Concerning to me; re: the thru traveler whose flight was cancelled in NJ, and later charged with illegal possession when he collected his checked gun and went to a hotel.
It's been quite some time, so I can't point to the thread, but I recall seeing advice that strongly suggested if this happens for you to simply refuse to accept the firearm from the baggage claim, thus forcing them to store it and, hopefully, eventually checking it on your continuing flight. Even if they try to insist and intimidate you. As you note, this
has happened, and the NJ thugs, who mostly view you as a criminal already, really couldn't care less how you ended up in possession.
Unless you are transporting a quite literally priceless firearm*, even losing it would be better than a couple years in jail, after which you would lose it anyway.
TFred
* Reminds me of recent stories about the professional violinist who must travel with her violin, which, while not a Stradivarius, was built by a contemporary of Stradivarius. Upon reaching her assigned seat, she was instructed to check the violin. Obviously, she protested, and ultimately refusing to check the instrument, was finally forced to leave the aircraft by the pilot himself. Major. PR. Disaster. While certainly not an enjoyable experience, I think it would be somewhat satisfying to inform the captain, "Sir, I will certainly leave if you ask me to, but you should probably know that my violin is worth more money than your airplane."