Anyone shipped a rifle via UPS lately?

[AJMBLAZER]

If so...*** do I need to do to make it happen?

My buddy down in Kentucky has become somewhat of a Mosin-Nagant collector and is pretty good with them. I have a M44 that I want to send to him to tune it up. He has a C&R and the services of a FFL if need be.

The first person I talked to at the 1-800 number for UPS seemed to say I couldn't ship anything unless it was to a firearms manufacturor, FFL, or...I think...a collector...which I think means a C&R holder.

Local hub was confused as hell and referred me to the local UPS Store who said they can't ship firearms in any way and said they send folks to the hub.:banghead:

A second call to the 1-800 number seemed to result in the lady giving me the same info the first guy said but seemed a bit more clear and concise with it.

So has anyone done this lately? Do I need a copy of my buddy's C&R? If so does it have to be an ink signed copy? Does it have to be sent via a specific service?
I'm thinking I can ship it ground but I may need a copy of his C&R.

 

[Tom488]

It's going to depend on whether or not the particular rifle you have is classified as a C&R. According to the latest ATF publication, it's a C&R if it fits one of these four categories:

1. Hungarian Model 48 (Mosin Nagant M44 type) carbine, caliber 7.62 X 54R, manufactured in Hungary, and identified by the manufacturer code 02 on the chamber area and marked with the date of manufacture in the 1950's or earlier.

2. Polish Mosin Nagant M44 type carbines, caliber 7.62 X 54R, manufactured in Poland, identified by the manufacturer code "11" in an oval on the chamber area, and marked with the actual date of manufacture during the 1950's or earlier.

3. Rumanian Mosin Nagant 1944 type carbines, caliber 7.62 X 54R, manufactured in Romania, and manufactured from 1952 to 1956.

4. Russian (U.S.S.R.), model 1891, Mosin-Nagant rifles, cal. 7.62 x 54R and .22 cal., all models and all variations, mfd. after 1898 (i.e., M1891/30, M1910, M1938, and M1944).

If it does, then the ATF says that a non-licensee (that's you) may transfer a C&R inter-state to a licensed collector. You may even use the USPS to ship the rifle, which will most likely be cheaper than UPS.

However, if the rifle doesn't qualify as a C&R, then you may NOT ship it to him yourself, but must use an FFL in his home state to receive it.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Would I need a copy of his C&R? It's a 1944 Russian M44 so it fits right into number four in your post.
Do I need to notify them that I am shipping a firearm?

 

[PTK]

I generally ship rifles and shotguns by USPS - cheaper and just as quick if not quicker.

 

[TimRB]

"Would I need a copy of his C&R? It's a 1944 Russian M44 so it fits right into number four in your post.
Do I need to notify them that I am shipping a firearm?"

If you have a signed copy of your friend's C&R and you are shipping to the address shown on that C&R, you are be good to go IF you ship from the UPS hub. Don't bother with the UPS Store--they don't ship firearms as a matter of policy, and you also may cause the counter person to wet himself. In any event you *must* declare that you are shipping a firearm; this is Federal law.

Tim

 

[Coronach]

Remember, these people are UPS employees, they're not familair with ATF rules and regs, beyond what company policy says. UPS Stores are not actual UPS locations (no matter what the name says), and are not allowed to handle firearms per company policy (and possibly law, but I don't know). You will have to go to the local hub.

I just shipped a shotgun via UPS, and I had no problem. This was the procedure:

1. Give them the gun, already sealed up in the box.

2. Give them the destination information, and list contents as "firearm".

3. They ask, "this is going in for work?" and you respond "yes."

4. Pay for the shipping.

5. Go home.

It really was that simple. Of course, it may have been someone easier since the recipient sounded like a business (as opposed to an individual) and the "Recipient Address Type" was listed as "business." But, it should be that simple.

Mike

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Thanks guys. Going to go try and find a box now.

Probably will avoid the local post office. They can't deliver my mail right...not sure I want to give them my rifle...

 

[Prepster]

I shipped an 1891 Mauser to a private individual recently, and the woman at my local UPS central hub (Williston, VT), seemed pretty knowledgable. I told her it was a firearm, she asked if it was an antique or a muzzleloader, I said yes, and that was the entire discussion on the gun subject.

Whenever I'm doing something that's regulated, I usually do what you're doing right now, learn all the facts. Afterwards, I go to the place with the 800 number in hand, so if the local folks give me any trouble, I can give them the number and watch them get owned by their headquarters. That might sound mean, but sometimes it's necessary.

 

[desidog]

I have no experience, but i'd just take out the bolt, and send it in two packages - you can honestly say that you are shipping gun parts, not a gun per say...i think they allow that.

 

[bhp9mm]

i have shiped rifles ups u need a copy of his c&r when ur shipping a gun before u ship it u need to have a signed in ink ffl or if its a c&r gun a copy of it signed in ink

 

[zoom6zoom]

t i'd just take out the bolt, and send it in two packages - you can honestly say that you are shipping gun parts, not a gun per say..

The receiver of a firearm is always considered a firearm, whether or not it has any other parts attached.

Priority Mail works best for me for long guns... recently received a rifle from another THR member on the other side of the country, it arrived in under 48 hours.

 

[PTK]

In any event you *must* declare that you are shipping a firearm; this is Federal law.

Er, you're wrong. If you can cite the law, I'll rescind my statement.

 

[Tom488]

In any event you *must* declare that you are shipping a firearm; this is Federal law.

Nope - Federal law SPECIFICALLY says otherwise:

Title 18 USC, section 922(e):

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to deliver or
cause to be delivered to any common or contract carrier for
transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, to
persons other than licensed importers, licensed manufacturers,
licensed dealers, or licensed collectors, any package or other
container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without
written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is
being transported or shipped

Since he would be shipping a C&R firearm to a C&R licensee, 922(e) says he does not need to inform the carrier. Always read the law itself, not the ATF FAQ.

 

[WardenWolf]

Do what I did: walk into the UPS store with the firearm already boxed up and ready for shipping. Tell them the package contains a firearm, a rifle, that it is unloaded, and you are well aware of all the laws regarding sales and shipping firearms between states. State that this firearm is C&R eligible, and is being shipped to a valid C&R holder. Have a copy of his C&R information with you to show them and perhaps a copy of ATF's rules.

I did almost this exact same procedure when I sold my father's .225 just a few months ago. Walked into the store with the gun already boxed up for transport. Told them it contained a rifle, and that I was fully aware of all the laws regarding transport and sale between states. Stated it was being shipped to a dealer as per the law, and handed them my copy of the dealer's FFL information to use for the address information. They knew it was being shipped to a licensed dealer, and gave me no problems at all with it. The guy got his gun, and my father was very happy with the $600 he got out of it.

 

[NavyLCDR]

In any event you *must* declare that you are shipping a firearm; this is Federal law.

DANG IT! Two posters already beat me to it. Oh well.

Send the dang gun via USPS, it will be a lot less hassle. Yes, a copy, I supposed signed ink, of the C&R License would be needed.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Local USPS...bah...government funded mediocrity. They still deliver the mail that belonged to the folks who last rented this place...over four years ago before we bought it.
I deal with UPS up here all the time and know half of them. I'll use them.

Thanks guys. Shipping the bolt, cleaning kit and paraphernalia to him tomorrow in a separate box at work and then wrapping the rifle up and shipping it from the hub after work. I have a copy of his C&R all nice and signed too.

 

[TimRB]

"Nope - Federal law SPECIFICALLY says otherwise:"

Good catch. I need to read more carefully, because I didn't notice the part about shipping to an FFL holder.

Tim

 

[AJMBLAZER]

So do I even need to show them a copy of the C&R or list it as a firearm? I could just call it a machine tool.

 

[mp510]

have a M44 that I want to send to him to tune it up. He has a C&R and the services of a FFL if need be.

It sounds an awful lot like gunsmithing (which would require an 01 or better) rather than 'collecting' which is all that his 03 license allows...

 

[98C5]

I just shipped an AK to someone's FFL Monday. The packing slip includes the FFL license copy, the destination buyers name, copy of my DL. I also have the FFL# on the reference field of the label. I tell the driver it is a firearm going to an FFL. Never had a problem. I have shipped about 10 firearms thru UPS at the company I work at, not even a hub.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

It sounds an awful lot like gunsmithing (which would require an 01 or better) rather than 'collecting' which is all that his 03 license allows...

Eh, I gave him a rifle to do with as he pleases...which sorta coincides with what I want done to a M44 if I still owned one...

Next time I visit who knows, maybe he might give me a M44... Still a free country and you can freely trade long arms.





I shipped it via UPS today. Guy at the counter was new but didn't seem worried about it at all. Should be there on Monday. I'll keep you guys informed if anything odd happens.

 

[Griz44]

I generally ship long and handguns via USPS. Our local PO is well informed and follows the rules. No hassle, insurance to whatever level you need. I have the shippers notice, the FFL to and my FFL in hand, just in case. I do not seal the boxes, as they do have the right to inspection. I carry a roll of tape to seal them if needed. Most of the time the clerk will tape them up for me. Supe rnice folks, fast delivery, and I can use the flat rate boxes for handguns which saves a bunch of money, since UPS requires handguns to go overnight. Handguns must be shipped from FFL to FFL, no exceptions. Long guns can be shipped by individuals to a license holder, no problems. Declare contents, but NEVER put that information on the box.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[bonza]

AJMBlazer said:

Local USPS...bah...government funded mediocrity.

Actually, no. The USPS receives no federal funds, other than for reimbursement of federal mailings. The USPS operates solely on revenue generated by the sale of its services.