Need Advice on Shipping Firearms

[Spoonbill]

I need some advice on buying and selling guns and equipment on here. I dont use paypal or anything like that. So what other methods of payment are acceptable? Say I sell a rifle on here what is the best way to ship? I dont think I would want to walk in to Fed Ex with a gun and ask them to box it up and ship it. Would my local ffl box it up and ship? Is the best shipping method overnight with insurance? The only way I would consider buying and selling online like this is if it could be mutually beneficial and painless. I dont want to damage my name or privliges on this site over bad reviews.

 

[ronsatspokane]

You can't use paypal to purchase guns. There are other electronic methods to do so but likely you are not availing yourself of those services either. Money order, Bank check, personal check, cash are your answers. As far as shipping, Fedex will not pack it for you. You need to pack it yourself, take it into fedex along with a copy of the FFL it is being shipped to, fill out the forms, pay the shipping and insurance fees (the last few cost me over 100 bucks) and off it goes. If your local ffl will box it for you for free, you are lucky. Time is money and packing takes time.

 

[Spoonbill]

I dont mind paying an ffl to box and ship if thats the best way to go. I would want to do whats right and make sure package arrives in a timely manner. I can only assume that if I required a bank check that it would clear on the spot?

 

[Cemetery21]

Wait for any kind of check to clear before shipping. Buyers understand that.
I'm fortunate to have local FFLs that will ship for me. I package and address. FFL can ship much more economically so it's just a matter of what they may charge for their handling.

 

[jelenko]

There's nothing wrong with packing and shipped the rifle yourself. USPS will ship long guns to an FFL.
For Fedex and UPS, generally, you need to go to a store that is part of Fedex/UPS - not a locally owned one. In any case, I'd call first to ensure they would accept the package.
Only cash and credit cards clear 'on the spot'.
If I wanted to have the payment clear before shipping the rifle, I'd deposit it in my bank and wait for them to clear it.

 

[Just Say Moe]

I have used shipmygun.com and they have reasonable rates using UPS but you need to be near a UPS hub to drop off - NOT a UPS store. I have also used USPS using the Click and Ship option - this way you have it all paid and you drop off at the post office which lessens the 20 questions game. I have not used Fedex to ship myself so I can't say yeah or nay on them.

Their are tons of stories pro/con on all 3 of these so I would weigh price/convenience on all 3 vs. shipping from your local FFL and go from there. The FFL will probably add on a transfer fee like mentioned above.

I would take USPS money orders or cashiers check and wait for them to clear before shipping and make the buyer aware up front.

 

[jepp2]

You need to pack it yourself, take it into fedex along with a copy of the FFL it is being shipped to

An unlicensed individual can no longer use Fedex to ship a firearm.

Firearms
Only customers holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and federal, state, or local government agencies may ship firearms with FedEx. Customers holding an FFL must enter into an approved FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement before shipping any firearms with FedEx. For more information, contact your FedEx account executive. On behalf of customers holding an FFL who enter into an approved FedEx Firearms Shipping Compliance Agreement and federal, state, or local government agencies, FedEx Express will transport and deliver firearms, antique firearms, and replica firearms, all as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, as well as muzzleloaders and black powder firearms (collectively “firearms”). Shipments containing firearms must be sent with the Adult Signature Required Delivery Signature Option. FedEx Express will transport ammunition when packed and labeled in compliance with local, state and federal law, and the Dangerous Goods section of this Service Guide. Ammunition is an explosive and must be shipped separately as dangerous goods. You agree not to ship loaded firearms or firearms with ammunition in the same package.

So your options for a long gun are now UPS and USPS Priority. For a handgun, you only option is next day UPS and that will cost you a bunch! Cheapest way to ship a handgun is to use an FFL that charges a "reasonable fee". Mine charges me the $35 and the actual cost of shipping. They can ship a handgun via USPS Priority, which is the cheapest way to ship one.

Another option is to use shipmygun.com Way cheaper than UPS and you can use their special exception to ship a handgun 2'nd day vs overnight.

 

[Spoonbill]

Thank you for the replies guys. I appreciate it.

 

[D-4297]

While we're on this shipping topic ; I'd like to get a little info on the best way to ship a Barreled action , Bolt , and trigger assembly , along with a new , Stock blank . Any thoughts on who to avoid , or who handles things better ?

 

[DogBuster]

I'll always accept a personal check.......

USPS MO's can be verified here at 1-866 459 7822...real easy

I can deposit a personal CK Monday morning...it will clear by Wednesday

Really easy if you view your bank account(s) on line

USPS MO can be a real PIA for some to purchase...stand in line...............

Haven't got screwed or screwed anyone here yet......

Iffin you're Gold or Silver...you're 'special'

 

[Spoonbill]

I have used shipmygun.com and they have reasonable rates using UPS but you need to be near a UPS hub to drop off - NOT a UPS store. I have also used USPS using the Click and Ship option - this way you have it all paid and you drop off at the post office which lessens the 20 questions game. I have not used Fedex to ship myself so I can't say yeah or nay on them.

Their are tons of stories pro/con on all 3 of these so I would weigh price/convenience on all 3 vs. shipping from your local FFL and go from there. The FFL will probably add on a transfer fee like mentioned above.

I would take USPS money orders or cashiers check and wait for them to clear before shipping and make the buyer aware up front.

I looked up shipmygun.com and Im not sure I understand how they work. Hate to sound like a dumbass but can you explain it to me.

 

[Just Say Moe]

Go to the Get Started tab at the top of the home page. It will prompt you to enter the dimensions and weight of the package and then the next screen will ask you to put in the zip code of where you are shipping and you will get a list of FFL's in the area. The buyer should let you know their preference out of this list. If they are not a "Prefered" Dealer, I ask the buyer to verify they can accept the shipment from a private individual and to send me a copy of their FFL for my records (even though I believe you can just get their number and plug it in E verify to confirm they are still valid). I like to have a copy of the FFL when I drop it off at UPS so they can see it matches the address on the package. You then fill out the contact info so the FFL knows who to call, then pay and print.

I have only been asked one thing when dropping it off - was is it loaded.......

 

[Spoonbill]

Thank you Moe

 

[ronsatspokane]

An unlicensed individual can no longer use Fedex to ship a firearm.

So your options for a long gun are now UPS and USPS Priority. For a handgun, you only option is next day UPS and that will cost you a bunch! Cheapest way to ship a handgun is to use an FFL that charges a "reasonable fee". Mine charges me the $35 and the actual cost of shipping. They can ship a handgun via USPS Priority, which is the cheapest way to ship one.

Another option is to use shipmygun.com Way cheaper than UPS and you can use their special exception to ship a handgun 2'nd day vs overnight.

Been hearing that but it is not the case in my expirence. I just sent a very expensive one via Fedex a month and a half ago.

 

[Sandstorm]

I just use my FFL...calculate transfer fee into the price of the gun.,.all good.
Plus I use them so often i only get charged half transfer fee.

 

[acloco]

Regardless of which method of transportation company you decide on, you MUST declare a serial numbered item is in the box.

USPS has specific tape that they require (will show obvious signs of tampering if messed with).

 

[Alexander-M]

I have shipped several rifles in the last few years and three within the last two years - all via USPS. All from Missouri, but from three different cities and Post Offices. I have accepted the buyer's personal checks IF they are members of this forum in good standing and have an established market place rating.

From https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

432.1 General
Mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, all of the provisions of postal law in 18 U.S.C. 1715, and all other all federal and state regulations and local ordinances affecting the movement of firearms. The following also applies:
a. The Postal Service may require the mailer to open parcels containing firearms or air guns or give written certification that the weapon is unloaded and not concealable (see note 1).
b. Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable.
c. No markings of any kind that indicate the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any mailpiece containing firearms.
d. Mailable matter must be properly and securely packaged within the general packaging requirements in DMM 601.1-7.
e. Except for shipments between licensed dealers, manufacturers, or importers, all regulated firearms must be mailed using a USPS product or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery (see note 2).

432.3 Rifles and Shotguns​

Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations under 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and not ineligible for mailing (see note 1). The following conditions also apply:

1. Subject to state, territory, or district regulations, rifles and shotguns may be mailed without restriction when intended for delivery within the same state of mailing. These items must:
   1. Bear a “Return Service Requested” endorsement.
   2. Be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.
2. A rifle or shotgun owned by a non-FFL may be mailed outside the owner‘s state of residence by the owner to himself or herself, in care of another person in the other state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. These mailpieces must:
   1. Be addressed to the owner.
   2. Include the “in the care of” endorsement immediately preceding the name of the applicable temporary custodian.
   3. Be opened by the rifle or shotgun owner only.
   4. Be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.
3. Mailing of rifles and shotguns between licensed FFL dealers, manufacturers, or importers are not restricted. The Postal Service recommends that these items be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.
4. Rifles and shotguns may be mailed by a non-FFL owner domestically to a FFL dealer, manufacturer, or importer in any state. These items must be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery. (see note 2)
5. Except as described in 432.3a, licensed curio and relic collectors may mail firearms meeting the definition of curios or relics under 27 CFR 478.11 domestically to licensed FFL curio and relic collectors in any state. These items must be mailed using a class of mail, product, or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.
6. Firearms meeting the definition of a rifle or shotgun under 431.4 which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum, which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest, may be accepted for mailing without restriction when mailed between governmental museums.
7. Air guns (see 431.6) that do not fall within the definition of firearms under 431.1a are mailable. A shipment containing an air gun with a muzzle velocity of 400 or more feet per second (fps) must include an adult signature service under DMM 503.8. Mailers must additionally comply with all applicable state and local regulations.

Notes
(1) I have always had a copy of the destination FFL holder's license with me when I am at the Post Office, just in case they ask. BUT I have never been asked what is in the box, and have never said what is in the box. Never have experienced any problems.
(2) I have always shipped Priority and buy insurance if the buyer pays for half of it.

Good luck,
Alex

 

[Spoonbill]

Thank you Alexander

 

[butchlambert]

I have shipped rifles by USPS exclusively for years. In state it can go to an individual, but out of state I will only ship to a FFL. It "does not" have to go priority. On the issue of funds-do what makes you warm and fuzzy.

 

[PhilC]

Whether you can ship to an individual in state will depend on state law, cannot in WA and may also apply in other states too. Here, all transfers must go through an FFL.