mailing to self with a twist

[HarbingerArms]

Alaska resident moving to California.

Thought it would be easier to mail off roster handgun (non AW).

From AK FFL to CA FFL.

Drives to CA, local FFL says he can't release the gun, has to ship it back to AK.

There is no transfer and no sale involved, is there? What paperwork needs to be filled out? Is there a PC covering this? Nothing on DROS or BOF 4010A seems to help.

[acespawnshop]

If an FFL from Alaska sends a firearm to a California FFL then there would be a DROS and 4473 for the firearm. Not sure what else you're asking for here.

[HarbingerArms]

It is his personal pistol. He thought he needed to have it shipped into California.

[HarbingerArms]

The local FFL says since it is an off roster handgun, he can't release it to the customer. If the customer simply drove it down here, it would have been a simple BOF 1040A, but since he mailed it, there is a mess.

[kendog4570]

AFAIK, federally he can simply ship it to himself at the new address. Not a transfer so no need to go through FFL. Or should have just put it in the car and drove it on in. CA, "Off Roster", and being a handgun may complicate things. Others here will have more info on that aspect.

[zinfull]

Canada has some harsh rules on pistols.

[HarbingerArms]

Basically, he shipped it to himself, but used FFLs to ship it. There seems to be no way for the local FFL to release it back to him.

Is he screwed? Unfortunately, advice was asked for at this point instead of from the beginning. I have no idea what procedure he should follow.

[kendog4570]

Basically, he shipped it to himself, but used FFLs to ship it...

Should have left the licensees out of the equation. It is legal to ship your property to yourself for lawful purposes.

Is he screwed? Unfortunately, advice was asked for at this point instead of from the beginning. I have no idea what procedure he should follow.

That's a tough one. He might have to go back to Alaska and retrieve it from the FFL and then send it to himself. Maybe the FFL in AK can receive it, log it out and enter it into a service/repair book and then return it directly to him at his new address. Then do the California DOJ BOF cha cha. That sounds a little convoluted, but it would be worth exploring.
What is it and what is it worth?

[HarbingerArms]

It's a M&P Shield in 9mm. Nothing too fancy, but he hardly wants to sell it for $100 (the offer from the local FFL).

FFL wants to charge him $170 to ship it back to AK. I told him that's unreasonable. Trying to find a way to simplify the process, never an easy task.

[Spyder]

Who is the dirtbag FFL who wants an M&P for a hundred bucks, or 170 for what should cost 25?

[HarbingerArms]

Got off phone with DOJ, they said he's screwed.

Until I make sure it wasn't a miscommunication between the FFL and my friend, or just a misinformed employee, I would rather not call out the local FFL.

Besides, it wouldn't help my buddy out to stir up more crap.

Will look into other options as noted above, thanks.

[Condorguns]

I think getting the gun away from the other FFL should be the first step. His shipping quote is unreasonable. Perhaps have him transfer it to another local FFL who will be willing to help fix this issue.

[edgerly779]

He is out of luck here. Could not have driven it here anyway. Cannot transport handgun theru Canada. Ship it back to Alaska. Fly here with it.