If your traveling domestic and you know where you'll be staying, you could mail your gear to your self. Check with the hotel a lot of them will accept advanced mail for you.
Yes, the check-in luggage definately gets checked.
No, I would definately not be trying to smuggle sharp objects, i.e. syringes, onboard.
They deported that art student who forgot his art knife in his luggage, I don't think you need that kind of hassle.
Although if they sent you to europe you wouldn't have to worry about illegal use anymore.