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AS A SHIPPER OF FIREARMS

For more details. Check with :

FEDEX
UPS
USPS
and BATF


AS A SHIPPER - THE SHORT COURSE ON SHIPPING FIREARMS

***Declare all firearm shipments***AND***Unless prohibited by your state or local laws***

A Non-FFL, CAN ship a long gun (rifle or shotgun), via the US Mail or common/contract carrier (Fed Ex, UPS, etc.) to an FFL, back to the factory, or gunsmith, or out of state (to yourself), or to another non-prohibited person within your state.*

A Non-FFL, CANNOT ship a handgun via the US Mail. However, a Non-FFL, MAY USE a common/contract carrier for handgun shipments…….to an FFL, back to the factory, or gunsmith, or out of state (to yourself), or to another non-prohibited person within your state.*

That being said.....as a Non-FFL, I've found it cheaper, to take my handgun(s) to my FFL Dealer (even w/ his fee) and have the handgun(s) shipped via the USPS, registered mail and insured. YMWV.

For an FFL Dealer, a firearm (handgun or long gun) can be shipped by either the US Mail or common/contract carrier.

*Note: The current BGC Laws (example : WA and OR) have thrown a wrench into this. As I said prior......"Unless prohibited by your state or local laws."

BTW, the US Postal Service does NOT recognize a C&R Lic. (Collector Lic.), as being the same thing as an FFL (Dealer Lic.).
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The common carriers make their own rules on how they want firearms to be shipped (overnight, same day or whatever). Mostly it's because, they can't trust their employees w/ the possibility of THEFT. Not to mention that, making LARGE PROFITS is the name of the game. So, shipping charges can/will quickly mount.

*THINGSMAY HAVE CHANGED* Because of poor training, some UPS and FedEx employees THINK that shipping of firearms is authorized ONLY between FFLs. That is just NOT true. Speak to the KNOWLEDGEABLE people. It's also a good idea to have a printed copy of their rules in hand, before going to the shipping center. *THINGS MAY HAVE CHANGED*

The USPS is also a problem for some, as the clerks are in some cases poorly trained.
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DON'T TRY TO SKIRT THE LAW

Some people may advise others to ship their firearms in pieces……."Parts are Parts." But, note what the BATF says: Frames or receivers of firearms are "firearms" as defined in the law and subject to the same controls as complete firearms.

You Have Been Warned.

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SHIPPING TO AN FFL DEALER, WITHOUT A SIGNED, INKED FFL IN YOUR HAND

The shipper/seller, for their protection, needs to verify the receiver is an FFL Dealer. They need to ask for the receiver's FFL Number.
The shipper should then go to this website to verify the license and address: ATF FFL Ez Check Site.
The shipper should print the screen they get.
They can then legally ship the firearm to the receiver, but only at the address verified at the Ez Check Site.
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IF YOU'RE THE BUYER OF A FIREARM (FROM ANOTHER STATE)

Since this is a SALE of a firearm, the seller will ship the firearm to your FFL (not directly to you). Especially with handgun transfers.....they need to be picked up at your FFL in your "home state". Once the firearm is at your local FFL, the FFL will record it in his book ,he'll be responsible to check you out. Making sure you're not a prohibited person, have followed your local and state laws, have paid the correct fees (if applicable), and of course filled out Form 4473.
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SHIPPING ANTIQUES

Under the Federal definition, an antique firearm (as described below) can be sent any way you like. But, local and state laws may vary, so remember to check them too.

Title18, Section 921(a)(16) then defines "antique firearm" as follows:

The term "antique firearm" means -

(A)any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898; and any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such replica -

(i)is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or

(ii)uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade."

And, from the ATF site, FAQ............

(A3)Do antique firearms come within the purview of the GCA?

No.

[18U.S.C. 921(a)(3) and (16), 27 CFR 478.11 and 478.141(d)]

Advice for shipping an Antique Firearm.......

Ship them via the USPS, registered mail and insured. They are "antique firearms" and therefore are not controlled by the same laws as regular firearms.

c. Unloaded antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces are
generally permitted as specified in Exhibit 432.1 and DMM C024.2.0.

Taken from the USPS Publication 52.

And, beware: Just because a firearm is a, "qualified C&R Firearm" it's NOT always, an "antique firearm."

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AND.....
If you are a non-FFL shipping a firearm. Check first, with the receiving FFL before shipping. Some FFLs may not/will not accept a firearms shipment from a non-lic holder and/or they might/will want additional information/IDs from you.

And shipping (even with a FFL Lic) to a CA FFL comes with more hoops to jump through. Some FFLs may/will refuse to ship to CA because of it.

There may be additional laws......that also put up hurdles to jump through in what is supposed to be an "easy process". Rrrrright.....many things change.

Aloha, Mark
 

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