Shipping a hand gun to yourself in California...

[walker944]

So, from what I've read on this forum, there is a legal exception to the law requiring handguns to be mailed to an FFL, if you are mailing the handgun to yourself. Assuming that is correct, can a handgun be mailed to yourself in the state of California? I know CA has some very unfriendly gun laws, is this legal to do in CA? I know you have to use a courier other than the Postal Service, and declare what the item is at the time it's shipped. Any other things someone would need to know about. Your help and comments are appreciated.

 

[Zoogster]

No transfer is taking place. No sale is taking place.

Someone who already owns a firearm is shipping thier firearm.

I can not think of any violations of law. Unless perhaps it is not "child safe" by being in a locked container or with a trigger lock when left on your front porch, in your front yard, or even out by a mailbox in the street, and the neighbor's kid walks off with it.

 

[Librarian]

No, no Fed or CA laws violated if you do as you suggest.

Just curious - why? Since you're obviously going to be in CA to pick it up, you could, in theory, just bring it with you.

OTOH, avoiding the tender mercies of airlines and TSA might easily be motivation enough.

 

[cane]

Unless you are a FFL holder you can't "mail" a pistol via USPS. While Federal law allows you to ship a firearm to yourself in a different state by common carrier, neither UPS or FedEx will do it. They will only ship to an FFL.

 

[walker944]

avoiding the tender mercies of airlines and TSA might easily be motivation enough.

It's a good friend that is seeking some way around the airlines and TSA. He's going hunting/shooting with an old buddy in CA for a week or so. I'm just trying to help provide him alternatives to the airlines thing.

I appreciate the replies.

 

[walker944]

Unless you are a FFL holder you can't "mail" a pistol via USPS. While Federal law allows you to ship a firearm to yourself in a different state by common carrier, neither UPS or FedEx will do it. They will only ship to an FFL.

There's a Catch 22 if there ever was one!!!

 

[Librarian]

Unless you are a FFL holder you can't "mail" a pistol via USPS. While Federal law allows you to ship a firearm to yourself in a different state by common carrier, neither UPS or FedEx will do it. They will only ship to an FFL.

The bit about USPS is accurate, but I believe the other is too sweeping. I seem to recall that UPS/FedEx will accept shipments of guns to manufacturers or gunsmiths (who would be licensed), and back to the homes of the owners (who generally would not be licensed).

See also http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/index.php/Shipping_Firearms_Within_California