Yep, that's about how it goes for me too, except that I always just say, "I need to declare a firearm." That works for me. Sometimes it seems to give the person behind the counter a bit of pause as they shift mental gears to follow the proper procedures. Mostly, they don't bat an eye and just get the little orange card for me to sign.
Incidentally, I just did this today when I flew back home from an out-of-state trip.
Incidentally, I just did this today when I flew back home from an out-of-state trip.