Can I ship a rifle myself to an FFL?

I've shipped long guns through UPS before going to an FFL. I've always had it prepackaged and shipped it from the depot without issue. The only catch is that it needs to be shipped second day air IIRC.

You can ship a rifle to an FFL no problem via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. If it's a handgun, it has to either go UPS or FedEx unless you have an FFL. If you do UPS or FedEx, make sure you take it to one of their main centers, not a UPS Store or FedEx Office.

Matt

anybody can ship to an FFL, if you are nervous just include a copy of the FFL inside with the gun

Be sure to contact the receiving FFL before shipping anything. Some will only accept from other FFL's, despite it being perfectly legal to accept from an individual.

Orion8472 said:

Okay. Thanks. Which is the cheapest to utilize [in general]?

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I've used both UPS ground and USPS Priority Mail. They were about the same for what I was shipping. (action and separate barrel) I use USPS most of the time now and use nice heavy-duty boxes that don't advertise "I'm a gun. Steal me!" Weed-eater boxes and the like work great.

Matt

It is not necessary to have a license, or work through a dealer to ship firearms to an FFL.

You can find the ATF answer to your question here: http://bit.ly/Atf4ShIP

You can find UPS Firearm Shipping Terms here: http://bit.ly/Ups3GuNS

If you're interested in how to pack firearms for shipment, I've put together step-by-step instructions here: http://bit.ly/Trig7ShIP

If you go with UPS, ALWAYS take your box to the nearest customer center. UPS Stores cannot accept firearm shipments.

Okay. Thanks. Which is the cheapest to utilize [in general]?

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It's a toss up. For handguns, though, definitely cheaper to have an FFL send it USPS for you. Overnight is usually +/- $100 with UPS or Fed Ex; FFL can send it USPS flat rate box.

A rifle can be shipped UPS ground. A handgun needs to be Next Day Air. Railgun posted a link to the UPS regs just above.

To ship any gun, you must go to a official UPS service counter, not a UPS Store pack and ship place.

In the past when I've had difficulty, I called the UPS customer service number (1-800-PICK-UPS) right there and spoke with a representative to clear up their rules. It's better than trying to argue with a person behind the counter who is apparently misinformed.

Orion8472 said:

My city has a UPS center, so I can take it there. I will get a new box from the UPS store, at least.

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If you have FedEx ground any where near you, that will be cheaper still.

It's always wise to pre-arrange shipping to an FFL, whether from yourself or from an on-line purchase. Develop a relationship with a good one locally, and you've got a friend for life.