Shipping a Firearm

J

Jacket67

New member
Hey TFL,

Some of you may have read a post I put up a few weeks ago about shipping my defective shield to SW for warranty work. I plan on doing that by the end of this week, but just have a quick question about shipping a firearm. I understand FedEx requires you to inform the receiving staff there is a firearm in the box. Am I supposed to just bring my unloaded shield in it's factory box and nothing else in it, purchase an express box from FedEx at the shipping center, and the factory box in there? Or am I supposed to already have the factory box inside of another box when I arrive? I have a spare text book box but the sides say "McGraw Hill". Could I use this to send my shield back? There are no other markings on that box.

Thanks in advance.
 
Did you contact S&W first? The last time I sent in a pistol to the factory, they sent me a pre-printed label. I just stuck that on the box and called for a home pickup. I considered that pre-printed label from the factory to be sufficient notification.
 
Go to the FEDEX website and get the information there.

http://images.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/Service_Guide_2017.pdf

From what I can see, it will have to go via FedEx Priority Overnight service. Keep your receipt and I'll bet that S&W will reimburse your cost if they repair the firearm under warranty.

Once you have read and understood all the applicable information from the FEDEX service guide, the most important factor in your shipping experience will be going directly to a FEDEX shipping hub, NOT a local shipping location. Most of the local shipping stores won't handle firearms and don't know the rules. The hubs are staffed by FEDEX employees and know the rules about shipping firearms.
 
Call or email S&W - they will email you a preprinted label for free return shipping. They get to use 2-day for a rate lower than what you can get
 
I've sent back 1 revolver to Ruger and used their shipping label. I've also sent several revolvers to "Gurney" at Buds to trade/sell and never declared what was in the UPS box. I figured UPS would run the box thru their machines and see it was not aloaded firearm going to a firearm dealer and I was 100% correct.
To Jacket. It doesn't matter what kind of box you send it in. Just make sure it doesn't shake, rattle, or move.
 
I just sent my kimber back last month. I just contacted them and they sent me a label for UPS. I boxed it up slapped on the label and dropped it off at UPS. It just came back last week. Just contact Smith and Wesson and they will do the same thing. Usually you have to be authorized by the company before you ship a firearm to them for repair anyway.
 
My revolver broke a piece off the hand after 35+ years. I was told it would be a few months before they get to it. I think recalls are at the top of the list.
 
Sorry, I should have mentioned that I have been in contact with them and have the printend label they sent me.

My concern is just about the packaging. I'm not sure if I should walk into the center with my M&P box in hand, or have it already packaged in another.
 
I found a plain box at home from an old Amazon shipment that worked well. Follow their directions about NOT sending it in with grips, accessories, etc. and pack it to keep the sights from getting damaged by the shipping goons.
 
Jacket67......Am I supposed to just bring my unloaded shield in it's factory box and nothing else in it,
Click to expand...
No. I doubt any business would be happy to see a real live gun. Have it boxed and padded, ready to go. If your shipping box is suitable, then no FedEx box is needed.



purchase an express box from FedEx at the shipping center,
Click to expand...
FedEx Overnight boxes are free.




and the factory box in there? Or am I supposed to already have the factory box inside of another box when I arrive?
Click to expand...
To avoid the hassle of an uninformed counter clerk ALWAYS have the box ready to go.



I have a spare text book box but the sides say "McGraw Hill". Could I use this to send my shield back? There are no other markings on that box.
Click to expand...
Sure. I get guns almost every day in Amazon, WalMart and Zappos boxes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top