Encountered a new level in TSA incompetence while returning from Namibia earlier this week. While passing through Detroit, the TSA guy asked for my 4457 for my Winchester Model 70, which I produced. He then asked me for the 4457 for my Leupold scope, since he stated was made in Germany!! I politely told him it was made in Oregon, and showed him the "Made in the USA" stamp on the bottom of the scope. The scope is all beat up after two trips to Africa and nine trips to Montana, and is obviously NOT new. Loser with a room temperature IQ, trying to give a law abiding citizen a hard time.

actually it is a very good idea to have a 4457 with all you serialized items on it. cameras especially. it might be a PIA but saves a bigger PIA latter

I've always included the scope on my 4457's (if the rifle is so equipped). The way I look at it, if the TSA guy is having a bad day that is one less reason for him to mess with me.

Karl

TSA has NOTHING to do with Customs enforcement.

Tell him to piss off next time.

George

What George said. TSA should not even be checking serial numbers nor 4457s.

Only U.S. Customs! Sounds like pure, unadulterated harassment!

Bud,

First time I've heard of that one. Seems that this guy was taking his job a little too seriously. Perhaps if you have time a note to his supervisor might be in order. Travel with guns is bad enough without doorknobs like this guy making it more unpleasant unnecessarily.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by butchloc:
actually it is a very good idea to have a 4457 with all you serialized items on it. cameras especially. it might be a PIA but saves a bigger PIA latter

+1

Scopes - check
Rifles - check
Binos - check
Camera - check
Watch - check

4457's on anything you want to keep, that "may" have been made outside USA. Best form of proof you can have at customs.

As for TSA? Can pound sand! Trying to bring scope on plane though..... I guess if he wants to see 4457, and is willing to let you carry on, and not check it, I'd think about it. Scopes usually stay on my rifles and get checked, don't want to lose a scope to TSA!

One thing - when packing rifle in case - put scope towards handles - not away at "top", which is bottom, when lifted by handle. Less likely to get damaged is the theory,so far, working for me.

Anything with a serial number may be listed, and I would suggest, should be listed.

I always have my rifles, scopes, binos, cameras, etc. Anything of value with a serial number listed on my 4457!!!

Great Sir. Why don't you accompany me over to Customs and lets have them check on that since that is their area of enforcement. BTW is there a Supervisor here that i might speak with?

TSA gets more clown shoes each and every day.



I have everything I am taking that has a serial # on it on a seperate 4457 just in case of this.

One of rhe purposes of 4457 is to verify ownership of items taken out of the country so you can return with them without paying import taxes. It is an excellent idea to document all items of value that you are taking out of country and returning whether they have a serial number or not. This applies double to all equipment that have optics. I.e. cameras, scopes, jewelry, watches, computers, cell phones, etc. better to be safe than sorry.

An additional benefit is that IF anything is lost or stolen, either during travel or "in camp" or parts and places in between, you at least have an "official" document that has item descriptions and serial numbers for police reports or claims against the airline.

quote:

One of the purposes of 4457 is to verify ownership of items taken out of the country so you can return with them without paying import taxes. It is an excellent idea to document all items of value that you are taking out of country and returning whether they have a serial number or not. This applies double to all equipment that have optics. I.e. cameras, scopes, jewelry, watches, computers, cell phones, etc. better to be safe than sorry.

Excellent Response!

alabama ed & m3taco are spot on!

Please remember; when filling out a Form 4457, all the items you wish to have listed on the form must physically be present to have their Serial #/identification verified.

I've been asked to verify ownership/origin of a Watch while handling Firearms for Customs Agents, the Computer bag is in the Baggage Cart as well ..... etc. They're doing their Job and the vast majority do it well, but they're always on the lookout for someone attmepting to pull a sneaky.

2006 TSA in Detroit wanted to confiscate my LEUPOLD IN MY CARRY ON BAG UPON RETURN TO THE USA. How did I get on the airplane with gun parts in my carry on? They got a police officer and he took me to the side and checked if I hand any wants or warrants! I was so angry I wanted to slap the GD TSA woman.

Mike

I went to Albuquerque Last Thursday to get the 4457 for my rifles I am taking in 2 weeks. I had forgotten to write the serial # of the S & B I have on my .416 down. The customs agent there told me it was not a big deal because I had the scope listed on the 4457. I have never had any problems with the customs guys coming back, just TSA, who has no authority over what I take and bring back.(as long as it is legal)