how do I get my guns from VA to UT?

[andrawsslc]

My mother had one of my guns in VA and has recently moved. She left my rifle and some other guns with my sister in VA. My sister doesn't want the guns in her house because of her young children. I would love my rifle and the other guns but I live in UT. I don't have the time to drive to VA to bring them back to UT. Could I have her bring them to a Gun Shop and have them ship them to a Gun Broker here? Is this the best way to get them back? I know the rifle is mine but the others are not. Do I need to get my mother to write me a "bill of sale"? Thanks for the advice.

 

[Oro]

Besides these comments, see the "sticky" in the Handguns: General forum about shipping handguns.


a) the rifle(s) can just be shipped USPS or FedEx/UPS ground. Nothing special.
b) handguns - you would probably save money finding a reasonably-priced FFL transfer agent on both ends, then have the sending FFL send them all in one large USPS flat-rate box.
c) other option is to put them all in one large box and FedEx/UPS over-night express it to the FFL in UT, assuming he'll take it from a non-licensee (have your sister include a copy of her DL - verify all this first with the receiving FFL). Depending upon how the FFL's handle the fees, this might be cheaper. My FFL charges $20 per transaction (up to three guns), not per gun. Others may charge per gun. You will need to do some homework.

If your mom is giving you the guns, then that's that. No need for paperwork, really. The FFL in VA will log them onto his/her book based on who drops them off for shipment - likely your sister, not your mom.

 

[andrawsslc]

Thank you. I appreciate the help!

 

[JohnKSa]

Given that they will be shipped across state lines I would recommend having an FFL ship all of the guns on her end to another FFL on your end. That will avoid any possibility of unpleasant misunderstandings.