Shipping a long gun UPDATE

[dryhumor]

So, after exploring the NEW rules and regs, I decided to do USPS armed with the rules and regulations. Despite what some here will say, FedEx and UPS are NOT an option for non-ffl. Getting some ignition work and a new barrel done on my Vudoo. Disassembled and packed it up. I brought tape in case they needed to inspect. Yes, they CAN require inspection! It's on their site. Had a copy of the FFL from the Smith just in case. Post office said No! I asked to talk to the manager, showed him their regs.
No! He showed me a folder of their rules.
Called the 800 number and asked to be directed to the rules that prohibit an individual from shipping a long gun. She couldn't, but said NO! I was Getting ready to use my local ffl to ship and decided to try another post office in the next town as I was out doing other errands and still had it in the car. I told the gal what I was trying to do, armed with the regs, she called the manager. He came out and said no problem! He happens to be an ffl holder too. I shared my story and he sympathized and apologized for the misinformation the other post office gave me. I was lucky I guess, but for others, be prepared. This is probably the 20th time I've shipped a rifle or shotgun. It ain't getting easier that's for sure. Now, God forbid it gets lost or damaged. That's whole nother story I've already researched with the postmaster.

Yes, there are postal employees that don’t understand their own rules. There are also anti gun employees as well.

Pretty impressive when the customer knows your own company’s regulations better than the employees. Pretty sad that there is no incentive to perform due diligence and gain the knowledge and understanding to better do your job….

 

[wedgy]

I would definitely ship it with an air tag type tracking device.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1791615-REG/samsung_ei_t5600bbegus_smarttag2_black.html/?ap=y&smp=y&smpm=ba_f2_lar&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInLabutDVggMVlDHUAR1JpQlhEAQYByABEgJbOfD_BwE

 

[DNorton]

Helpful USPS info on mailing firearms!

432 Mailability | Postal Explorer

pe.usps.com

Also found this part interesting:

 

[Walt Krafft]

Since I am about to have to ship a rifle for the first time in the US what else do you guys do? Padlocked gun case? Anything else in particular?

If you use a gun case which is not a bad idea, put it in a box. Nothing screams steal me like a gun case.

 

[Catfur]

Helpful USPS info on mailing firearms!

432 Mailability | Postal Explorer

pe.usps.com

Also found this part interesting:
View attachment 1495312

Info is of no use when dealing with a bunch of tinpot ignoramus tyrants who refuse to follow their own rules, and are unfireable, and all decisions are non-appealable (just try!).

 

[SGK]

If you use a gun case which is not a bad idea, put it in a box. Nothing screams steal me like a gun case.

I have a bunch of gun cases but unfortunately no boxes for them. I looked at ULine but didn't see one that would fit.

 

[ArtinNC]

If you ship a gun and lie about what is in the box . You can't collect the insurance if the gun comes up missing , becaise you lied . You can ship through a gun dealer if you can find one that will do it .

 

[Walt Krafft]

IMO insurance is a racket that only makes the shippers money. You will rarely if ever collect. Spend more for better packing.

 

[LVLAaron]

Exactly! My guy said I could sneak it through but, they won't honor any claims since it's prohibited.

They don’t honor anything regardless. So what difference does it make?

 

[Catfur]

They don’t honor anything regardless. So what difference does it make?

Just as a data point. I bought an expensive rifle on Gunbroker over the summer. The seller shipped it, in a box similar to the box it came in, with packing paper as packing (no foam or such). It was seriously damaged in shipping, the stock snapped in two.

I refused the shipment, and the seller was able to recover from the shipping insurance and refund me.

 

[jelenko]

I have a bunch of gun cases but unfortunately no boxes for them. I looked at ULine but didn't see one that would fit.

I've bought one of the cheap plastic gun cases to ship a rifle. They have good foam protection and come with their own outer shipping box.

 

[mac86951]

Heck, I'm sure this isn't a viable option for you; but I just acquired a Plano case and an airline ticket.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

When shipping by USPS why are you identifying the contents of the package? I’ve never had them ask me the contents, only if it was liquid, flammable or hazardous. Long guns only. Handguns are prohibited unless you are a FFL.

great point.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Info is of no use when dealing with a bunch of tinpot ignoramus tyrants who refuse to follow their own rules, and are unfireable, and all decisions are non-appealable (just try!).

Major league baseball umpires...

 

[Jonnyofalltrades]

So what is it costing to ship a long gun in the States these days?
In Canada we are looking at about $90($65USD), depending on insurance.
Canada Post is actually good to deal with, for the most part.

 

[Downeast]

My local post office is run by a bunch of mean females and if you piss them off (scorned!) your mail will get lost or damaged until you die. They will steal packages too! And with the lousy USPS tracking system good luck. I would pay the extra and go through an FFL and/or one of the online shipping providers.

 

[cmysix]

And you give them a method that works flawlessly and they just ignore it and go on and on about trying it their way or Bob's way and how it didn't work or how they had problems because the walked into a place and stated out loud" Het everybody I got a gun here!" and then they wonder why they had problems! SHIPMYGUN.COM IT WORKS! SIMPLY IT WORKS!!!!

 

[LuvDog]

So what is it costing to ship a long gun in the States these days?
In Canada we are looking at about $90($65USD), depending on insurance.
Canada Post is actually good to deal with, for the most part.

Same, it depends on insurance here too.

The last barreled action I sent via USPS was about $65 USD. So it would have been more for a full rifle.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I do have a theory on how to up your chances of having a successful shipment. Pay for the fastest shipping you can afford. I shipped a $5,000 package yesterday and it arrived the next day because I paid for overnight Air Freight. I have a theory that shipping ground slow boat, the package is seen by a lot more people and sits around a lot more, which gives them opportunity to think about stealing them. The overnight packages aren't in the system long enough for anyone to get any shady ideas.