Another Shipping Question - They want what?

[YankeeRebel]

The first of January I purchased an Auto Ordanance, model 1927 M3 in .22 long rifle at a gun show. Before you ask, this is NOT a fully automatic Thompson, just a look-a-like. It does not fall under the NFA of 1934 for Class III restrictions. The dealer said he would stand behind the gun and if it did not work to return it to him for a refund. Before I go any further this dealer has lived up to his words. His shop is located in the Western portion of the state about a six hour drive from my home. Guess what...the gun did not work. I took it to my gun smith and it turned out that it is a problem that can only be fixed with a new barrel which they no longer make . Parts of the barrel are made from high quality allumium and it is erroded so much that the head space can not be adjusted so the gun will work. I informed the dealer and he has agreed to refund my money. The person he got the gun from assured him that it did work and that was made known to me. I would buy a gun from this dealer again. His is OK and NOT the problem. The problem is with mailing it back to him.

When I went to the shop I use for all of my mailings, I was told that I would need to provide 1) copy of FFL, 2) photo of the FFL holder and 3) a photo of the subject gun. This was just too much. I have mailed one fire arm before using this shop without haveing to provide all of the above. Two FFL holders have informed me that this is not necessary, especially when sending to a FFL holder. I could see providing a copy of the FFL, but having to provide the other is way out of line. Could the problem be with the carrier FEDEX or UPS? It sounds like something they would come up with and say that it is required by federal regulations. Comments please.

BTW, before positng this I searched the library for past postings on this subject and did not find anything that seemed to fit this.

 

[Bill Hook]

All you have to do is go to the FedEx counter in your area and mail the package off via ground delivery. I include an exact description of what I send on the sheet, but one that only a knowledgable individual could figure out was a firearm (e.g., "yugoslav sks rifle" becomes "sks 59/66" etc.), thus fulfilling the requirement that I identify the package as a firearm to the shipper.

UPS has more dimbulbs working for them, from my anecdotal experience and what i gather on the 'net who are likely to hassle you.

 

[Zak Smith]

There have been several threads in the last two weeks about "How to ship a gun."

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59434
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57959

A non-FFL (eg, you) can ship to an FFL in any state, including your own, without any paperwork. You must use UPS or Fedex. You cannot use the USPS.

Furthermore, since the guy is in the same state as you, you could ship in a firearm legally even if he weren't an FFL, since it would not be an interstate transfer.

-z

 

[Bill Hook]

You CAN use USPS for long guns, but not worth the trouble.

 

[Zak Smith]

Bill is right regarding the USPS. I was thinking of interstate mailing:

B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service? [Back]
A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state. The Postal Service recommends that longguns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms.

http://www.gunbroker.com/user/ShippingGuide.asp

-z

 

[Dave P]

You CAN use USPS for long guns, but not worth the trouble.

I have had good luck with USPS shipping rifles from time to time, even when the counter lady figured out it was a firearm - no trouble to me.

 

[Bill Hook]

I had the postmistress want to call the FBI on me.

 

[R-WEST]

This seems to be such an ongoing problem, and, if nothing else, proves that those opposed to us are doing a good job of convincing people that GUNS=BAD.

Arm yourself with the facts, and have at 'em. Having a copy of the ATF regs with you is a big help, although we shouldn't be required to educate the shipper's employees, some of whom seem to think that their personal views are also their employers'.

Mr. Hook - I imagine that was a fun conversation, especially if other customers were there at the time!! If you report that incident to the Customer Service Dept. at the nearest Regional USPS Center, they will happily re-educate her. As long as what you are doing is in compliance with the law, their job is to ship it. In these times of increased competition for everything, the last thing they want are complaints about official oppression, for lack of a better term. Several smithy's I know will use no other shipper, stating that the average crook will not want to mess with Federal Postal Inspectors if they decide to filch a firearm.

R-WEST

 

[Redlg155]

When I went to the shop I use for all of my mailings, I was told that I would need to provide 1) copy of FFL, 2) photo of the FFL holder and 3) a photo of the subject gun. This was just too much. I have mailed one fire arm before using this shop without haveing to provide all of the above.

They are blowing big smoke up you wazzoo. When you state "Shop" do you mean gunshop or mailing location like Mailboxes Etc..?

If using UPS, just go directly to a UPS Customer Counter location. These can be found by calling 1-800-PICK UPS. There should be no problems involved.

At the very least I'd get the name of the employee and the name of the manager on duty that day. Then I'd file a formal complaint stating exactly what erronious information that was stated to you. I'd also ask for a copy of their policy letter concerning the mailing of firearms.

Folks spouting off made up "policies" need to be dealt with.

Good Shooting
Red

 

[Brad Johnson]

Using USPS in-state

I've used the USPS for some in-state stuff. Luckily, my local branch has counter clerks with more than one working brain cell and I usually don't have any trouble. Even with that I usually take a copy of the relevant BATF(E) regs with me. It's helped me with misinformed counter staff on several occasions.

Brad

 

[csmkersh]

Bill Hook wrote:
You CAN use USPS for long guns, but not worth the trouble.

Yes, but only wihtin the state you reside. Click HERE for a good article on how and where to go to ship handguns and longguns.

 

[Majic]

2) photo of the FFL holder

 

[Standing Wolf]

...I would need to provide 1) copy of FFL, 2) photo of the FFL holder and 3) a photo of the subject gun.

Yeah, and a note from your mom, too? Whoever's running that "shop" is miles beyond dumb.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

2) photo of the FFL holder

This guy must be looking for a job writing new rules for ATF.

 

[Bill Hook]

Yes, but only wihtin the state you reside. Click HERE for a good article on how and where to go to ship handguns and longguns.

Not so, if you send it to a recipient not "prohibited" from receiving it, which means an FFL.

 

[Dave P]

Donta just love these threads that seem to go round and round forever??


Why don't we just discuss the advantages of the 45acp over that 9mm popper??? Might be easier to get a straight answer!