Shipping a rifle. What method?

[Pilot]

I sold a rifle and need to ship it out of state to an FFL. What's the best/least expensive method? Can I used USPS, or UPS ground or do I have to overnight by Fed Ex or UPS? Thanks.

 

[ShootAndHunt]

UPS ground seems the most convenient method. I doubt USPS will ship a firearm in these days.

 

[Cortland]

You can ship rifles USPS:

Unloaded rifles and shotguns may be mailed if the mailer fully complies with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-618) and 18 U.S.C. 921. The mailer may be required to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not excluded from mailing because of the restrictions in 431.2b and c.

... but I wouldn't recommend it. "Next day" or "express" service is not required by UPS or FedEx for rifles.

 

[kfranz]

I've had zero problems with shipping via USPS(many packages) or UPS(significantly less packages). I've had a couple screw ups receiving via UPS. I don't much care for it when my pistols or drums end up at someone else's house.....


Both have online shipping calculators, so price comparison is easy enough. If via USPS, I'd go Priority Mail certified. UPS builds in $100 worth of insurance, but you can't ship from as many places as the PO.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I sold a shotgun and shipped it USPS Priority Mail (with insurance). It cost me around $40 from Virginia to California. There's no particular reason to ship via a common carrier (UPS, FEDEX, etc.) -- they are no more or less reliable than the postal service.

If you do use USPS, you might want to bring a copy of the Postal Instructions and/or the BATF FAQs (http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b9 ) The only "problem" I had was waiting a few minutes while the postal employees figured out the rules. They don't deal with guns very often, but I was patient and explained the regulations to them -- particularly the difference between handguns and long guns.

You also should bring the signed copy of the receivers FFL -- they'll probably make a copy of it to file.

Hope this helps,
Jim

 

[Bear Gulch]

UPS Ground is the least expensive. Additional insurance acan be bought. You will need to take it to a center not a UPS store.

 

[swifter]

I use USPS, Priority Mail, and insure it to the max. Take the bolt out, wrap in bubble wrap, never a problem.

Tom

 

[Mannlicher]

I picked up a rifle today, a private purchase, but sent to my FFL dealer in Miami. The seller sent it FedEX overnight. No problems.

 

[varoadking]

... but I wouldn't recommend it.

Why not - what happened the last time you shipped via USPS? I ship rifles thru the Postal Service all the time and have yet to have a bad experience...

 

[Cortland]

Why not - what happened the last time you shipped via USPS?

They lost my package (no, it wasn't a gun).