Thanks for the links __jb. Reading them now.

Originally Posted by Denny_M

Hey Zenas are you flying to FLA? If so how are you going to transport your firearm?

I am flying to florida via Allegiant Air. I will basically be following the TSA guidelines for checking a firearm in your luggage. However, I like to also check the airline for their specific policies. Allegiant allows each paying passenger to check one handgun case with one pistol inside (so my wife and I will each have a gun in our separate suitcases). They require the case to be solid, have a lock, and the gun to be unloaded. They require ammo to either be in the original box, or a solid ammo container with cartridge separation. Basically you just declare the firearm at the check in counter. They will have TSA check the gun with you, then close it up and tape it up. The gun case will go in my suitcase and the ammo can be in the box just sitting in the suitcase (outside the gun case). It is pretty simple really.

Do not get in the line that has the screener with latex and a BIG smile on his face .....

UPDATE:

I just got back from my trip. All went really well. Air transport of the firearm was a breeze. On the trip down, I packaged the gun as per TSA regs, and at the gate, declared I had an unloaded firearm to check. They called over a TSA agent who had me open the suitcase and the locked box with the gun and I was good to go in under 30 seconds. On the return trip, they just took my bag at the counter and took it in back with the TSA scanner. I had to wait outside. The box was locked and I never had to open it. Presumably they scanned it. After about a 5 minute wait, the airline agent came out and said I was good to go. No problems whatsoever. The key is to know TSA regs and follow them to a T, plus find out the specific airline you are flying and their preferences and you shouldn't have any issues at all.

While in Florida I carried every day without issue (however no one should ever have reason to know I was carrying anyway so I wouldn't expect problems). I followed the Florida laws as I understood them and was pleased with the trip.

I also went to a range in Plant City twice and had a good experience shooting at that indoor range. The shop attached to the range was quite small, but if you are looking for a range in the area, I would recommend them. I also found another gun shop in Plant City called AAA Guns. This shop is quite nice and I would also gladly recommend them for all your gun needs.

Glad your back safe and the vacation went well.

Glad everything went well on your Florida trip...