imported post
This is an update to my original post. I just returned from AK and checked/declared my 44 mag and PM40 Kahr up and back. I flew Alaska Airlines from Orlando, FB to Anchorage and FB to Seatlle, Seatlle to LA through to Orlando. I declared a total of five times. Here is what I did. I never had to open my case. I had to go to TSA every time except my departure from Orlando.
I removed the cylinder from the 44 mag. and removed my clip from the PM40 and put a large tie wrap through the barrel and ejection port. I also made up a card and laminated it that said I was declaring a firearm. This kept me from having to speak to the rep about it. They seemed to appreciate it.
I believe that the TSA can see the packing I did on their X-ray and the tie wrap. This told them that the guns were deifinitely not loaded and inoperable. They were very cooperative. I was a little nervous before leaving about this process, but now that I have done it over and over, I would pack my firearms on any trip to a friendly state (ones that honor my CCW permit).
BTW, I loved Alaska and the freedom you guys have. I carried everywhere I went mostly CC but open out in the wild. We covered from Galbreath lake down to Brooks Camp and many places in between. It was awesome.