Shipping Firearms

[Bull Elk]

I have a long gun for sale. The buyer, from Southern California, stated that his FFF accepts shipped firearms from non-FFL's (me). Does this mean I can ship to his FFL directly? Is that legal? If legal, what is the best method to ship a long gun? Would it be better to have a local FFL send the firearm to the buyers FFL?

I appreciate your comments. I'm sure I'm not the first to ask these questions. Shipping firearms makes me uncomfortable.

Thank you

[Tovarish]

I am not an FFL but am now dealing with a seller who is lost like you are. If I'm not supposed to post answers here, tell me and I'll go away.

FFLs may ship most items via USPS.

USPS policy prohibits handguns shipped by non-FFLs. Long guns are fine. Ship unmarked. No declaration required. (Hence I would just say "no" when asked if there's anything hazardous in the package)

UPS and FedEx will ship handguns and long guns sent by non-FFLs but require you to declare the firearm. If you declare a handgun they will require you to use overnight for an arm and a leg. In addition many UPS and FedEx locations won't do it, and I believe that applies to most of their retail stores. You have to call around.

Solution IMHO is to definitely have your FFL ship a handgun, or for a long gun, either have your FFL do it or ship it yourself via USPS (as long as you pack it well).

[kemasa]

Yes, you can ship directly. You should confirm the status of the FFL on the BATF ezcheck web page. I have found the cheapest way to ship long guns is FedEx Ground. The FFL might require a copy of your ID to document where they got the firearm from.

All using a FFL to ship it would do is to increase the costs. For handguns, it can save money to ship through a FFL since a FFL can ship a handgun USPS.

Only handguns have to be shipped overnight UPS/FedEx per company policy, not law.

[Tovarish]

I find it surprising that FedEx Ground would beat USPS's prices on ground shipping. Does USPS not allow Parcel post on that size package?

[echoThreeOneSix]

outstanding, this answered a question I had as well.

[kemasa]

I find it surprising that FedEx Ground would beat USPS's prices on ground shipping. Does USPS not allow Parcel post on that size package?

One of the problems with USPS is the cost of insurance.

Compare the prices.