Anyone brought a rifle back from USA as checked baggage?

Has anyone done this? I'm about to move there for 12 months on a work visa and have got an unfired NIB Sako 75 Hunter in .280 (rare) sitting at a mates in Mississippi. Will want to bring it back with me after the visa expires has anyone just checked a rifle as baggage coming back from there? I did a little research online and I don't think it's technically legal. I have heard of people just doing it though with no dramas. Otherwise i'm looking at US$400 to get it exported here. I don't want to end up in prison over there getting a daily human booster shot from a large black man named leroy :o

Pay the $$ to have it done properly. As a non US alien you can't buy or take possession of a firearm while there
unless you really want to meet bubba in the clink and loose you rifle as well.

Not to mention the implications of having a conviction when you want too trave

l............unless of course you are a famous......(insert profession / special reason here) and will be let off!

As noted above the main point in question is whether you can "own" or be in possession of a firearm as a non US citizen or permanent resident.

I have bought a few rifles back to NZ as checked baggage (airline approved locked case) on various airlines through various US airports without any more than the standard questions.
- locked case
- ammunition and bolt in a second checked bag

No one at the airport asked if I had a "permit" or "license" - I don't think the airline staff or TSA people would ask anyone.