Carry type and transport preference while traveling by air

Howard Law

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
While I travel frequently, I've only taken a firearm by air on a couple of occasions years ago. Some upcoming work will have me in South TX for extended periods and I've heard tales of cartel / gang violence in the area, so I think I might pack a pistol.

Option 1: one of my 1911's w/IWB and couple spare mags
Option 2: USP .45 w/OWB and an extra mag

Due to the expected 105ish temps and anticipated sweat, along with carry capacities, both options have their pros and cons ... which would you choose?

As for the packaging for transport in checked bags, I have several TSA approved cases along with the needed key-type locks and some combo locks, but I'm thinking about picking up one of those smaller vault cases with the built in combo or print reader. Anyone have a particular case that they've found works well for air travel?
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
I was kinda leaning toward the 1911 since it's thinner and wouldn't print, but then capacity takes a hit. USP is heavier, but more capacity, but will print a bit.

Just have to decide which trade-off :(
 

1776

World Class Dick Wrangler
Site Supporter
Kalash Klub
Sep 5, 2015
3,590
8,600
113
Da SAV
Zip code
31401
I was kinda leaning toward the 1911 since it's thinner and wouldn't print, but then capacity takes a hit. USP is heavier, but more capacity, but will print a bit.

Just have to decide which trade-off :(
If only someone on here had some sort of bastard HK with a slimmer grip than a USP and higher capacity than a 1911...
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
If only someone on here had some sort of bastard HK with a slimmer grip than a USP and higher capacity than a 1911...
Yeah, yeah ... trust me, it's on my list... ;)

Up until the ceiling pipe leak fiasco last week, my gun fund was almost to the point where I could buy such a gat :(
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1776

Jake

Steering wheel holder
Super Moderator
Kalash Klub
Lifetime Supporter
Aug 11, 2015
8,361
36,820
113
Ball Ground
Zip code
30189
Hmmmmm, let's see, an HK or a 1911? That's a tough one. NOT! Obviously the 1911 is the clear winner here. The 1911 is always the winner. The decision should be between Commander, full size, or my favorite, the CCO.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Laces_Out_Marino

Laces_Out_Marino

Tracker
Trusted Trader
Aug 14, 2015
575
181
113
CANTON, GA
Zip code
30115
thats a tough one. I love my HK's but with temps that high I would want something smaller and lighter, but if you are worried about cartel violence then capacity is probably your best friend. ok..... HK
 

Hayata

Blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-blam-PING!
Kalash Klub
Lifetime Supporter
Jul 5, 2015
6,135
30,134
113
Zip code
30022
Which one do you shoot the best?

If equal I would still go with the 1911 just 'cause, well 1911 and all. And practice mag changes...
 

1776

World Class Dick Wrangler
Site Supporter
Kalash Klub
Sep 5, 2015
3,590
8,600
113
Da SAV
Zip code
31401
Hmmmmm, let's see, an HK or a 1911? That's a tough one. NOT! Obviously the 1911 is the clear winner here. The 1911 is always the winner. The decision should be between Commander, full size, or my favorite, the CCO.
When I hear people bash a particular brand of gun, especially a brand known for accuracy and longevity, all I can think is that they need formal instruction in pistol marksmanship.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ReservoirDawg10

Jake

Steering wheel holder
Super Moderator
Kalash Klub
Lifetime Supporter
Aug 11, 2015
8,361
36,820
113
Ball Ground
Zip code
30189
When I hear people bash a particular brand of gun, especially a brand known for accuracy and longevity, all I can think is that they need formal instruction in pistol marksmanship.

And you're assuming I don't? I'm not gonna sit here and brag, but ask anyone who's ever shot with me about my pistol marksmanship. :thumb:

Besides, I was just giving AirOps a hard time, Sally.
 

1776

World Class Dick Wrangler
Site Supporter
Kalash Klub
Sep 5, 2015
3,590
8,600
113
Da SAV
Zip code
31401
And you're assuming I don't? I'm not gonna sit here and brag, but ask anyone who's ever shot with me about my pistol marksmanship. :thumb:

Besides, I was just giving AirOps a hard time, Sally.
@karlvv said the last time he shot with you ended with you shooting his neighbors dog...I mean, his wife has happy, but damn dude...
 
  • Like
Reactions: karlvv and Jake

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
Hmmmmm, let's see, an HK or a 1911? That's a tough one. NOT! Obviously the 1911 is the clear winner here. The 1911 is always the winner. The decision should be between Commander, full size, or my favorite, the CCO.
lol, the 1911 in consideration is a fast back
 

Mac11FA

Disgruntled large member
Super Moderator
Lifetime Supporter
Patriot Lifetime
Mar 26, 2015
3,840
3,011
113
Locust Grove, GA
Zip code
30248
Not sure if you will be able to transport ammo since the airport shooting in FL. Here is a link to the TEA on declaring. The 1911 sounds like the better choice. It is obviously whatever you are most comfortable with and perform best with. If you are questioning mag capacity them maybe the HK. Select best carry option for comfort for the temps. Might consider soft side holster over kydex holster. Also, can you carry on the job or only off? In other words, will gun be in vehicle during the day?
 

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
Not sure if you will be able to transport ammo since the airport shooting in FL. Here is a link to the TEA on declaring. The 1911 sounds like the better choice. It is obviously whatever you are most comfortable with and perform best with. If you are questioning mag capacity them maybe the HK. Select best carry option for comfort for the temps. Might consider soft side holster over kydex holster. Also, can you carry on the job or only off? In other words, will gun be in vehicle during the day?
They didn't hassle me over ammo, the ticket agent only asked if I had ammo and how much. I decided on the HK w/owb (shirt will cover fully).

Can't carry at the job, will be in the hotel safe when I can't carry. I could cable lock the case to the inside of the rental but don't want to risk a prepared thief with bolt cutters ;)
 

Mac11FA

Disgruntled large member
Super Moderator
Lifetime Supporter
Patriot Lifetime
Mar 26, 2015
3,840
3,011
113
Locust Grove, GA
Zip code
30248
They didn't hassle me over ammo, the ticket agent only asked if I had ammo and how much. I decided on the HK w/owb (shirt will cover fully).

Can't carry at the job, will be in the hotel safe when I can't carry. I could cable lock the case to the inside of the rental but don't want to risk a prepared thief with bolt cutters ;)
If you have to leave in rental, place in vault in trunk where spare tire is. Out of sight, out of mind.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AirOpsMgr

AirOpsMgr

Director of Lavatory Services
Administrator
Lifetime Supporter
Mar 24, 2015
3,775
10,730
4,294,967,295
30354
So Delta has a new policy that they put a big ass zip tie on your bag upon arrival at your destination to temporarilly prevent access......
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mac11FA