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.
The revision seems to get rid of the within state bs. As it now says "in any state". But only says if your mailing to a ffl or manufacturer. Does not address how to mail to a non ffl within state. It is legal at the fed level to mail a gun within your home state to a non ffl.
Easiest thing is still to pack it up print the priority label at home. Drop it off and be done. All have to tell them is there is nothing liquid hazardous or perishable.
As for registered mail the couple times I have used it they were absolute bastards about the packaging.
