Thread: Anyone flown to the states with a rifle before?

I leave a rifle there but it's a bit light in caliber for the next planned hunt. Short of buying another rifle for the states has anyone actually traveled with a rifle to the US?

I have taken handguns to the US for competition on two occasions and had minor hassles on one trip that was easily sorted at LA airport. So long as you have documentation with you to show the reason you are travelling with the firearm (outfitter/guide letter) then you should be fine. Make sure you have a valid NZ Import permit for your rifle before you leave for the US or you will get it taken by NZ Customs upon your return. The days of applying for the import permit (even though you legally own it in NZ) upon your return are well and truly over.

Originally Posted by Stocky

I leave a rifle there but it's a bit light in caliber for the next planned hunt. Short of buying another rifle for the states has anyone actually traveled with a rifle to the US?

Yes, several times with a rifle. Been through San Francisco and Houston. All good experiences and each time I announced to the US Customs agents I was travelling with a rifle and they usually hold you aside momentarily while they find an agent to personally escort you to baggage claim to find your rifle and other baggage prior to going into a queue for Customs baggage inspection. You will need to apply for and obtain certain ATF Bureau documents before you travel, which can take a couple of weeks, but it ensures your info is in the Customs system when you arrive. The info they ask you to provide relates to the purpose for which you want to take a rifle into the USA.

Yep, was easier than getting honey into NZ.

I couldn’t believe it, had it in a locked case, at the security or border control the guy said “do you mind if I take a look at it”
I thought to myself, now that’s a nice polite American. You can get some mouthy ones when they get a badge…
Had the keys handy, unlocked the case, he takes it out, asks me what I shoot with it. I tell him deer, he’s got it up at his shoulder pointing it across the room.
Then he says thanks for letting me have a look. I put it back in the case and he sends me off through the doors in the USA. No paperwork no recording of my details, no license check nothing!

Not saying it’s the same now, it was back around 2011, things may have changed.

Yep, though it has been a few years ago now.
Apply for and get your ATF documents / permits.
make sure you have what you need to bring the rifle back into NZ.
Pick it up when you get there and have a chat with their Customs staff.