One of my worst nightmares come true

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Robin Lewis

Many years ago when I was in the Navy, we could send and receive classified documents using registered mail. It may have been more secure back then but it still seems secure when I use it today. There are many hoops to jump through when using it. The one that is a pain for me, is finding "paper" tape to cover every (all) seams in the package. They require a paper tape so they can stamp it liberally making it obvious if it is tampered with (opened). That paper tape is almost impossible for me to locate but I understand why the require it.

Years ago, a fine gunsmith advised me to always use registered mail. I have used it many times and never had a problem. Its not the cheapest way to ship but it may be the most secure.

Robin, USPS Registered mail is not bulletproof either. Last year I sent out my NH 10ga barrels to Brad Bachelder for refinishing. I shipped it USPS registered and payed to have it returned the same way. I noted on the way out there was no scanning to show the package's progress on the trip. When BB was done they called to tell me my barrels were shipped, USPS registered, insured and gave the tracking number. My barrels went overdue in arriving. I became a very squeeky wheel with the Postmaster where they were shipped from. Several days went by with no success. It was then I started to hear how sometimes Registered mail does get lost, no gaurantees etc. Finally the barrels were located, allegedly sitting in a safe in a Chicago mailing facility. When they found them they said all set you'll have them in a week. I was already 15 days from shipping which allows for an insurance claim to be filed. I politely complained some more and asked them to make up for the inconvenience I had to deal with and asked they be overnighted from Chicago. They were on my doorstep the next day.