Mailing Model 1891

[deadin]

Gary,
I think you may be stretching it to try to use a 1508 with a FFL03.
See instructions... http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1508.pdf

I still contend that true antique firearms can be mailed by anyone, regardless of chambering, so if the 1508 makes your postmaster feel warm and fuzzy, no foul, no harm. (Unless there is a penalty for claiming you are a manufacturer or dealer when you are not...)

It's sounding like there is no consensus among postmasters. My last two agreed with me, others are finding other opinions from their postmasters.

 

[ddeanjohnson]

The postal regulation, already quoted, is quite clear when read in its entirety. A firearm frame manufactured prior to 1899 is an "antique" and is not subject to the general prohibition on non-dealers mailing handguns. It does not matter what type of ammunition or powder it uses. The operative phrase is "any firearm." The word "including" does not limit "any," but merely provides examples of types of weapons that are covered. This definition is consistent with one category of "antique" as defined in Title 18 of the U.S. Code (the Gun Control Act), in order to exempt them from general federal restrictions on transfers.

Yes, there are a couple of other categories of "antiques" (muzzleloaders, certain replicas), but that is not relevant to the inquiry.

Pre-1899 handguns "sent as curios or museum pieces" are mailable. I see nothing requiring that anyone declare that the package contains an antique gun. The regulation is not subject to narrowing or expansion by any individual postmaster.

Transfer requirements and postal requirements are two separate things. With respect to transfer requirements, the buyer at the receiving end should consult HIS state law to see whether the services of an FFL are required to receive an "antique." This is required in only a few jurisdictions. I have yet to see the state law that attempts to restrict shipments of antiques OUT OF a state.