How to ....?

[Daniel]

I tried to ship a luger from my U.S. Post Office today and was told it is a prohibited item. How is everybody shipping pistols these days ?
Best regards.......

[Navy]

Daniel,

Assuming you are a FFL holder shipping to another FFL holder, use FEDEX or UPS.

Tom A

[Edward Tinker]

There is a form you can download and it says you are allowed to ship pistols "FFL to FFL". Some people interpret this as FFL 01 or FFL 03, then you can legally ship to another FFL... Others say, since it uses the word dealer in another area of the USPS regulation, that you must ship common carrier, and thus USPS can be shipped only from FFL 01 to FFL 01, FedEx or UPS overnight...


Ed

[lew1]

Daniel,

I have no problems with shipping pistols from my post office. Just did one to Florida a month ago.

But I have the proper FFL, which permits it.

[Russ]

I sent 3 to some guy in Colarodo With no problem>

Russ

[Navy]

This whole issue ultimately becomes a pole vaulting over mouse turds contest with USPS clerks on a power trip.

Tom A

[lew1]

Truer words have never been spoken.

[Daniel]

Thanks all for the info, yes I hold a C&R and am shipping to another FFL dealer for appraisal of my luger and perhaps selling it. I'm new to the small rural Post Office that refused me, I'll trip to my regular Post Office where I know the Postmaster and get his view on this. In the past I have shipped from this one without any problems. Thought that maybe the Patroit Act had changed Postal Regulations.
Best regards...

[John Sabato]

If I were you, I wouldn't bother your local postmaster with a request to make a decision on something that they are just as apt to make a decision in your favor as they are to deny you service... there is too much latitude for them to 'interpret' the regulation... and some of them are not real bright... I know plenty of Postal workers who are in the genius class, but none of them are behind the counter when I need service.

If you hold a valid C&R license, then bypass the USPS clerk on an ego trip fantasy and go to the post office and pick up one of the FREE flat rate priority mail cartons. There is one that is plenty big enough for two lugers... if you only ship one, then fill the empty space with newspaper so the gun can't possibly move in shipment.

Then go home, long onto USPS.com, open an account by registering... it doesn't cost anything... and purchase a print at home USPS Priority Mail postage label for $7.70 (the cost to ship anything you can get in the box), then fill in the amount for the insurance you want, and you will receive for your efforts FREE delivery tracking...

Print out the label, Use clear tape to tape it to the outside of the box... and you have two choices... current regulations require that you hand the package to a USPS employee... you can't just drop it in a mailbox... so either hand it directly to your own local postal delivery person when they deliver your daily mail, or go back to the post office and when it is your turn, hand the box to the clerk and say I just need to drop this off... they will probably ask you if there is anything dangerous in the box... the one word answer is 'no' ... ( they are looking to stop packages with acids, explosives, health hazards, etc.) if they should ask what is in the box, just say an antique that is not fragile but is well packed... but it is unlikely that will ask.

... and very calmly walk out to your car and go on your way. Use the tracking number you got during the online purchase to track the location of the package over the next couple of days... the USPS will even send your recipient an email with the tracking number in it... very handy... very cheap... and very reliable...I do it all the time... Total cost? less than $10.00

End of ego trip...

[Edward Tinker]

I also made a FedEx and UPS account, I can fill out my info on-line, and then they just pick it up at my house, work, etc., or I drop it off, it is pre-paid since I used my Amex and all is good to go!

Ed

[Hairy]

John--your description of how to use the UPS resources is outstanding. Thank you very much for the info--will use it in the future.

[Daniel]

Had a visit with my old Postmaster about this issue. He pulled the regulations and sending a pistol only requires proof of FFL to FFl holders. Considering the value involved he suggests Registered Mail which requires sign for and lock up at each UPPS drop. Thanks for all your suggestions, if I do send it through the Post Office I will abide by their requirements. Could be a felony not to ?? ..don't wanna find out the hard way....
Best regards.........

[hqbmw]

I always tell the helpful postal worker that I am shipping vintage firearm parts. Has always worked and the Luger is vintage and it IS made of parts all connected together.

Jack

[John Sabato]

CORRECTION !!!

The following information is available on the FAQ at the ATF website... http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm

Disregard the information that I posted above about MAILING handguns via Priority Mail... IT AIN''T LEGAL

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U. S. Postal Service?

A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own state or to a licensee in any state. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. A nonlicensee may not transfer any firearm to a nonlicensed resident of another state. The Postal Service recommends that longguns 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.

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by carrier?

A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by 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) and 922( e), 27 CFR 178.31]

(B10) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?

Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.

Postal regulations to the contrary or not... The USPS is NOT the only federal agency with authority over interstate shipment of firearms... Take Heed!

[Edward Tinker]

I don't see where this applies John, the word is "nonlicensee".

A licensed individual CAN ship via USPS??

F14) Who may ship firearms through the U. S. Postal Service? [Back]

Federal firearm licensees may deposit an unloaded firearm in the mails for conveyance to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who is eligible under 18 U. S. C. 1715 to receive pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person for use in connection with his or her official duties.

However, any person proposing to mail a handgun must file with the postmaster, at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee stating that the addressee is qualified to receive the firearm, and the affidavit must bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official use of the addressee. See the current Postal Manual for details. The Postal Service recommends that all firearms 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. (See also Question B8.)