Rifle Scopes Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

RetardedTiming

RetardedTiming

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 21, 2010
370
44
San Diego CA
#1
Seems like a no brainer, but I thought I would ask for those that travel with their gear a lot.

I am flying out of state and need to bring a scope with me, I'd rather not check it. I wouldn't think it would be a big deal to carry it on the plane but I don't want to get to inspection before boarding and get denied for some stupid reason I didn't think of.

No big deal, right?
 
#3
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

It's not a weapon so why not? As long as you're talking domestic travel, shouldn't be any more of a problem than a pair of binoculars or a camera.
 
#4
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

Yeah, that's what has me concerned. Worst case I get denied a flight and have to check it I would think. It's not something that they could confiscate right? That would seriously blow.
 
#6
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

The TSA website says that gun parts can be checked and not carried on, so if they won't let you carry it on (by arguing that it is part of a gun), you should be able to check it.
 
#10
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I've done it. Bring any kind of documentation that you can with you and talk to the TSA supervisor before you get to security and clear it with him/her.

Remind them that it is no different than an expensive camera lense and you don't want it broken in checked baggage.

I have done it a few times, each time the people at the security checkpoint have given me a hard time but since the supervisor up front knew about it in advance he cleared it without much disturbance.
 
#11
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

Bring some twinkies for the LBS's (Large Blue Shirts) as we call them. That always helps.
laugh.gif
 
#13
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I have travelled with a prototype scope a few times. If they ask you what it is and tell them it is a riflescope, they will call another examiner over to check it and if that examiner considers it a gun part, although it is not....you will have complications. Your best hopes are that the secondary examiner will know what is up.

If/when it runs through X-Ray and they ask you what it is, tell them it is a telescope. Technically, it is not a rifle scope unless it is attached to a rifle.
 
#14
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It should be no big deal, but many "rules" are made up by the TSA agent on the spot.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080430120559AAmGA8q

Good luck. </div></div>

When we flew to NorCal....had to deal with that very person who wanted me to turn the keys over to her to inspect my rifle.
 
#16
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

Actually I thnk any trouble with TSA over a USO would involve their concern over its use as an impact weapon. They prohibit tennis rackets for that reason, and I would take the USO scopes I have handled to a fight in close quarters over a tennis racket.

If you try it dress well, be polite and patient. But get to the airport early enough that its not a crisis if you have to go back, check it and then clear security.

I would note that the mall ninja nature of this post was based on speculation over security concerns. Although any reasonable person would obviously believe in the superiority of a FFP USO over a SFP Nightforce as a bludgeon.
 
#17
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

Dave,

We travel often with our scopes in our carry-on. We have never had a problem with it so you should be good to go. Let us know if we can help you out in any way.

Jason
 
#20
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I travel with them all the time and only had one issue at LAX. As soon as I showed them a business card and explained what it was they were OK. Just watch out going through San Antonio, all the TSA guys are gun nuts and they will want to finger f**k it for 15 minutes!!!
John III
 
#22
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I've flown with scopes several times and haven't had any problems. (yet)
I refer to it as a "very expensive optic" that I was afraid to place in checked luggage.
I would also advise checking in early in case your TSA agents are less accommodating then mine.
 
#23
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

So I'm back from my trip and had no issues at all boarding in San Diego. Never said a word about the scope or anything else in the bag.

Leaving Spokane I got delayed at baggage check and they pulled my bag aside. I was thinking "WTF?"...after digging around in my bag for a couple minutes they pull out the half used tooth paste tube and said I couldn't take it on the plane. Really?! This was the same tube of toothpaste I have had in my travel bag for years and never had an issue. Whatever.
 
#24
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

Well, I wasnt so lucky... The TSA just blocked my carry on scope in Columbus, OH. Lucky for me my girlfriend was right there, not flying and able to take it back. What a pain in the ass!! I definitely recommend leaving some time to deal with it... I didnt.
 
#25
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I purchased a scope from USO at this past SHOT Show in Las Vegas. On my departure for home I decided to carry on my iPad and the scope in my backpack. A large lady at the xray machine made me stop and asked me "so, where is the rest of the rifle?" I kindly told her it was at home and this was a random purchase at a trade show.

Her manager told her to let me go on thru and that it was not a problem.
This is why I try to drive most of the time, no one can stop me from taking MY stuff with me
wink.gif
 
#29
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

I saw that video a few years ago. To this day, every time I deal with the fools at TSA I can't help to hear that song.

Belt buckle, money clip..........
 
#30
Re: Traveling with a USO scope in my carry-on

TSA varies with each person. My buddy is a pilot and went through security carrying his gun and appropriate ID. He walked right through but the TSA chick took his shampoo bottle from his carry on since it was larger than 3oz....

I think if you tell them its an optic and leave it in the carry on they will let it slide but if they take it out to look at it and feel how much it weighs they could fall back on the "large metal objects" and make you check it. Last time I flew they took two pairs of forceps from my medical bag and made me toss them, total crap but I was running late and could not stand there and argue with them.
 
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