A non FFL holder cannot ship directly to another non FFL holder. In other word, a private sale through the mail, or any other method. But an individual can ship to a FFL holder that must log it into his books as received, and a background check is done for modern guns when the person picks it up. Many people believe that one has to go to a FFL holder to have them ship it to another FFL holder, thereby about doubling one's cost to ship, as the shipping FFL holder never does it free.

Unfortunately there are some receiving FFL holders that will simply not accept shipments coming in from non FFL holders.
Despite it being perfectly legal as far as I know. Possibly there are some state or local laws that I am not aware of that prohibits individuals from doing this that I am not aware of.

One always has to prearrange with the receiving FFL holder to make sure they will accept it. But you find one that will do the transfer. Do not just pick one to send it to. The receiving party bears the responsibility to coordinate this to make sure it will work out.

I was referring to your statement, “ you do not have to pay one to ship it for you.”.

I always double wall pack. Inner box gun well secured,reduced to its shortest dimension barrel and buttstock separated. Outer box with crushable padding, mostly foam peanuts between the two.

45 years with three ship owners most cargo damage was due to inadequate packing. No control over handling, it varies widely. Package the best defense.

William

One refers to paying a FFL holder to ship it for you. Lots of people go to a gun dealer thinking that it has to be shipped by a licensed dealer to another licensed dealer.

Jerry is correct with a few exceptions. Some states, like NY, require there FFL's to only receive a gun shipment from an FFL. I love my "live free or die state" of NH,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,very few gun laws. :)

I have to correct Steve in the above post.
NYS does not require that NYS FFL's only receive and transfer from another FFL. Individual non FFL holders can ship a gun to a State FFL for transfer.
The Law relates to all gun ownership transfers require FFL Tranfer.
Bob Jurewicz

Oh, now it makes sense. I was reading it as an FFL would ship it for free. :rotf:sorry

Art's Gun Shop in Missouri sees a lot of guns coming and going. They have some good tips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRr7lHiUaaQ