Shipping A Handgun Out of State

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I was curious about something. It'll cost me $45 for my FFL to send a handgun out of state for me, and I'm thinking that doesn't include shipping charges. If shipping is around $30 or so, does that mean it'll cost me $75, more or less, to sell a handgun out of state!?

Does that sound about right or excessive?
 
FFLs can use USPS to ship handguns. Will cost ~$10, I'd guess.

$45 is excessive, IMO.
 
Negative. FFL can ship by any means through USPS but the USPS recommends registered mail (= more money for them but not required). Mere mortals can't mail handguns at all. If it goes by UPS (brown trucks) yes it has to be overnight.
 
medalguy Negative. FFL can ship by any means through USPS but the USPS recommends registered mail (= more money for them but not required). Mere mortals can't mail handguns at all. If it goes by UPS (brown trucks) yes it has to be overnight.
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Close.
USPS doesn't recommend, but requires that a signature be obtained by anyone mailing a rifle or shotgun. (for some reason known only to USPS there is no such requirement on handguns or firearms that aren't rifles or shotguns).


12.2 Rifles and Shotguns
Except under 12.1.1d and 12.1.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations under 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and not ineligible for mailing under 12.1.1d. The following conditions also apply:

a. Subject to state, territory, or district regulations, rifles and shotguns may be mailed without restriction when sent within the same state of mailing. These items must bear a “Return Service Requested” endorsement, and must be sent by Express Mail (“signature required” must be used at delivery), Registered Mail, or must include either insured mail service (for more than $200) requiring a signature at delivery or Signature Confirmation service.
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Registered Mail isn't required and either Priority Mail or Parcel Post are perfectly acceptable as long as the package requires a signature on delivery.
 
So, should I go with it or find a different FFL? I hate to do it because the guy is pretty close to where I live.
 
First of all, its gonna cost the FFL OVER $10 to ship a handgun, closer to $20 in fact after delivery confirmation ( in my opinion a MUST ) and insurance, which would leave the FFL making about $20 - $25, maybe $30, so IF the $45 INCLUDES shipping I would say its totally fair
 
I'm not an FFL.

I just shipped a handgun through my ffl. Cost was 20 plus shipping of my choice. I chose priority mail insured for 700. Shipping cost was 18 so total paid was 38.

In the past I have used FedEx but the average cost was around 80. Most buyers are only willing to pay about 30 so I end up eating the difference. I keep that in mind though when a buyer is trying to negotiate.
 
sig228 said:
I'm not an FFL.

I just shipped a handgun through my ffl. Cost was 20 plus shipping of my choice. I chose priority mail insured for 700. Shipping cost was 18 so total paid was 38.

In the past I have used FedEx but the average cost was around 80. Most buyers are only willing to pay about 30 so I end up eating the difference. I keep that in mind though when a buyer is trying to negotiate.
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I -am- an FFL, and that is what I charge for a shipping service ...$20 plus that actual cost of the shipping. Once you add insurance, even a flat rate box big enough to PROPERLY package and ship a handgun will run to about $20 or so.
 
Now I'm thinking about asking around instead. I feel like I'm being taken for a ride.
 
Go to the USPS web site and figure out how much it would cost to ship the handgun using a flat-rate box. Most handguns will fit in a medium box, some require a large if they're in a hard case or have accessories with them. Do not forget to include insurance and delivery confirmation.

Anything over the USPS cost is what the FFL is making on doing the transfer - and yes it's a transfer just like any other, the gun has to be logged in and out of the dealer's A&D book, the dealer has to get a copy of the recipient's FFL, etc.
 
Ugh, it cost me $75 total. $45 for the transfer and $30 for the shipping (for a Walther PPK). Ridiculous.

Oh well, at least I know never to step foot in that LGS again.
 
Next time, go to GunBroker.com, then "Buyers", then "Tools for Buyers", then "Searhttp://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspxch our FFL Holder Network" (this may or may not work:)
http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx


You can type in your zip code or state and it will give you a list of Transfer FFLs and their charges.

Hope this helps.
 
your best bet ISN'T the LGS
it's one of the home based FFL's, their bread and butter is transfers and lower cost special orders and high end customs
 
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