. No guarantees, of course, but you should be OK there.

If you are flying onto Florida (MCO or MIA) you should have no issues whatsoever. They are far more enlightened in the south!

Let me know if I can be of any help sorting out the challenge. There are ways - and then, there are ways!

From what I understood the OP was planning to buy an air rifle whilst in the US and then bring it back to the UK.

From what I understood the OP was planning to buy an air rifle whilst in the US and then bring it back to the UK.

Oops

Sorry for the senior moment.

TSA does consider an air rifle to be a firearm but transport is permitted in checked luggage.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... items.shtm

and
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... _1666.shtm

As others stated earlier, it would be best to contact VA directly for their particulare rules.

Thanks for the helpful replies.

I phoned UK Customs and a very relaxed guy said it would be fine to bring it back in to the UK. He didn't even mention the 12 ft/lbs limit. I specifically said to him "it is not considered to be a firearm then?" and he said no. He did rather obscurely ask me to phone the Dept. for Business, Innovation and Skills in case I needed a license (even though I had specifically told him I would be on holiday and bringing it back personally i.e. it wasn't a commercial thing). I spoke to them and they said I didn't need a license if it was a personal import.

Needless to say I very carefully got the times/names/reference no.s of the calls!

So when/if I get a reply from Virgin, I will hopefully be good to go.

PS Talking about inconsistent gun laws, I was amazed when I went to a Walmart in Vegas to find boxes of shotgun cartridges on the shelves - not in a locked cabinet or anything, just sitting on the shelves like cans of beans!

PS Talking about inconsistent gun laws, I was amazed when I went to a Walmart in Vegas to find boxes of shotgun cartridges on the shelves - not in a locked cabinet or anything, just sitting on the shelves like cans of beans!

They can be totally different from state to state, but in NY where I am originally from, I can walk in and buy a few hundred rounds of high power ammo and an AR-15 (the civilian version of what the Army uses) without a license or so much as a background check. Also note that the AR-15 and M-16 are identical except for one part, and that NY State has some of the stricter gun laws in the US.

Seems the only issue really is how much will you pay for the rifle, and will you then have to pay duty when bringing it in?

Should you have the opportunity you should visit a Cabela's store in the states. Most first visits result in the "child on Christmas morning" look!

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates ... ing*081010