How should I package barreled action for shipment?

[ericbc7]

I am planning to ship a few barreled actions to my gunsmith (in a neighboring state) for muzzle threading. My research here found a bunch of horror stories from guys that had barrels damaged or lost in shipment. Do you have any current advice on what carrier to use and how to package these barrels?

I plan to remove the bolts and triggers and pic rails before shipping.

I was leaning toward USPS (U.S. Postal Service) and putting the barrels in Schedule 40 PVC pipes with end caps, then packaging the PVC in a heavy cardboard box (probably a rifle box and unmarked outer box).
I will be taking pictures of barrels and packaging before shipping and insuring of course!

Thanks

 

[potatoe]

PVC pipe and cardboard is more than enough. Remove the trigger (no need to send that anyway.) I also don't ship the with the bolt in the action, its bubble wrapped and put somewhere in the box. The good thing about barreled actions is that they are tough just make sure you have enough of a barrier on both ends (in case it falls on either end) with packing material. I've had bad experiences with every carrier, insure it for full value and if you use USPS ship priority and hope for the best.

 

[ND shooter]

PVC pipe and cardboard is more than enough. Remove the trigger (no need to send that anyway.) I also don't ship the with the bolt in the action, its bubble wrapped and put somewhere in the box. The good thing about barreled actions is that they are tough just make sure you have enough of a barrier on both ends (in case it falls on either end) with packing material. I've had bad experiences with every carrier, insure it for full value and if you use USPS ship priority and hope for the best.

Sound advice!

 

[Chfcemerson]

FedEx
Ship em as "machine parts"

 

[DennisH]

Forget the PVC pipe. If it gets under something heavy, it will bust up like glass.

Use double cardboard square boxing, remove bolt, wrap barreled action well with foam sheets, then finish wrapping with bubble wrap or heavy paper so it will barely fit into the box. Then put it in the box with your paperwork and send it to your receiving FFL. Make sure it's packed well and don't leave any voids. It should make it to the destination just fine.

Dennis

 

[linekin]

There are heavy walled cardboard tubes as well. I've used pipe insulation around barrels for padding with good results.

 

[JimPag]

Why send the actions if he's just going to thread the muzzles?

 

[potatoe]

He needs the action if it's side port

 

[ericbc7]

Thanks for the replies!
I don't have the equipment to re-install the barrel into the action (receiver).

 

[DennisH]

I am planning to ship a few barreled actions to my gunsmith

Barreled Actions are not separated. They ship as one unit, no need to headspace unless someone takes the barrel off.

 

[Steve Ladino]

Why not drive to the neighboring State and deliver them in hand ?

 

[ericbc7]

Why not drive to the neighboring State and deliver them in hand ?

Let's see... 3/4 of North Dakota + 1/2 of Montanna = long drive lol

 

[savagedasher]

Put it a good gun case cover it with cardboard Insure for it for its value. Rember it will have to be returned. Larry

 

[nmkid]

I use the triangle shaped boxes that UPS sells. Believe they were meant for golf clubs. I bubble wrap the muzzle, middle and the action end of the barrel. Some bubble wrap and both ends of the box and she's ready to go. The boxes are a little long so I usually cut some off and leave 1"-2" extra. And use some good heavy duty tape!!

 

[YEW PLUCKER]

Wrap it in bubble wrap, stuff it in a long skinny box, take it to the post office and mail it to an FFL in the receiving state. Too easy. If it stays within your state it doesn't need to go through an FFL.

 

[danny]

FedEx
Ship em as "machine parts"

From the ATF FAQ on shipping firearms:

"Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm or ammunition"

Danny

 

[DennisH]

From the ATF FAQ on shipping firearms:

"Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm or ammunition"

Danny

This is true if you have an action in the package, or a complete firearm (this does not apply to pistols). Just tell them it contains parts of a rifle, and most of the time they don't even question you about it.

 

[snakepit]

This is true if you have an action in the package, or a complete firearm (this does not apply to pistols). Just tell them it contains parts of a rifle, and most of the time they don't even question you about it.

The local postal employee told me to take the bolt out of the action and then ship them as rifle parts which I did with no problems.

 

[savagedasher]

The local postal employee told me to take the bolt out of the action and then ship them as rifle parts which I did with no problems.

Without the bolt how is the smith going to do the work? Package it as safe as you can and insure it . Larry

 

[JRS]

Read section 2.1 under Types of NFA Firearms. The action falls under that heading. If it can be restored to operable condition by using parts or components, it is considered a firearm. Don't take chances with your freedom.