Anyone Travel Amtrak and check a handgun?

[jrm400]

My wife and I will be traveling from Reno NV to Chicago in November on the Amtrak California Zephyr. I am aware that you can now check firearms on Amtrak but I would like to know if any INGOers have done this and what problems if any you may have experienced?

We will be checking our handguns as we carry when we travel. We have not had problems when checking them on the airlines (checked baggage) but this time we're flying out and riding the train back.

 

[Titanium_Frost]

Me and my wife were just talking about this today! I am curious as well.

 

[ryknoll3]

My wife and I will be traveling from Reno NV to Chicago in November on the Amtrak California Zephyr. I am aware that you can now check firearms on Amtrak but I would like to know if any INGOers have done this and what problems if any you may have experienced?

We will be checking our handguns as we carry when we travel. We have not had problems when checking them on the airlines (checked baggage) but this time we're flying out and riding the train back.

I assume you've read the the Amtrak rules for checking firearms? They're a little different than airlines because you have to call ahead and let them know you will be checking firearms.

Here's the regs:
Amtrak - Firearms in Checked Baggage

 

[Hammerhead]

FWIW, and this is in no way suggesting that you violate the rules...

The family and I traveled on Amtrak in 2004, and were not searched, neither were our bags. At the time I was only concerned with the rather large Buck knife I was carrying in my bags (besides the EDC knives in my pockets). We had regular access to our baggage (they didn't lock it up). And the conductors, while walking through regularly, really didn't pay any attention to regular movement, even accessing your bags for stuff.

I don't know if any of this has changed in the last several years. However, the Mrs. and I have discussed taking a trip south on Amtrak again and have decided that we'll splurge for a sleeper berth. You take your baggage into your sleeper with you, I believe.

 

[slackerisme]

A co-worker just rode to St.Louis and back. He was complaining about the cost of alcohol on the train, but mentioned that if he did it again he would bring his own in his bags. Mainly, because the bags were never checked.