Shipping a handgun?

[7even6ix2wo]

Sorry if this has been covered, or if i'm posting in the wrong section. But what is the best method to ship a handgun from a non-ffl holder to an ffl gun shop. I heard it's by USPS but sometimes they don't know whats legal and what's not so you get a lot of hassle. If anyone could shed some light on this area, would be much appreciated.

 

[DPris]

You can't mail a handgun via the post office without an FFL involvement at your end.
You can ship it via either Fedex or UPS without an FFL at your end.

You may get posts that follow with preferences & horror stories about either.
I ship & mail handguns & long guns as part of my job, and only once in 21 years has one been lost, by UPS, and that was an incoming one from S&W.
I frankly use Fedex mostly because I don't have to mess with the do-it-yourself computer entry program to create a label like UPS requires.

You'll need to go to a HUB at either company, not one of the little stores.
I would recommend you avoid being cute with the "machined parts" dodge, you are required to advise both companies that the contents include a gun.
Denis

 

[WinThePennant]

I'll chime in and agree with DPris. Whenever I send my guns to Sig, I always use UPS overnight. Sig sends them back via Fed Ex.

You want to take it to an authorized UPS location. Most UPS service centers, which are all over the place, will not accept a firearm for delivery. UPS has this information on their website.

I made the mistake of calling a local UPS service center (before I knew the correct way to mail a firearm), and I think I totally freaked out the person on the other end. My God, the times in which we live...

 

[brickeyee]

ONLY an FFL can ship a handgun to another FFL using the post office.

Al the rest of us must use a common carrier.

 

[Frank Ettin]

I've shipped quite a number of handguns to gunsmiths over the years. I've always used FedEx without difficulty or complication.

I pack and wrap it well, take it to a FedEx corporate location (which just happens to be near me and convenient), tell the clerk it's an unloaded gun going to a licensee, ship it overnight saver, and insure if for full value. It's not cheap. But I've never had any drama, difficulties, or lost, damaged or delayed shipments.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

Fed. Express or UPS. When I tried to send a pistol UPS they told me I needed an FFL. I had researched it and you don't need an FFL to send to an FFL for repair. Well we went around and then I went around with her boss and then his boss. I ended up going to my local gun shop and he sent it for me at a much lower cost. So if you are friendly with a gun shop owner you may be able to save some money with him if he will do it for you.

 

[Shadow 7D]

There is a sticky at the top of this forum (right above your post)

 

[karlsgunbunker]

I'm a FFL so I use the Post Office.

The cheapest way for a Non-FFL to ship a handgun is to go to the FedEx Website.
Set up an account and bill it to a Credit Card.

Put in your package information and choose the cheapest "Air" shipping.
I believe it's 2nd day Air saver.
Be sure to Insure it!

Print your Label and drop it at FedEx or in a FedEx box.

This method avoids no nothing Clerks and uncomfortable questions.

FWIW:
I always Use FedEx Ground to ship Rifles, Much cheaper than USPS if you set up an account.