I don't know the legal answer, but if you secure the pistol in a locked container, hide the container under the rest of the luggage, leave any ammo at home and OBEY THE TRAFFIC LAWS so you don't give them a reason to stop you, you get away with it.

In the mid 1970s that's how I got my pistols from NJ to Auburn Univ. in Alabama. I was able to fly with them in checked baggage once, while under the age of 21. But then again, I was also able to keep them loaded in my dorm room. Those were different times.

Good Luck!