Which gun to take...

[Nephrology]

Long story short, I am unexpectedly helping my girlfriend drive from Montana to Denver in her Tacoma towing a trailer full of her stuff. I'm flying one-way to Missoula this Saturday and will be driving to CO the next AM.

Long story short, having done that drive before... I'm flying with a gun. Given the nature of this trip, I'm limiting it to one pistol.

Given the heebie-jeebies I have about flying with a gun, I'm tempted to bring something relatively disposable. My $320 M&P45 seems like it would fit the bill... Otherwise considering my G35 because it was similarly inexpensive and would be little missed vs. other guns I carry more often, and the 15+1 capacity is more comforting than 10+1. However it's a bigger gun and not as comfortably concealed for 12-14h on the road. My third option, of course, is just to carry one of my Glock 19s... but again, heebie-jeebies.

I have a pelican 1200 enroute so the gun and mags have to fit in there. Thoughts?

[JAD]

The fact that you said "one of my" G19s tells me that's the right gun.

[Nephrology]

The fact that you said "one of my" G19s tells me that's the right gun.

...Three doesn't really seem like that many... ;)

[blues]

Since you're asking...G19

[WobblyPossum]

I also say G19. I’ve done two 15 hour drives wearing one AIWB and it didn’t get uncomfortable. Plus, having 15 rounds is better than having 10 IMO.

I’ve only flown with guns four times but I haven’t had any issues with anything being locked or stolen. My hard sided lock box with the gun in it was cable tied to the inside of my rolling luggage for peace of mind.


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My posts only represent my opinion and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official policies of my employer. Obvious spelling errors are likely the result of an iPhone keyboard.

[rcbusmc24]

Glock 19, easiest concealed and carried of the ones you listed, easily replaceable as every gun store has'em, and to be honest, why really worry about the return trip with it. If you end up needing it or having to use it then it served it's purpose, If you use it to defend yourself you are probably not flying back home with it, at least on this trip anyways. That's why I keep a stack of glock 19's sitting in the safe as they are perfectly sized disposable plastic people poppers, that just happen to work really good. The chance of actually needing it is infinitesimally small..... but still, that's the whole reason your bringing it along right, other wise it's just a talisman to ward off evil spirits.

[Duelist]

G19 or G26. It doesn't matter how much it cost, what matters is how much it will cost and how much hassle it will be to replace, if necessary, and how it carries while driving.

I have done umpteen thousands of miles driving with no other gun in the car but a 642. Very comfortable. But since seeing the light, so to speak, I have carried a variety of guns while traveling. G19 size isn't bad while driving in some vehicles, but G26 is more comfortable all the time and in any vehicle I have carried in.

YMMV. Good luck with the drive and girlfriend.

[JTQ]

Given the heebie-jeebies I have about flying with a gun, I'm tempted to bring something relatively disposable.

Is there anything that is as easily replaceable as a Glock 19?

[MistWolf]

Tell your girlfriend to buy herself a Glock.

[LSP552]

I see any Glock as a disposable tool perfect for airline travel. I’m TDY with a Glock 26 instead of a 92C for just that reason. I’d do the 19 in your case.

[Nephrology]

G19 or G26. It doesn't matter how much it cost, what matters is how much it will cost and how much hassle it will be to replace, if necessary, and how it carries while driving. .

I’ve driven approximately 4000 miles with an appendix carried Glock 19 so I definitely know the 19 would be comfortable... my bigger concern isnt replacing the gun because I’ve used it in self defense but replacing it because some TSA employee decided they wanted a free 9mm. If I lose the M&P45 I probably wouldn’t even bother to replace it, but the G19 with gadget etc would run me about $650/$700. Hence why I am considering the 45...

[Totem Polar]

My .02: take the .45, because, the reasons you state. It’ll do.

Plus the .45 is "moar Montana."

[NEPAKevin]

Tell your girlfriend to buy herself a Glock.

Or she could buy two. One for her and one for you. Problem solved haiku.

[ST911]

Neph- You're overthinking it. Just package the gun per regs, and enjoy your trip. IIRC, you're flying out of Denver? I have excellent luck there.

[Clusterfrack]

Trips like that seem like exactly when you want to be prepared for the unexpected. I'm just thinking about all the weirdos I've encountered on road trips. Trailers seem to attract them.

If it was me, I would carry the gun I'm most confident in.

I've never had a problem with air travel and firearms. If you're into worrying, try checking a carry gun, a Ban Tang Clinch Pick, two Shadow2's, and holsters that would take months to replace.

[Totem Polar]

If you're into worrying, try checking a carry gun, a Ban Tang Clinch Pick, two Shadow2's, and holsters that would take months to replace.

Total tangent, but, I tote my BP CP pretty much daily. The whole reason I also have a china pick is travel.

Speaking of checking guns, I remember a few days of pins and needles shared across friends and family when the airlines lost Matt Graham’s Nighthawk GRP and all his accessory kit. It eventually turned up. Eventually.

[Wendell]

...I have a pelican 1200 enroute so the gun and mags have to fit in there. Thoughts?

(248) Defeat Dishonest Baggage Handlers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbpKhHwwtiY

Flying? Bring Your Gun WITH You!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FbLww4iOJU

TSA Stole My Gun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na-bGt5htzI

DEF CON 17 - Deviant Ollam - Packing and the Friendly Skies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfqtYfaILHw

A larger Pelican might be less likely to disappear.

You can use a small hard case contained within a larger soft case, and that might be lower-profile, but a larger Pelican - locked with quality padlocks - is less likely to be stolen from, and less likely to disappear.

For padlocks: https://securitysnobs.com/Padlocks/

[Wendell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOZ3pkp-QPQ

[Lester Polfus]

...Three doesn't really seem like that many... ;)

Three is a nice start. I'd just take the G19 and rock on. Denver is a good airport to fly with guns, and so is Missoula.

Thread Drift: I once had occasion to fly out of PDX with a 10" AR and a 1911. When I saw the gal behind the counter was about 20 with a nose ring, I was not expecting good things. When I popped open the hard case her eyes lit up and she said "those are COOL!" and we had a very nice chat about guns.

[Nephrology]

(248) Defeat Dishonest Baggage Handlers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbpKhHwwtiY

Flying? Bring Your Gun WITH You!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FbLww4iOJU

TSA Stole My Gun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na-bGt5htzI

DEF CON 17 - Deviant Ollam - Packing and the Friendly Skies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfqtYfaILHw

A larger Pelican might be less likely to disappear.

You can use a small hard case contained within a larger soft case, and that might be lower-profile, but a larger Pelican - locked with quality padlocks - is less likely to be stolen from, and less likely to disappear.

For padlocks: https://securitysnobs.com/Padlocks/

i do have a larger (1350?), fluorescent orange pelican case that I could throw the gun and box in.

[Nephrology]

i do have a larger (1350?), fluorescent orange pelican case that I could throw the gun and box in.

Actually, the orange case will also fit a few simple medical kits, a torque wrench, a breaker bar, some more mags....

[Nephrology]

For those still curious I think I’ve settled in taking my G17 - a little cheaper to replace than the 19, and definitely a pistol I could do without if it got lifted. Not a gun I carry often if ever, andstill fits in all my normal AIWB holsters. Plus I man pretty sure I have a bottomless supply of mags and 9mm hst this point...

[Mike C]

Nephrology, Pelican is definitely the way to go. I addition you can make it a larger pain in the ass for anyone wanting to pilfer by doing this.

24455

I can't get to my Pelican but I did the exact same thing as depicted in the Samsonite. I went to an automotive store and picked up the mounts for routing cables I used three different types of screws and mounted them to the inside of the pelican like you seen in my old setup. Between getting into the pelican and then having to cut or strip the cable it will at least make it a royal PIA for someone to get it. Also there is a good thread on here someone posted a much better case. I think it was a manual lock (approved for DHS) that is much harder to get open and you could probably even bolt it to the inside of the pelican.

Oh, and definitely take the Glock. I'd rather have 16 on board and be comfortable.

[S Jenks]

August of 2012 my brother and I drove from Boston (home) to San Diego (his new duty station) in his black Camaro SSII. The then-issued Glock 23 was carried appendix in a 17-length Archangel and was plenty comfortable. That was a fun trip.

[Wendell]

The larger Pelican models have larger shackle holes that will accept 8mm (diameter) shackle padlocks. Quality padlocks let you relax. The thing about Abloy Protec 2 padlocks on a large Pelican is, when you see it on the baggage carousel - and the locks are still intact - you can rest assured that it's contents are still there too. Even when your bag has been delayed, you'll have confidence that NOBODY is going to get into your case.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7lWM_yDxU0

[pangloss]

August of 2012 my brother and I drove from Boston (home) to San Diego (his new duty station) in his black Camaro SSII. The then-issued Glock 23 was carried appendix in a 17-length Archangel and was plenty comfortable. That was a fun trip.

I've found the Archangel to be the most comfortable AIWB holster for long car rides. It doesn't conceal quite as well for me, but if I'm going to be in the car all day, concealment doesn't really matter that much.

[Nephrology]

Well, I kind of enjoyed packing for this trip...

https://i.imgur.com/Ig35vJe.jpg?1

The box, locked with 2x Abus 1/4"-1.5" padlocks. They were cheap, decent, prime eligible. In hindsight I would've gone with the 1" shackle length but I don't think anyone will get anything out of that gap...

https://i.imgur.com/tlYlOBP.jpg

Colored one orange to differentiate which key goes where...

Oh look, a warm sweater (doubles as lid protector)

https://i.imgur.com/wqsENNs.jpg

Oh

https://i.imgur.com/R3wIF8Y.jpg?2

2x comptac single mag pouches, 1x double magpouch, JMCK wing clw 2.5 AIWB holster w/ wedge. I actually use the Seraph more these days but the JMCK is more comfortable, at the cost of concealment.

https://i.imgur.com/Lte35Fl.jpg?1

Glock 17, 5x 15rd magazines (empty, because United's ammo policy is indecipherable so I decided to play it safe and pack 2x 50rd boxes of 147gr Federal HST separately as per above)

https://i.imgur.com/jmlGDPv.jpg?2

Booboo kit

https://i.imgur.com/ZXeIy8t.jpg?1

NAR IFAK

https://i.imgur.com/7gsm33h.jpg

Anyone fly with United before? I was going to bring loaded mags but their ammo policy was so dumb I decided to stick with original manf. box. I hope they deem this sufficiently "protected against shock and secured against movement."

[Wendell]

Per your pic, I can't tell whether or not your Glock is loaded. The screeners won't be able to tell either.

If, on the other hand, you remove the magazine and include a cable lock and a chamber flag on the pistol, you'll save a lot of time and aggravation. You'll sail through.

[Lester Polfus]

Per your pic, I can't tell whether or not your Glock is loaded. The screeners won't be able to tell either.

If, on the other hand, you remove the magazine and include a cable lock and a chamber flag on the pistol, you'll save a lot of time and aggravation. You'll sail through.

I typically made it even easier by field stripping the gun and putting the slide, barrel and frame in the case in a way that it would be super easy to tell it was in pieces on x-ray. I was also in the habit of popping the slide lock out of my Gun, and placing it, and another spare in two different places in my checked bag and carry on. That way anybody who did steal the gun would be in for some disappointment.

[nalesq]

Per your pic, I can't tell whether or not your Glock is loaded. The screeners won't be able to tell either.

If, on the other hand, you remove the magazine and include a cable lock and a chamber flag on the pistol, you'll save a lot of time and aggravation. You'll sail through.

When I fly, my handgun (either a G19 or Walther PPS) is fitted into the foam of its Pelican case with the slide locked to the rear, and two empty mags. Ammo is stored in its own little Pelican case as well, because I’ve had both factory cardboard boxes and plastic reloading boxes fail spectacularly. The handgun case is secured with two combo locks, and I have a third spare lock that I keep in the luggage in case one of the locks fail, which has also happened to me before. The ammo box is not locked.

The outside of the handgun case also has a clear plastic envelope to hold the declaration.

In this manner, I have flown to 15-20 different cities a year on 2-3 different airlines for the last 3-4 years, and never had an issue.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180318/38f3917fd9211edc3cd29b382ee1f59a.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180318/ac9bcb056bc8e0e90801c52d1ac88195.jpg






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Duelist]

Well, I kind of enjoyed packing for this trip...

https://i.imgur.com/Ig35vJe.jpg?1

The box, locked with 2x Abus 1/4"-1.5" padlocks. They were cheap, decent, prime eligible. In hindsight I would've gone with the 1" shackle length but I don't think anyone will get anything out of that gap...

https://i.imgur.com/tlYlOBP.jpg

Colored one orange to differentiate which key goes where...

Oh look, a warm sweater (doubles as lid protector)

https://i.imgur.com/wqsENNs.jpg

Oh

https://i.imgur.com/R3wIF8Y.jpg?2

2x comptac single mag pouches, 1x double magpouch, JMCK wing clw 2.5 AIWB holster w/ wedge. I actually use the Seraph more these days but the JMCK is more comfortable, at the cost of concealment.

https://i.imgur.com/Lte35Fl.jpg?1

Glock 17, 5x 15rd magazines (empty, because United's ammo policy is indecipherable so I decided to play it safe and pack 2x 50rd boxes of 147gr Federal HST separately as per above)

https://i.imgur.com/jmlGDPv.jpg?2

Booboo kit

https://i.imgur.com/ZXeIy8t.jpg?1

NAR IFAK

https://i.imgur.com/7gsm33h.jpg

Anyone fly with United before? I was going to bring loaded mags but their ammo policy was so dumb I decided to stick with original manf. box. I hope they deem this sufficiently "protected against shock and secured against movement."

You just made me want an orange Pelican. Dang it.

[Nephrology]

You just made me want an orange Pelican. Dang it.

It is a sweet case - I got it used on eBay for cheap. Mine looked like t was formerly used by EMS for one of their cas response kits. You can probably find a similar deal without lookin too hard

[Jim Watson]

OK, what's the ratchet wrench for?

[fixer]

I'm guessing the torque wrench is to verify lug nut torque?

[RJ]

I'm guessing the torque wrench is to verify lug nut torque?

I’m glad I’m not the only one wondering lol.

Guess he took the Harbor Freight one, not the Snap On. :cool:

[WDR]

OK, what's the ratchet wrench for?

Attitude adjustment.

[Qaz98]

I noticed in the pics, people have the guns horizontal. Anyone pack them vertical? Any downsides - seems like more of a space saver, especially if you're going to pack two (for a course). Not sure the minimum size you'd need, though. 1170?

[11B10]

...Three doesn't really seem like that many... ;)



THREE? Ya know, I used to like you. But seriously, ONE of your G19's would seem to be the best choice.