Make sure the coin box is removed and any other loose items inside. See if you can find a big piece of cardboard and that will help you "slide" it into your SUV. I would but this thing on it's side so you don't have to remove the gun.

On moving with your son, I would say you be find loading, but when you get to your house, you'll probably need a two wheeler or extra muscle. I can normally load one by myself (and I'm probably the size of your 15 year old) but when it comes to stairs, I need two people.

Congrats on the buy! Cool game!
Joe

If you can handle a coke machine, you'll have no problem! The thing is more bulky and awkward than anything!

And yeah, the gun can come off, but you also have the nuts for the chain in the front and the leaf switch inside the gun (which might be soldered). If it was me, I would carefully lay it on it's side and try not to bump it.