[Sisco]

Hypothetical:
Someone has "gun parts" for sale. Just for clairity say it's parts for a shotgun. Buyer lives in another state. Parts by themselves are not a workable firearm but are stamped with a serial number. Does it have to be shipped to a FFL?
Now to complicate things a little. The same seller has some more parts for sale which combined with the first group of parts would make a workable firearm but would be sold & shipped seperately.
I'm not looking to buy or sell anything, just a scenario that came up in conversation.

[CZ-75]

Yes. The only way it can go across state lines is to a licensee, unless you mail it to yourself.

You can just mail (USPS) it, however, to the FFL.

So this saves shipping costs to you, at least

Gunbroker, AuctionArms, GunsAmerica, and ShotgunNews all have FFL lists.

[Hkmp5sd]

The receiver is the part of a gun that is classified as a firearm (lower receiver on AR type guns). The dealer can ship all parts to you with the exception of the receiver. The dealer (or even a private individual if you are buying from one) has to ship that to a FFL in your state.

[Sisco]

Thanks, you've reinforced my position.

[COHIBA]

only the reciever has to be shipped to FFl.
the slide and BBL of a glock have #'s but are not defined as firearms and therefore may be shipped as parts.
also...
if you remove the BBL from a pistol and ship UPS, you do not have to ship overnight because the gun is considered "nonfunctional". it still must ship to an FFL but you can send it ground and save some cash.

[braindead0]

A friend of mine (LEO no less) ships guns via USPS all the time.. I helped him sell a pistol over the net, and just about forced him to do it legit ;-)

[COHIBA]

if he shipped a handgun via USPS he DID NOT do it "ligit".

[CZ-75]

I believe he would be allowed to receive handguns through the mail, though.

[Sisco]

The official word from the BATF FAQ
********

(A6) Does the GCA control the sale of firearms parts?

No, except that frames or receivers of firearms are "firearms" as defined in the law and subject to the same controls as complete firearms. Silencer parts are also firearms under the GCA, as well as under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Certain machinegun parts, such as conversion parts or kits, are also subject to the NFA.

The GCA generally prohibits the transfer and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after September 13, 1994. "Large capacity ammunition feeding devices" are those that can accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition. [18 U. S. C. 921( a)( 3), (24), and (31), 922( w), 27 CFR 178.11 and 178.40a]

B1) To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?

A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his or her state, if the buyer is not prohibited by law from receiving or possessing a firearm, or to a licensee in any state. A firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector. [18 U. S. C 922( a)( 3) and (5), 922( b)( 3), 27 CFR 178.29]



(B2) From whom may an unlicensed person acquire a firearm under the GCA?

A person may only buy a firearm within the person's own state, except that he or she may buy a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee's premises in any state, provided the sale complies with state laws applicable in the state of sale and the state where the purchaser resides. [18 U. S. C 922( a)( 3) and (5), 922( b)( 3), 27 CFR 178.29]



(B3) May an unlicensed person obtain a firearm from an out-of-state source if the person arranges to obtain the firearm through a licensed dealer in the purchaser's own state?

A person not licensed under the GCA and not prohibited from acquiring firearms may purchase a firearm from an out-of-state source and obtain the firearm if an arrangement is made with a licensed dealer in the purchaser's state of residence for the purchaser to obtain the firearm from the dealer. [18 U. S. C 922( a)( 3) and (5), 922( b)( 3), 27 CFR 178.29]

[Satellite]

Gun "parts"can be shipped by anyone with no requirement to obtain an FFL except for the part which the ATF considers the "firearm." Generally speaking, the "part" which requires an FFL if the receiver.