Out of state rifle sales

[Nemesis]

An out of state buyer wants to buy a bolt action rifle of mine. Does California require that I ship through an FFL? Do I have to ship to an FFL? Is there any paperwork that needs to be completed? Do the Feds have any requirements?

I know that we have to check on state laws in his state (he has two residences and is checking to see which is easier).

I realize that this is incomplete information, but if someone could give me the basics for transferring a long gun out of state that would be awesome.

[Fjold]

No, you don't have to ship it through an FFL in California but you do have to ship it to an FFL holder in the receiving state. As long as the receiving FFL will accept a shipment from a private individual, you can legally ship your rifle to him (the out of state FFL).

Get the buyer to contact his out of state FFL and have him make sure that the FFL will receive a shipment from a private individual. To be safe, ask for a copy of the receiving FFL dealer's license. Box up the rifle, securely (I'd insure it for replacement value) and take it to the post office or a shipping company. Declare it at the PO or shipping company, they can check it unloaded so don't seal the box until they accept it. (I would show them the receiving FFL's license, also) and send it on it's way.

I would ship it with tracking and adult signature required. Overnight shipping is not required for long guns.

[Whiterabbit]

pistols, its cheaper to ship through an FFL. Even a $75 fee ends up being cheaper than fedex overnight, and some shops charge less.

Long guns, cheapest game in town is USPS, and no need to declare. Better that way IMO.

[-hanko]

...I would ship it with tracking and adult signature required. Overnight shipping is not required for long guns.

Do not forget insurance for the full value of the weapon.

[Fjold]

Do not forget insurance for the full value of the weapon.

In my original post I said:

Box up the rifle, securely (I'd insure it for replacement value) and take it to the post office or a shipping company.

pistols, its cheaper to ship through an FFL. Even a $75 fee ends up being cheaper than fedex overnight, and some shops charge less.

Long guns, cheapest game in town is USPS, and no need to declare. Better that way IMO.

Although ambiguous if declaration is required for mailing a long gun, you may not be able to insure it without proof of worth.

Q: May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.

[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]





Federal law requires it to be declared to the contract carrier/shipper:


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]