Shipping a hand gun from a non FFL

[target tech]

I have a Smith revolver for sale on the forum. I was just doing some online research to try to figure out the best way for me to ship it if it sells. This is the first gun I've ever sold online.

From what I read, and interpreted, on the USPS, UPS and Fed Ex web sights, A non FFL holding civilian can't ship a handgun. Am I correct in my estimation, or am I missing something? Do I have to find a local shop that will ship it for me?

I was going to stop down at my local pack and ship and ask, only because I know the owner is a gun guy, but they are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

You are correct. The latter two used to allow it but have changed their rules. I always found it easier and less expensive to ship via an FFL, most of whom used USPS priority mail. And I always paid for the added insurance and signature service to insure that the package was delivered to a person and not just left in a box.

John

 

[target tech]

You are correct. The latter two used to allow it but have changed their rules. I always found it easier and less expensive to ship via an FFL, most of whom used USPS priority mail. And I always paid for the added insurance and signature service to insure that the package was delivered to a person and not just left in a box.

John

Thanks. so I'm not nuts. I'm going to have to pull the add down till I figure out if my local shop will even do it for me.

 

[ggibson511960]

It is a treacherous landscape of laws, rules and tribal knowledge. I shipped my first ever handgun sale recently to a friend's FFL in another state. I first checked with my local UPS outlet. They refused but said the regional UPS center nearby could accept a handgun for shipment. The regional center is fortified like Fort Knox with no admittance to the general public except by appointment in narrow business hours. I gave up and took the piece to my local FFL, trusting them to be familiar with the rules and laws. They were happy to accept my task. The only hassle was opening my careful and secure packing to witness the serial number. They were accepting the handgun as a FFL and had to log it into their books. They carefully re-packed and weighed the package. The total fee was not cheap as UPS insists that firearms go by next day air so their own employees' theft access is minimized. This turned out to be a joke as I watched the package trace lounge on loading docks for days. So much for the expensive next day air fees.

Many years ago an FFL friend of mine advised to ship a handgun gift to a friend with a FedEx box with no representation to FedEx what was inside. He was right. This is how our government restrains free trade and suppresses an activity they don't like. Shipping companies have little choice but to knuckle under.

 

[DWalt]

There is an outfit called ShipMyGun that handles gun shipments. You might google it. Beyond that, I know nothing whatsoever about it. Others here may be able to offer opinions. I would like to see some myself.

 

[target tech]

There is an outfit called ShipMyGun that handles gun shipments. You might google it. Beyond that, I know nothing whatsoever about it. Others here may be able to offer opinions. I would like to see some myself.

Interesting, thanks

 

[target tech]

I checked out Ship My Gun. It is a service run through Bud's Gun Shop. Sounds like, go to the web site, fill out the pertinent info and they send you a UPS shipping label. The package can only be dropped off at a UPS customer center, but it sounds pretty simple and strait forward. The only not so simple part is if the receiving FFL isn't on their list, you have to email them a copy or something.

 

[Onomea]

Target tech, my guess is Bud's will email you a copy of their FFL for you to send to the receiving FFL. I have found when shipping a gun, selling or buying, sending or receiving, some FFLs just provide you with a copy of their license while others want to send it to the counterpart FFL themselves.

I found out the hard way that FEDEX had stooped shipping guns last year when I sold a handgun, FEDEX would not ship, the first FFL I asked would not ship, and the second FFL charged me $103 for shipping via UPS...

I was new to the area and did not have a good, local FFL yet. Remarkably, my buyer added $50 in sympathy. Very classy guy.

If you wind up using Ship My Gun, please tell us costs, and how it works out for you and your eventual buyer.

 

[DWalt]

Here in San Antonio was/is a guy whose sole business was shipping and receiving guns for locals. His place is in a business park close to where I live, not a storefront, but I have not used his services for seven years or so, and he may no longer be in business for all I know. Point I am making is that many cities may have people like that, so you might ask around locally.

 

[LVSteve]

It is a treacherous landscape of laws, rules and tribal knowledge. I shipped my first ever handgun sale recently to a friend's FFL in another state. I first checked with my local UPS outlet. They refused but said the regional UPS center nearby could accept a handgun for shipment. The regional center is fortified like Fort Knox with no admittance to the general public except by appointment in narrow business hours. I gave up and took the piece to my local FFL, trusting them to be familiar with the rules and laws. They were happy to accept my task. The only hassle was opening my careful and secure packing to witness the serial number. They were accepting the handgun as a FFL and had to log it into their books. They carefully re-packed and weighed the package. The total fee was not cheap as UPS insists that firearms go by next day air so their own employees' theft access is minimized. This turned out to be a joke as I watched the package trace lounge on loading docks for days. So much for the expensive next day air fees.

Many years ago an FFL friend of mine advised to ship a handgun gift to a friend with a FedEx box with no representation to FedEx what was inside. He was right. This is how our government restrains free trade and suppresses an activity they don't like. Shipping companies have little choice but to knuckle under.

It's nothing to do with any new government rules. BATFE regs still allow you to ship via a common carrier, i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL, but those concerns have decided that in their operation not accept firearms from non-FFL holders. They are not obliged to do what the BATFE allows.

 

[alwslate]

As mentioned before on here but usually draws flames, Priority mail flat rate box, well taped. They ask questions they deem pertinent, answer them, pay them, done.

 

[ladder13]

Someone will surely correct me. I didn't go through the whole process.

Buds provides the label but not a copy of their FFL. How would they know if you really shipped anything?

I think you need to provide a copy of your DL or CWP.

Now, will the dealer accepting shipment be ok receiving a gun from a non FFL.

 

[Tom S.]

As mentioned before on here but usually draws flames, Priority mail flat rate box, well taped. They ask questions they deem pertinent, answer them, pay them, done.

Which is in violation of postal regulations unless you are a FFL holder shipping to another FFL.

432.2 Handguns

Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in this section, after the filing of an affidavit or statement described in 432.22 or 432.24, and are subject to the following:

• Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 431.2 and the definition of curios or relics under 27 CFR 478.11 may be mailed between curio and relic collectors only when those firearms also meet the definition of an antique firearm under 431.3.
• Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 431.2, which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum that exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest, may be accepted for mailing between governmental museums without regard to the restrictions provided for handguns in 432.21 through 432.24 and Exhibit 432.25.
• Air guns (see 431.6) that do not fall within the definition of firearms under 431.1 and are capable of being concealed on a person are mailable, but must include Adult Signature service under DMM 503.8. Mailers must comply with all applicable state and local regulations.
• Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.
• Mailers are also subject to applicable restrictions by governments of a state, territory, or district.

Please DO NOT offer information that could get people into legal hot water or circumvent laws or regulations. Just because you "can" do something does not make it legal or right.

 

[dmar]

It's nothing to do with any new government rules. BATFE regs still allow you to ship via a common carrier, i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL, but those concerns have decided that in their operation not accept firearms from non-FFL holders. They are not obliged to do what the BATFE allows.

Interesting information that I got from my FFL/transfer guy. He said that the reason that the carriers are no longer accepting firearm shipments from non FFL individuals is because of new government policy/law where the carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.) can now be held liable if a gun that is shipped by them is used in a crime.

Now, I haven't researched this, and this is the internet, but I know this guy to be knowledgeable. Maybe someone can chime in with more information, but that is what I heard from my FFL. He said the carriers just jacked up the rates to cover the liability, and restricted individuals from shipping guns. To me, if this is the case, this is just back door gun control, and I'd expect nothing less from our dear leaders.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Another problem is not all FFL's will accept transfers from individuals . My FFL and I are on good terms , I do the most transfers of any of her customers . Thankfully , she accepts transfers from individuals which is how I found her .

 

[DWalt]

Interesting information that I got from my FFL/transfer guy. He said that the reason that the carriers are no longer accepting firearm shipments from non FFL individuals is because of new government policy/law where the carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.) can now be held liable if a gun that is shipped by them is used in a crime.

Now, I haven't researched this, and this is the internet, but I know this guy to be knowledgeable. Maybe someone can chime in with more information, but that is what I heard from my FFL. He said the carriers just jacked up the rates to cover the liability, and restricted individuals from shipping guns. To me, if this is the case, this is just back door gun control, and I'd expect nothing less from our dear leaders.

I wonder if that applies to the other 10,000 items shipped by common carrier which could be used in commission of a crime. It makes no sense whatsoever and I find it extremely difficult to believe.

 

[Rule3]

May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier? | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives


A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her or her own state or to a licensee in any state. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
In addition, federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm or ammunition, prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm and requires obtaining written acknowledgement of receipt.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a)(5), 922(e) and (f); 27 CFR 478.30 and 478.31]


So now that UPS and Fed Ex have changed THEIR rules, no you may not ship it. USPS never allowed a no FFL to ship a handgun.


Just find a local FFL and pay them their fee, And away it goes.


FFL Gun Dealers Shops in West Virginia


West Virginia FFL Dealers - Find West Virginia FFL Dealer News, Reviews, and Information


Federal Firearms Listings | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

As mentioned before on here but usually draws flames, Priority mail flat rate box, well taped. They ask questions they deem pertinent, answer them, pay them, done.

It works GREAT.

Until it don't.

 

[Rule3]

As mentioned before on here but usually draws flames, Priority mail flat rate box, well taped. They ask questions they deem pertinent, answer them, pay them, done.

It's a Federal crime. For $30 or whatever is it worth it??

 

[Sevens]

As mentioned before on here but usually draws flames, Priority mail flat rate box, well taped. They ask questions they deem pertinent, answer them, pay them, done.

I haven't looked at the S&W Forum TOS lately but it's typically against most forum rules to suggest folks commit Federal felonies intentionally. This is an exceptionally bad suggestion.