I've read mixed feedback on transiting through EWR with a suppressor. We flew to RSA last week from Texas through EWR to Cape Town. No issues other than barely making our EWR flight and our checked luggage taking 2 days to catch up to us.

I brought a suppressor for my wife's rifle. I get over here and realize "crud" what happens when I transit back through EWR on the way home and I have to open my case for inspection and potentially recheck at the ticket counter. Will I get nailed because of the suppressor?

There doesn't seem to be a clear answer. One person on African hunting forum said he talked to the Newark Airport police and they said as long as your were transiting, not an issue. I was also going to contact a NJ law firm specializing in this area.

I could just leave the suppressor here. Even if I never get back, it's worth avoiding any hassles.

However, the suppressor is on my 4457 form with the rifle. I tried to split it, but TSA wanted it on the same form. I should have insisted on separate forms.

So questions:
1) any recent updates on transiting with suppressors through EWR? And if we miss the connecting flight for some reason, assume the airline maintains possession of luggage because if I took possession I could definitely see that as a big issue.

2) has anyone done this transit with a suppressor recently?

3) what if I come back without my suppressor? What are the legal ramifications there? Do I tell them why - because I didn't want to risk NJ laws or tell them I lost it, etc. Or if I come back without it, do I risk an issue with the ATF?

Thanks!

hey no big deal, I did with no issues. the main thing is do not touch it or take it out of your gun case. 6 weeks ago we came through Atlanta and they never looked at it last year thru Newark they never looked at it. you will go through customs I took my Tax Stamp, trust, sales receipt copies of all of them no problem. by the way TSA has no say so on what goes on your 4457, it only shows you left with something and came back with it so you do not pay tax on it. So Africa thinks the 4457 is proof that you can own a rifle.do not forget to get your permit from SAPS by the way they love suppressors over there, last time when we opened out gun cases to check sightings they said oh good they have suppressors. if you want more info PM me

forgot to mention, your gun case will be checked through by TSA after it clears customs you DO NOT TAKE POSSESSION OF IT, if you do some how you can be arrested for the suppressor. so let them do their job and do not worry and allow at least 3 hours to clear customs

Is this a new Jersey specific problem?

Kevin, suppressors are illegal to own in New Jersey

If your flight is cancelled / rescheduled will the airline store your luggage or will you be forced to claim and recheck? I don't know about NJ, but there have been horror stories from NY where someone was forced to claim their luggage by the airline and then promptly arrested.

What a weird country where lunatics can buy a weapon only designed to kill a lot of people but honest hunters get arrested for owning a metal tube designed to save their hearing! In NZ you can't buy an AR15 but you get a suppressor with your new rifle.

quote:

Originally posted by the Pom:
What a weird country where lunatics can buy a weapon only designed to kill a lot of people but honest hunters get arrested for owning a metal tube designed to save their hearing! In NZ you can't buy an AR15 but you get a suppressor with your new rifle.

Disagree with an AR 15 being designed to kill a lot of people.

Agree that if you want a silencer, you should be able to buy it.

I stand corrected! The AR15 was designed by Colt to make lots of money for it's shareholders.