America - Firearm Related Stuff in Carry On luggage.

[Dark Skies]

I shall be spending two weeks in America soon and would very much like to bring back goodies that are cheaper and often better from the USA.

I'll be visiting Cabela's (it's literally just down the road from my girlfriend's place) with a view to buying some bullet and ball moulds and sundry black powder accessories. No bullets, balls, caps or powder - just tools.

I very, very, rarely have checked in luggage. I prefer to travel light and not have the additional bother of hanging around the Carousel Of Worry fearing the loss or theft of luggage.

I, being the sort to iron out problems before they arise, took the trouble to email the TSA and specifically list (with links) the sort of items I'd like to bring back in my carry on luggage. I can't imagine why any of the above would be a problem but then I also don't understand how confiscating fluids slightly above 100 ml or nail scissors is fighting terrorism either.

A few days later I received a waffling reply about prohibited ammunition, firearm parts, firearms and blah blah - addressing everything EXCEPT my rather simple query.

I wondered if people here have travelled back from the States with similar items without any bother at security?
My biggest fear being some silly TSA person suspecting I might cook up a few balls in the toilet for use with a simple zip gun fashioned from a bit of seat frame and powered by the leavings of scraped off match heads or similar far-fetched theory.

The image of lovely accessories being dumped in a bin full of all those dangerous over 100 ml perfumes and grooming accoutrements leaves me feeling cold.

I feel silly for having to ask really but common sense really isn't that common any more.

[JSC]

If none of the items you're buying are likely to be on the ITAR prohibited list, then you only need to be concerned with what the airline allows you to put in your carry-on bags.

Generally speaking, if something is considered a 'tool' of some sort, you may have problems. If it's just a bit of metal and isn't pointy or sharp then you probably won't have any problems.

Trying to get an answer out of the TSA in advance is likely to be futile.

The safest option is to take a small case you can put it all in and stick it all in checked luggage.

[kennyc]

I travelled to and from the States in Sept, I suspect that almost anything other than normal electronics, clothes and medical effects would be a potential problem, just look at what they make you do with toilettries! you only sensible course of action IMHO is to have checked luggage and take your place with the rest of the plebs at the Carousel.
all my gun related stuff was in my checked baggage as was the rest of our purchases, I could not believe the size of some of the carry-on's! far too many people taking the P

[phaedra1106]

I had a very positive reply from the deputy head of the TSA back in 2010 relating to shooting stuff I wanted to bring back, mainly reloading gear and an expensive scope. Basically anything not ITAR or resembling something that could be used as a weapon (ie. sharp object, pointy stick, medium screwdriver etc.) should be OK.

But, as mentioned above, if you're concerned about any items just stick them in a checked in bag, we regularly fill ours with shooting related kit and have had many bags opened and inspected over the last 17 years without a problem.

[Dark Skies]

I guess I'll just leave my clothes and 'leccy toothbrush with my girlfriend to make room for my toys and place myself at the mercy of airport employees' honesty and check in my return luggage. Hopefully my holiday insurance will cover it f it goes walkies.

[BamBam]

I know a few Brits that have had stuff confiscated from their carry on, but it's rare for checked stuff to go missing or be taken away.

[Daryll]

I guess I'll just leave my clothes and 'leccy toothbrush with my girlfriend to make room for my toys and place myself at the mercy of airport employees' honesty and check in my return luggage. Hopefully my holiday insurance will cover it f it goes walkies.

I think you're being a little paranoid about the baggage handlers.... while i wouldn't put a £1k scope, or anything delicate, in checked baggage, ( I've watched them chucking the cases on the conveyers... ), I think the days of baggage being looted are over...

With all the scurity concerns nowadays, the baggage handlers are vetted very well now..

I travel to the US maybe a couple of times a year, and never had any problems..

[Dark Skies]

I guess I'll just leave my clothes and 'leccy toothbrush with my girlfriend to make room for my toys and place myself at the mercy of airport employees' honesty and check in my return luggage. Hopefully my holiday insurance will cover it f it goes walkies.

I think you're being a little paranoid about the baggage handlers.... while i wouldn't put a £1k scope, or anything delicate, in checked baggage, ( I've watched them chucking the cases on the conveyers... ), I think the days of baggage being looted are over...

With all the scurity concerns nowadays, the baggage handlers are vetted very well now..

I travel to the US maybe a couple of times a year, and never had any problems..

Perhaps. Between 2000 and 2008 I'd make maybe ten or so trips per year. I haven't been since 2009 so this will be my first trip out. It was during the early days that I had a few unfortunate experiences. Losing entire bags put me off but I'd suffered a few thefts too.

[breacher]

Here is the kicker.

Regardless of TSA policy, the manager at each airport have a catch all clause - they have total autonomy and can sieze anything not on a list if they SUSPECT its a problem item. Basically if in doubt, confiscate.

I am travelling back from vegas tomorrow. I put all my sporting goods in the checked luggage.

However - I do believe you can approach the TSA at the airport and show them the item/items and ask which bag they want it to go in.

[Cj10]

I have brought loads of non itar equipment, including dies, and press accessories back in carry on luggage. No issues at all with TSA.

Connecting flight from Dublin back to the UK was a completely different story though, with Eire Special Branch ultimately involved. All resolved with no issue in the end, other than a delay for me and my family.

Ceri