From what I read, published by both various airlines and the TSA, transporting firearms in checked baggage is not a big deal. Not much more than a suitable/lockable container and advising the ticket counter of the contents is required. Of course, it must be unloaded and it is the passengers responsibility to comply with the laws of the state being shipped from and the destination state.
Prior to checking a pistol on a future flight I’d like to know if any Dopers have any personal experience in this process. I’d like to know more of your experience and whether you attempted to purchase insurance or otherwise attempted to increase the airline’s limits of liability.