What is the receivers responsibility or liability if /when they open the package and the gun is damaged? I've wondered but don't want to find the answer after receipt of a gun.

If there is obvious damage to the exterior of the package you need to insist the delivery person make note on his delivery receipt of the damage. Then open the package in the presence of the driver so that if the contents are damaged he can verify it.

This is the ONLY way to substantiate damaged goods on your damage claim.

If however, there is no visible damage of any kind to the package, you sign for it, and subsequently discover the contents to be damaged, you must still file a damage claim with the carrier in order to document the damage and initiate the claim process. In such cases you will likely be reimbursed and the carrier will settle with the shipper..... but it doesn't always work this way and the recipient of damaged goods, through no fault of his own or the carrier's.... is sometimes left holding the bag.

and tracking can add so much excitement

bought what looks like a very nice Red Head leg-o-lamb :rotf: (well lamb is sort of mutton) case off fleabay a few days ago - it was supposed to be delivered today - so I just checked the tracking -

it says it arrived at the post office and is out for delivery today

the only problem--

it arrived at a post office and is out for delivery in a town on the other side of the county

wonder who will get it - and will he have a gun to fit it

When I ship stuff via USPS I always send it priority mail and insure it for twice the value.
The one time I did not about two years ago, I sent Dave a nice case I was giving away.
Well, to this date he still has not received it. it's like they were teaching me a lesson for skimping out on shipping.

I believe a handgun HAS to be shipped overnight. My gun came as expected on time and in perfect condition. This time there was an adult signature required (they still let me sign for it:rotf:) usually it's left on the porch.

I've never had a lick of trouble from UPS or FedEx. USPS, however, is a different story. They broke a stock on a 20g hammer gun and fought paying the insurance. Had to involve our lawyer and they paid up. Sad it has to come to that.

Well. They said my redirected case would be here Tuesday. But it arrived yesterday.

I will say it was better packed than most breakable items and in better condition than I had hoped. Now to wait for the shipping saga of something to go in it.