Recommendations/info on shipping a pistol.....

[MIL-DOT]

Hey guys, I think I'm going to send a pistol from Georgia to Virginia, to be re-blued, and I'm hoping for a quick tutorial on the ins-and-outs, and the legalities. I've been told to just call the item to be shipped "machine parts", that it's safer and less trouble, but are there any legal issues there?
I'm also told that US Postal won't ship them,I have to use UPS or FedEx. That correct ? If so, which is preferable?
ANy quick, accurate advice is much appreciated.......

 

[bindingposts]

Has to go through a FFL

 

[postalnut25]

You have to use FedEx or UPS. However, you can send a pistol off for repair and have it returned to you without using an FFL. Just like sending your gun back to S&W or Colt for repair work.

 

[oneounceload]

IF you use a FFL on your side, (NOT required when sending your gun to be repaired), your FFl can use USPS and save a lot of money; otherwise UPS (the hub, not the store), or Fedex will want you to use next day air - that gets real expensive. Lying about the contents will get you nothing for a claim if it is lost.

 

[NavyLCDR]

You have to use FedEx or UPS. However, you can send a pistol off for repair and have it returned to you without using an FFL. Just like sending your gun back to S&W or Colt for repair work.

If it's shipped out of state, it has to go an FFL. If the gunsmith doing the work is licensed, they are an FFL so then your statement is correct. I can't send a pistol to Joe Bubba garage gunsmith who doesn't have a license if Joe Bubba isn't a resident of my state, or state law prohibits transfer of a pistol between individuals.

To the OP,

It has to go by UPS or FEDEX, it can be returned directly to you by a licensed gunsmith, if the pistol is being shipped to a licensed gunsmith you are NOT required by law to inform UPS or FEDEX what is being shipped, but you are required by their company policies to tell them so they can send it via next day air and charge you more.

IF you use a FFL on your side, (NOT required when sending your gun to be repaired)

Again, if the pistol is being shipped to anyone out of state, the recipient must be licensed (but it does not have to be shipped FROM an FFL - only TO an FFL).

 

[9mmepiphany]

There are two ways to legally ship a handgun to a business legally able to receive it ...they must have an FFL

1. You may ship it through a common carrier, like UPS or FedEx, and it will be returned to you the same way. They each have different shipping rules. UPS requires that you mail it from a Hub facility, that they be informed that it is a handgun, that it be shipped overnight to avail yourself of their services and insurance coverage.

2. You may ship through a local FFL who can use the USPS for lower shipping costs. They usually charge a fee and the gun is returned to them

 

[CraigC]

It does not have to ship from an FFL, only 'to' one. Which your refinisher will most certainly have. Non-FFL holders cannot use the Post Office, you must use UPS or FedEx. While there is no legal requirement for you to disclose the contents, both companies have policies requiring you to do so. If you don't and they find out, you may be barred from using them in the future. They will also not honor your insurance claim if said item is lost. So handguns must be shipped overnight and that typically runs at least $50 these days. Your best bet is to use a local dealer who can send it Priority Mail.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Now that that is settled, for this week anyway, does anyone know how long I can leave my pistol magazines fully loaded for without weakening the springs?

 

[oneounceload]

Again, if the pistol is being shipped to anyone out of state, the recipient must be licensed (but it does not have to be shipped FROM an FFL - only TO an FFL).

You are correct - I ASSUMED, ( I know, I know), that anyone willing to ship a gun interstate for repairs would be shipping to an established company that was so equipped

And you can leave your mags loaded just as long as I do my revolver

 

[MIL-DOT]

Thanks for the quick replies,guys. My bad for not being clear in the OP. The operation I'd be sending to IS an FFL, so no worries there.
Are you guys sure it has to be sent Next-Day air? The last two pistols I got on-line were from J&G and CDNN, and they both shipped 2nd Day Air.

 

[hirundo82]

Are you guys sure it has to be sent Next-Day air? The last two pistols I got on-line were from J&G and CDNN, and they both shipped 2nd Day Air.

UPS and FedEx have different rules for shipping depending on whether you are an FFL or not. They require non-licensees to ship next-day (this is a company rule, not an ATF rule), while FFLs can use less expensive shipping methods.

 

[oneounceload]

The whole point is to get the gun in and out of their system as fast as possible since they have had "shrinkage" issues. I worked for UPS one summer when I was a teacher on their "sunrise" shift. Having had a personal FFL for years, I recognized the initials of J&G, S.R. from Prescott, etc. Thing is everything is scanned off the semi into the sort facility then scanned as it gets to the delivery truck, and we had to walk through a security shack for inspection when we left, so the only one capable of "losing" it was the driver, most of whom were so busy, they could care less.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Thanks for the quick replies,guys. My bad for not being clear in the OP. The operation I'd be sending to IS an FFL, so no worries there.
Are you guys sure it has to be sent Next-Day air? The last two pistols I got on-line were from J&G and CDNN, and they both shipped 2nd Day Air.

When YOU got to FedEx / UPS they will insist on Next Day Air.

A volume shipper with a FedEx/UPS account might have negotiated a 2nd day deal. As has been said, they are FedEx/UPS -rules-, not federal -laws-. They can bend and twist their own rules as they see fit.

The CHEAPEST solution may well be to go to an FFL and have them ship it. THEY can use the post office and priority mail, will be much much cheaper than Next Day air, and often cheap enough to more than make up for the fee the FFL will charge for this service.

 

[CraigC]

Are you guys sure it has to be sent Next-Day air?

That's policy but your best bet is to just tell them what is in the box and then ask for the cheapest method of shipment. My last one went 3rd day because the clerk didn't know the difference. If they don't know, that's their fault. At least the contents will be on record.

 

[NavyLCDR]

^^^^^^ What CraigC said. I sent a Taurus PT-145 back to Taurus for repair via FEDEX. I did just that and the Fedex Clerk asked, "Ground or air?" I said ground without hesitation and saved about $50.

 

[Pixcutter]

Shipping

Use UPS or Fedex. Their shipping and tracking is WAAAY better than USPS. Secondly, ship GROUND. Every manufacturer will tell you to ship ground. FEDEX and UPS don't care. It's the sales people that will try and make you ship overnight.
Check with UPS on the type of box to use, they have a minimum strength rating. That's more important than overnight vs ground. Better you use an inexpensive gun case (Gun Guard, etc) and box that.
DO NOT indicate that you have a gun in the box. While Fedex and UPS want to know if there's a firearm (handgun or other), all they do is stick a "FRAGILE" sticker on the box.
USE adhesive labels on the case with all data...serial number, your name and address and what the contents of the case are.
Under no situation should you include ammunition with the gun. Magazines MUST be unloaded. If you send more than one, make sure the label on the case (and a second, contents list in the box) should reflect this. Put your name on the magazines. Print (or better, type) legibly!!! Phone numbers are good too, but they must be easily readable.
USE A NEW BOX. Damaged ones encourage rough handling. I've shipped quite a few guns, and using these guidelines, have never had a problem.

 

[dogtown tom]

Pixcutter Use UPS or Fedex. Their shipping and tracking is WAAAY better than USPS. Secondly, ship GROUND. Every manufacturer will tell you to ship ground. FEDEX and UPS don't care. It's the sales people that will try and make you ship overnight....

Sorry, but this is bad advice.

1. UPS & FedEx DO CARE........that's why it is company policy.
UPS & FedEx shipping policies are very clear about how to ship firearms. They clearly state that handguns must ship Next Day. No matter what the clerk says, those tariffs (policies) are in effect and by shipping via that particular common carrier you are agreeing to them.

2. Few if any manufacturers will tell you to ship in violation of common carrier policies.

Fail to follow the policies of a common carrier and you WILL get denied on any insurance claim for loss, damage or theft.

Just because the $8.00 an hour clerk at the UPS Store asked if you wanted your handgun shipped Ground or Next Day does not magically exempt you from those company policies. That clerk at the UPS Store is NOT an employee of UPS (nor are clerks at FedEx Office always employees of FedEx).

Of course if you like living life on the edge or by your own rules why not go all the way and mail that handgun?

 

[CraigC]

Just because the $8.00 an hour clerk at the UPS Store asked if you wanted your handgun shipped Ground or Next Day does not magically exempt you from those company policies. That clerk at the UPS Store is NOT an employee of UPS (nor are clerks at FedEx Office always employees of FedEx).

Don't know about "Pixcutter" but I wasn't referring to a UPS Store but the actual UPS hub. Far as I'm concerned it's the UPS counter clerk's responsibility to know the shipping regulations. It's only my responsibility to answer their questions truthfully and tell them the box contains a firearm.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Of course if you like living life on the edge or by your own rules why not go all the way and mail that handgun?

Because mailing the handgun is illegal. Shipping the handgun via ground UPS is not illegal. It's the difference between going to jail and losing an insurance claim on a $300 P.O.S. broken Taurus.

 

[dogtown tom]

NavyLT

Quote:
Originally Posted by dogtown tom
Of course if you like living life on the edge or by your own rules why not go all the way and mail that handgun?

Because mailing the handgun is illegal. Shipping the handgun via ground UPS is not illegal. It's the difference between going to jail and losing an insurance claim on a $300 P.O.S. broken Taurus.

Duh. I know the law.
Those who violate FedEx/UPS policies are the same geniuses that illegally mail ammunition and handguns. Some people feel rules don't apply to them. I'm not one of them.

 

[NavyLCDR]

So, I take a package to FEDEX. I tell the Fedex employee I am shippping a handgun to the manufacturer for repair. The FEDEX employee even opens the package and looks at the contents. Then he seals it up and asks ground or air? I'm all of a sudden doing something horribly wrong by answering ground? I'm sorry, I didn't read any Fedex rule or policy that requires me to correct their mistakes.

 

[dogtown tom]

NavyLT ....I'm sorry, I didn't read any Fedex rule or policy that requires me to correct their mistakes.

Don't apologise to me.....it's not my rule.
Good luck with your future shipments.