How to ship firearm for warranty work?

[ipleadda2nd]

My new Daniel Defense AR-15 rifle has an issue. I contacted DD and they sent me a UPS shipping label. I have a few questions on how to do this.

I know I need to bring it to the UPS Service Center (hub I guess). Found one in Commerce City. I also know not to indicate it's a firearm on the box.

After reading UPS's policy on firearmas I have a few questions.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html?srch_pos=1

1. Since it's a rifle, and not a handgun, I don't need to tell UPS it's a firearm, right?
2. Do I need an adult signature required label affixed to the box? Or do you think DD's shipping label doesn't require it for some reason.
3. Do I need to disassemble the rifle? Obviously make sure it's not loaded of course.

[sniper7]

Usually best to not say its a firearm.
Did DD send you any info on how to ship it? Usually companies tell you have to ship it back to them.
If it is a DD return label I doubt they need to sign for it. As long as there is a tracking number and you get a receipt showing you shipped it to them you should be ok.
if you have the factory box for it, send it back the way it came.

[ipleadda2nd]

No info. I asked in an email and it was not answered. In their defense, there was a bunch of other questions they were answering so it was probably overlooked.

[Great-Kazoo]

Any shipping hub csr will know, by the DANIEL DEFENSE label it's a firearm. I always tell them what it is, primarily for ins purposes.
You can split upper from lower to pack easier. there's no need for adult signature since it's going back to mfg. Your tracking label is documentation they received it. More than likely you will need to sign when returned from DD.

Make a copy of the return label this is your info besides tracking, that you need for info if and when you need to contact DD after they've had it 2-3 weeks.

[Rooskibar03]

When I sent my 227 to Sig they sent me a Fed Ex label and said to box up in something that didn't look like a firearm and take to a hub. The lable did not list Sig on the address, just a generic name for their service center.

[blackford76]

Ruger sent a rep to my door who packed it for me, less than 10 days later he was back to deliver it.

[wctriumph]

When I had to ship my S&W 686 for a safety recall they included a FedEX shipping label and full instructions. For insurance purposes I let FedEX know there was a firearm in the box (no external label). I took it to FedEX at the Ft. Collins Kinkos and there were no issues. My wife signed for it when S&W shipped back to my house.

You should not have any issues with shipping if you just use a little common sense.

[Great-Kazoo]

Ruger sent a rep to my door who packed it for me, less than 10 days later he was back to deliver it.

They like you. Or the rep had a tab at Diamond Cabaret

[Gman]

S&W return labels don't say "S&W" on them. Their instructions are to not label the shipment as a firearm. They insure the return and will replace the firearm if it disappears in shipping.

Does DD have a FAQ that might explain how they want the return?

They have instructions in the back of the user manuals (https://danieldefense.com/files/Web/DDM4-Manual.pdf).

MAKE SURE THE MAGAZINE IS EMPTY AND THE FIREARM IS NOT LOADED
1. Prior to sending a rifle to Daniel Defense, an RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization) can be obtained by calling 1-866-554-GUNS (4867).
2. Do not send presentation boxes, accessories, or explosive components.
3. Daniel Defense’s address for receiving packages is:
DDA, Inc.
58 Firefly Drive
Ridgeland, SC 29936
NOTE: Do not indicate the contents, or include “DANIEL DEFENSE” in the
address on the pack, so that an inquisitive thief is not attracted to it by such
information.
4. Make sure that the package contents are insured against loss or theft.

[cysoto]

When I sent my 227 to Sig they sent me a Fed Ex label...

It's good to know that Sig has reviewed their warranty work shipping policy. About a year ago I had to send back an X-Five for repair work and they told me they would only pay for the return shipping.

[Great-Kazoo]

S&W return labels don't say "S&W" on them. Their instructions are to not label the shipment as a firearm. They insure the return and will replace the firearm if it disappears in shipping.

Does DD have a FAQ that might explain how they want the return?

They have instructions in the back of the user manuals (https://danieldefense.com/files/Web/DDM4-Manual.pdf).

MAKE SURE THE MAGAZINE IS EMPTY AND THE FIREARM IS NOT LOADED
1. Prior to sending a rifle to Daniel Defense, an RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization) can be obtained by calling 1-866-554-GUNS (4867).
2. Do not send presentation boxes, accessories, or explosive components.
3. Daniel Defense’s address for receiving packages is:
DDA, Inc.
58 Firefly Drive
Ridgeland, SC 29936
NOTE: Do not indicate the contents, or include “DANIEL DEFENSE” in the
address on the pack, so that an inquisitive thief is not attracted to it by such
information.
4. Make sure that the package contents are insured against loss or theft.

https://sp2.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607995368756022794&pid=15.1&P=0

[Rooskibar03]

It's good to know that Sig has reviewed their warranty work shipping policy. About a year ago I had to send back an X-Five for repair work and they told me they would only pay for the return shipping.

A little off topic but it wasn't a warranty repair so I prepaid the shipping both ways and they sent me the label.

[ipleadda2nd]

I boxed it up and printed out the UPS shipping label DD emailed me. I brought it to the UPS customer service center near the intersection of I-270 and I-70.

She asked what was in the package. I said rifle.She asked if there was ammo in the box. I said no. She confirmed DD's address to make sure I was sending it to the manufacturer. She applied adult signature required sticker. She was polite and didn't give me a hard time. All seems well.

Here is UPS's shipping requirements for guns and ammo if anyone needs it.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html?srch_pos=1

[Circuits]

*sigh* From the ATF Firearms FAQ - first hit on a google search for "ATF shipping firearms"



Q: May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his 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 and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]