Shipping A Firearm ???

[RUBZERK]

Has anybody ever shipped a fire arm to a FFL in another state ???

I have a pistol for sale & a few buys have emailed me to purchase. What are the guide lines on shipping to another state ???

 

[Lennyjoe]

Shipping a firearm is not as difficult as most people think. I have done it several times without issue.

You must ship the handgun to an FFL for out of state purchases. The person buying the handgun must provide you with a copy of the FFL's license to which the gun will be sent to. You can verify the FFL on www.gunbroker.com if you feel it is necessary. If its a handgun it has to go overnight. Fedex will cost you around $40 for overnight delivery to the gaining FFL.

Some FFL's will not accept firearms from non FFL persons. The purchaser needs to confirm that his FFL will take in a firearm from another non-FFL person. If he won't then you need to have your FFL send the firearm. FFL to FFL can ship the handgun snail mail which is cheaper but your FFL might charge you additionally for the service.

Do a search here cause I thought there was a sticky on one of the forums to which out of state sales are discussed.

 

[nbkky71]

You can check the validity of an FFL at the following URL:
https://www.atfonline.gov/fflezcheck/

You do not have to have a copy of the FFL in-hand to ship. However, most folks prefer to have a copy in-hand, to show that they were dealing with a valid FFL. I've had several transaction were the seller shipped the gun after verifying my FFL's license using the EZCheck website.

Under no circumstances should you ship to an address other than that on the dealer's license.

 

[RUBZERK]

what do i do ?

So what exactly is the process after I verifying the FFL's license ???

Do i need some sort of paperwork from the FFL ??
Do i just ship it & know it will taken care of ??
How do i ship it & what will it cost ??

 

[eerw]

Most carriers..UPS and Fed Ex want overnight delivery...cost around $40-$55 depending on size and weight..

ship to the FFL's address..with both UPS and FedEx you will get a tracking number and should be able to see when delivered and who signed for it..

Hopefully you will deal with counter people that now the company policy and work with you professionally.

 

[Steelharp]

Here is the handiest link I've ever found:

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

These are the regs (posted below) regarding shipping; copy them and print them, and TAKE IT WITH YOU to show whomever you do business with that you do know what you are doing. I had a ridiculous argument with a Post Office counter employee about a rifle; I got this, and took it back to him. He quietly let me conduct my business... he did not apologize for his ignorance, however.

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state. The Postal Service recommends that longguns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms.

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by carrier to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm. [18 U. S. C. 922( a)( 2)( A) and 922( e), 27 CFR 178.31]

 

[P0832177]

First thing to remember is that you will have to take the gun to a real UPS hub or a Fedex hub. Places like UPS store or other vendors will not take handguns, for the most part! Bring a copy of the FFL with you to the shipper.

Next make out a bill of sale of sorts

Shipped to: IE the FFL holder receiving the hand gun
for the purpose of delivery to the actual buyer.

List gun description of gun including Serial Number.
List any accessories included with gun, ie scope bases and rings?
Any documentation of work done?

List agreed upon return conditions Such as say a three day inspection and if returned the buyer assumes all shipping costs?

Perhaps put a copy of Driver's License on the Bill of Sale so the FFL has an accurate accounting of the source.

Do you have a FFL holder that has a UPS account? Perhaps you can get him or her to ship it rather then messing with going to a UPS or FEDEX hub? Or they can ship FFL to FFL via USPS that even insured would possibly be cheaper......