Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Interstate firearms shipment question

My old tried and true local FFL is no longer in business so I'm looking for a new one. My sister-in-law in Alabama wants to ship me a rifle that belonged to my brother. I know she has to ship to an FFL, but I just want to confirm that she can ship it directly to an FFL and doesn't have to go through another FFL on her end.

That's what the ATF website says, but when I called a local FFL he told me he thinks she needs to ship through an FFL on her end. He wasn't sure though because all his shipments come from dealers and he doesn't normally take shipments from individuals.

How about it.

meh , ive done me to ffl with copy of ID several times.....never an issue.

https://www.shipmygun.com

Find an FFL that will accept from a non-FFL, other than that use Ship My Gun for easy mode.

What happened to Shall not infringe?

I don't know, do they ship firearms?

Unless Colorado requires it; she does not need to go through an FFL. It is now FedEx and UPS POLICY to only accept from an FFL; so there is that aspect. She can ship USPS to your FFL no issue (other than the standard usps hassles).

Here is what the ATF "Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide"' (ATF P 5300.4) says:

(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), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 178.31, 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

(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.

[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]

The section of the US Code governing modern firearms is called Commerce in Firearms and Ammunition (CFA). This code is available online: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_09/27cfr478_09.html

When in doubt, we suggest arranging for transfer through a licensed dealer. Violation of the CFA is a felony, and penalties for violation are severe.

If you do not have a Federal Firearms License:

Any shipper who does not have an FFL is considered to be an unlicensed person. Unlicensed persons must ship modern firearms to a licensed FFL dealer only. If the buyer is not licensed, they will need to make arrangements to have the item shipped to a licensed FFL dealer in their state.

If you happen to be in Alabama for the holidays you can ship it back to yourself.

Give it a whirl Commander Cut n Paste. Horatio Hand Wringer, News Desk Norton.
LOL
👍

Gunbroker has a list of transfer dealers which is searchable by zip code. You may need to be a registered user there to access it. You'll find a list of FFLs near you with costs listed, etc. Since these dealers do transfers frequently, they will be familiar with the process and are typically easy to work with.

You can ship it "to yourself " from state to state with no ffl required.
If your sister is comfortable with that.
Add insurance, the carriers dgaf about you packages even if they are labeled fragile.
I shipped four long guns this year with USPS , the cost ranged from $65-$180 and were insured for $5000-$7000 ea.
Using a third party label service (pirate ship , etc) to purchase and print the USPS label at home will save you 20-40% compared to doing it in person at the post office.

Last time I tried, USPS refused to accept ANY firearms related items! Pieces, parts or otherwise!

About a decade ago, I shipped a Handi-Rifle to Marlin through UPS for repairs.
I got it back directly from Marlin via UPS but had to sign for delivery.
NOTE: the UPS driver couldn't have given two hoots in hell if I was the addressee or not! 😜

NOTE:
We have a local business that "ships" whatever. UPS, FedEx and at one time DHL.
USPS would not pick up packages there.
BUT....I think it's whoever actually OWNS the shipping facility as to what they will and will not ship!
If the business owner is a raging antigunner, they won't ship anything gun related!

I, NON FFL, have shipped long guns through the USPO to an FFL, handguns must be FFL to FFL - USPS Rules......

If my options are FEDEX or UPS I don't do it.....

USPS never asks what's in the box...

Local post offices do not get to make their own rules. They are not allowed to ask any questions other than the "...is it liquid, hazardous..."

If you ship a gun to a gunsmith or dealer for repairs they can mail it back to you directly... and, should your gun prove unrepairable they may send you a replacement "in kind," which does not even have to be the same make or model or type.

Not the case on owners setting rules. Federal law says it has to go by "Common Carrier" which the local stores are not.

I just went through this, I'm trading guns with a member here and he is a FFL and he said that I could ship my gun to him but he would have to ship his to a FFL for me to pickup...I just shipped mine through a FFL ,I just felt more comfortable doing that

How ever you ship it. Package the he'll out of it.
They will try to destroy it !!!!!
Especially USPS

Yet another thread in need of bricktop.

Bottom line - yes, you can - USPS.

Correct.