Flying with a Gun Cleaning Kit

[crossfire3006]

I'm hoping not to get blasted for asking this question, but I can't get a straight answer out of Delta Airlines. I'm planning on bringing a BoreSnake on my trip to South Africa in April and was wondering if anyone has flown with a bore cleaner, either a liquid (such as Hoppe's Bore Cleaner) or aerosol (such as Powder Blast). I ask because they're flammable and didn't know if they are not permitted on a plane. What have you travelled to South Africa with to clean your rifle? Thanks for your input!

 

[Rare Breed]

I always have packed in my checked luggage a small cleaning kit with oil with no problems

 

[375Fox]

I always bring a cleaning rod and small bottle of oil in checked luggage. I wouldn’t bring an aerosol.

 

[Datchew]

I took (and take whenever i travel for hunting) a small one called Otis Tactical gun cleaning kit.
The kit is in a nylon package about the size of an overly thick hockey puck. I add a bunch of q-tips with the end chopped off so they'll fit. It uses cables that you can pull through and you can swap out the brushes and patch holders for what you like. It has a small bottle of CLP inside it.
It's super handy when you need it and doesn't take up too much space when you don't.

For transport on airlines, I have a plastic .50 cal ammo can that goes inside my checked gear luggage. It went in there with belts, knives, sling, multitool, and binos. Had no issues with the airlines.

 

[JimP]

I use a small bottle of both solvent and oil such as what's in a cleaning kit designed to be for a backpack along with a bore snake. I just put them in a plastic baggie in my rifle case.

 

[Tanks]

I ask because they're flammable and didn't know if they are not permitted on a plane.

Check airline regulations carefully. Most flammable liquids are forbidden.

 

[dogcat1]

If it is flammable you will be pulled off and strip searched. Don't take it. Not worth the risk. Have the party on the other end get you one.

 

[SETH RINGER]

BORE-SNAKE AND NON AEROSOL FROGLUBE IS ALL YOU NEED

 

[375Fox]

If it is flammable you will be pulled off and strip searched. Don't take it. Not worth the risk. Have the party on the other end get you one.

Hand sanitizer is very flammable. I haven’t seen anyone getting strip searched.

 

[JimP]

In all reality, you are heading to a hunting camp. The outfitter and your PH will have everything that you might need.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

I always take a cleaning kit and my fix-it-sticks. There are numerous types of CLP that are non-flammable, non-toxic, pleasant odor, gluten free, sugarless, all natural and organic. I carry one of those.

Safe travels

 

[Nosler guy]

Kind of one of those questions - where you get the answer if you read the airline policies. My experience is that half the airlines don't know their own policies.

A few airlines, state in their policy regarding ammunition, that handloaded ammunition is not permitted. Have yet to hear of anyone having problems in regards to this. I always err on the side of caution and find ammo boxes of the correct calibre and bullet weight, and camouflage my handloads. My guess is that the airlines would have a hard time coming up with someone in their hire, that could differentiate between factory and handloads.

I've always taken my own cleaning stuff - small container/bottle of both solvent and oil - sealed and bagged in double plastic - usually in Rifle case.

 

[Tintin]

I fly with a few of the individually sealed Breakthrough Clean Technologies Multi-purpose CLP Wipes, in my cleaning kit. They say their formulation is considered non-flamable.

Breakthrough Clean Technologies® Multi-Purpose CLP Quick Wipes, 5 x 6 , 12-Pack

Our Breakthrough Clean Technologies® Multi-Purpose Quick Wipes act as a cleaner, lubricant, and protectant designed to clean and condition in one quick & easy step, without sacrificing performance. Formulated from the same chemical platform as our flagship Military-Grade Solvent and High-Purity...

www.breakthroughclean.com

Similar options offered by other suppliers eg Ballistol, Birchwood, Otis, Rem-Oil etc. Not sure of the flammability of others.

 

[One Day...]

A different view...

Why would anyone need a bore cleaning chemical on a modern (i.e. short) safari?

The boresnake makes perfect sense and will clean both powder residues and dust at the end of every day afield. Run the boresnake once through the barrel even if you did not shoot that day.

But even with the most successful hunt you will not shoot enough to need a chemical bore cleaner...

A boresnake is all you need.

 

[Datchew]

Hand sanitizer is very flammable. I haven’t seen anyone getting strip searched.

If they were, at least you could ask the inspector to use some on their hands first.

 

[Rafiki]

I go with a bore snake per caliber and an oily cloth, nothing else. If I need something more my PH and crew has it.

 

[HankBuck]

Hand sanitizer is very flammable. I haven’t seen anyone getting strip searched.

@375Fox - agree, Nobody is getting strip searched (unless they request it !)

 

[MacJenkins]

I always put a rod, tad of cleaning solvent, brush, etc. also take a solid brass rod the length of my barrel incase i ever need to tap someone out of a bore. Etc. Put it all in my gun case. Never had a problem.

 

[375Fox]

A different view...

Why would anyone need a bore cleaning chemical on a modern (i.e. short) safari?

The boresnake makes perfect sense and will clean both powder residues and dust at the end of every day afield. Run the boresnake once through the barrel even if you did not shoot that day.

But even with the most successful hunt you will not shoot enough to need a chemical bore cleaner...

A boresnake is all you need.

I’ve never cleaned a rifle mid-safari. I’ve seen no reason to. The oil just attracts dust. However, I always clean my rifles before they go in case for travel home. If something were to happen and my bags were delayed, I’d want to know there is no problem when I open the case when I eventually do receive them.

 

[375Fox]

I go with a bore snake per caliber and an oily cloth, nothing else. If I need something more my PH and crew has it.

It’s been about 50/50 from what I’ve seen whether a PH will have a cleaning kit and oil. At their home base I’d expect it, anywhere else maybe or maybe not.