It's easy.....
Get to counter....
" I need to declare a firearm"
You fill out a tag...... place inside of luggage on top of case..... Locked case - NON TSA lock
at Newark.,.... they then get a TSA agent to escort you and your luggage to X-Ray machine. They X-Ray to verify unloaded - you wait there in case they need you to open case.....
Then depending on airline..... they either take luggage right there..... or walk you back to airline counter and they will take luggage there....
On way back..... everything is the same expect the walk of shame to get luggage x-rayed...... most airports dont bother
I thought of the shipping option, but this is going to be a flying deal. My daughter is shooting in the Junior Olympics. Too risky on shipping to an unknown place and we are leaving for the airport right after the competition and awards ceremony. Thank you for the input, I will have every policy printed out.