Gun transfer

UMMV with shipping through an FFL. Two I checked out here in northern California believed it was necessary for them to list the gun on their books, and then ship it out overnight. They considered this a "transfer" (since they were taking possession of a firearm) so the fee just to have them ship a handgun was $75 (which is the same fee they charge for any transfer of a firearm not purchased from them) plus shipping. So I went to UPS. No big deal. You have to declare the firearm to the clerk (but not on the package), the firearm must be unloaded and in a locked container, and it has to be shipped to an FFL, signature required upon receipt. It cost me $59 to ship a handgun to my son's FFL in Tacoma. It would have cost me more than twice that to use an FFL here to ship it to an FFL there.

Frank will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you can ship rifles and shotguns USPS, just not handguns, and again they must ship to an FFL.
 
62coltnavy said:
Frank will correct me if I am wrong, but I believe you can ship rifles and shotguns USPS, just not handguns, and again they must ship to an FFL.
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I'm not Frank but I'll bite, as I wrote much of the USPS info in the "How to ship firearms" sticky. :)

Rifles and shotguns are mailable, but they must meet the definition of Rifle or Shotgun from USPS Publication 52 § 431.4.
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.
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Take note that there must be an appropriate shoulder stock and barrel in the package for the firearm to be "...a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is __ inches or more in length... [and] an overall length of 26 inches or greater". Notably, PGO shotguns and stripped AR lowers and FAL uppers do not meet the definition, although it's perfectly legal to mail an assembled—or disassembled but complete—AR or FAL rifle.

The postal regulations do not require a FFL on the receiving end when the transfer would not require a FFL under other circumstances. It's lawful to mail a rifle or shotgun to yourself, or to another non-prohibited unlicensed person in the same state when not otherwise prohibited by state law.

Lastly, it's worth noting that—unlike UPS or FedEx tariffs—the postal regulations carry the force of law, and the penalties for violations are NOT trivial!

[IANAL disclaimers apply] :)
 
62coltnavy UMMV with shipping through an FFL. Two I checked out here in northern California believed it was necessary for them to list the gun on their books,
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They are correct.


....and then ship it out overnight...
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Not required by law, but a requirement of FedEx and UPS.



They considered this a "transfer" (since they were taking possession of a firearm) so the fee just to have them ship a handgun was $75 (which is the same fee they charge for any transfer of a firearm not purchased from them) plus shipping.
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It is a transfer.
You just need to find a better/cheaper FFL.:rolleyes:



So I went to UPS. No big deal. You have to declare the firearm to the clerk (but not on the package), the firearm must be unloaded and in a locked container,
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No FedEx/UPS/USPS policy or regulation requires a locked container.;)
 
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