After shipping over 200 Browning & Winchester BPCRs, I’ve gained a good bit of experience in packaging the rifles and dealing with the damage caused by shipping companies and the subsequent claim process. Those of you considering shipping a heavy BPC rifle may be interested in a couple of articles on the subject I just posted and updated at the following links:

http://www.texas-mac.com/Shipping_Heavy_Long_Barrel_BPC_Rifles.html

http://www.texas-mac.com/Receiving_and_Returning_Firearms_and_the_Damage-Claim_Process.html

Wayne

I have shipped a few heavy and few expensive firearms.

What I have done -- and continue to do -- is pack the rifle in a plastic rifle case, then construct a wooden box from 1x6 pine/whiteboard, etc., and 1/4" plywood. Rip the wood to the case height. Glue and screw the corners together, glue and staple the bottom on, then screw to top on.

As I have a table saw, it is no big deal. If you don’t have one, find someone who does.

A Fellow Shooter once told me that by doing so, I am adding to the cost of shipping and probably another US$20.00+ materials. True, but have you ever had to file a damage claim with UPS, FedEx, etc.? They will “nickel and dime” you, then take their time ‘bout paying. I firmly believe that a more than ample, stout packaging is inexpensive insurance and cheaper in the long run.

I have only ever had to ship two rifles, both where rollers. I took the wood off and sent them in separate boxes. I have a friend that is a FFL and he showed me footprint on the delivered boxes he gets. He told me to take the wood off before you want me to ship it.

Guys,

I just realized that the link to my article, SHIPPING HEAVY LONG-BARREL BPC RIFLES, was messed up and actually linked to another article. If you were having a problem seeing the article try it again at: http://www.texas-mac.com/Shipping_Heavy_Long_Barrel_BPC_Rifles.html


Wayne

When my Sharps was delivered, about 4 inches of the muzzle end was sticking through the case and it's surrounding cardboard packaging. Thank God the muzzle, spirit level sight, and finish were all unharmed though. Obviously someone had thrown that package some distance to generate those effects. Fourteen lbs of rifle probably has some energy built up once the package has been launched.

If it ever has to be shipped again, one can bet it will be extremely well packaged.

A recent, and somewhat distressing casualty in keeping with the OP's theme.

At a certain point it just really doesn't MATTER how well you've packed something rare...that CAN'T be replaced



GTC