[Crosser]

Is it legal to ship a revolver without the cylinder to a non FFL person?

[Sheldon]

No. The frame is a serial numbered part and as such considered a firearm in the eyes of the law.

[Graystar]

What Sheldon said.

But remember, not all numbered parts are controlled. One part of the gun is the controlled part, a receiver, frame, lower receiver on an AR15, etc. But, a manufacturer may decide to serialize the barrel or other parts as a method of identifying the original parts of the gun. Those serialize part are NOT controlled, and can be shipped.

[Sheldon]

The frame is the serial numbered part and considered the receiver in most cases.

An example of one where that is not the case is the Ruger MKII 22lr pistol. In this case the top end is the serial numbered part. I can't think of any other one like this, but there are probably more.

[Graystar]

An example of one where that is not the case is the Ruger MKII 22lr pistol. In this case the top end is the serial numbered part. I can't think of any other one like this, but there are probably more. Actually, the top end is a two-part assembly. You can unscrew the barrel and mail that. What you're left with is the receiver :)

[braindead0]

I noticed on GunBroker their shipping info for UPS now includes:UPS does not allow shipment of firearms FROM an unlicensed person (even to an FFL), unless the stated reason for the firearm shipment is for repair or modifications.
I've got a shotgun to mail out to a THR member, and I'm trying to figure out the best way (post 9-11). From what I can remember, shotguns and rifles could be shipped UPS ground (allowing more $$ for insurance ;-).

I've got several FFL friends, so I could go that route.. but I don't want to inconvenience anybody.