I'm out in California visiting my father and he gave me my grandfather's Colt Army Single Action Revolver. I will be flying back out to Maryland next week and was wondering the best way to get the handgun back home. Any good recommendations? TIA!
Transporting a handgun question
- Thread starter Pushrod
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hard sided suitcase, pistol sized gun pouch, Check the rules for that particular airline, at the ticket counter lean forward and say quietly but clearly, "I have a firearm to declare". Point to the suitcase, They will ask you to open it, do so, open the pouch, show that it is unloaded (it would help to unship the cylinder, so it is obvious). They will place a red tag INSIDE the luggage. Somewhere in this the TSA should be inspecting it, so they can lock it with your lock.
the TSA usually wants it unlocked, but if they inspect it then, it can be locked.
Be forewarned: guns disappear on flights. :banghead:
Shipping the gun by UPS or Fed Ex, leads to problems of their own, since there have been changes in policy, and a lack of knowledge at different shipping points. finally you could go to a FFL and ask them to ship to an FFL at your town, both should do it for a minimal charge, but may require filing a form.
Also you need to check your home state's laws and requirements.
Do NOT try to put it in the U.S Mail. That is a federal offense of gargantuan proportions.
The best way, is to put it in a gun box, and drive it home.
the TSA usually wants it unlocked, but if they inspect it then, it can be locked.
Be forewarned: guns disappear on flights. :banghead:
Shipping the gun by UPS or Fed Ex, leads to problems of their own, since there have been changes in policy, and a lack of knowledge at different shipping points. finally you could go to a FFL and ask them to ship to an FFL at your town, both should do it for a minimal charge, but may require filing a form.
Also you need to check your home state's laws and requirements.
Do NOT try to put it in the U.S Mail. That is a federal offense of gargantuan proportions.
The best way, is to put it in a gun box, and drive it home.
You cannot transfer a handgun between residents of different states.
If the gun was a bequest (from a will) the executor COULD give it to you, but otherwise it needs to go to an FFL in your home state for transfer to you.
Good luck with Maryland since you will not have a fired shell.
Car Knocker
Member
Perhaps, being as it was his grandfather's Colt, it's an antique and not considered a firearm, thus avoiding the transfer issues.
Quiet
Member
Handgun in question is a Colt Single Action Army. So, it's not an antique.
Since, it's a handgun transfer between residents of two different states, it needs to be transfered through a FFL dealer.
nalioth
Member
If it was made prior to 1898, it is.Quiet said:
Quiet
Member
You're right.nalioth said:
For some reason, I was thinking it was made in the 20th century. Probably cause he said it was his grand dad's.
It looks like the date on the gun is 1875. I really don't want to have it stolen by the TSA or airport handlers, or even take that chance. Is shipping it just as likely to end up with it stolen? Driving it out it not an option. I guess I can talk to a local FFL, I don't think a shot round is needed as it is not a new gun.
Thanks again for the answers so far.
Thanks again for the answers so far.
A firearm is considered an antique by the BATF if it was manufactured prior to 1899, not 1898. However state laws may vary. In New York State, any cartridge handgun regardless of date of manufacture requires a permit to possess and importation into the state requires an FFL dealer at both ends even if it is an antique. In New York State there is no distinction between antique and modern handguns.
nalioth
Member
Not sure about California laws, but here in Texas, you could ship it UPS to yourself from wherever (it is an antique, and not considered a firearm by the Feds). An FFL holders services are not required under federal laws.Pushrod said:
Gator
Member
Wow, if it is an 1875 Colt SAA in decent shape, I wouldn't want to take any chances on the airline "losing" it, or some bumbling TSA scut confiscating it. Forget the cost and send it home the safest way possible. What is MDs law on antiques?
sailortoo
Member
Quiet - what's with the grandfather stuff, not being old enough? My father (not grandfather) bought his Winchester 1894 .25/.35 in 1898, when 19 years of age. It's hanging on the wall now, in shooting condition. You might be surprised at some folks hanging around for quite a spell. And the SAA did need to be serial # dated, as there were a bunch of them! Sadly, I traded mine for a truck bed - still kicking myself, all these years later. However that SAA gets to Maryland, at least have it insured, assuming it is in serviceable condition.
sailortoo
sailortoo
The handgun is in mint condition. I'm sure it hasn't been shot in over 50 years. I think to be on the safe side I'm just going to do an FFL to FFL transfer. That way I can feel confident that the gun wont disappear in route. Thanks again for all the great advice!
Gator
Member
Wait a sec, FFL to FFL has nothing to do with the gun disappearing en route, there is no added security using an FFL. If you do that it, the gun will probably be mailed. Insist that it be sent Registered Mail and insured up the wazoo. Get the USPS receipt from the FFL.
AntiqueCollector
Member
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- Mar 13, 2007
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If it's made in 1875, it's an antique, so just mail it to yourself, via the USPS. Ship it registered mail (insured obviously) for extra security. With an original Colt SAA like that, it's well worth the money spent...
kingpin008
Member
Wrong. If the gun is sent FFL to FFL, and then somehow along the line it's lost, it is the FFL's responsibility to get it located again. If not, the ATF can be called, and he'll have a big headache waiting for him. You better believe that any shipper, be it USPS, FEDEX, UPS, or any other will pay more attention to a FFL looking for a firearm than some regular joe.
Aguila Blanca
Member
So, are we still aiding and abetting this gentleman in breaking the law by undertaking an out-of-state transfer without benefit of FFL?
Just thought I'd ask, since I thought it was this forum's policy not to allow discussions on how to break the law ...
Just thought I'd ask, since I thought it was this forum's policy not to allow discussions on how to break the law ...
nalioth
Member
If it's an antique, no laws are being broken.Aquila Blanca said:
Gator
Member
You really think so?
The FFL will do the same thing anyone else would do, file a claim with the shipper and wait. The ATF can't do anything to the FFL if it was lost during shipment. And in this case, since its an antique (maybe), the ATF wouldn't care anyway.
Pushrod, whats the serial number?!!!
Prince Yamato
Member
If it's really that valuable, UPS and FedEx have same day shipping. It's called SonicAir on one of their websites. I believe minimum cost is $175, but if you get it to them at 10am, you'll get it by 3pm, the same day.
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