Thread: Flying with a Flintlock.

Hi folks, looking at flying Air new Zealand regional and wondering if I need to 'check in' a small antique flintlock pistol that's approximately 200 years old. Thanks

Interesting, if it is that old it is classed as antique and does not require a firearms license to possess it.
I would advise them, pointing out what it is and its status and have it in your checked luggage, carry on might cause a few issues.

Plus 1 on Marty Henry's post.

Remember to answer "Yes !" when the idiots ask you if you have removed the bolt

Or if you have any “bullets” for it

Would not hurt to have some supporting papers from gunsmith, antique dealer, whoever to help back up your claims of age. ie not a replica etc / real deal.

and as you can't remove the bolt get a cheap trigger lock and remember a hard case.

Probably simpler to transport it as a normal rifle or you will get court up with definitions by staff who don't have a clue. Ie not just airNZ check in staff but air port security staff x-raying the bag will see a long metal gun shaped thing, then its game over, by the time you explain it all to the police you will miss your flight.

People travelling with rifles are common enough at main NZ airports that so long as the paper work is in order, your license, case and you told them before you turn up no one will bat an eyelid.
Queenstown and Auckland are have been fine for me. My small local one gave the checkin girl some excitement, had not dealt with it before and no x-ray facility.
Z

If it does not require modern ammunition, ie cap and ball of flint and powder, then you do not need a firearms license to possess it. But that's got nothing to do with whether the airline consider it dangerous.
I would do as ZQlewis advises and let the airline follow the procedures they are familiar with.

Originally Posted by JohnDuxbury

If it does not require modern ammunition, ie cap and ball of flint and powder, then you do not need a firearms license to possess it. But that's got nothing to do with whether the airline consider it dangerous.
I would do as ZQlewis advises and let the airline follow the procedures they are familiar with.

Interesting. I thought a flintlock would have been classed as a firearm.

Arms Act Section 2
"firearm—
(a) means anything from which any shot, bullet, missile, or other projectile can be discharged by force of explosive;..."

There is an exemption for original pieces ie antique over a certain age 180 years I think, reproductions however are classed as firearms

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