Returning pistol to manufacturer (Not "legal way to ship" question)

[Quoheleth]

I'm going to be returning my MP9 to Smith for a look-see. I have an authorization number from Smith (they are covering my shipping cost - thanks, S&W!). I called to ask how I should package the pistol and they said just put it in it's black plastic MP case and let FEDEX do its thing.

Does that make sense? Just stick it in a case and turn it over to the driver? That seems like I'm just asking for it to get stolen or - worse - used for some haneous crime.

Any other thoughts on how to send it on it's merry way? I guess I could put a combination lock on the case and then call Smith with the combination.

Q

[XDKingslayer]

Just do what S&W told you to do. Remember, they do this every day...

[tinygnat219]

You are fine. It's perfectly legal to ship a firearm back to the manufacturer for repairs. You don't have to go through an FFL dealer to do so.

[jmr40]

Not sure about Fed Ex but with UPS you cannot use a satelite location. You must take the gun to one of the main distribution locations.

[nalioth]

Not sure about Fed Ex but with UPS you cannot use a satelite location. You must take the gun to one of the main distribution locations. . . . or you just hand the manufacturer labeled package to the driver . . .

[Technosavant]

When I sent my 327 back to them, I put the gun in a hard shell plastic case (not the original PC metal case), put that into a box, filled voids with newspaper, and took it to the UPS depot.

When it came back, it returned in the plastic case stuck inside a better fitting box (I didn't have one that close to the proper size).

Don't just slap the shipping label on your case. Put the case in a box, pad it as needed, and ship that.

[libertynews]

I have had to return 2 guns for service in the last year. Both times I put them in their case, inside another box with beans and used the FedEx website to tell them to 'come pick it up', I filled in the 'other info' on the webform with the fact that it was a gun being returned for service.

Both got there and back again with no problems. With all the hassles I hear about people going through taking it to a counter I think this is the easiest way.

[Quoheleth]

When I sent my 327 back to them, I put the gun in a hard shell plastic case (not the original PC metal case), put that into a box, filled voids with newspaper, and took it to the UPS depot.

When it came back, it returned in the plastic case stuck inside a better fitting box (I didn't have one that close to the proper size).

Don't just slap the shipping label on your case. Put the case in a box, pad it as needed, and ship that.

This is what I was looking for. I've got the other parts figured out (where to drop it, that it is legal to send to manufacturer, etc.). I was looking for info on how the gun should be packaged - only in its case, in a case boxed up, etc.

Q

[Zesty]

Same here, I just sent my P22 back to S&W a month ago or so. Got the info from SW, put gun inside case and case inside plain brown box. Called FedEx and driver came, I filled out slip, and off it went. Got it back about a week later no cost to me but for the brown box. No worries.

[MAKOwner]

I'd definitely put in in another box of some kind, although Fedex offers some boxes (almost an envelope) you could use too.

I just returned by PT111 to Taurus for an extractor replacement. I shipped it in it's case, inside a small plain cardboard box w/ padding. They returned it to me in one of the mentioned FedEx boxes.

[Cosmoline]

It's not illegal under federal law to ship the firearm back to the maker, but Fedex has their own requirements on shipping, so check with them.

[RobertFBurnett]

I called Ruger on Fri and they set up UPS to come to my home and pick up the gun.

If you still feel wierd about just handing your gun to the driver, get a receipt with tracking #. Since UPS/FedEX are overnight gun runners you'll usually wake up (I live on the west coast and all the gun manufacturers I've shipped back to are east coast) and see your gun has been delivered.

My $0.02

RFB

[American_Pit_Bull]

Posted by Quoheleth:
I was looking for info on how the gun should be packaged - only in its case, in a case boxed up, etc.I didn't even realize that you were asking that question, by your OP... Of course, you put it in another box and seal that box.

The FedEx large boxes (http://www.fedex.com/us/services/packageshipment/packaging/largebox.html), that are free, accommodate a case very well with a little filler.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Put the gun in the case, then put the case in a box, with just enough filler between them to prevent the case from sliding around inside. The case is already form-fitted, foam lined and hard and you won't need any extra padding. If you just send the pistol in an obvious gun case, the temptation may be too great for some people, if you get my drift.

Also, if you ship it without the case, if S&W is like other manufacturers, they will send a new case back with the gun anyway. Unless you want an extra case ... :evil::neener:

Since the address is already on the label, this point may be moot, but don't spell out the manufacturer's full name when addressing a gun package. This is another "steal me" sign. Instead use their initials or something. Be discreet.

Since there is a prepaid label anyway, you can take the, um, package to any UPS or FedEx location, even those that are normally anti-gun.

[Technosavant]

Since there is a prepaid label anyway, you can take the, um, package to any UPS or FedEx location, even those that are normally anti-gun.

Incorrect. It still must be shipped as per their policy, which means it should be picked up by one of their drivers or dropped off at a depot ("staffed facility"). Kinko's (FedEx) and The UPS Store are NOT authorized to handle firearms, and if you drop the box off there and it disappears, expect to not receive compensation.