Correct way to ship firearm?

[Bob815]

I was hoping for some help:

I've got a hunting rifle at my parents house in Missouri. I'd like to have the rifle shipped to me. Does the rifle need to be shipped to an FFL, or can I legally have it shipped directly to my house?

thanks for the help

[mahabali]

Per ATF:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html#shipping-firearms-additional

Q: May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

[ChadAmberg]

Per ATF:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html#shipping-firearms-additional

Q: May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.


Actually this is a little backwards. Bob is the owner of the firearm, but he does not have possession of it. So you have 2 options. Have them ship to an FFL here, or you go there and mail it back home to yourself.

[Sawin]

I had this same scenario after I moved to CO from GA. I ended up just buying a hard case during a visit to GA over Christmas, and then checking it with the airline on my way home.... If I hadn't checked it, I would have had to ship it to myself.

[spqrzilla]

What Chad said.

And if you ship it to an FFL for you to pick up, then you are going to pay that FFL for the transfer and wait the whole week or so that everyone else is waiting for the background check to complete ...

[iquack08]

FFL might be the way to go. You cannot ship an out-of-state firearm to your house. I believe there's an exception to be able to ship to yourself, if the gun is yours, but in this case, it seems like somebody else is shipping your gun so there might be more restrictions.

The other problem is the restrictions imposed by USPS, FedEx, or UPS. FFL can ship it USPS, while individuals cannot. FedEx and UPS are even more restrictive, and I believe they require expensive next-day shipping, etc.

[spqrzilla]

The other problem is the restrictions imposed by USPS, FedEx, or UPS. FFL can ship it USPS, while individuals cannot. FedEx and UPS are even more restrictive, and I believe they require expensive next-day shipping, etc.

This is not correct.

[sniper_tim]

I've shipped firearms before from UPS (rifles). The local franchise stores wouldn't touch it when I declared, however after visiting the local depot, it was non issue. If it is only MO, sounds like a good excuse for a road trip.

Cheers,
Tim

[iquack08]

This is not correct.

FFL can ship it USPS, while individuals cannot.
"Unloaded rifles and shotguns may be mailed if the mailer fully complies with the Gun Control Act of 1968"
"Short-barreled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on the person are nonmailable."
"Rifles and shotguns have an overall length of 26 inches or greater and cannot be concealed on a person.
"Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of rifles or shotguns."
Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

For a handgun, you have to be a FFL. Individuals may still be able to ship a rifle to a FFL.

FedEx and UPS are even more restrictive, and I believe they require expensive next-day shipping, etc.

"[FedEx] will transport and deliver firearms as defined by the United States Gun Control Act of 1968, between areas served in the U.S., but only between: [licensed dealers], [from individuals to...licensed dealers]."
"Firearms must be shipped via FedEx Priority Overnight service."
Source: http://www.fedex.com/us/service-guide/terms/express-ground/?qgroup=toggle-c1&qid=firearms

"UPS accepts packages containing firearms (as defined by Title 18, Chapter 44, and Title 26, Chapter 53 of the United States Code) for transportation only between [licensed dealers], [from an individual to a...licensed dealer]."
"Handguns, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921, will be accepted for transportation only via UPS Next Day Air Services, specifically, UPS Next Day Air® Early A.M.®, UPS Next Day Air®, and UPS Next Day Air Saver®."
Source: http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html

For a rifle, it doesn't seem that UPS requires it to be expedited. Please note, there are more restrictions that I have not posted.

[rockhound]

The correct way would be to make sure you have my address correct[ROFL2]

[iquack08]

Problem solved.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Support/SupportFAQView.aspx?faqid=1118