What is the best way to ship a gun??

[OldGrump]

I know this has been asked many times before, but I can't find it in the Search section.

I'm thinking of selling one of my S&W and I was wondering what is the best shipping method. I do not have an FFL...

Thanks for your help!!

 

[beemerphile]

You are stuck with UPS or FedEx Air. Very expensive. Compare this to the cost of a FFL fee on top of USPS Priority Mail postage and you may still come out ahead.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I always use a local FFL who ships and receives any guns that I buy or sell. He ships via USPS. It's cheaper than UPS or Fed-Ex, and gives me the satisfaction of not paying sky high shipping fees to either company.

 

[raveneap]

Of the two major carriers, I've had good luck using FedEX. They are expensive but they're dependable. Probably UPS is too but the FedEx terminal is near my house so that's who I use.

 

[fyimo]

The best way is to have a local FFL that you have had dealings with and have him ship it priority mail because they can ship dealer to dealer. Doing it this way usually runs with insurance and fee's around $50. If you have to ship it over night yourself it costs twice that much.

 

[socal s&w]

You may wish to review this shipping information from another part of this Forum....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/304464-stolen-firearm.html

 

[halvenut]

I've found that it is much easier and cheaper to ship guns through a local FFL. Even after he adds a few bucks to the shipping cost, for his efforts, it is still cheaper than UPS or FedEx. In my area you have to ship overnight unless you are a FFL holder. My guy ships them anyway he wants to, but usually ships them USPS. My local post offices will not allow a gun to be shipped unless it is by a FFL holder. It is easier to just drop them off and have the FFL holder to ship them, much less hassle involved.

 

[AzRedleg]

Step 1: Find a local FFL.
Step 2: Go shooting together.
Step 3: Make sure you send them lots of business and conduct all your transactions through them.
Step 4: Occasionally drop off beer and cast bullets for free.
Step 5: Give FFL $30 even though he says it only costs $20 to ship priority with insurance.

Establishing a good relationship with a local FFL is really the best way to ship firearms around. Lots of FFLs with storefronts really try to stick it too you and complain how much trouble it is for them to bother shipping and receiving. Barring this, an FFL holder will still generally save you a couple of bucks over UPS or FEDEX.

 

[Florida Guy]

Not many ffl's in Sheridan, WY? Not surprising I guess.
Overnight shipping is very costly.
You can search for a nearby dealer here:
Search the FFL Holder Network at GunBroker.com

 

[les45]

+1 on the use of your local FFL dealer. They can use USPS or ship UPS second day air which is about half of the overnight rate.

 

[68lemans462]

I always use a local FFL who ships and receives any guns that I buy or sell. He ships via USPS. It's cheaper than UPS or Fed-Ex, and gives me the satisfaction of not paying sky high shipping fees to either company.

My guy uses USPS and charges $35. He packages up the gun too..

 

[OldGrump]

Thanks everyone for the input!! I'll check around for an FFL holder!!

 

[ibewbull]

How would you ship a handgun within your state?

Wisconsin is a big state and gas is not cheap for all FTF deals. I can drive 3 hours in about any direction and still be within our borders. 6 hrs. Round trip.

I am sure other big states have the same problem.

Over night air is not possible this close is it?

 

[murphydog]

How would you ship a handgun within your state?

Wisconsin is a big state and gas is not cheap for all FTF deals. I can drive 3 hours in about any direction and still be within our borders. 6 hrs. Round trip.

I am sure other big states have the same problem.

Over night air is not possible this close is it?

I think you can overnight anything, but it might take a very roundabout route from the common carrier (UPS/FedEx) distribution centers to a destination. Two ways to deliver would be to check a delivery price before closing any deals within the state, and comparing that to your time/gas cost for in-state delivery and factoring that in the selling price.

 

[Jaymo]

The best way to ship it is.
Wait for it..................



Straight to me.
I like that idea, anyway.

 

[hotrod150]

I bought a gun from out of state, and arranged shipping to a LGS. When asked, they told me that if I wanted them to ship a handgun to an out of state FFL, they would charge me $10 plus the actual shipping costs. Told me they used USPS and it was usually under $20.
A friend of mine shipped a gun to an out of state buyer's FFL and used his company's FedEx account -- cost him about $65. Think I'd go the USPS route.