How should I package barreled action for shipment?

[savagedasher]

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.

What does that have to do with shipping a fire arm to a smith.? Larry

 

[JRS]

What does that have to do with shipping a fire arm to a smith.? Larry

Look at one of the responses: "ship em as machine parts". Federal law requires the carrier is aware the shipment contains a firearm, no matter where you are sending it.

 

[savagedasher]

Look at one of the responses: "ship em as machine parts". Federal law requires the carrier is aware the shipment contains a firearm, no matter where you are sending it.

Only if the carrier request it .
I would never send a gun that way.
Larry.

 

[JRS]

Only if the carrier request it .
I would never send a gun that way.
Larry.

Oh my!

 

[savagedasher]

Oh my!

The only thing I want on mine is fragile handle with care Larry

 

[Phil3]

The only thing I want on mine is fragile handle with care Larry

I have at my house a couple of very thick-wall cardboard tubes. Probably about 5/16" thickness or better. I can stand on one and it does not deflect. The tubes were at least 6' long, maybe 8'. I believe they are shipping tubes for a car driveshaft, but not sure. I found them in the garbage bin at a car repair shop. At around 4" inside diameter, they are plenty big enough for a barrel and packing. I cut the tubes into lengths sufficient for even the longest barrel. A bandsaw handled that easily. For sealing the ends, I will probably see if a PVC or plastic pipe cap will fit, or some other plastic plug that can be secured.

Phil

 

[savagedasher]

I have at my house a couple of very thick-wall cardboard tubes. Probably about 5/16" thickness or better. I can stand on one and it does not deflect. The tubes were at least 6' long, maybe 8'. I believe they are shipping tubes for a car driveshaft, but not sure. I found them in the garbage bin at a car repair shop. At around 4" inside diameter, they are plenty big enough for a barrel and packing. I cut the tubes into lengths sufficient for even the longest barrel. A bandsaw handled that easily. For sealing the ends, I will probably see if a PVC or plastic pipe cap will fit, or some other plastic plug that can be secured.

Phil

Pvc tubes come normally in 10' and 20' as big a you want . If I'm going to send a gun to a smith .It will be complete. I will be in the best hard case I have. And insured for what it would take to replace everything . And better be returned the same pacakage . Larry

 

[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.

A serialized component alone is a firearm. The rest of a firearm containing no serial number are just "parts".

Danny

Danny

 

[snakepit]

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

I never said I shipped it without the bolt. They just said they wanted the action disabled so by taking the bolt out of the action and shipping it with the action and barrel they were satisfied. I put the items in a correct size hard foam padded gun case wrapped in cardboard. On the paper work I entered rifle parts as I was directed. The gunsmith was also able to use this case and cardboard to return everything. I have done it this way a couple of times with no problems.

 

[savagedasher]

I never said I shipped it without the bolt. They just said they wanted the action disabled so by taking the bolt out of the action and shipping it with the action and barrel they were satisfied. I put the items in a correct size hard foam padded gun case wrapped in cardboard. On the paper work I entered rifle parts as I was directed. The gunsmith was also able to use this case and cardboard to return everything. I have done it this way couple of times with no problems.

As long as they were it is perfect. Larry

 

[rpierce]

The only problems I have had is when guys don't take the triggers off when they ship me barreled actions. The trigger shoe is what always brakes. Only happened a couple times. Other than that I have shipped thousands of packages and never had one lost or damaged. I use usps priority for everything. Signature required for firearms.

 

[Jarhead6870]

There's an old saying..."it's never a problem until it's a problem". Shipping a barreled action as "machine or rifle parts" might seem like a good idea if everything goes smoothly but what happens if it gets lost and you have to file an insurance claim for a "firearm" that you did not declare? Since this declaration is something carriers require, you could have a problem. Personally, I would not be less than truthful about what you are shipping.

If your gunsmith is a FFL, he can accept shipments of your "firearms" from you and send them back to your home address. You do not need a FFL for a firearm you are having returned.

As far as shipping methods, long guns are NOT the same as handguns and can be sent via USPS, UPS or FedEx. They can be shipped ground and not have to be shipped overnight. UPS and FedEx do require that you take your boxed firearm to a "hub" for shipping. This means no local mailing store or Kinkos.

As for packaging, I've used boxes and gun cases inside cardboard boxes with success. I never have any wording on the outside of the box indicating the contents. I also do not use any gun-related terms in the address label such as gunsmith, armory, tactical, etc., merely the name of the person or initials of the company.

Hope this helps...

 

[BLCKWLF]

There's an old saying..."it's never a problem until it's a problem". Shipping a barreled action as "machine or rifle parts" might seem like a good idea if everything goes smoothly but what happens if it gets lost and you have to file an insurance claim for a "firearm" that you did not declare? Since this declaration is something carriers require, you could have a problem. Personally, I would not be less than truthful about what you are shipping.

If your gunsmith is a FFL, he can accept shipments of your "firearms" from you and send them back to your home address. You do not need a FFL for a firearm you are having returned.

As far as shipping methods, long guns are NOT the same as handguns and can be sent via USPS, UPS or FedEx. They can be shipped ground and not have to be shipped overnight. UPS and FedEx do require that you take your boxed firearm to a "hub" for shipping. This means no local mailing store or Kinkos.

As for packaging, I've used boxes and gun cases inside cardboard boxes with success. I never have any wording on the outside of the box indicating the contents. I also do not use any gun-related terms in the address label such as gunsmith, armory, tactical, etc., merely the name of the person or initials of the company.

Hope this helps...

+1

 

[ericbc7]

The return will have to be to an FFL, not a big hassle since my lgs will accept delivery with no charge to me. I am sending three barrels, any advantage to shipping them separately?

 

[DennisH]

I also do not use any gun-related terms in the address label such as gunsmith, armory, tactical, etc., merely the name of the person or initials of the company.

Exactly what I do, in fact they recommend you don't indicate on the outside of the package what inside the box. I put the initials of the company with my name. I was told by a person not to advertise what might be in the package as these can fall into the wrong hands.

A personal friend who ran a computer shop always ship his items in a box and used a sawblade tool company's return address. This is when computers were coming up missing pretty regular during shipment.

Ship your items the fastest you can afford. Shipping ground gives the package too much exposure.

Thanks, Dennis