Muzzleloader Confiscated at Mass. Airport

[Johnny Tremain]

in 1975... less than fifty years ago, I traveled to Germany on an airplane with a Camillus Barlow knife in my pocket.

I was on the US Army skeet team in 75, traveled all over the US & Europe with a locked case and a Rem 1100 in the case. Walked on board, handed it to the pilot, when we got off he handed it back.

Question. The Feds say a flintlock is a class C firework. A lot lesser charge for the old man.

 

[sturmkatze]

FAA is Federal !

Federal ATF definition of a firearm excludes antique or replica, identified by its ignition source being produced by flint or percusion cap.

However State Law will dictate if it is a disabling offence.

The FAA likely seized it unjustifiablly.

No. In this case the tsa probably has jurisdiction. It doesn’t matter: ALL firearms have to be in a lockable hard case. You can j”ail house lawyer it” all you want, but it has been that way for decades. My father worked for the FAA and drummed it into us. Common sense will go a long way. Trying to be smarter than then, won’t.

Just follow the rules. Get a licking hard case. DECLARE your firearm at check in. Yes, they will be befuddled that they can’t open it to check that it’s unloaded. Explain how to check it. Be calm. These people get tons of idiots daily. Just follow the rules and you’ll have no problem.

 

[Mrg5]

Technically not a firearm !

They are (technically) a firearm in NJ and subject to a plethora of laws and restrictions, so if you are traveling through that state as this guy was, you better know that.
Several years ago there was a case in the news of an older gentleman who was transporting an old antique flintlock pistol through NJ in his car. He got stopped and the flintlock was seen by police. He was arrested. The local DA insisted he would be charged with a firearm offense and was unrelenting in his prosecution until the then Republican Governor stepped in and stopped it.
This guy at the airport got off lucky. All they did to him was confiscate his rifle and let him go.

 

[alcessapiens]

This “technically “ bull dung is what idiot “sovereign citizens “ try to pull. Just follow the simple rules… if that’s too complicated, stay home. Whining solves nothing and makes tsa probably loathe checking in firearms.
TSA:”you need to declare firearms “
*******: “technically…
TSA: “call security, we’ve got a bonehead here”

 

[Whughett]

How does anyone know all the rules, there are almost 40,00 at last count! Maybe the guy believes in,
View attachment 210337
and figures he's covered. Some of us still believe we are innocent until proven otherwise and didn't figure on legislators, sworn to the constitution, enacting unconstitutional laws making felons of people who have committed no wrong's and are living their life the way their fathers, grandfathers, and on down the line did. Most people I know don't get up in the morning and call state and federal authorities with their itinerary for the day and asking if its legally acceptable.
Robby

And hopefully most people have a modicum of common sense. And if they are gun owners have the responsibility to know the laws. One’s rights don’t necessarily supersede another’s right to feel safe in an environment such as the cabin of an aircraft.
It’s the old” don’t yell fire in a crowded theater” type of common sense.

 

[Robby]

I would be willing to bet that if you are not house bound, you break some kind of law every day, and if you are house bound, at least once a week. Even lawyers and law enforcement are not fully up on what is legal and what is not, that is a fact.
Robby

 

[alcessapiens]

I would be willing to bet that if you are not house bound, you break some kind of law every day, and if you are house bound, at least once a week. Even lawyers and law enforcement are not fully up on what is legal and what is not, that is a fact.
Robby

It’s not breaking the law that’s the problem. It’s being dumb enough to get caught.

 

[Mulebrain]

Shale not be infringed!

They need to have a class just for that

You can whine, and moan all you want but the fact of the matter, this man’s Rights were violated

 

[alcessapiens]

Shale not be infringed!

They need to have a class just for that

You can whine, and moan all you want but the fact of the matter, this man’s Rights were violated

Try to buy an m 60…see how it works out. His rights do not supersede others safety and well being. And, as it’s a private enterprise he had no right whatsoever to bring an undeclared gun past into checked baggage. He could have probably just taken his things and gone home. The police holding his rifle was a courtesy, not a seizure.

 

[alcessapiens]

You know the constitution is a living document, subject to amendment. When we lose our right to own guns it won’t be some idiotic, George soros conspiracy theory stupidity but the rest of the country being sick of people who insist on rights but can’t manage responsibilities. It’s the fools rapid firing at man shaped targets, wearing three guns to Walmart to get groceries or proudly open carrying their AR15 to the drug store to get aspirin. The hell of it is, is that isn’t most of us, but we’ll be tarred by the same brush. Making excuses for gun related foolishness helps no one.

 

[nick_1]

This.
You know the constitution is a living document, subject to amendment. When we lose our right to own guns it won’t be some idiotic, George soros conspiracy theory stupidity but the rest of the country being sick of people who insist on rights but can’t manage responsibilities. It’s the fools rapid firing at man shaped targets, wearing three guns to Walmart to get groceries or proudly open carrying their AR15 to the drug store to get aspirin. The hell of it is, is that isn’t most of us, but we’ll be tarred by the same brush. Making excuses for gun related foolishness helps no one.

 

[necchi]

Shale not be infringed!

They didn't have a problem with that.
No one said he couldn't own it, and obviously he admitted he did/does own it.

The problem was trying to board a plane, with an undeclared/ un-cased gun.

What part of that is difficult for you to understand?
His constitutional rights where not infringed,, he broke a law about airplanes and guns,,

 

[necchi]

You know the constitution is a living document, subject to amendment.

, Do you have any idea what it takes to accomplish that?

 

[Okie Hog]

None of this stuff is ricket science.

Had that man showed up at Laguardia, JFK or Newark with his muzzleloader he would have been arrested on the spot.
,
Until a few years ago if flew frequently to and from jobsites. If the destination was handgun friendly there was a revolver in my luggage. Never ever had any problem boarding an aircraft with a declared firearm.

 

[Capt. Kirk]

the reason there are tens of thousands of laws can be seen here with most posters who embrace all the laws and want more passed. they approve 100% of the encroaching police state.

No, the reason there are so many laws is because the USA is composed of a Federal government, 50 state governments, 108,000 towns and cities, 14 territories, and we are a 246 yr old nation. The same laws that work in Iowa don't work in NYC, and vice-versa. Our system works ok all things considered. A lot of pro 2A guys don't seem to have problem with laws that affect people they don't like, or books, or entertainment, so let's not pretend your pro-freedom when you're really only pro something you like.

 

[jack]

All firearms parts are not allowed on carry on.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Six pages pretty much covers this

LD