Non-licensee shipping a handgun interstate to licensed gunsmith USPS?

bikemutt · Sep 9, 2017

I need to ship a handgun to a gunsmith in another state. I called a local gunsmith and asked how much he'd charge to ship it on my behalf since he can use USPS whereas I may not, at least that's what I believe to be the case. He told me it is perfectly legal for me, a non-licensee, to ship any gun, handgun or long gun, to a gunsmith for repair via USPS. He went on to say I must use Priority Mail.

This advice runs contrary to everything I've learned over the years, perhaps I'm wrong, or maybe USPS regulations have changed?

jonnyc · Sep 9, 2017

I am pretty sure a non-FFL may not send a handgun via the USPS.

natman · Sep 9, 2017

Only FFLs can *mail* a handgun, and only when the addressee is another FFL or on the USPS list of exceptions.

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

You can *ship* a handgun via UPS Air, but it would probably be cheaper for the FFL to mail it for you.

Frank Ettin · Sep 9, 2017

bikemutt said:
....I called a local gunsmith and asked how much he'd charge to ship it on my behalf since he can use USPS whereas I may not, at least that's what I believe to be the case. He told me it is perfectly legal for me, a non-licensee, to ship any gun, handgun or long gun, to a gunsmith for repair via USPS. He went on to say I must use Priority Mail.....

The gunsmith is wrong and doesn't know what he is talking about.

See USPS Publication 52, specifically section 432.2 (and subsections 432.21 -- 432.25) (emphasis added):

432.2. Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in this section, after the filing of an affidavit or statement described in 432.22 or 432.24,....

432.21. Subject to 432.22, handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, a licensed dealer of firearms, a licensed importer of firearms, or an authorized agent of the federal government or the government of a state, territory, or district, only when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the person’s official duties, and upon filing the required affidavit or certificate:...

bikemutt · Sep 9, 2017

Thank you all for confirming my doubts about the matter, I will hire a common carrier to ship the handgun.

deadin · Sep 10, 2017

Might be cheaper to find a different dealer that will mail it for you.......
(I have two local dealers that will mail out for the cost of the postage and will receive in for a $25.00 fee.)

bikemutt · Sep 10, 2017

deadin said:
Might be cheaper to find a different dealer that will mail it for you.......
(I have two local dealers that will mail out for the cost of the postage and will receive in for a $25.00 fee.)

I'll check with a couple more dealers to see if I can find one willing to mail it USPS for me.

I wonder, I'm only 3 miles from the Portland OR metro area, can an OR dealer mail a handgun for a WA resident to a licensed gunsmith? It just so happens the 'smith is in OR as well, but not close enough to consider driving there.

deadin · Sep 10, 2017

I'm not sure, but doesn't a 'smith have to return the gun to whoever sent it to him in the first place?
If so, you still would need FFL dealer in WA to get it as the OR dealer couldn't turn it over to you.

Frank Ettin · Sep 10, 2017

I understand that using an FFL to mail the gun can save a good deal of money and that money can be tight. But personally I prefer to handle things myself, keep control and minimize the hassle factor.

I've always shipped guns by FedEx. Fortunately there's a "hub" convienent to me. It hasn't been cheap, but it has been quick, easy and hassle free.

mjsdwash · Sep 10, 2017

I hear people confuse UPS with USPS, possible someone got confused?

bikemutt · Sep 10, 2017

mjsdwash said:
I hear people confuse UPS with USPS, possible someone got confused?

Not in this case mjsdwash.

mjsdwash · Sep 10, 2017

bikemutt said:
Not in this case mjsdwash.

oohh, not good

bullet maker 57 · Oct 1, 2017

If you are using UPS or Fed Ex, you need to go to a terminal not a store. The stores are not allowed to ship firearms.

Sav .250 · Oct 2, 2017

If you haven`t done so all ready, do a search on your question. Plenty of factual information available.

dogtown tom · Oct 2, 2017

bullet maker 57 said:
If you are using UPS or Fed Ex, you need to go to a terminal not a store. The stores are not allowed to ship firearms.

Not exactly.
While both UPS and FedEx prohibit using a third party retailer to ship firearms, FedEx Office locations are perfectly fine. They are company owned.
The UPS Store is not owned by UPS, but is a franchise.

bikemutt · Oct 12, 2017

I plan to use this when the time comes (waiting for 'smith to do his annual parts run): https://www.shipmygun.com/go/

Quote with insurance came in around $40 which seems reasonable. I'll post back when the deal actually happens.

Decoy80 · Oct 24, 2017

I don't know if a handgun is treated differently than a rifle in this case. I about 2 or 3 years ago went to UPS.com and opened an account. Then I boxed the rifle up, weighed and measured it, I then went back to the website paid up, printed the label, and scheduled a pickup at my home by UPS.
I live in Mississippi and the rifle went to the Smith who does his work in Kentucky. When he fixed my issue he shipped it directly to my home. It had to be signed for by an adult if memory is correct,and I don't recall if it was ground,two day but it went the cheapest way I could do it.
Good Luck

ar15shooter · Oct 24, 2017

That gun store clerk that told you that you can send a firearm through USPS was wrong and he probably knew it as a lot of FFL dealers who don't know much about it don't see anything in it for them. If you get on any of these Online Gun Auction sites they usually have the info you need to know to ship a firearm through UPS or Fedex and also have a list by state of FFL dealers who will do the kind of transactions you are looking for. Just be prepared to pay an FFL dealer what ever their fee is for doing it as I know very few that will do it for free. If you decide to send the firearm to your smith privately then you will have to choose from FedEx or UPS and you must send them next day air, not to expensive for a handgun but the prices can get pretty high for a rifle or shotgun via Next Day Air. Then if your smith is not an FFL then he would have to send it to you the exact same way as I just stated for if you sent it privately to him. Also when doing it privately you have to pay for it to be signed by an adult. It looks like you have an idea already on how you want to send it and 40 bucks seems reasonable. If you haven't already shipped it I would check out the Online Firearm Auction Sites as they have all the information you would need for going with an FFL or private. Good Luck!

dogtown tom · Oct 25, 2017

ar15shooter said:
......If you decide to send the firearm to your smith privately then you will have to choose from FedEx or UPS and you must send them next day air, not to expensive for a handgun

It most certainly is.
Shipping a $600 handgun via UPS Next Day Air Saver from Dallas to Los Angeles runs $93.21 with insurance and adult signature on delivery.
Shipping a $600 handgun via FedEx Priority Overnight runs $99.38 with insurance and adult signature on delivery.
Shipping a $600 handgun via USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box runs $28.65 with insurance and adult signature on delivery. Even with a dealer charging to box and mail it USPS is still a waaaaaay better bargain.

but the prices can get pretty high for a rifle or shotgun via Next Day Air.

Being that neither UPS or FedEx require rifles and shotguns to go Overnight/Next Day, what the heck would you choose to do so? :scrutiny:

Both UPS and FedEx allow rifles and shotguns to ship Ground.

Then if your smith is not an FFL then he would have to send it to you the exact same way as I just stated for if you sent it privately to him.

If the gunsmith doesn't have an FFL then he probably doesn't care about any other laws either. :uhoh:

Non-licensee shipping a handgun interstate to licensed gunsmith USPS?

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