Can you ship a gun to yourself?

[strat81]

The search function doesn't like the term "yourself" and "ship" returns over 9k threads...

Can you ship a gun to yourself, across state lines? For example, if I live in California and am going on vacation to Florida, can I ship it to Florida, with my name as the return address and shipping address? This isn't for any funny business, it's to eliminate the hassle of dealing with a gun on a plane.

 

[Babarsac]

I saw a guy at the UPS store trying to do the exact same thing before going on a hunting trip...but to no avail. An FFL holder has to be on the receiving end of the package. Try contacting a local gun shop where you need to ship to, they may be able to help you out.

 

[Car Knocker]

It is legal according to federal law, however, finding a carrier to do it may be difficult.

 

[SaxonPig]

It is legal and I have done it. You must address the package to yourself at whatever location and you must open the package. If you send it to your brother's house in another state for a hunting trip he can receive the package but YOU must open it. (And no handguns via US Mail.)

As noted, the hard part is getting any shipper to believe it's legal. I have never had any shipper, UPS, USPS or Fed-Ex ever accept any gun for shipment if I told them it was a gun. They have, in every instance, insisted that it's illegal to ship guns by anyone at any time for any purpose.

That's what they've told me.

The last time I shipped a handgun to a dealer in another state I put two cheap folding knives in with the gun and declared the contents to be collector knives and insured the knives for $500. Only way I can get them to accept the package.

 

[Cawdor]

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b9

 

[gunsmith]

I've flown with handguns

It's not difficult at all, just arrive early.

 

[Jim K]

All very well, Cawdor, the law ALLOWS such shipment, it doesn't say carriers must accept it. And if it is a handgun, USPS won't take it from a non FFL dealer in any case.

IMHO, the best way may be to simply conform to the airline rules and ship the gun as checked baggage. Check with the airline first, though.

Jim

 

[eflatminor]

I have flown with hand guns with no problem. With Continental, you just need a hardshell case that locks (I have a nice Americase). You need to arrive early and declare the weapon.

Sending handguns via mail is legal, but they (UPS, Fed Ex, ect) won't do it if you tell them what it is.

 

[Ian]

Probably less hassle to fly with them than to ship them to yourself. I've done both a couple times. It's perfectly legal either way, but some shipping outlets don't know the law, and will give you a hard time. Also, I think the airlines take more care with the packages.

 

[JerryM]

While it is legal, my opinion is that it would be easier to take it on the plane in checked baggage. It is not difficult. As has been said, just get there in time to take 15 - 20 minutes extra.
I have flown with handguns, and it takes an extra 5 minutes. It would be cheaper also.

Call the airline to see if they have any special recommendations.

Best,
Jerry

 

[wdlsguy]

Non-FFLs can't ship handguns via the U.S. Postal Service. A common carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.) must be used.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't trust the Airlines not to lose my bag with underware in it, how can I trust them with my gun? I'm afraid they will either lose it or it will be stolen.