shipping firearms to yourself

[pinstripe]

This question was asked of me and I don't know the answer and was wondering if anyone on this board could help. I only need factual information because I intend to relay the answer back to my friend that originally asked it. The question is this. "If i have some firearms that I inhereted from a deceased family member, and they are in another state, can I have them shipped to my home several states away. This is not a transfer of a bought/new firearm, but firearms that I have inhereted." I would like to help out my friend, but I don't want to relay false information to him that may cause him issues.
Thanks in advance for information pertaining to this question.
Your fellow high roader Pinstripe

 

[NavyLCDR]

Nobody else can legally ship the firearms for him to his home in another state. He has to personally do it.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html#shipping-firearms-additional

Q: May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?
Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

 

[GoWolfpack]

Navy LCDR beat me to it.

Remember to check all applicable state laws as well. Federal law specifically exempts transfers through bequest from normal interstate transfer laws (would not have to transfer through an FFL)

 

[medalguy]

Correct. Other possibilities:

1. Your friend can go pick up the weapons and bring them back himself.
2. Your friend can go pick up the weapons and ship them back to himself.
3. Your friend can arrange for a FFL to ship the weapons to a FFL in his state and pick them up there.

 

[AK_Maine_iac]

Last fall i was thinking about going back to Maine for a hunt with my brother. I ask the postal clerk here in North Pole Alaska about shipping LONG GUNS to my self from Alaska to Maine. She told me that i "could" as long as it was addressed to myself @ my brothers address.
Her exact words Long Guns and shotguns yes Handguns NO She said people do it all the time. Overnight express mail

 

[Librarian]

Post office will accept long guns from 'just folks' but handguns from only FFLs.

Inheritance does not require an FFL in Federal law (and not in CA law, either, but can't say about other states). However, both FedEx and UPS have business policies that require an FFL as either shipper or receiver, which complicates things quite annoyingly.