Mail a Rifle to Oneself?

[JJNA]

I am moving from WA to VA.

I have a moving company (United Van Line) handling the move, but I am probably not going to let them move my firearms.

I was thinking that I'd take the handguns with me, and ship the long guns by USPS. I know it is legal to ship long guns by USPS either to a resident of the same state or an FFL in another state, but could I ship firearms to myself (to my new address in another state)?

 

[Mr. Loud Guns]

USPS won't know if it is you or another resident, also they wont even know that it is a gun unless they open the box.

 

[Blue Jays]

Hi JJNA-

If you're driving across the country with half your collection...why not simply toss the longarms into your trunk to keep the handguns company? If you're going to encounter silly restrictions, it's probably going to be with the sidearms, anyway.

Whatever you do...never leave firearms in your car overnight while you sleep. Carry them ALL into your hotel room. Call room service to deliver food from the kitchen or simply have a friend bring take-out back to the room. Lots of help over at www.packing.org for planning purposes.

~ Blue Jays ~

 

[JJNA]

USPS won't know if it is you or another resident, also they wont even know that it is a gun unless they open the box.

Am I not supposed to declare the content to the USPS counter when I ship?

If you're driving across the country with half your collection...why not simply toss the longarms into your trunk to keep the handguns company?

Because handguns take up far less in volume than long guns (and handguns cannot be shipped via USPS without FFL, I think). I got a wife and two dogs riding in the car, plus some of our clothing, dog food and such. That leaves very little room for a number of long guns.

Whatever you do...never leave firearms in your car overnight while you sleep.

We never do. We never leave ANYTHING in the car overnight even at home.

So does anyone know if it is legal for me to ship long guns via USPS to MYSELF at my new address?

 

[rkba_net]

Federal Law REQUIRES you to declare them...

 

[Ian]

Shipping long guns to yourself in a different state is legal (see the ATF FAQ at: http://atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b10). I did it a couple times while going to school outside my home state.

Your shipping service may know (or care) about the law, however. Some places will refuse to ship a gun without an FFL, or may refuse no matter what paperwork you have. I found that simply declaring the package contained "sporting goods" made things ever so much simpler. That might have gotten me in a bind if the package got damaged or lost and I had to make an insurance claim, though.

 

[Blue Jays]

Hi JJNA-

Better get yourself a highlighter, good snack, and a large pot of coffee before you start reading these detailed USPS firearms shipping regulations.

Check with U-Haul about obtaining a medium-sized truck that can tow a trailer with your car on top. Wear and tear is eliminated on your car and you increase your storage space in one swoop. Nothing of any value (whether monetary or sentimental) should be sent with the shippers. Some tasks are best accomplished yourself.

~ Blue Jays ~

 

[reddogIII]

Mailing a Firearm to Oneself

Up here in Alaska, my 20-yr-old son wanted to take a shotgun back to Oregon with him. Flying into Portland - no problem. Greyhound bus to Corvalis - big problem! - no firearms allowed! Went to UPS - refused to ship. Went to FedEx - refused to ship. Went to US Post Office, asked if OK to ship firearm to himself (explained previous difficulties in finding shipper) - said "why didn't you come here first? Are you going hunting?" - "No, just going to shoot clay pigeons." Reply: "Oh, love sporting clays myself! Sign here, this'll take two days. Have a good day - enjoy your shooting." No hassle, no problem. Nothing to it.

 

[ken grant]

From what I have been told and have read in the past,you can ship any gun long or short to yourself in another state. You can even ship to yourself in care of another party but they can't open it,only you can do that.

 

[George S.]

The "UPS Store" and the FedEx shipping places (like those in the office supply stores or Kinko's) will not take guns for shipment. You have to go to their shipping/receiving facility. Boxes cannot be marked as containing weapons.

Unless you have an FFL and have a completed PS Form 1508, you cannot mail a handgun. You could try but if for some reason, the package was opened, broken open, x-rayed or somehow the contents were determined, you would be in a heap o' trouble.... Definitely not worth the risk.

For long guns, try going to the local post office and talk with the Postmaster. Print the section (432) in the USPS link and take that with you. Chances are it wil have to go as some kind of priority mailing and you should definitely insure it for the highest value you can get.

The large moving companies are both bonded and insured to cover your household goods, but it's always wise to increase the insurance coverage as high as you can. You could box up long guns and not label the container or say anything to the driver/loading crew. Typically when the van leaves your house and it's full , it is going to your new location pretty much non-stop except for any required rest stops or food and/fuel the driver(s) have to make.

 

[EOD Guy]

Federal Law REQUIRES you to declare them...

In this case, yes, since he would be shipping to a nonlicensee (himself). If he were shipping to a licensee (FFL), declaration would not be required.

 

[JJNA]

Thanks for all the advice. Looks like it will be okay for me to ship the long guns to myself.