Essential Guide: Flying Safely with Firearms - Tips, Regulations, and Best Practices
Flying with firearms can be painful. It requires careful preparation and understanding of both federal and airline regulations. In this blog article, we'll cover the essential tips, regulations, and best practices for flying safely with firearms. We’ll also give you some tips to make it easier for you to clear TSA and have an uneventful check-in process!
1. Familiarize Yourself with TSA and Airline Regulations: Before making any travel plans, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations and guidelines related to flying with firearms. You should also know that each airline has its own set of specific rules and regulations regarding firearms transportation. Understanding these regulations is the first step in ensuring a smooth and compliant travel experience.
2. Secure Your Firearm Properly: Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container to prevent access to them. Keep in mind that the key or combination for the lock should remain in your possession at all times when flying with firearms. Your hard-sided container should be durable and tamper-resistant. Most handguns come with a hard-sided case that is perfect for flying. The only downside might be that they don’t always accommodate a heavy-duty lock. That being said, if someone decides to steal your luggage, it really doesn’t matter how heavy-duty the lock is. A stolen firearm is a stolen firearm.
3. Ammunition Guidelines: It's important to note that ammunition also has specific guidelines for air travel. Ammunition must be securely packaged in either the original packaging or a container designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. There are also limits on how much ammunition you can fly with at any given time. Be sure to understand the limits on how much ammunition you are allowed to fly with.
4. Declaration and Documentation: When checking in your firearm at the airport, it's essential to declare the firearm and any ammunition to the airline representative. This declaration is made at the check-in counter. Additionally, some airlines may require you to fill out a declaration form or have specific documentation regarding the firearm, which you will include in the locked case with the firearm.
5. Proper Preparation for Inspection: Upon declaration of a firearm, there is typically an inspection. This may be done by the airline, or in some airports, by a TSA agent in a secure location. We recommend removing your magazines so that the inspecting agent can easily see that they are empty. Using chamber flags can also help expedite this process by clearly showing upon immediate inspection that the firearm is unloaded. You may have to remove the flag to visually show an agent, however, having a Muzlstik chamber flag in your firearm quickly lets any agent or other travelers around you quickly identify that your firearm is unloaded.
6. Know the Legalities at Your Destination: It is crucial to research and understand the firearm laws and regulations at your travel destination. Some states and countries have strict firearm regulations that may require additional permits or have specific transportation guidelines. Knowing these legalities will help you avoid any legal complications.
7. Communication with Airline Personnel: Clear communication with airline personnel is essential when traveling with firearms. It's advisable to arrive at the airport well in advance to allow time for the check-in process. Additionally, being courteous and cooperative with airline staff can help ensure a smooth and trouble-free experience.
8. Stay Informed and Updated: Regulations and guidelines related to firearms transportation can change, so it's vital to stay informed and updated on any policy changes. This can be done by regularly checking the TSA's official website and staying in touch with the airline you are traveling with.
By following these essential tips and best practices, you can ensure a safe and compliant experience when traveling with firearms.
Preventing Unintentional Firearms Injuries: The Role of Chamberflags
In the United States, firearms ownership is widespread, with an estimated 466 million firearms in circulation. While responsible gun ownership is crucial to ensure safety, alarming statistics indicate a significant number of firearms are kept unlocked and hidden, contributing to unintentional firearm injuries. This blog aims to shed light on how chamber flags can play a vital role in preventing unintended incidents, particularly in households with children.
Statistical Overview:
466 million firearms in the United States: The sheer number of firearms highlights the importance of promoting safe practices and preventing accidental injuries.
58% of firearm owners keep a gun unlocked and hidden: This statistic reveals a concerning trend, as accessible firearms can pose a risk to family members, especially children, who may unknowingly mishandle them.
27,000 people admitted to emergency rooms each year from unintended firearms injuries: Unintentional firearm injuries are not uncommon, leading to thousands of emergency room visits annually. Implementing preventive measures like chamber flags can significantly reduce these incidents.
78% of unintentional firearm deaths for children aged 0-14 were caused by someone else: Tragically, many children lose their lives due to the negligence of others. By using safety devices like chamber flags, we can lessen the chances of such devastating incidents.
The Role of Chamber flags:
Chamber flags are simple safety devices designed to prevent unintentional discharges of firearms. These brightly colored indicators are placed directly in the firearm's chamber, providing a clear visual indication that the firearm is unloaded. Here's why chamber flags are essential in preventing unintentional firearm injuries:
Promoting Safe Handling and Storage: By using chamber flags, responsible gun owners can visually verify that their firearms are unloaded before storing them. This practice ensures that even if a firearm is accessible, the risk of accidental discharge is minimized.
Educating Children and Other Family Members: Chamber flags serve as a teaching tool, allowing parents to educate their children about firearm safety. By establishing a clear protocol that involves checking for the presence of chamber flags even when encountering a firearm, we can instill responsible behavior and reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Raising Awareness within Communities: Encouraging the use of chamber flags creates a safer environment by encouraging responsible firearm usage and storage practices. Community initiatives, public education campaigns, and distribution programs can help promote the utilization of chamber flags to prevent unintentional injuries.
The data provided emphasizes the urgency and importance of taking action to prevent unintentional firearm injuries. With millions of firearms in circulation and a significant percentage kept unlocked and hidden, we must prioritize the use of responsible safety devices like chamber flags. These simple yet effective tools not only promote the safe handling and storage of firearms but also serve as a catalyst for educating children and other family members.
Together, as a community, we can work towards reducing the alarming statistics surrounding unintended firearm injuries. By integrating chamber flags into our firearm safety practices, we empower gun owners to take proactive measures, protecting their loved ones and fostering a culture of responsible firearm ownership.
5 Tips for Making the Most of Your Next Gun Show
We had such a great time at the Las Vegas Shot Show last month that it reignited our travel bug and got us excited for the year of exciting events to come! Gun shows offer a great opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts and industry professionals, while learning about the wide array of products available for shooting, hunting, self defense and law enforcement.
We’ve been to dozens of gun shows over the years, and believe it or not, there are certain rules of etiquette that apply—such as always asking for the vendor’s permission before you handle or test a firearm. Here are some more suggestions for making the most of your next gun event.
Tip 1: Safety always comes first.
Since gun shows are typically full of experts and responsible owners, you’d probably assume that all the firearms you’ll see are unloaded—but that is not always the case. One of the “golden rules” of safe shooting is to NEVER rely on someone else’s safety check, even if it’s someone you generally trust. You never know when you’re going to encounter a less experienced person who treats a firearm irresponsibly assuming that it’s unloaded. That’s why “Always Check” is part of our slogan at Muzlstik. When you see an item that you’d like to dry-fire, first check carefully to make absolutely sure that it is unloaded.
Tip 2: Do your research in advance.
If you’re looking to spend some money at the gun show, the worst thing you can do is go into a conversation with a seller unprepared. Most vendors you meet will be honest, but it’s not unheard of for a buyer to be taken advantage of by an unscrupulous seller. That’s why it’s important to do some upfront research on the items you’re interested in. In most cases, you can learn a lot with just a simple internet search, but when in doubt, check multiple sources or get advice from someone you trust.
Tip 3: Know the rules and guidelines for the show you’re attending.
Some events are free if you belong to certain clubs or organizations, but most charge a small entry fee—so be sure to carry cash. That will also come in handy when making purchases, since many sellers are unwilling or unable to accept checks and credit cards. If the show allows you to bring your own gun, be sure to keep it holstered for the duration of the event.
Tip 4: Be respectful of other people’s space.
As you move about the event, you’ll undoubtedly hear a lot of interactions between sellers and potential buyers. And though you’ll be tempted to join the conversation—especially if you have experience with the topic at hand—it’s considered rude and unprofessional to jump in uninvited. Unless you want to irk fellow attendees and vendors, your best bet is to mind your P’s and Q’s and stick to conversations that you initiate or that someone else initiates with you.
Tip 5: Expect some paperwork.
It’s a common misconception that buying and selling at a gun show is completely hassle-free. But be aware that most lenders are licensed dealers who, at minimum, require buyers to show a valid state-issued ID and complete an ATF Form 4473. In addition, many shows require attendees to pass all necessary background checks, either in advance or with the specific seller they’re purchasing from. Rest assured that these measures are in place to ensure safety and promote responsible gun ownership.
Planning to head to a big gun show in 2022? Connect with us here! We love meeting other enthusiasts, hearing about great industry events, and expanding our safe shooter community.
Avoid These Common Mistakes New Gun Owners Make
As you know, gun ownership is a privilege that also comes with a lot of responsibility. The right to bear arms and protect ourselves and our families is sacred, and it’s something we take very seriously here at Muzlstik.
You’re probably already aware of the 10 “Golden Rules” of firearm safety—things like ALWAYS using brightly colored chamber flags and ALWAYS keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the other mistakes that new gun owners make, and how you can prevent an unnecessary tragedy by educating yourself and others.
Mistake 1: Storing and holstering the firearm improperly.
It’s extremely risky to store your guns in a car, out in the open or any place where they are accessible by the wrong people. Your best bet is to keep guns locked in a safe, or at the very least, hidden out of sight. For those who own guns for self defense, there are a range of Gunvaults and other products on the market that keep guns secure while not in use, but easily accessible if there comes a time you need them.
When it comes to holstering your firearm, it’s important to make sure your holster is designed for your specific make, model and caliber. Avoid cheaply made holsters, and NEVER holster your gun in the waistband of your pants.
Mistake 2: Skipping the essential safety check.
It should be obvious, but many new gun owners simply lack the experience to know that they should ALWAYS check the chamber or cylinder to confirm their firearm isn’t loaded.
Our wide range of chamber safety flags can help make this a lot simpler. But even if you’re using flags, and even if someone hands you a firearm they claim to have checked, don’t take their word for it. Only you can avoid unnecessary tragedy by taking the right steps to making it a habit to confirm your gun’s status every single time you use it.
Mistake 3: Failing to research firearm laws in your location.
It’s the responsibility of every gun owner to know all relevant local, state and federal gun laws—for example, whether or not you live in a “stand your ground” state. If you plan to conceal/carry, research the necessary steps to obtain a concealed carry license. It’s also essential to know how many and what type of firearms you’re allowed to own in your state, as well as any restrictions on magazine capacity.
Failing to understand the laws that are applicable to you could result in heavy fines or worse. But the good news is that groups like the NRA make it very easy to research gun laws by state.
Mistake 4: Not cleaning your gun between uses.
Every time you discharge your firearm, residual lubricant, dirt, dust and debris from the bullet and burned gunpowder collects in the barrel and internal mechanisms. As you continue applying oil and lubricant, this residue thickens and over time can result in costly damage to the gun, decreased precision, or even cause the gun to misfire.
That’s why it’s important to clean and maintain all your firearms using a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. For many gun owners, cleaning a firearm is a relaxing and reassuring process that gives them peace of mind knowing their gun will operate in tip-top shape if and when they need to use it.
Mistake 5: Not being properly trained.
For a new shooter, it can be hard to contain your excitement. Your impulse will be to start shooting right away, before getting the necessary training—but that’s a huge mistake! How can you be expected to use a firearm correctly if you don’t have practice?
Do yourself a favor and connect with a firearms instructor or gun range professional. They can teach you the proper ways to practice, shoot, transport and store your firearm. If you need help connecting with shooter education, contact us here!
Winter Hunters: 5 Tips that Could Save Your Life
Here at Muzlstik headquarters in The Ohio Valley region, there’s still another six weeks of deer hunting season. But even if big-game hunting isn’t an option where you live, there’s no reason to stay indoors. You can get out there and hunt everything from quail to bobcat as the temps drop.
Many enjoy the unique experience of winter hunting, but it can come with some added dangers. With that in mind, here are our top five recommendations for a safe and fun winter weather hunt.
Tip 1: ALWAYS follow the 10 Golden Rules of Hunting.
By now you should know these like the back of your hand, but in case you need a reminder, the 10 most important rules of gun safety are as follows:
Assume every gun is loaded and use chamber flags as an added precaution.
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Don’t touch the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
Make sure every firearm is unloaded when not in use.
Do not rely on your gun’s safety.
Know your target and what is around it.
Always wear protective gear.
Know your firearm and use the correct ammunition.
Be cautious if your gun fails to fire after a trigger pull.
Don’t alter your firearm and don’t forget routine maintenance.
Tip 2: Make sure someone knows where to find you.
Before you head out for any winter hunting excursion, make sure your preferred emergency contact has the “three Ws”—who is coming with you, where you will be and when they should expect you to return.
Tip 3: Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
For starters, this means preparing your firearm by thoroughly cleaning it (without using lubrication, which can gum up and cause the action to stick). This is especially important in the winter months when lower temperatures can cause your firearm to malfunction.
Once your firearm has been cleaned, affix it with a brightly colored chamber flag so that you and others in your party will know the gun’s status at a glance.
Additionally, you will want to load your vehicle with supplies in case your party becomes lost or stranded for any reason. Always carry GPS and a basic first aid kit, as well as food, water, blankets and other common camping necessities.
Tip 4: Wear the right clothes for the season.
When hunting during the winter months, staying warm means staying dry. The best way to stay dry in a tree stand or on the ground is by choosing your wardrobe carefully. Purchase good-quality thermal undergarments and wear multiple layers so that you can shed them if you get too warm or if your top layers get wet.
When it comes to staying warm and dry, accessories matter. Invest in lightweight, waterproof jackets and footwear, and be sure to protect your ears, fingers, toes and other extremities that are especially vulnerable to frostbite. Pro tip: Carry warming packets to keep your hands warm in between shooting.
Tip 5: Know the signs of hypothermia.
Hypothermia can strike quickly in the winter months, so pay very close attention to how you and other members of your party are feeling during the hunt.
Shivering is a classic early sign of hypothermia that can worsen quickly, so it’s important to act fast. If you notice someone shivering, help them remove any wet clothing and apply dry additional layers and blankets. If the shivering persists, find shelter as quickly as possible in a truck, home or cabin. If you are too far from shelter, start a fire and provide body heat as needed until the affected person stops shivering and regains a normal body temperature.
Have other questions about safe hunting, or want to connect with our partners at the International Hunter Education Association USA? Contact us here!
The Majority of Gun Incidents are Avoidable, but Here’s What to Do if the Worst Happens
With so much recent media coverage surrounding accidental shootings, it’s easy to imagine that these incidents are commonplace or impossible to avoid.
But the vast majority of gun incidents, and the horrible tragedies that sometimes result, are preventable. These incidents serve as a sad but important reminder of the #1 rule of firearm safety: Treat every gun as if it’s loaded every time.
That said, accidental and unintentional discharges are a reality. And unfortunately, the person who makes the mistake is the one who carries a lifetime of remorse, pain and shame. If the worst-case scenario happens and you find yourself in the midst of a firearm incident, here is some general advice to consider.
Remain calm, and don’t attempt to hide or cover up the incident.
In the initial moments, or even the days and weeks following a firearm incident, you might be tempted to brush it under the rug or chalk it up to something less serious. But this is a mistake. Even if no one was seriously injured or killed, it’s important to notify the appropriate people about what happened so they can help ensure that it won’t happen again. That could mean talking with range or property owners, law enforcement or other responsible parties where the incident occurred.
Know that you’re not alone.
Each year in the United States, there are an estimated 430 unintentional firearm fatalities. Research shows that survivors of these tragedies often suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD and a host of other psychological conditions as a result. Fortunately for survivors, care providers have made significant strides in addressing and treating these conditions. In addition, organizations like Accidental Impacts work to connect survivors with support groups and other resources to overcome the pain and trauma of being involved in an accidental firearm incident.
Use your experience to inform others about gun safety.
If you have been involved in an accidental gun incident, it may comfort you to know that you have a unique opportunity to not only learn from your experience, but to help educate others. Here are some of basic rules of firearm ownership that every person should know, regardless of their age or experience level:
We previously mentioned the #1 of firearm safety, and to reiterate, that is to treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, even if you logically know that it’s not. Be sure to check the firearm every single time you touch it to see if it is loaded so that you know the loaded status of your gun. Adopting this way of thinking will safeguard you and your loved ones against human error.
Keep your firearms pointed in a safe direction at all times, meaning that even if the gun is accidentally discharged, it would not result in injury.
When handling a firearm, rest your finger away from the trigger—on the outside of the trigger guard or alongside the gun. Do not place your finger on the trigger until you are 100% ready to fire.
Make sure every firearm in your home is unloaded anytime it is not in use, and use brightly colored chamber flags to indicate the status of each firearm.
Read the manual for your firearm to understand how it works, what type of ammunition it takes, how to safely open and close the action and how to safely clean the gun and remove ammunition from the magazine.
Store all guns in a locked cabinet, safe, gun vault or storage case that is not accessible by children or any other unauthorized person.
Store ammunition separately, in a secure place away from all firearms.
Use a gun locking device as an additional safety precaution (not as a substitute for secure storage) to prevent the gun from accidentally discharging while not in use.
Teach everyone in your home to understand and practice firearm safety. Children especially should be aware that if they see a firearm in your home (or anywhere else) they should under no circumstances touch it, and tell an adult immediately.
At Muzlstik, we are deeply committed to prevention through gun safety education. That’s why we’re out on the road attending conventions, exploring educational partnerships and seeking other avenues to spread the word about our at-a-glance chamber flags. If you have questions about safe gun ownership, or if you’d like to connect with our partners at the International Hunter Education Association USA, don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Muzlstik Partner Feature: Exploring the Benefits of IHEA-USA's Incident Academy
Muzlstik is proud to partner with the International Hunter Education Association-USA and support their educational programming by providing a wide variety of chamber flags. We were thrilled to participate in the IHEA-USA’s Incident Academy, a program that was established many years ago to provide skill, knowledge and confidence to Wildlife and Law Enforcement Officers investigating hunting accidents in the field.
The Academy also serves to collect and analyze hunting-related shooting incident data, so that the IHEA-USA can effectively develop curriculum and analyze the effectiveness of current hunter safety practices. The Academy has proven invaluable to both law enforcement investigating the scenes of these sometimes tragic incidents, as well as the individual state Fish & Wildlife Agencies that develop safe-hunting curriculum for new hunters afield.
HANDS-ON EVENTS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR WORST-CASE SCENARIO
The most recent Incident Academy events took place simultaneously at Camp Johnsonburg, New Jersey, and in Iowa. Both events featured IHEA-USA Instructors and Hunter Educators from seven states, who offered instruction for a combined 57 students from states including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
These aggressively instructional and comprehensive courses featured hands-on education on policies, planning an investigation, tools of the investigation, bullet-path reconstruction, evidence kits, ballistics, blood analysis, evidence collection, diagramming, methodology of the hunting investigation and tree stand falls and scenarios.
ATTENDEES SHARE REACTIONS TO THE ACADEMY EXPERIENCE
Instructors and students alike offered a variety of comments regarding the instruction and the difference it makes for the law enforcement officers taking the course.
“The group of instructors that taught that week were absolutely top notch, “Lieutenant Travis Goreham of the Missouri Department of Conservation commented. “The firsthand knowledge and experience of the instructors was impressive, and all of them are true experts in the fields they taught. A huge thank you to all that were involved in the organization of this course. It was truly some of the best training that I have been a part of during my career with MDC.”
Michael Brooks, Director of the New Jersey Academy stated,” The highlight of the training for me is watching the students working in teams to find the forensic evidence on the recreated hunting incident scenes set up by the instructors while being engaged in the learning process. The mentoring model we use allows for the students to ask questions and the instructors to guide them using the proper methods of evidence collection to help them build a strong set of analytical tools to use when they return to their home agencies.”
Missouri-based Hunter Education & Shooting Range Coordinator Justin McGuire added, “The Iowa Academy consisted of classroom instruction and practical field work during which the students had the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills. The cumulative years of service and hunting incident investigations among the group of instructors was invaluable, and the students responded professionally and skillfully to every challenge issued by the instructors.”
IHEA-USA offers training Incident Academy events all over the United States. If you’re interested in having one in your area, you can submit a request at mgr@ihea-usa.org. And stay for announcements of more Incident Academy dates in 2022.