Blackpowder guns in US Mail?

[HogRider]

I have sold a percussion revolver and want to mail it to the buyer in another state. Are there the same restrictions as with regular guns? Officially a Blackpowder gun isn't a real firearm so I know there is no FFL needed therefore it can be send directly to the buyer.

Can I use the USPS service? I have been looking at the USPS web site but could not find any information. Does anybody know for sure?

 

[Jim Watson]

USPS regulations are stricter than BATF. I had to get a dealer to do the paperwork for me to mail an air pistol, they would not take it from a mere American.

 

[smokemaker]

I've had really good luck with UPS. I've shipped a Savage 110 ML to the factory, and had my Omega shipped across the state to my home address. You must ensure the ml, but otherwise they've never given me an ounce of grief.

 

[mbott]

Actually, it looks like you may be able to mail a percussion handgun. See USPS Publication 52 for full details, but the way I read it, a blackpowder replica is mailable with some restrictions. Depends on how one understands the meaning behind "sent as curios or museum pieces are acceptable for mailing."

This is one to talk over with your local postmaster.

--
Mike

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'm under the impression that antique guns and replica thereof that are not converted to fire cartridges are OK to ship via mail. I sent my Trade Gun home via USPS, registered (declared) and insured last year.

BTW, my first BP gun is a Ruger Old Army that I mail ordered from Gil Hebard.

 

[HogRider]

Thanks for the responses. If I have time tomorrow I'll stop by the Post Office and ask there. I'll report in with whatever I will find out.

 

[HogRider]

Went to the local Post Office today and went over the rules and regulations with the Post Master. Explained to me that for Black Powder, Flintlock, Cap and Ball etc. there are no special regulations and they can be mailed as a regular package. Good to know. Off course there cannot be any Powder, caps etc with the gun ( of course! ). All together it was a pleasent experience with a very friendly person!

Just to compare I also went to the UPS outlet, which I had used to send my Redhawk back to Ruger a few month ago. I expected a similar answer as with the US Mail, but I was totally surprised. The people in there acted up as if I would have brought a live grenade into that store. Geez.....

I couldn't believe that. I tried to explain to them the difference between a percussion gun and a modern regular firearm. Even after several phone calls to their head quarters, they told me they could not accept at this location. The only way I could ship it would be "Next day Air" and I would have to go to the Main Office (20 miles away from me) with the open box so they can inspect it before shipping. Estimated cost for the package 55 (!!!) Dollars. Those people are freaks! I can't believe I shipped my Redhawk with them to the Ruger Service Department, for 22 Bucks and had no hassle at all. When I told them about that, they accused me that I might have not told them back then that there was a gun in the package. Huh?? I don't think I have ever seen so many incompetent stupid people in one office at the same time.

By the way - when I received the percussion revolver from an on line retailer, it came with UPS ground and the shipping was something like 15.00 Dollars.

 

[mbott]

All right, score one for the good guys!

--
Mike

 

[4v50 Gary]

Thank you Hogrider for your first hand research.

 

[Jim K]

Not all USPS people are so friendly and cooperative, but they do have published regulations and follow them. UPS does too, but the clerks often seem to make up rules as they go along, and some go berserk at the mention of the word "gun".

Jim

 

[StephenT]

I've shipped several handguns for warranty work via USPS, but never would tell them what I'm mailing. What USPS doesn't know, won't hurt it.

 

[Jim K]

[This post has been edited due to my error in the original.]

No problem if the handguns were percussion or flintlock.

If they were modern guns you were lucky, because what USPS doesn't know CAN hurt YOU. If someone mails a modern pistol, and the package is x-rayed (common these days) or comes open in the mail, the sender could have had a big problem, with a fine, maybe jail time, and a federal felony conviction that would mean goodbye guns for the rest of his life.

An individual cannot legally mail a modern [fixed ammunition] handgun, period. It doesn't matter if the post office clerk doesn't ask or the sender doesn't tell, it is not a game. Folks do get away with it, but paying the tab for UPS or FedEx looks pretty insignificant compared to those alternatives.

Besides, most of the larger companies will pay the freight for warranty work; they will send out a UPS or FedEx label.

Jim