Shipping guns

[Phil Yearout]

Sorry if I'm rehashing here. I need to send a gun for trigger work which of course requires shipping the entire gun. I guess I can ship via USPS but I've heard UPS or FedEx may be less expensive. However, I'm hearing that I now would need to have an FFL to ship a gun or those carriers (I don't have one of course). Also, do I need to prove that the party I'm sending to has an FFL? Discussions on the boards seem to be all over the place on this. Thanks...

[John Davis]

I typically use USPS and never have any issues or questions at my local post office. But I am in a small, rural community. If questioned, the only thing you are suppose to present is a copy of the FFL of the person or business you are shipping the gun to.

[6pt-Sika]

I send all UPS but I have access to an FFL at all times . Also we have UPS pickup so I need not carry boxes anywhere .

[John Allen]

UPS and Fed Ex will no longer accept a gun from a non FFL. The post office will accept it but you need to show a copy of the receiving FFL to verify it is going to an FFL. I tried to send one last week through a Nashville post office and the clerk refused to take it even though I had a copy of the FFL. I went to a post office out of town and they took it with no problem. The government at work.

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by John Allen

UPS and Fed Ex will no longer accept a gun from a non FFL. The post office will accept it but you need to show a copy of the receiving FFL to verify it is going to an FFL. I tried to send one last week through a Nashville post office and the clerk refused to take it even though I had a copy of the FFL. I went to a post office out of town and they took it with no problem. The government at work.

Why would they ask? Why disclose? And why would they refuse to accept it? This is simply a case of a rogue clerk refusing to do their job. I have heard of this happening from time to time. There would be hell to pay with their postmaster if it every happened to me.

The postal service should never ask what the contents of the package is. Only if it is perishable, hazardous, blah, blah, blah. Even if it is being insured. It is not in their paperwork or script of questions.

[GunnerGrilli]

Phil, I ship guns all the time to gunsmiths, stockers, etc. You can send any gun you own to a gun smith or FFL, they do not need an FFL. I always send them insured via USPS. I never use FedEx or UPS.


Hope that helps,


Thanks,


Bobby

[Cold Spring]

Originally Posted by GunnerGrilli

Phil, I ship guns all the time to gunsmiths, stockers, etc. You can send any gun you own to a gun smith or FFL, they do not need an FFL. I always send them insured via USPS. I never use FedEx or UPS.


Hope that helps,


Thanks,


Bobby

Food for thought ...... so, let's say the "gun smith" to whom you're sending a post-1898 gun is in another state and s/he doesn't have a Type 01 FFL for gunsmithing. Are you in violation of Federal law by transferring a firearm interstate to an unlicensed person? Also, let's say the gun is damaged or stolen while in transit, how do you file a claim with the USPS if in fact you violated federal law by sending it to an unlicensed individual?

[B. Dudley]

Originally Posted by Frank Srebro

Food for thought ...... so, let's say the "gun smith" to whom you're sending a post-1898 gun is in another state and s/he doesn't have a Type 01 FFL for gunsmithing. Are you in violation of Federal law by transferring a firearm interstate to an unlicensed person? Also, let's say the gun is damaged or stolen while in transit, how do you file a claim with the USPS if in fact you violated federal law by sending it to an unlicensed individual?

Legally any gunsmith taking in someones firearm for work needs to have an 01 FFL by federal guidelines. And possibly state licensing depending on individual state laws. So, such a scenario should not exist. Unless of course the smith is not operating their business properly. But I suppose it is no different than “collectors” who regularly sell more guns than some dealers. It happens.

[Brush Buster]

I haven't shipped one in a while ,I suppose a C&R doesn't count ? So I guess the best alternative is to go through your local FFL Dealer if they will do it we have one that refuses to get guns from the internet because he feels you are buying around him !!!!!Even though I only remember him ever having one Parker Brothers gun in the shop for sale !

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by Russ Jackson

I haven't shipped one in a while ,I suppose a C&R doesn't count ? So I guess the best alternative is to go through your local FFL Dealer if they will do it we have one that refuses to get guns from the internet because he feels you are buying around him !!!!!Even though I only remember him ever having one Parker Brothers gun in the shop for sale !

A C&R is a type of FFL License and should suffice for these types of transactions, especially on a C&R qualified gun.

I've found that insuring the package for a large amount is what triggers the questions of what's in the package at USPS.

These two items are why I got my C&R and an Eastern insurance policy on my collection that covers shipping by common carrier plus while the gun is at the gunsmith's shop. The C&R is a bit of a hassle to get at first, but it pays for itself the first time you use it. The Eastern policy gives a comforting piece of mind overall & cuts down some of the shipping hassles. There are other insurance companies out there who offer similar coverages.

IMO it's a no-brainer to get a copy of the FFL you're shipping the gun too. If someone refuses to email you a copy of their FFL to you, don't use them, you're only possibly putting yourself in violation of federal law!