I think you've got it right mike7mm08. However, I find the difference in cost between Priority Mail and Registered mail is not too significant once you account for insurance and signature required as added services, which are standard with Registered mail. No denying that Priority Express is just too expensive though. Registered Mail is, however, a good bit slower and seems to add about 3 extra business days to delivery.
Of course, the question that pops out to me is, why the special requirement by the USPS for a rifle mailed within the same state as opposed to interstate? Makes no sense to me. It would seem shipping a rifle is shipping a rifle regardless.
