I've traveled alot with both hand guns and rifles as checked bags, and since 9/11. They have to be in a hard case that can be locked. I use a marker to put my name and info on the outside of the hard case or use a zip tie to keep the name tag with the case. When you check in, the airline agent will give you a red card to sign and place in the case with the firearm. the card says the gun belongs to you and it is unloaded. Some have asked to see the firearm, some not. The gun case will get checked as baggage. The TSA guy will check it and put one of their zip ties on the case to show they have checked it. Your bullets should go in a different checked bag. I've packed them in the rifle case before, no problem.

You can call the airline or TSA to see if there have been any changes, but you should not have a problem.

Go to the airport early, you can expect all your bags to set off the chemical swab test, due to the powder residue and chemicals that you transfer to them when you handle your gun and the bags at the same time. You should not have a problem if all your ducks are in a row and you don't scare anyone.

I believe you will need to go through FFL dealers on both ends if you opt to ship the rifle via ups. the receiving end of the shipment will probably have to do the background check paperwork. I had to do this when a friend sent me a gun.