Shipping new AR Lowers via USPS...

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Czechvar

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I have 3 unused new Spikes Crusader Lowers I got before the election and thinking about selling. They were never part of a build. I want to know if anyone has ever found out for sure whether or not these can be shipped USPS Priority Mail direct to an FFL.

I've read many posts on this topic around Forums, but it goes back and forth. Some say it's classified as a serial numbered "other firearm", others saying it's just a part until it's built into something.

The difference to go with an FFL shipping could be $35 or so as I plan to sell as a batch. Prices on these Lowers have dropped since last year so I will be happy to keep the shipping cost down. Any ideas?
 
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I can't answer the question. But for sure USPS will not tell you if you ask. All they will say is to read the postal regulations, and they will not interpret them. Chances are that if you sent them in a flat rate express box, no one would ever know. But that is not 100% certain.
 
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Theoretically, long guns can be shipped by anyone using USPS. But (a) whether the lowers are considered as long guns is questionable, and (b) if you tell the guy behind the counter you are shipping a long gun (even if it really is a long gun), he probably will not accept it.
 
ALLOWED - see Postal Regulations

Here is the GOSPEL according to USPS.

It is ALLOWED

432.3 Rifles and Shotguns
Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations under 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws.
Click to expand...

432 Mailability | Postal Explorer

Read ALL the details.

Bekeart
 
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I've shipped rifles and shotguns via USPS with no problems...but this is just a finished Lower with a serial number. And it's also not an 80%.
 
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Czechvar said:
I have 3 unused new Spikes Crusader Lowers I got before the election and thinking about selling. They were never part of a build. I want to know if anyone has ever found out for sure whether or not these can be shipped USPS Priority Mail direct to an FFL.

I've read many posts on this topic around Forums, but it goes back and forth. Some say it's classified as a serial numbered "other firearm", others saying it's just a part until it's built into something.

The difference to go with an FFL shipping could be $35 or so as I plan to sell as a batch. Prices on these Lowers have dropped since last year so I will be happy to keep the shipping cost down. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Are you clear yet? :D
 
Yep, it's clear...the majority seems to side with FFL shipping. But isn't it crazy that I've shipped SCAR 17's, Sig 716's, and shotguns via USPS...and this inert little piece of metal requires FFL handling? Time for BATFE and the NFA to just go away...They're like a bunch of old bureaucrats just making stuff up to justify their jobs...these Postal Regs are so outdated both organizations should have fixed the craziness but they only seem to make it worse.
 
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What you want to ship is a rifle part. You can ship an AR so why wouldn't you be able to ship a lower? I know the ATF considers the lower to be the rifle but again, you can ship an AR. It's a rifle.

Seems lots of people here think you can't ship a lower. Would one of you please show me a USPS regulation that says you can't ship a rifle or shotgun or a rifle or shotgun part.

Don't waste your time because it doesn't exist.

If you contact an FFL they will advise you not to do it. Has nothing to do with regulations and everything to do with how much money they make.

Just ship it priority and insure it. I ship rifles USPS and nobody from the ATF, FBI or USPS has ever knocked on my door.
 
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Rule3 said:
No you can not send them USPS. They are a "firearm"

Don't quote me but if a regular AR lower than no.

432 Mailability | Postal Explorer
Click to expand...
The funny part about this post is that it says you CAN ship it right in the link you posted saying you can't.

ladder13 said:
Long guns can be shipped USPS, I just did, send a lever rifle. They recommend registered mail.

You cannot ship a handgun, only an FFL can, C&R FFL! s can't either. ttbomk
Click to expand...
This needs a little clarification. An FFL can ship a handgun through the USPS, but anyone can ship a handgun through a private carrier.

billwill said:
USPS ships machine parts everyday
Click to expand...
Attempting to mask the contents by marking it as "machine parts" is a felony in itself. Do NOT attempt to ship a gun by marking it as machine parts.
 
The complete rules and regulations, definitions in the link I provided need to be read,

The lower is not a rifle, it is a part, it could be rifle or a pistol.

Also the "old machine parts" is BS if you get caught it is a major legal problem.

As you say there are tons of posts and opinion of the subject, A lower is a firearm. A person can actually call the BATF and get a answer if you wish.

From another website and guy that knows legal stuff.

Originally Posted by
...I don't think the USPS regulations even address unbuilt receivers. If that's the case, an argument could be made that "That which is not illegal ... is legal." That said, I don't think I would knowingly volunteer to become the test case.

That's not going to work.

  1. Specific rules for the mailing of firearms are set out in USPS Publication 52:
    Quote:
    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 without regard to the restrictions provided for handguns in Exhibit 432.25 and in 432.21 through 432.24.
    • Air guns that do not fall within the definition of firearms under 431.1 that are capable of being concealed on a person are mailable, but must include adult signature service under DMM 503.9.0. 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.

    ​
    and
    Quote:
    432.3 Rifles and Shotguns

    Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable....
    ​
  2. There are specific definitions that apply:
    Quote:
    431.2 Handguns

    Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (for example, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles) are defined as handguns. The following definitions apply:
    • Handgun (including pistols and revolvers) means any firearm which has a short stock, and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand and subject to 431.1, or a combination of parts from which a handgun can be assembled.
    • Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.
    • Short-barreled shotgun means a shotgun that has one or more barrels less than 18 inches long. The term short-barreled rifle means a rifle that has one or more barrels that are less than 16 inches long. These definitions include any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such a weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches. A short-barreled shotgun or rifle of greater dimension may be regarded as nonmailable when it has characteristics to allow concealment on the person.

    ​
    and
    Quote:
    431.4 Rifles and Shotguns

    A rifle is a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is 16 inches or more in length. A shotgun is a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is 18 inches or more in length. Rifles and shotguns have an overall length of 26 inches or greater and cannot be concealed on a person.
    ​
  3. Given the specific definitions in the USPS regulations, a receiver that has not yet been built into a rifle or a handgun can not possibly be considered a rifle or shotgun. It arguably falls under 432.2.d. as:
    Quote:
    ...handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.
    ​
    It is a frame which could be made into a complete handgun, and it is absolutely regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U. S. C. It would therefore be non-mailable, except by an FFL or certain other specified persons, and then only to an FFL or certain other specified persons.

__________________


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December 2, 2014, 06:19 AM
 
USPS 432.3 Rifles and Shotguns
...
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 know little if nothing about AR's, AK's, ect.
BUT if the ser#d 'Lower' AR is the Frame or 'the Firearm' as the BATF puts it OF A RIFLE, then it's no different than a Remington 870 as far as shipping it w/the USPO by a non-FFL. It goes to an FFL.
I'm showing my ignorance here,,but is there an AR lower for a handgun? or any difference betw it and one for a Rifle (assuming there is the former)?

A dedicated AR Lower for a handgun would NOT be mailable by a non-FFL

USPS does recognize the GCA68 act and it's terms and quotes that many times within it's regs. It does recognize that a frame is a firearm
USPS considers the 'frame' of a handgun a' firearm' and non mailable by a non-ffl just as the complete handgun is not mailable by a non-ffl..

You may have a problem at the counter engaging a clerk who knows nothing of firearms, the terms used to describe them, ect and therefore just refuse to ship the item.
I have had them tell me all sorts of strange stuff including it is USPS Reg that the firing pin must be removed before the gun can be shipped. Really!?,,Show me where that says that,,have them que up the regs and give them a lesson.
 
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Rule3 said:
The lower is not a rifle, it is a part, it could be rifle or a pistol.
Click to expand...
Rule3 said:
This is correct but a lower is not a rifle.
Click to expand...
Correct and correct. AR pistols spoiled it for us. :o

Unless the BATFE has changed its mind in the last week or so, it is a potential pistol frame and therefore unmailable via USPS by us mere mortals. :(
 
99 times out of 100 the clerk behind the USPS counter will know less than nothing about guns or the specific USPS regulations regarding their shipment. Therefore his easiest and safest path is to refuse to accept it for shipment if you tell him there is a gun inside the package. He will NOT attempt to interpret the postal regulations for you as he is not allowed to. Nor will the local postmaster. He is not allowed to either. He will simply refuse to accept it. Not to say that you can't find a postal employee more knowledgeable about guns and postal regulations who will accept it. Been there, done that.

FedEx will accept long guns for shipment to a FFL licensee by ground shipment. However, I have run into problems there also. Once, the clerk at the local FedEx terminal made me call someone at FedEx HQ while I was there to explain to him what I was doing, then he told the clerk it was OK to accept it. But I haven't sent any long guns by FedEx for a long time. Their rules may have changed by now.
 
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