I need help on shipping a rifle

ShootAndHunt · Oct 12, 2010

Hi, I just sold one of my rifles to someone out of my state (I am in CT). He sent me some scanned FFL of his local FFL dealer. I planned to have a local FFL dealer to ship this for me. I just asked him and he asked $30 + actual shipping for it. It seems high to me, and I want to save some money for my next purchase, so I am thinking about shipping it myself. However, this is the first time I ship a firearm, and it is out of the state. I got a little curious about it, and get the following questions:

1. Which shipping method should I use? I am think about the UPS groud, is it OK? Any problem I might run into if I tell him that I am shipping a firearm? I don't want to run into some carrier who is gun-unfriendly. What documentation do they need to ship it? The FFL? proof of my original purchase of this rifle?

2. I am a little worried about the liabilities related to this. I ship to an out of state FFL dealer, I have his FFL. Is there still anything that could go run in this transcation? I don't want to be visited by the authorities later stating that I didn't obey this or that rule during this shipping? or worst, I ship this firearm illegaly. I know some of you guys might laugh at me on this, but I really don't have any experience before.

3. Any other things I might be careful of?

Thanks a lot,

CoRoMo · Oct 12, 2010

mbogo · Oct 12, 2010

Check the FFL he sent you via the the app here . If it is correct and valid, you may send the rifle via USPS (I recommend Registered Mail, insured) or via common carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.). Confirm with your buyer that his FFL will accept shipment of a firearm from a non-FFL dealer (you). There is no regulation against it, but some of these guys want to make it a hassle for non-dealers to sell our guns.

The Post Office employee may tell you that it is illegal to send your firearm via USPS Mail; they are mistaken, misinformed, or hostile. The USPS Domestic Mail Manual states: "12.3 Rifles and Shotguns

Although unloaded rifles and shotguns not precluded by 12.1.1e and 12.1.2 are mailable, mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, 18 USC 921, et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, 27 CFR 178, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not precluded by 12.1.1e.
12.4 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms

Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of rifles or shotguns. Contact the nearest office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for further advice."

If sending via common carrier, you are obligated to inform them that you are shipping a firearm. Be careful when using a common carrier, however. You cannot drop it off at a UPS Store or Kinko's; they will only accept firearms at a UPS or FedEx location. They may ask for a copy of the dealer's FFL. UPS' tariff expressly denies liability for loss or damage to firearms beyond the cost of shipping. They may insist that the rifle be sent Second Day Air; that is required ONLY for handguns.

Whether you use the USPS or a common carrier, under no circumstances are you to label the package as containing a firearm and you cannot be forced to do so.

As for liability, once you've verified the FFL as correct and valid, the responsibility to vet the buyer falls to the FFL (as part of the 4473 form and NICS process).

You have only transferred a firearm to an FFL dealer. You are basically 'off the hook', but keep all your documentation (including a screen shot of the FFL eZCheck results).

mbogo
P.S. If all that sounds daunting, pay the $30 fee to your FFL and have him deal with it.

steven58 · Oct 12, 2010

Depending on how far it's going, if your dealer provided a box and packing and how much it's insured for $30 ain't a bad deal for shipping a rifle.

Your best bet is to check out the "how to" and FAQ sections at gunbroker.com to learn all about how to ship long arms and handguns legally.

In a nutshell: an non FFL (you) can send a long arm (rifle or shotgun but not a handgun) to an FFL through the US Post office. as long as the gun is not loaded and the barrel length and overall length don't make it an AOW by federal law.

Priority mail insured with signature required runs (depending on distance and amount of insurance) about $ 20-30. add in the cost of a box and some packing and your dealer is giving you a good price.

I think private carriers such as UPS and FEDEX have a policy requiring you to ship any gun "next day air" which is expensive ($60ish minimum) and you must go to a hub as the local stores won't take anything firearm related.

Again, with the private carriers you are only allowed to ship to an FFL.

Also, I have heard that private carriers can decide to only accept a firearm for shipment from a non FFL if it is for "repair or warranty" work not as transfer for sale.

I have not experienced this as I have only ever shipped handguns for repair work and never for sale

YMMV

nalioth · Oct 12, 2010

steven58 said:
I think private carriers such as UPS and FEDEX have a policy requiring you to ship any gun "next day air" which is expensive

This policy only affects handguns. Long guns can go "ground" (or any other option the shipper offers).

steven58 said:
Again, with the private carriers you are only allowed to ship to an FFL

Again, this is partially correct. FedEx is notoriously anti-gun and will only allow shipments to licensed folk. UPS, OTOH, will allow any legal shipment.

NavyLCDR · Oct 12, 2010

mbogo said:
You cannot drop it off at a UPS Store or Kinko's

You most certainly CAN ship firearms at Kinko's. They are owned by FEDEX (in fact they changed the name of Kinko's to FEDEX Office!), and they have real FEDEX employees working at the shipping counter there.

Now...how long can I leave a magazine loaded for without damaging the springs?!?

TexasRifleman · Oct 12, 2010

Here are a few useful links...

So what are you saying, that it might have come up before?

CoRoMo · Oct 12, 2010

If I had more time, I'd search for a couple more links. What I posted there might get ya started though.

Now...how long can I leave a magazine loaded for without damaging the springs?!?

Now that sounds like a good idea for a thread!! I thought we'd already discussed it all here. Silly me. :neener:

ShootAndHunt · Oct 12, 2010

Thanks a lot, guys. It looks pretty tricky to ship a firearm these days. You might run into

1. Unreasonable request (must be next day air)

2. Gun-unfriendly staff

3. Unknown restrictions and troubles

I begin to get scared now

Is this country still America? I just want to ship something. :cuss:

CoRoMo · Oct 12, 2010

It's not tricky at all.

Learn how to do it.
Go do it.

nalioth · Oct 12, 2010

ShootAndHunt said:
Thanks a lot, guys. It looks pretty tricky to ship a firearm these days. You might run into

1. Unreasonable request (must be next day air)

Did you read any of those links? Long guns can ship U.S. Mail or any method offered by the commercial carriers. Only handguns are restricted (by law and by shipper's policies).

ShootAndHunt said:
2. Gun-unfriendly staff

This is why you print out the shipper's policies / appropriate laws and speak to management if you encounter one of these types.

ShootAndHunt said:
3. Unknown restrictions and troubles

They're only unknown if you refuse to read about them.

I need help on shipping a rifle

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