Sometimes, you just need to move a firearm from point A to point B. You want to do it legally but also want to do it easily, without a bunch of hassles.
You can do it, but fair warning, mailing a firearm comes with caveats and considerations.
After all, you must comply with federal, state, and local laws.
And even those can vary according to what you’re shipping and its destination. To make it a bit more challenging, carriers have their own policies as well.
It doesn’t have to be a nightmare, though…which is why you have us.
Today, we’re going to walk you through the ins and outs of mailing guns. From how to ship them to which carriers are the best, we’ll arm you with the knowledge you need to get guns from one location to another.
Before we dive in, let’s do a quick disclaimer: We are not legal professionals, and this article should not be substituted for actual legal advice. Because laws vary and change often, please consult a firearms attorney about the legalities of shipping firearms prior to doing so.
Updated with new guidelines 6.5.2023 at 10:01 a.m. CDT.
Table of Contents
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Federal Firearms License
What does a Federal Firearms License have to do with mailing a firearm?
Individuals who sell, manufacture, import, or repair firearms — also known as dealers — are required to hold an FFL.
The FFL establishes that the person holding the license operates a legitimate, lawful business registered and in compliance with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
An FFL not only allows the licensee to operate their firearms-related business but also to ship and receive firearms in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
(Want to get your own FFL, check out our article on how to do so here!)
Shipping Firearms Without an FFL
For those of us who do not hold an FFL but want to mail a firearm, the ATF terms us as nonlicensees.
As a nonlicensee under basic federal law, your ability to mail a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service without the involvement of an FFL is limited:
- You can ship a firearm to yourself in a state where you plan “to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity.” You must address it to yourself “in care of” the out-of-state resident. Once it arrives, no one but you can take possession of or open the package, so you must be at the destination to receive it.
- You can ship a rifle or shotgun to another nonlicensed person in any state. While the post office will allow nonlicensees to mail long guns to other nonlicensees in any state, it restricts its services for handguns and pistols to FFL holders. Nonlicensees who want to ship a handgun are limited to contract carriers, which require you ship the gun to or through an FFL holder.
- You can ship a handgun to a person in another state only if you ship through an FFL to an FFL holder in the destination state. That is, if you wish to transfer a pistol or revolver to a nonlicensee who resides in another state, you must head to a local FFF and have them ship the gun to another FFL in the recipient’s state. The FFL holder will release the firearm to the person once they’ve completed the ATF Form 4473 and NICS background check. Even if you are shipping it for repair, if your gunsmith is out-of-state, it’s gotta go through an FFL, and the gunsmith must either hold an FFL themselves or receive your gun through someone who does.
Shipping Firearms Responsibly
Federal law allows you to transfer firearms to another person living within your state of residence.
However, the law also stipulates that you cannot knowingly provide a gun to someone who is prohibited from “receiving or possessing” one.
Current federal law prohibits felons, abusers, violent offenders, and those that have been “adjudicated as a mental defective or been committed to any mental institution” from possessing ammunition and firearms. But some states go further into their definitions, so it’s important to check your local laws.
Several states require some type of background check, permit or license for firearms that in many cases must go through an FFL or state agency.
In some cases, no transfer can occur until the firearm recipient supplies proof that they can legally receive the gun.
As with most gun-related issues, states run the gamut.
In addition, states determine what types of firearms and ammo they’ll allow.
Georgia, Indiana, and Kentucky have no state limitations on firearms classified as assault weapons.
On the other hand, California, Maryland, and Massachusetts ban certain weapons by feature. Those same states often limit magazine capacities.
As well as complying with all state laws, you’ll need to heed local ones as well. For example, urban areas battling high crime rates often restrict the types of firearms permitted within their city limits.
Ultimately, what you need to do depends on the exact address of where the firearm is heading.
While sifting through the gritty details can be frustrating, getting it wrong can result in a seized weapon and some really stressful encounters with law enforcement.
Packing a Firearm for Shipping
Laws govern how you must pack a gun for shipping.
The idea is to pack them so that no one has any idea that a gun is inside and so it arrives safely and intact.
- Choose a large, strong box with plenty of room for packing material to cushion the firearm. UPS, for example, mandates new, corrugated packaging that meets its single-wall strength guidelines.
- Ensure that the exterior of the box gives no obvious indication of the firearm within. Federal law prohibits markings that indicate that the box contains a firearm. Plus, you don’t want to tempt any potential gun thieves.
- Do not include any ammunition. Ammunition has its own set of rules, and it must travel as a separate parcel.
- Pack the firearm securely. The box should feel solid, with no rattling or shifting. Shoddily packed rifles have been known to arrive at their destination with the barrel or bolt protruding, damaged buttstock, or worse…torn open and at the mercy of strangers and the elements. Bubble wrap, pool noodles, Styrofoam, sturdy packing paper, and wide tape are must-haves. You should insure the contents, but poor packaging can void your claim.
Shipping a Firearm
A number of carriers ship firearms, and each has its own requirements. Always check your chosen carrier’s website for the latest policies or changes.
Here are the current policies for the big three — USPS, UPS, and FedEx. A quick look will confirm that each has its own plan of action.
USPS
Nonlicensed individuals cannot ship handguns or other “firearms capable of being concealed on the person.” Even if you’re shipping the handgun to an FFL holder, you will have to ship it through your local FFL by contract carrier. The USPS will ship handguns only for official government, military, and law enforcement agencies.
That said, long guns can be shipped by nonlicenseees to a resident in the same state, per the ATF. If it’s going out of state, though, it has to go through an FFL. You can also mail long guns to yourself outside your state of residence for hunting purposes.
According to the USPS guidelines for nonlicensees, “all regulated firearms must be mailed using a USPS product or Extra Service that provides tracking and signature capture at delivery.”
UPS
While UPS is often cited as a viable contract carrier for firearms, it isn’t really an option for a nonlicensed person to ship a firearm to another nonlicensed person…even if you are shipping in-state.
UPS specifies that it accepts packages for transportation only between FFL holders. That means you have to find a local FFL to ship the gun to another FFL.
As of summer 2022, UPS will no longer accept any firearms, frames, receivers, or partially complete or disassembled receivers unless they are serialized in accordance with the new federal guidelines.
This directly affects customers who are looking to purchase or ship 80% frames and receivers. You can read our full article on the UPS policy change here.
FedEx
FedEx ships firearms only for those holding a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and/or federal, state, or local government agencies.
In January 2022, the shipping company updated its policies to disallow non-licensees from shipping firearms.
DHL
If you were wondering, DHL ships firearms “only from and to licensed dealers.”
It won’t even ship paintball or pellet guns or gun parts for a nonlicensee, and it won’t include firearms in a move of household goods.
Universal Guidelines
Regardless of which carrier ships your firearm, all require that you:
- Alert the carrier that your package contains a firearm.
- Present appropriate personal identification and paperwork. This includes documentation proving your age as well as your recipient’s suitability or license to receive the firearm.
- Ship ammunition separately from the firearm. Ammunition is considered an explosive.
- Ensure that the firearm is not loaded. The carrier may request that you open the package to ensure that the weapon is unloaded and that it falls within the shipper’s guidelines.
- Present your package in person. You cannot use drop boxes or third-party shipping centers, for example.
- Include appropriate paperwork if you’re shipping the firearm to an FFL holder. They will need documentation for their records, which can vary by state and locale.
By the Way…
If you’re thinking of shipping a gun disassembled or piecemeal in separate packages to be reunited at the destination, you might want to reconsider.
ATF specifically states that “rendering a firearm unserviceable does not remove it from the definition of an NFA firearm.”
In addition, frames, receivers, suppressors, and destructive devices are all considered firearms.
As for international shipping, according to the ATF, that exists in the realm of FFL holders:
- “A licensee [without an importer’s license] may make an occasional importation of a firearm for a nonlicensee or for the licensee’s personal use (not for resale).”
- In most cases, exporting a firearm requires a license issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
- Exporting sporting shotguns also requires licensing through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
- Exporting NFA firearms requires the approval of an ATF Form 9, Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms.
Final Thoughts
We’ve covered a number of ways you can legally ship firearms but keep in mind there is a patchwork map of laws to contend with so just take the easy route and ship via FFL.
They may charge a fee for their services, but you’re paying for more than simple transportation.
You’re paying them to keep the entire transaction legal so that you can continue to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership.
Have you ever shipped a gun? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. If you’re looking at flying…check out our guide to Flying with Firearms.
111 Leave a Reply
Years ago my brother traveled to Wyoming from Massachusetts to hunt deer and antelope with me
He left his rifle with me and I shipped it back to him via USPS
Rifle was in a locked hard case no problem except USPS LEFT IT ON HIS DOORSTEP !!!!
But this was almost 40 yrs ago
What about Byrna, non-lethal rifles?
Scott, What’s the best way to ship a lever-action 22 rifle to my grandson from Utah to New Jersey. Weapon has never been fired and is in original box.
Thanks
On gunbroker it says a private party can ship a gun to an FFL. Is that no longer accurate? But my real question is I bought a gun off GunBroker from a private party they sent it to my FFL using UPS, from what I gather they didn't do paperwork from UPS to let them know it was a gun and Not only was there ammunition in the box but then it was loaded, but there wasn't One in the chamber. Is sending a loaded gun a separate crime, stupidity or both?
Thanks for the info, Scott Dylan. Very informative well written section on how to legally mail guns.
The article’s claim that “ You can ship a firearm to a person in another state only if you ship through an FFL to an FFL holder in the destination state. That is, if you wish to transfer a firearm to a nonlicensee who resides in another state, you must head to a local FFF and have them ship the gun to another FFL in the recipient’s state. The FFL holder will release the firearm to the person once they’ve completed the ATF Form 4473 and NICS background check. Even if you are shipping a gun for repair, if your gunsmith is out-of-state, it’s gotta go through an FFL, and the gunsmith must either hold an FFL themselves or receive your gun through someone who does.”. IS NOT ACCURATE. Per the USPS website, per Section 432.3 “Rifles and Shotguns”, Subpart d., “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.” I would post a link but this site will not allow it.
Providing information that is materially false put the entire presentation in jeopardy of not be valid and trusted.
**Please update for the errors identified in the comments**
Hey Jeff, USPS allowing long guns to be shipped is addressed right above that section you quoted: "While the post office will allow nonlicensees to mail long guns to other nonlicensees in the same state, it restricts its services for handguns and pistols to FFL holders." Thanks for reading!
Ruger sent me a label to ship my gun back via FedEx. Since it's there generated label, THEY, the FFL holder, are really the ones shipping it, correct? And if that is a problem, why is Ruger giving me a FedEx label, and tell me to ship it via FedEx?? Thanks.
No you as a nonlicensee can ship a rifle or shotgun to an FFL in different state directly. You do not have to go through a local FFL. The article incorrectly states that you need to have a local FFL do the shipping.
Hey Anthony, there was a mistype in the article. If it's a long gun, it can go through the mail without an FFL. Sorry about the confusion! Article has since been updated!
Hey Chris, thanks for the comment. You're right. I misread what we had and have since updated the article to clarify that long guns can be sent through the mail but handguns must go through an FFL. Sorry about the misunderstanding and thanks for the patience!
It's not allowed to ship a pistol to another state. This can only be done by an FFL... The article should be updated.
Hello Scott...
I was just about to do something when I ran across your article. I was about to respond to an offer for a folding, 5-shot .22 Mag Derringer for $40 plus plus $9 postage SENT DIRECTLY TO MY HOME ADDRESS. From what I can determine from the ad the outfit may be in Ireland. HOW IS THIS LEGAL???
THANKS! JEFF A.
One area the article didn't address, is How To Ship a Factory Recalled Firearm.
I don't know what the Rules and Regulations say, buy I will recount the experience.
For his 18th Birthday, I purchased my son a Winchester XPR Bolt Action Rifle. Even though I paid for it, he was the recipient, thus the Background Check and Form 4473 were in his name. Shortly after purchasing the rifle, Winchester released a Safety Recall due to a Bolt issue. The gun, loaded and with the Safety engaged, could fir under certain conditions. After contacting Winchester per the Recall Notice, we received RGA paperwork and a UPS label to return the rifle. Heck of a time finding a box the right dimensions, but finally had it ready to send back. The problem is, No Firearms can be shipped via a UPS Store per company policy. They can only be shipped from the nearest Distribution Hub. Luckily, the Hub was only 10 miles away, had it been further, that would be a hurdle. He was working the same days and hours as the Hub was open. While it was acceptable for me to ship the rifle for him. He had to take part of the day off to reclaim the repaired rifle when it was received at the Hub about 5 weeks later. He had to present two documents to verify his ID, his Driver's Licenss and Birth Certificate were accepted.
This was 13 years ago, so I don't know if there's been any changes in UPS's Policies since that time. At the time though, I was surprised that Winchester didn't insist on shipping the weapon back to an FFL Holder.
I just purchased a gun from another state. The shipper posted a picture of the package. It was shipped in an ENVELOPE, no box but inside the gun case. Now, tell me who is paying attention.
Why in the Hell do I have to do a background check to get MY DAMN GUN back for warranty or custom work!..Just proof all guns are registered ..
they should not have done that if you were the one to drop it off and pick it back up. This is straight from the ATF: Does a licensed gunsmith have to conduct a NICS background check before returning repaired or customized firearms?
"No, if the firearm is being returned to the person from whom it was received. However, if the firearm is delivered to someone other than the person from whom it was received, a NICS background check is required."
[18 U.S.C. 922(t); 478.124(a)]
Search for the following document: ATF P 5300.21
That's the official ATF website and the official ATF document on shipping firearms.
Look at page 2. Second column. First bullet point:
"An unlicensed individual may transfer firearms directly to FFLs operating in any State."
This seems to invalidate the author's statement that "You can ship a firearm to a person in another state only if you ship through an FFL to an FFL holder in the destination state."
I think the official ATF document is the right information.
OffTheGrid is correct. The article is mistaken.
The government has EVERYONE scared when it comes to handling firearms. The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Making it difficult doesn't count I guess.
Hi everybody
As I sold my property in Florida I want to get my gun to Germany
I am sender and receiver and have all the papers for importing my gun
I do not want to fly 12 hours just for picking the gun and fly back
Who has got an idea?
Looks like UPS no longer accepts any “Firearm Products” (guns or parts) from non-licensed persons, period.
“Shipments containing Firearm Products are accepted for transportation only from shippers who are federally licensed and have an approved UPS agreement for the transportation of Firearm Products.”
I have a 44 super Blackhawk that I left at my dad’s house in California when I moved to North Carolina because I was worried about driving it across country, can I legally mail it to myself?
Handguns may only be shipped by an FFL holder to an FFL holder (dealer, shop, etc). If you don’t already have one that you use in NC, call a few near you and explain the situation. They may be able to set up the whole deal, or you may also need to do the same on the CA end of things. Ask how much it will all cost, and shop around if it seems expensive (it will), or shady. If you (or your dad) belong to a range at either end you might ask other members if they have an FFL shop they trust.
I live in California but also have a home in Colorado. I have about eight guns (only one is an A.R. the rest are bolt action rifles and shotguns). I am selling my Colorado house, and need to ship all these firearms to my home in California. What do I need to know?
Why would you want to move your guns (Especially an AR) to California... That really doesn't sound like a good idea.
If you found out the answer, please let me know.
We will be moving from St Louis to the Palm Springs area and I have three collector hand guns that I want to ship there.
Every winter I ship my handguns from a FFL in Alaska to a FFL in Ohio and pick them up when we arrive in state. This time the new FFL in OH is requiring proof of Ohio residency. Is this correct?
I’m not purchasing new handguns from them, simply picking up MY guns.
Yea they just raided my house 2 days ago took my lowers printers and laptops
I vacation in Idaho and Washington State from FL. I don't see any way for a non-licensee to ship it to himself, as you mentioned. It looks less expensive to buy a firearm where you're ending up, and put in a safe deposit box till you return.
UPS franchise facilities inSan Antonio won’t ship any part of a gun or accessory used on guns. I’ve had them refuse to ship stocks, scopes, scope rings, bolts, & triggers even if new and under warranty. These are not parts that are ATF regulated and don’t require serial numbers or FFL shipping. I would also recommend avoiding airline travel via New York City on overseas travel. They’ll confiscate your rifle/s if you have to bring them into town for an overnight stay before your next trip.
I have a single-shot Remington rifle that was my dad’s. My adult nephew, who is in South Carolina, would like to have it. It’s a sentimental thing. We don’t even have ammo for it. We took it apart. I am in California. How do I mail it? Thank you.
Looks like you need to update this article.
We're in the process of updating a lot of articles on site and this is definitely one of those on the list. Thanks for reading!
Thanx for the information. Still have to worry about a fed oig danaging my firearm or clip even if it is insured.
from the FedEx website: Nonlicensees are prohibited from shipping firearms with FedEx.
This article is BS. Countys in Florida are not allowed to make their own firearm rules, except zoning. State legislature occupies the whole field of firearm regulation in Florida.
Not sure your state-specific data merits calling this article BS. The author tells anyone to know their own state laws and regulations. There's otherwise verifiable, useful data in the article.
I shipped a firearm to the manufacturer for a recall. The manufacturer supplied all necessary documentation and packaging instructions. Everything was prepaid with instructions for proper packaging.
This week, I was shipped a firearm accessory (Scope)to the manufacturer for warranty repairs. I went to the UPS store and was denied shipping. They stated that the item was part of a firearm. I laugh and decided to take my business to FedEx instead without any issues.
New Mexico has closed the infamous and deadly gun show loophole, making the state safer for criminals. Intra-state private sales must go through an FFL. You'd better get some kind of receipt from the FFL to prove you complied.
IF THE GUN WAS PURCHASED BEFORE THE LAW WAS PASSED...TELL THEM TO PISS UP 10 FOOT OF ROPE.. ANSWER NO QUESTIONS...DATE BILL OF SALE BEFORE PASSAGE OF THE LAW..
Will you be my lawyer? And STOP SHOUTING.
NOPE...
So my brother lives in MD. He was visiting family in Utah over the summer and ended up buying a rifle from a private seller. He didn't take it back when he left and is now asking me to mail it to him. How do I proceed?
A) scold him for not taking it home 2) FFL to FFL is a slightly pricey but clearly legal choice.
I have a question, I have 4 long rifles in Colorado that are in my name, I passed the background checks and bought them from gun stores. I left them with a friend for safety and storage reason when I moved out of state. I now live in Michigan. Can my friend legally mail them to me from Colorado to Michigan? If so, how does he do it? Thanks
My sister passed away in AZ. She has a shotgun that belonged to our Father. I live in SC but will be in AZ late January. Where should I take the shotgun if I want to ship it to my son in Illinois. Do I need to show any proof of ownership on my end when I ship it?
My advice would be to contact a local FFL in Arizona and ask them how to go about the process.
Ship it from a FFL in Arizona to a FFL in Illinois where your son could pick it up. Beware that your son will need an Illinois FOID card prior to picking up the shotgun. You'll have to know what FFL in Illinois you will be using because the FFL in Arizona will need a copy of his FFL license.
Given all the changes in carrier policy that appears evident from the article and comments, it appears most successful and least worrisome would be to have a local FLL mail them to your Michigan FFL. A bit pricey, but contract carriers appear to be afraid of their shadows nowadays and are refusing shipment unless by an FFL.
Why did you add that misleading chart that implies background checks are not required at gunshows? Normal rules apply at gunshows.
I'm assuming it represents personal firearms sales which do not require background checks at gun shows.
I'm a retired Police Officer and I need to ship several guns to my brother-in-law in another state. I'm moving out of the country. Any suggestions where to start?
You can ship them to an FFL where he can pick them up. He will have to have a background check and probably be charged a fee for the transfer.
For each firearm there will be a fee and background check
I need to ship my collection to Italy. I can't find a shipper. Can anyone help?
Try contacting Gunbroker.com
I have the same question but to Germany. I don't have a FFL. Local gun shops with FFLs want me to buy a gun there, not ship mine.
German firearms laws are pretty hatd-assed. Importing is a difficult process even for personal use. And that’s for firearms in your luggage.
hypothetically ... if i was having a handgun shipped between states from FFL to FFL, but the receiving FFL lost his license during transit and the USPS was holding the package, how would I legally get it to a licensed dealer? I doubt they'd go to go to the post office to get it for me. Am I screwed?
Wouldn't they just return the package to original sender?
The gun would have to go back to the original sender and resent to a new FFL holder.
How can I ship a hand gun from myself in Alaska to myself in Arizona? I am not a ffl holder.
Go to an FFL here in Alaska. I use Juan at EDC Alaska in Anchorage. Then find an FFL in Arizona who will accept the shipment. That's it.
Interesting info, likely gathered via internet search, buy may be not personal experience?? As an FFL, can ship to other FFL via USPS. Like all government entities, they have a form for this, it is number 1508 and requires a variety of affirmations, essentially on FFL at both ends of the transaction.
Thanks for a very informative article Scott. How about something similar dealing with shipping a hunting rifle abroad. Perhaps a series dealing hunting/safari destinations e.g. Canada, South Africa Australia etc
I need to have 4 pistols shipped to me in PA from GA, can this be done through UPS if it is sent overnight? I do not have a FFL nor do I have access to someone who has one.
No you can not you must go to a gun shop, pawnshop,etc. It’s really easy this way keeps everything legal for around 20-30 bucks. I just shipped a handgun and had to go this route hope this helps. This was just my experience.
Must not have read the article, at all...did you?
I want to ship my rifles from Arizona to Texas to myself I am flying so can't take them how do I do this
You can take your rifles on an airplane. It's done all the time.
How does that work?
Call your airline they all have different rules. Must have lock box and such.
I am also flying but shipping my shotgun by way of USPS . I am going to ship it to myself . So I am learning what I need to do so it’s that legal. Don’t want to lose my shotgun to the ATF for doing it wrong.
"You can ship a firearm to yourself in a state where you plan “to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity.” You must address it to yourself “in care of” the out-of-state resident. Once it arrives, no one but you can take possession of or open the package, so you must be at the destination to receive it."
Which carrier supports this?
USPS
What's the average UPS shipping fee to ship a handgun through my FFL in Oregon to an FFL in South Dakota? about 1,500 miles. total weight is 6.0lbs including shipping box. I already know what the FFL transfer fee is, just trying to get a ballpark on the actual shipping fee.
You do not need to be there to take possession. It can be signed for and delivered to the individual that was specified "in care of". Law states only the owner may open the package. Does not need to be the one to receive package
Trying to ship a single action barrel WWII rifle to my brother in law. It was his fathers gun in the war. How can I do this?
Trying to ship an old colt long barrel to nh ..its in a display case..these laws are confusing.. I am not licenced nor is the recipient..dont have to be
I have an old Colt cap and ball 32 caliber police gun I would like to send to a relative of that generations old 1860's Paterson NJ. policeman now residing in Florida
The authors citation deals with NFA firearms. (National Firearms Act). Thus does not apply to
non nfa firearms.
so disassembling a gun and mailing in separate packages isn't allowed? hypothetically speaking, how would anyone know? are usps, fedex and ups boxes x-rayed?
You can ship a disassembled gun in as many packages as you like, the box that contains the frame or receiver of the firearm is the box that is restricted. Every other part in the gun is just considered a part. Basically, disassembling it and shipping it in a bunch of packages would do nothing other than raise your shipping costs, because the frame/receiver of the gun IS the gun.
Can my son who lives in CA can send me a rifle to me in Pa
UPS and FedEx in Portland, OR both stated to me today, in person, all firearms must be sent via next day air. I showed them their company policy, but they did not care.
On UPS website, it says only handguns require verbal notification of what's being shipped.
I have a prepaid label now, going to see if they will accept my shipment that's not a handgun again.
I’m moving from Ga to Alaska. I have a pistol and shotgun. My son is in the Army there and I want to mail it so he can pick it up. Any suggestions on who to go through
What shipping companies accept firearms to be shipped overseas? Fedex, DHL & UPS won’t do it.
Thanks
Just my $.02: I'm not an FFL but ship guns around the country all the time to myself, family, people I sell to, etc. I'm well aware it's not legal and I strongly recommend that no one follow my lead but as long as you pack things carefully - super tight with NO rattling or movement - I'm not sure how anyone can tell what's in the box.
There’s these newfangled machines these days called y-ray or maybe it’s s-ray or something like that, apparently can see thru stuff...
Only used if contents have to leave the ground. Ways around that too.
can some one else drop off my boxed rifles at post office
How can I mail a gun to Brazil?
Are there any restrictions for mailing a stock or rifle chassis?
Nope, anything that isn't the receiver itself is fine to mail normally.
You might need to update your info. FedEx will NOT ship a private party (IE from myself, to myself, c/o my brother) weapon. They only ship private party to FFL, or FFL to private party, or FFL to FFL - so I'm told.
I showed the FedEx manager the ATF website where it shows that I am legal to do this, but I was told that doesn't matter because they won't do it.
People who don't know the law and are unwilling to learn it are beyond my comprehension, and beyond help.
Im thinking about starting a custom holster business, i want the customer to mail me their gun so i can fit it to the holster and then mail the gun back to the customer when I'm done. The customer still has ownership of the gun (not being transferred as a sale), would i still have to go through an ffl or should i be fine since there is no sale? Thank you
To do this legally you will have to become a FFL. Unless you only accept shipments from in state.
My father passed away and i am in possession of one of his family shotguns from the 1920s. It was my dads intent for the gun go to my nephew. I live in Texas. My nephew is in California. I'm trying to figure out if since the gun is a relic and lawfully would belong to my nephew anyway, how to get him the firearm properly. Any ideas? Can USPS handle or do i have to go to a licensed dealer? The gun isn't a gift from me. The deceased passed 12 years ago and we were waiting for my nephew to get older before giving him the gun my dad intended. I spoke to my nephew and his father. They want the gun. We fly him out often. He's a responsible straight A student and already owns a glock and target shoots often with his cousins, so I have no worries about placing the gun in his custody.
You'll need to mail it to an FFL in CA, I would take the shotgun down to an FFL near you and have them send it to CA - any FFL should be able to do it and will normally charge a fee, how much of a fee depends on the FFL.
I have carried (in checked baggage, of course) firearms on airlines numerous times without incident. Their baggage handlers and security folks are very careful and regimented with the handling of both handguns and long guns. My only suggestion would be that you use a secure means of transporting the firearm, which would be a locked case of some sort. You cannot include it with checked baggage such as your clothing or suitcase. I believe this is a requirement anyway. You can get gasketed foam filled shipping cases relatively cheap these days, and it's something you'll reuse, too.
Make sure to add Ship My Gun to the list. That is one of the easiest gun shipping services to use.
I just researched all of this. I am a resident of Missouri with a CCW and am traveling to Arizona for the winter. I contacted a FFL dealer in Arizona to accept my firearm when delivered and was told that unless I had a valid Arizona DL I was not able to do that. I had to be a "resident" of Arizona, prove it and go all through their legal requirements to get my firearm back. Glad I checked, now I will just take it on the plane with me.
How did you know it's really safe. I don't know the guy I am giving my address to for payment.
What are the laws about shipping a gun you own from your home to your new home in another state.
"frames and receivers ... are all considered firearms." No, they are not. The only part of a firearm that is regulated by the ATF is the receiver; in the case of an AR15, the lower receiver. Everything else are just parts. This is why you find the serial number on the receiver and is not required anyplace else on the firearm.
A handgun "frame" is an FFL item, a rifle's "receiver" is an FFL item. The article is a tad unclear about that, we'll edit it!
My sister lives in CT. She has a handgun that she purchased inFL when she lived there. Now she wants to “gift” me the handgun. I live in NC and have a CCP. How should she go about sending me the gun?
I thought it was interesting to see how the new gun laws affect the transportation of firearms through the mail. Having someone with an FFL ship your gun seems like a safe, responsible way to get a gun from point a to point b. I'm learning all I can about guns before I purchase one, and this was helpful, thank you.
Would the same rules apply when shipping a handgun for warranty repairs to the manufacturer
'Private sales' at "gun shows' do not necessarily require a background check. "Universal background checks" will only work IF and only IF the government knows who owns each and every fire arm. Without 'gun registry' it doesn't work, and that is why the 'statists' want them; back door registration. FFL to FFL is the only way I'd ship a firearm; You can transport it with you when you travel. Just be careful where you end up. NY and NJ are 'no, no' in ANY case. same with CA.