Any FFLs willing to help ship a handgun via USPS to a gunsmith?

[huktunfonikz]

Out of curiosity, are there any FFLs in the Los Angeles area that would be kind enough to help me ship my handgun to a gunsmith based up in Oregon?

As you all know, USPS only allows for FFL holders to ship handguns through them, and UPS and FedEx require "next day air" service, which is much more money. I would be happy to pay the actual cost of shipping via USPS Priority Mail, and the goodwill would certainly be appreciated for future business.

[I Swan]

Many will do it but bend you over so bad on a service charge that no real savings are realized. I don't know anyone in LA area unfortunately.I doubt you will find one that will do it for free unless you're a known very good customer.

[huktunfonikz]

Many will do it but bend you over so bad on a service charge that no real savings are realized. I don't know anyone in LA area unfortunately.I doubt you will find one that will do it for free unless you're a known very good customer.

I kind of figured that was going to be the reality. I was just hoping (being optimistic) that I could pay a small fee to an FFL rather than the exorbitant amount required by UPS and FedEx. As you pointed out though, service quality is also a concern (i.e. Getting tracking numbers and making sure it is insured properly, etc.).

Thanks for the feedback!

[ugimports]

depends how far you're willing to drive. you can also compare rates to here: http://www.shipmygun.com/go/

Kemasa is in Simi Valley.

We normally charge $15 + actual cost of shipping and let the customer choose USPS, UPS, or FedEx + whatever value they want to insure for.

A USPS Priority box on the west coast is about $15 (not sure how much more insurance adds).

[huktunfonikz]

depends how far you're willing to drive. you can also compare rates to here: http://www.shipmygun.com/go/

Kemasa is in Simi Valley.

We normally charge $15 + actual cost of shipping and let the customer choose USPS, UPS, or FedEx + whatever value they want to insure for.

A USPS Priority box on the west coast is about $15 (not sure how much more insurance adds).

Damn, I wish you guys had a place down here in Los Angeles .

Thanks for sharing the info - Simi Valley is a bit of a trek (maybe a 50 minute drive without traffic from where I live), so I was hoping for someone closer to Los Angeles, perhaps Burbank/Glendale areas. I did have a look at shipmygun.com as well, and the gunsmith I am looking at (Lazy Wolf Guns) is not on their preferred list. The website indicates that this could cause delays in the verification process.

I may just have to pay the premium that UPS/FedEx are asking.

[kemasa]

Kemasa is in Simi Valley.

We normally charge $15 + actual cost of shipping and let the customer choose USPS, UPS, or FedEx + whatever value they want to insure for.

A USPS Priority box on the west coast is about $15 (not sure how much more insurance adds).

I charge the same thing and the same way.

[huktunfonikz]

I charge the same thing and the same way.

Thanks Kemasa - not sure I am motivated enough to drive out to Ventura, but good to know that you are an option for me!

[acespawnshop]

I'll do it. We are in West Covina. You're going to have to pay shipping costs and maybe bring us a couple beverages.

[I Swan]

Someone should make a list and ask.to have it stickied on what FFL's will do ship outs of handguns for a reasonable fee.

[zinfull]

If a FFL ships the gun does that require them to use a FFL for the return? If he ships it then he can get it returned to his home.

[kemasa]

If a FFL ships the gun does that require them to use a FFL for the return? If he ships it then he can get it returned to his home.

Yes, if the FFL ships it, it has to go back through the FFL, but there is no DROS/4473, only the FFL fee.

Overall, it could be cheaper to ship it direct since then it can go directly back.

[huktunfonikz]

Yes, if the FFL ships it, it has to go back through the FFL, but there is no DROS/4473, only the FFL fee.

Overall, it could be cheaper to ship it direct since then it can go directly back.

Wait, am I understanding this correctly? If I take my handgun to an FFL to ship it, the out-of-state gunsmith would then have to return it back to the FFL as well? He cannot just ship it directly to me for return?

Thanks in advance.

[M1NM]

Pretty sure a mfg or smith can ship the gun back directly to the owner. Exception would be if the frame were replaced with a different serial number then it goes to FFL and 10 day wait etc.
The smith probably ships guns all the time get him to send you a label then just drop it off at Fedx/UPS/USPS or wherever.

I'll do it. We are in West Covina. You're going to have to pay shipping costs and maybe bring us a couple beverages.

Aces pawn will be worth your drive. Great guys with outstanding customer service!

[huktunfonikz]

Pretty sure a mfg or smith can ship the gun back directly to the owner. Exception would be if the frame were replaced with a different serial number then it goes to FFL and 10 day wait etc.
The smith probably ships guns all the time get him to send you a label then just drop it off at Fedx/UPS/USPS or wherever.



Aces pawn will be worth your drive. Great guys with outstanding customer service!

Thanks M1NM - that makes sense to me, but CA laws are a bit crazy.... I have only ever had to ship one firearm before and I sent my HK45 back to HK HQ in Georgia. I did send it through FedEx (cost me over $110) and they sent it back to me directly afterwards.

[huktunfonikz]

PM sent to acespawnshop!