Whats the best way to ship a rifle ?

[Lesloan]

I've been told to ship next day if using UPS this assures it gets preferred treatment, and every move documented.

Well, I don't know if this is the best way to ship, but it's certainly the most expensive. For long guns, USPS is the most economical and, IME, is as good as any of the ground shipment alternatives. Just be sure to pack it well (I find a sturdy cardboard box with a good cushion of bubble wrap) works well. You can't ship handguns via USPS, BTW--these must go UPS or FedEx overnight air. Very expensive. You're probably better off to get an FFL holder to ship handguns for you. They can ship USPS, we peons can't. BTW--don't tell the shipper the box contains machine parts or anything like that. You gotta tell them it's a firearm. With USPS, failing to do so violates federal law. I don't know what UPS or FedEx can do to you. So far as I know, this is, for them, a matter of company policy.

 

[butchlambert]

If it is legal why would you lie?

 

[jps120]

I have shipped and received many rifles. I only use the Post Office. Long guns and shotguns are allowed to be shipped. You can ship in state to an individual and out of state to the MFG. or FFL. I just received a $25,000. custom wood stock rifle. It was wrapped in bubble wrap, put in a padded soft case, then put in a hardcase, and a HD cardboard box. The card board box was packed all around tightly.
Your shipper is who you like.
I needed to ship a New Hermes Engraver with a stand to Montana. The UPS store said they would pack it for $125+shipping. I think the total with shipping was a little over $200. Of course it was damaged when it arrived. I filed a claim and they refused to pay because they said it wasn't packed properly. I absolutely blew a gasket. It took a month and a half and my attorney to get my money and attorney fees.
The post office has to ship long guns. I did have to visit with one post master and go over the shipping rules with him.

I want to see pictures of a $25,000 rifle

 

[butchlambert]

Here you go:

A 1917 Enfield in 416 Rigby. A color photo of it is the back cover of the latest American Custom Gunmaker Guild magazine as well as an article in the magazine.

 

[Lesloan]

Here you go:

A 1917 Enfield in 416 Rigby. A color photo of it is the back cover of the latest American Custom Gunmaker Guild magazine as well as an article in the magazine.

Oh, that is lovely! Got a pic of the bolt side?

 

[butchlambert]

Lloyd,
I have a couple poor pics that I can email, but not post. PM an email if interested.

 

[Lesloan]

Lloyd,
I have a couple poor pics that I can email, but not post. PM an email if interested.

It's not really necessary, Butch. I'm sure it's just as nice on the other side. What I really wanted to know was just whether or not the bolt had been reshaped, and you can answer that verbally. But thanks anyway. I can see why the rifle costs so much!

 

[butchlambert]

Lloyd,
Cut the dogleg bolt handle off and tig welded a another on.

 

[muddy72]

I looked at the pics the first time they were posted and I'll always enjoy them anytime I see that rifle! A true piece of work/art by a few craftsmen if I remember correctly! Very lucky man!

Ohh ya on shipping a rifle. I live between 2 small towns, pop 1500 or less and prefer the USPS in these small towns. The 1 lady in particular will never ask any questions. Remember to pack well, more is usually better and try not to make it look like what it is!

One of my superstitions with the USPS and shipping anything other than small parts, that being actions, barrels, stocks or a whole gun is to ship on Monday. This way it is almost always moving and not laying around to be forgotten, misplaced or somebody's curiosity!

 

[butchlambert]

Thanks,
I need to post a photo of the packing that was used to ship to the engraver.

It was shipped to me complete as mentioned above.

 

[Lesloan]

Lloyd,
Cut the dogleg bolt handle off and tig welded a another on.

Just as I woulda guessed, Butch. Some folks like the looks of the dogleg, some don't. I slightly prefer without, but like it both ways.

(Later) Butch -- While I was typing the above, you were posting the pic showing the packing on the ship-to-the-engraver. looks perfect to me! And I got to see a pic of the bolt after all!

 

[Lesloan]

Ray,
The purchaser was the winner. He kept the machine, I sent him his check back, and he bought a $100 worth of parts to fix it. The machine, fonts, and extra was $1500. So he got $1500 worth for $100.
The gasket fixed itself.

So he kept the machine and got his money back? What a deal! I'm not as not as nice as you, I'm afraid. He wouldn't have gotten his money back till I got the machine back.

 

[butchlambert]

Lloyd,
The insurance company paid me. I couldn't very well keep his money with him getting a broke machine. I got all my money.

 

[Lesloan]

Butch: I guess I misunderstood (not terribly unusual as I get older. :) I thought you said he kept the machine and you gave him his money back, too.

 

[butchlambert]

I don't think you misunderstood. I tore up his check, but I got the insurance check to replace it. I got my money and he got a broken machine at no cost.

 

[Lesloan]

Got it. Fair deal for everybody.

 

[Patos]

I have used Sportsmans Insurance Agency (siai.net) for insurance on shotguns. You can get a year long policy for about the price of insurance one way from UPS/USPS. Premium is ~1.25% of declared value. Coverage is for lost, stolen, in shipment or otherwise, etc. Fortunately, I have never had to file a claim.