Interesting question, but why do we seem to be focusing on the economics of the question? The word "cheaper" presents something of a quandary. The "cheapest" way to send a handgun is by USPS. Costs whatever it is to stuff it in one of those "if it fits, it ships' boxes. Yes, there is usuaslly a fee to the LGS in addition. But even if that fee is $100, is it really "cheaper" than other possibilities? Cheaper compared to other carriers? Probably, but what about cheaper than having it get lost or stolen and having to go through all of the hassel of getting that straightened out? Last week the good folks at FedEx left a package of three pistols sitting on top of my mail box which is about two hundred feet from the front door and right beside a road that thousands of vehicals use every day. Yea, there was an adult signature required and sure would like to see who signed that. The only thing that saved the day was the mail man who came along soon after the FedEx slacker left and brought it to my front door. I have a C&R license, but I always try to have things set to my LGS specifically to avoid situations like this. In this case, the "cheaper" route would have cost three collectible handguns, and the time and trouble it took to get may money back by way of an insurance claim. Yes, it may cost me a little, the LGS charges $25.00 for the paper work, but I always give him $40 or $50 just as my way of saying thanks for saving me from a potential boatload of problems. In this case the seller insisted upon FedEx, bragging he "never had a bit of trouble". After the recent incident, I explained to him that in the future he will send by USPS to my LGS or find another buyer. Best of luck and let us know what you decide.