I want to get a gun "factory lettered". I found the link to the form but how do I ship the gun? I read on the ATF site that guns can only be shipped to and from licensed dealers.

No need to forward the arm itself. Just fill out the form with correct information specific to your example, include payment, and wait 4-8 weeks for return of the letter that will disclose your arm's shipment history.

C/

Additionally, If the form at the web site allows pics of the gun it wouldn't hurt to add them to the request.

How can anyone authenticate a gun without seeing it?

Lettering a gun isn't authenticating it. The letter indicates that such-and-such gun with serial number XYZ was shipped from the factory on a particular date.

Think of the letter as historical research.

Mike

The historian is not authenticating YOUR gun. He is just stating
the date ,that firearm,with that serial number,left the factory
and brief description of its finish and barrel length. Pete

__________________
NRA LIFE 1974

If you want your S&W authenticated, because you have some doubts about it, this Forum is the place to start. Take good, clear, close up in focus photos, probably about a dozen or more, showing all of the gun from every angle, with the action open and closed. Post the full serial number and photos of ALL stampings and markings. Remove the grips and photo both sides, front and back, plus all markings on the grip frame. No other place on earth will you find the knowledge about S&W that is on this Forum, and the best part, it's free. Good luck. Ed.