Handgun Shipping
- Thread starter sigpro
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newfalguy101
Member
If sending FFL to FFL, depending on insurance, about $18.00
If sending individual to FFL, depending on insurance, closer to $50 as most common carriers require handguns to go overnight
If you dont have an FFL, I would suggest asking a local FFL holder about shipping it for you
If sending individual to FFL, depending on insurance, closer to $50 as most common carriers require handguns to go overnight
If you dont have an FFL, I would suggest asking a local FFL holder about shipping it for you
Redlg155
Member
Check the Websites for UPS and FedEx. Just enter the dimensions and approximate weight and you will get a fairly accurate weight. FFL to FFL maybe cheaper than actual shipping, but the advantage may be negated if the FFL charges you a fee. If you have an understanding purchaser, you can save a some money sending the slide/barrel assembly, magazines and other components via regular service and just overnight the frame.
dogtown tom
Member
Only licensed dealers and manufacturers can use the USPS to mail a firearm other than a rifle or shorgun....ordinary folks must use a "common carrier". It is a violation of Federal law for someone other than a licensed dealer or manufacturer to mail a handgun via USPS.
Both UPS and FedEx shipping policies require Next Day/Overnight levels of service which are expensive. While you do not violate any Federal law by shipping Ground, you will not be successful in any claim for loss, damage or theft as you intentionally violated the carriers shipping policies.
Call around to your local dealers and find out how much they'll charge to mail it for you. I charge actual posteage and insurance + $10 to ship firearms (about half the price of UPS/FedEx)....I'm sure you have an FFL nearby that will do the same.
dogtown tom
Member
Nope.
Both UPS and FedEx charge by "billable weight". You get charged for a minimum weight even if your package doesn't weigh that much. Sending a frame via Next Day and the rest of the gun via Ground is definitely not cheaper.
example:
9"x 8" x4" 1lb package with $500 insurance, Adult Signature via UPS from Dallas to Los Angeles ..........$73.14 Next Day.....but they charge you as "2lbs billable weight"
Add another one pound shipment by Ground and you'll pay another $19.93
Using your method you would pay an extra $19.93........definitely NOT a good deal.
Redlg155
Member
Try sending a desert eagle. I just went throught that one...
That is the route I usually go...that is a pretty reasonable service charge
I used a flat rate box the last time I sold a handgun, the insurance was as expensive as the postage...but I'm not brave enough to send a gun without insurance
billdeserthills
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I have a friend who is a pastor & an ffl. He never uses insurance as I guess he considers it the same thing as gambling--Funny, I feel like you do, just the opposite
Brockak47
Member
simple put in a box with padding so it doesn't move and send it the cheapest way, I just sent a revolver 2 days ago costed me 9 bucks through the USPS.
I never tell them I am sending a gun through the mail when they ask. it's either golf clubs or a book LOL
I never tell them I am sending a gun through the mail when they ask. it's either golf clubs or a book LOL
dogtown tom
Member
It could have "costed" you more than $9........as it is a violation of Federal law to ship a handgun via USPS unless you are a licensed dealer or manufacturer.
It isn't High Road to encourage others to commit a Federal crime.
Last edited:
NavyLCDR
member
dogtown tom said:
Not to mention if it is going out-of-state to a non-FFL....even more violations.
newfalguy101
Member
I rarely use flat rate boxes.
I generally use whatever box I have available then compare the cost of parcel post and priority and use the least expensive.
I ALWAYS add insurance and delivery confirmation.
I generally use whatever box I have available then compare the cost of parcel post and priority and use the least expensive.
I ALWAYS add insurance and delivery confirmation.
Thanks for the Input, i think I got it worked out. However, I'm surprised how little the folks at my local PO know about shipping a handgun. Also, I got conflicting stories from some gun shop guys as well. One guy told me that I could get a gun shipped to him, but that he wouldn't ship for me. Another guy said I needed to ship it myself using Fedex or UPS. I eventually found a guy in a local pawn shop who said "Just bring it in, gimme $20 bucks plus shipping, and I'll do it for you".
BROCKAK47, I'll assume your kidding. Although, one gun shop owner asked me if I was shipping a semi-auto? I told him that I was shipping a revolver. He said "To bad, if you where shipping a semi-auto, you could disassemble it, and ship it as machine parts". He went on to say "It's not like your lying, a handgun is basically a machine". I think the ATF might disagree.
BROCKAK47, I'll assume your kidding. Although, one gun shop owner asked me if I was shipping a semi-auto? I told him that I was shipping a revolver. He said "To bad, if you where shipping a semi-auto, you could disassemble it, and ship it as machine parts". He went on to say "It's not like your lying, a handgun is basically a machine". I think the ATF might disagree.
velocette
Member
I recently shipped a Browning Hi Power to a gunsmith via UPS.
Net cost was about $75.00 including insurance.
Next time, I'll visit my local FFL & have them ship it. Less expensive and
they make a little $ on the transaction.
Roger
Net cost was about $75.00 including insurance.
Next time, I'll visit my local FFL & have them ship it. Less expensive and
they make a little $ on the transaction.
Roger
Bubbles
Member
Insurance + signature. I spent way too many panicked hours on the phone with ATF, the USPS, and the receiving dealer one day because it looked like one got lost. Turns out it never left my post office - it had mistakenly been placed into the "slow boat" bin.
Had it not been for the insurance and us raising a fuss, it would have been weeks before it was delivered.
mgmorden
Member
Not using insurance is more akin to gambling, but realistically, the odds are stacked in your favor.
Insurance companies work because over the long haul - MOST of the shipments go through fine and the few that they have to pay out don't come close to matching the payments.
As such, if you're mailing a large enough volume of packages, it makes sense for you to simply not pay the insurance and assume the same burden yourself. If a package is lost you reimburse it out of your own pocket. The event is rare enough that the savings of not paying for insurance on all the other shipments will cover the loss and more.
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