I Need Advicde From An Expert

[GeoJAP]

Non-FFLs can (and do) use USPS to mail long guns in-state, perfectly legally. But, they do have to find a Post Office whose personnel understand and follow the rules.Kevin

Non-FFLs can also mail long guns out of state using USPS, as long as it is going to an FFL. Interstate changes in ownership require that the firearm be shipped to an FFL, but it is not required that it be shipped from an FFL. This is so that the firearm can be logged into the receiving FFLs bound book when an interstate change of ownership takes place.

If you are mailing a firearm to a gunsmith in another state who will work on it and then return the firearm to the owner (you), it does not have to be shipped to an FFL at all. The reason is because there was no change in ownership.

[GeoJAP]

If you want to ship via UPS (people in brown), take the gun apart before putting it in the box. Wrap the box well. When you're asked what the contents are, declare "machined parts."

It's less expensive this way. (And I usually go ahead & insure it for the cost of the weapon.)

This is very against BATF regulations. When shipping a firearm, you must declare to the shipping clerk, "I have a firearm in this package." It also helps to tell them that it is definitely unloaded, which is also another regulation that must be satisfied. They shipping clerk is very justified under BATF regulations to make you open the box and prove that it is unloaded if they wish to verify that it is unloaded.

I know so much about this stuff because I have had a C&R license since 2000. I've shipped and received many guns and researched all the rules and regulations of the BATF, state and federal law and most shipping carriers regulations.

[GeoJAP]

What is the UPS definition of "firearm" for declaration purposes?

The receiver or frame. That is the standard of what constitutes a firearm, and not just with UPS.

[GeoJAP]

As an anecdote to this discussion, my brother lives in North Carolina. He graduated from Duke medical school and settled in Wake Forest with his wife last year. I wanted to give him one of my USGI M1 Garands for a graduation present. Even though he is my brother and it was just a gift, since he is now a NC resident and I'm a Texas resident, it was officially an interstate change of ownership. To keep it all legal and to avoid committing a felony, I actually had to mail the rifle to a local NC FFL who did the transfer to my brother. My brother did the yellow form, etc. and now he owns a helluva nice M1 Garand made in November, 1941. That's the way it had to be done. Kinda silly since he's my bro and it's a gift, but such is life.