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Shipping a rifle to a gunsmith

HappyShooting

Are there any restrictions on shipping a rifle to an in state or out of state gunsmith to have work done on the rifle and have it sent back? Since there is no "sale" does a FFL have to ship the rifle for you?
 
Does depend on the gunsmith's own policy. I've had at least one FFL require that I ship a rifle from another FFL.
Assuming you're shipping to the gunsmith, you do want a copy of their FFL before shipping.
 
USPS is more of a pain in the a$$. They usually have too many questions.
As long as you know or trust who you are sending it to.
No restrictions, it's considered a "repair" or "warranty"
Make sure you insure it.......
 
Per the Fed. You can ship a firearm for repair without FFL getting involved. The P.O. if you choose that route has a form you need to fill out. No biggie but it's there.
 
It's been a while. But the PO guy asked if it was a fire arm. I said yes. He said fill out this form. I stated it was for repair. He said still have to do the form. That's all. If I had just shipped the barrel and it wasn't obvious that this item might be a fire arm he prolly wouldn't have asked. But he did. Only took a sec to fill the form out. Go to the PO and ask.
 
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TheOtherZilla said:
It's been a while. But the PO guy asked if it was a fire arm. I said yes. He said fill out this form. I stated it was for repair. He said still have to do the form. That's all. If I had just shipped the barrel and it wasn't obvious that this item might be a fire arm he prolly wouldn't have asked. But he did. Only took a sec to fill the form out
Click to expand...

Well, I am on good relations with our local post master. I just called Kevin's cell and he called BS on any form.
 
This is on Gun Broker:

US Mail - unlicensed persons:
  • Unlicensed persons can ship a rifle or shotgun by US Mail.
  • Unlicensed persons cannot ship a handgun by US Mail. Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (for example, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles) are defined as handguns.
  • Postal regulations allow the Post Office to open your package for inspection.
  • Ammunition cannot be shipped by US Mail.
You can search the US Post Office Postal Explorer site for specific USPS regulations regarding firearms and ammunition (Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Matter).

US Mail - licensed persons:
  • Licensed persons can ship rifles, shotguns, or handguns by US Mail. In fact, we suggest you use the USPS, as it is now the most cost-effective way to ship a handgun.
  • To ship a rifle or shotgun, you need only inform the Post Office the package contains a firearm.
  • A licensed manufacturer, dealer, or importer can ship a handgun via the US Post Office if the licensed dealer fills out a US Post Office Form PS 1508 and files it with the local Post Office branch where the handgun is to be shipped.
 
one of the most commonly overlooked federal regulation is that "federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm or ammunition" some say it needs to be written declaration. the fact that people get away without notifying the shipper doesn't change the regulation.

Is an ATF Form 4473 required when a gunsmith returns a repaired firearm?​

No, provided the firearm is returned to the person from whom it was received.
[27 CFR 478.124(a) and 478.147]

this is all Federal law. I'm in comiforina. we have additional laws with ca doj regarding shipping, so I suggest you also look at the State laws for each state.
 
KRP said:
You really just need the first three and last five digits of their license number to run through the EZ check. Then ship to the address on record for the license. For whatever reason a lot of FFL holders won't give a copy of their license out.
Click to expand...
True this!
 
I did have a local postmaster claim that all firearms have to be shipped from an FFL.
I asked him to show me the regs. He went away for a few minutes; came back and asked me how I wanted to ship it.
Point only is not all postmasters know all their regs.

Looks like the same thing happened with TheOtherZilla. I would love to know what form that postmaster asked him to fill out.
 
jelenko said:
I did have a local postmaster claim that all firearms have to be shipped from an FFL.
I asked him to show me the regs. He went away for a few minutes; came back and asked me how I wanted to ship it.
Point only is not all postmasters know all their regs.

Looks like the same thing happened with TheOtherZilla. I would love to know what form that postmaster asked him to fill out.
Click to expand...
It was like 10+ years ago. I am thinkin it was a statement that there was no ammo involved.. But I am 73 years old and have slept since then. But it did happen. The same clerk is still there. I may go ask next time I pick up the mail.
 
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