What to know if you want to bring your guns to the NRA convention

DALLAS - The 147th National Rifle Association Annual Meetings and Exhibits starts here today, and the estimated 80,000 attendees will have "15 acres" of firearms to peruse. If that's not enough, there's a "Wall of Guns" raffle station set up outside the main exhibition hall.

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Lawfully carried firearms are allowed in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where the convention is headquartered, and the adjacent Omni Dallas Hotel, in accordance with Texas law. U.S. Secret Service policies dictate that no weapons are permitted in the ballroom where President Donald Trump and Vice President are due to speak on Friday and attendees will go through a metal detector and all bags will be searched. It'll feel similar to airport security.

Speaking of airport security, the Transportation Security Administration reminds travelers that weapons are not allowed in carry on luggage. Last week alone, agents confiscated 79 firearms, according to the TSA's informative Instagram feed.

Lawful owners of firearms may fly with them but must follow strict guidelines. They are allowed in checked luggage only, and must be in a locked hard-sided case with padding. The ammunition must be kept in a separate case.  The full list of guidelines is posted here .

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The TSA isn't in charge of levying punishment when they discover weapons; that's up to local law enforcement.