Sending a gun to a custom gunsmith

You can ship from home via UPS or Fed Ex. The smith might only ship to an FFL. You would then have to pick it up therein that case.
Ask the gunsmith, he may have a preferred carrier and method of shipping.
If not, pack the hard case (if you didn't get one with the gun, buy a cheap Plano) inside a shipping box of the nearest larger size, or custom make one.

In Wisconsin I ship directly from me to gunsmith ; the item comes back to me , no FFL. (Example:I sent a High Power to Novak in Tennessee last week , it will be returned to same address as sent.)
There is no transfer of ownership , transfer being the key word.

I do not know if some states impose restrictions. I can say that I have sent and received to/from Michigan , Iowa and Tennessee.

This is what I found on the ATF website:

Is an ATF Form 4473 required when a gunsmith returns a repaired firearm?
No, provided the firearm is returned to the person from whom it was received.

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Must a licensed gunsmith conduct a NICS background check on the return of repaired or customized firearms?
No, if the firearm is being returned to the person from whom it was received. If however the firearm is delivered to a person other than the person from whom received, a NICS background check is required.

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https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/gunsmiths

Do some research. I know for a fact that if you send a firearm back to the manufacturer for repair they can ship it back directly to you without having to go thru a FFL. From what I could find, it is the same for gunsmiths. The main thing is any repaired firearm MUST be shipped back to the person/owner that shipped it in for repairs.

This is what I have done in the past - need someone who knows to say if it is/was legal:
I package and label the item - from me to gunsmith. I take it to my LGS and he sends it out with his regular shipments and I pay the shipping. He can ship much cheaper than I can and I don't have to go to UPS. Item is returned directly to me, not to LGS and no transfer papers.

Edited my post. Just because it is legal, some gunsmith shops may or may not know that, but still insist on sending only to an FFL. That's why I recommended talking to the gunsmith and following their advice on shipping. And at least one gunshop I worked at did insist on a 4473 be filled out on return of a gun that their gunsmiths worked on, whether the ATF requires it or not.

I have shipped firearms several times to gunsmiths...always direct to them and always direct return to me. One does have to use FedEx or UPS and declare the firearm, unless one is also a FFL holder.

DR505 said:

I have shipped firearms several times to gunsmiths...always direct to them and always direct return to me. One does have to use FedEx or UPS and declare the firearm, unless one is also a FFL holder.

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This has also been my experience.

It is easier and cheaper for me to just use my FFL. He owns a LGS. I give him the firearm and a case. He ships it for me, receives it for me, and calls me when it gets in. He charges me a regular FFL fee, which is cheaper then I can ship it for. Also, I work and can't be at home at some random time to receive a gun from Fedex or whatever, but he is always at his shop during business hours.

Now that I think of it , I have also shipped to/from Ruger and S&W , no ffl.

Note that you will need to be home to receive and sign. I ship from/to a friend’s business address (non gun related) to avoid missing the return shippin

Tallball said:

It is easier and cheaper for me to just use my FFL. He owns a LGS. I give him the firearm and a case. He ships it for me, receives it for me, and calls me when it gets in. He charges me a regular FFL fee, which is cheaper then I can ship it for. Also, I work and can't be at home at some random time to receive a gun from Fedex or whatever, but he is always at his shop during business hours.

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Completely unnecessary for a gunsmith repair/work. Whether it is cheaper will depend on whether it is a handgun or longgun

DR505 said:

I have shipped firearms several times to gunsmiths...always direct to them and always direct return to me. One does have to use FedEx or UPS and declare the firearm, unless one is also a FFL holder.

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I have also shipped a number of firearms to gunsmiths. Directly there, and directly back. No problems. Check the ‘smith’s site for specific instructions. Check the shipper’s site for specific instructions. Typically, you can not use one of the store fronts, but you have to go to a “nest” (for example, an actual UPS location).

Understand what a firearm is...if you are shipping a Glock slide to get some mod’s done....the slide ONLY is not a firearm. Box it and ship it. If asked, “machined parts” or something similar. DO NOT try that with a real firearm. Check specific packaging requirements. I have gone as far as packing the firearm in a Pelican case, and “boxing” the case for shipment.

Examples:
https://www.ups.com/us/en/help-center/packaging-and-supplies/special-care-shipments/firearms.page

https://clarkcustomguns.com/shipping-instructions/

I have shipped trapguns and revolvers to and from repairs via my local ffl holder.

When I sent my Mini to ASI for their full custom build, I sent direct and they returned direct. Easy.

The ATF reference is provided above, don’t overthink it. Directly to and directly back from. /end thread.

As everyone said, you can ship direct to your gunsmith and they can ship directly back to you. Keep in mind that it can be expensive depending on carrier. I ship from work via FedEx and the prices aren't bad thanks to the terms of the contract. I sent an old custom Colt to John Harrison for some work a few years ago, he return ships overnight also via FedEx but does not enjoy the same rates. The return shipping charge was almost $120 with insurance! Yes, he could have sent it priority mail for less than $30, but FedEx is how he goes, so you should ask ahead of time what the charges might be in case that could be an issue for you.