Is it legal to print my own USPS shipping label when mailing handgun through FFL?

acslater2 · Sep 16, 2021

Hey, new user here and was looking for some clarification. I currently have a handgun at an FFL, that I guess doesn't ship many handguns because they don't want to do any of the paperwork to ship my handgun to another FFL. Meaning they want me to print/pay for the USPS shipping label and give it to them, then they'll package/ship/transfer/file the post office form.

My question: is this legal? I could see it being interpreted as I am the shipper of the gun since I directly paid/printed the label and they are just dropping it off.

In addition, would the package be eligible to be picked up by USPS or would it have to be dropped off at an office?

Appreciate any help out there!

deadin · Sep 16, 2021

I think I would talk to the Post Office........ (not a gunboard)

dogtown tom · Sep 16, 2021

acslater2 said:
Hey, new user here and was looking for some clarification. I currently have a handgun at an FFL, that I guess doesn't ship many handguns because they don't want to do any of the paperwork to ship my handgun to another FFL.

Are they too lazy or wholly ignorant of how to mail a firearm?
They have to record the acquisition and disposition of every firearm anyway, so when going to another FFL its actually less hassle. Instead of the 4473 and background check on you, all they need is the receiving dealers FFL copy for their disposition. They'll also fill out the USPS Form 1508 "Statement by Shipper of Firearms".
Sounds like you need a better dealer.

Meaning they want me to print/pay for the USPS shipping label and give it to them, then they'll package/ship/transfer/file the post office form.

While USPS regulations don't mention the legality of who does the "print/pay" for the label, it is assumed the actual mailer is doing that. Seriously, are you paying them anything?

My question: is this legal? I could see it being interpreted as I am the shipper of the gun since I directly paid/printed the label and they are just dropping it off.

Well, the label will have YOUR name on it, not theirs.
As an FFL, there is no way in heck I'm letting a customer print labels for a firearm shipment.

In addition, would the package be eligible to be picked up by USPS or would it have to be dropped off at an office?

Both.

dogtown tom · Sep 16, 2021

deadin said:
I think I would talk to the Post Office........ (not a gunboard)

99.9% chance that you'll get told "we don't ship guns".
The counter monkey is the last person to ask about legality.......and USPS actually says that here:https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm

SterlingBullet · Sep 16, 2021

You printed the label, paid for postage and placed your name as the sender. If the package was detected in the mailstream and identified as a non FFL firearm shipment, you might have a difficult time proving that you did not violate the law. Do not do this. Advice from a retired thirty-year USPS management employee that specialized in customer relations for the USPS.

CherokeeGunslinger · Sep 17, 2021

dogtown tom said:
Are they too lazy or wholly ignorant of how to mail a firearm?
They have to record the acquisition and disposition of every firearm anyway, so when going to another FFL its actually less hassle. Instead of the 4473 and background check on you, all they need is the receiving dealers FFL copy for their disposition. They'll also fill out the USPS Form 1508 "Statement by Shipper of Firearms".
Sounds like you need a better dealer.

While USPS regulations don't mention the legality of who does the "print/pay" for the label, it is assumed the actual mailer is doing that. Seriously, are you paying them anything?

Well, the label will have YOUR name on it, not theirs.
As an FFL, there is no way in heck I'm letting a customer print labels for a firearm shipment.

Both.

Couldn't agree more. OP, this is the guy.

Dale Alan · Sep 17, 2021

SterlingBullet said:
You printed the label, paid for postage and placed your name as the sender. If the package was detected in the mailstream and identified as a non FFL firearm shipment, you might have a difficult time proving that you did not violate the law. Do not do this. Advice from a retired thirty-year USPS management employee that specialized in customer relations for the USPS.

Best post , please listen to this accurate info OP .

deadin · Sep 17, 2021

The counter monkey is the last person to ask about legality..

I learned long ago not to talk to the "counter monkeys". about legalities. It's the Postmaster only and, even then, sometimes they're just a jumped up monkey.

dogtown tom · Sep 17, 2021

deadin said:
I learned long ago not to talk to the "counter monkeys". about legalities. It's the Postmaster only and, even then, sometimes they're just a jumped up monkey.

Again, https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_010.htm :

433 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms
Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of firearms. Mailers requesting additional information should be referred to the ATF. Further advice and ATF contact information is available at http://atf.gov/firearms/faq/licensing.html.

acslater2 · Sep 17, 2021

Appreciate the input, you guys echo how I feel about the situation. I think they try do FFL transfers as an easy side business and not a full gun shop, which was my first mistake using them in the first place. I'm going to give them a call and work out another solution (it can't be that hard for them to print a label)

acslater2 · Sep 17, 2021

dogtown tom said:
Are they too lazy or wholly ignorant of how to mail a firearm?
They have to record the acquisition and disposition of every firearm anyway, so when going to another FFL its actually less hassle. Instead of the 4473 and background check on you, all they need is the receiving dealers FFL copy for their disposition. They'll also fill out the USPS Form 1508 "Statement by Shipper of Firearms".
Sounds like you need a better dealer.

While USPS regulations don't mention the legality of who does the "print/pay" for the label, it is assumed the actual mailer is doing that. Seriously, are you paying them anything?

Well, the label will have YOUR name on it, not theirs.
As an FFL, there is no way in heck I'm letting a customer print labels for a firearm shipment.

Both.

Paying them for 2 transfers and a fee if it needs to be dropped off when shipping. With the Form 1508, do they just give that to the mail carrier if it is picked up at their location?

dogtown tom · Sep 17, 2021

acslater2 said:
Paying them for 2 transfers

Huh? Where are you getting two transfers?

and a fee if it needs to be dropped off when shipping.

You mean to tell me they are charging you for the outgoing transfer AND a fee for them taking it to the post office?
You need a better dealer.

With the Form 1508, do they just give that to the mail carrier if it is picked up at their location?

Yep.

Tirod · Sep 17, 2021

It would seem that an FFL who pays $1,000 a year for the license could do a better job. The administrative perspective is as if they are still working off their dinette table in the kitchen.

acslater2 · Sep 17, 2021

dogtown tom said:
Huh? Where are you getting two transfers?

They say 2 transfers, one in and one out

dogtown tom said:
You mean to tell me they are charging you for the outgoing transfer AND a fee for them taking it to the post office?
You need a better dealer.

Yep, and I have learned my lesson on choosing a shop based on published transfer fee lol. Really appreciate the help on the other details! I don't really trust their input on how this needs to be done for obvious reasons

Tirod said:
it would seem that an FFL who pays $1,000 a year for the license could do a better job. The administrative perspective is as if they are still working off their dinette table in the kitchen.

Agreed, they have a low transfer fee and I really think they want to just capture quick, simple transfers without doing any of the other work that a lot of FFLs do

dogtown tom · Sep 17, 2021

Tirod said:
It would seem that an FFL who pays $1,000 a year for the license could do a better job. The administrative perspective is as if they are still working off their dinette table in the kitchen.

Uh..........what? :rofl:

Licensee
Manufacturer.........Application fee $150 for 3 years........Renewal fee $150 every 3 years
Importer................Application fee $150 for 3 years.........Renewal fee $150 every 3 years
Pawnbroker .........Application fee $200 for 3 years.........Renewal fee $90 every 3 years
Dealer...................Application fee $200 for 3 years.........Renewal fee $90 every 3 years

Whoever told you it was $1000 a year was pulling your leg.

Is it legal to print my own USPS shipping label when mailing handgun through FFL?

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