Ok, as I sit here preparing to ship a firearm, I'm going through old posts trying to find out what specifically needs to be done. There's some conflicting and confusing information, so I'd like to get it all in one spot. If we can get these questions answered, I'll add it to the INGO FAQ so it can be ignored as a collection instead of all spread out. Seems more efficient that way.
I want to examine this primarily from the standpoint of a non-FFL holder, as FFLs are already aware of what they need to do to stay legal. Please do not offer answers as if you are an FFL shipping a firearm.
Shipping a firearm
The term "firearm" in the context of this FAQ refers to the serialized portion (such as the frame or receiver). By "serialized" and "un-serialized", we mean the part that's considered a "gun", not just any part that happens to have a serial number. In other words, whatever part would require a Form 4473 if you were to purchase it from an FFL. Everything else can be considered "machine parts" or whatever other nomenclature you prefer. As with the rest of this FAQ, this is not legal advice, we are not lawyers, etc.
Best advice: ship ammo UPS. You can NOT send ammo USPS. Must be declared by DOT regulations. Shipping carton will get a sticker. You can not ship ammo larger than .50 caliber or 8 Gauge.
How to Ship Ammunition or Ammo
Shipping powder and primers:
Incurs a HazMat fee (~$24 for up to 50 pounds); powder and primers can be mixed.
Shipping brass cases, bullets, or other non-hazardous components:
Brass cases and bullets are not regulated. For bullets, flat rate box @ USPS with adequate inner pack is the cheapest route.
Tips and tricks:
For fun, I will include the addresses of some local FedEx and UPS hub offices if you can provide them.
If you can come up with any other pertinent questions, please feel free to add on. Answers should be brief and concise, so that they'll fit into a FAQ without taking up pages of screen space. If possible, a link to the statute that covers your answer (or to the INGO thread that discusses it) would be helpful. As we collect the answers, I'll update this top post for further discussion and review.
I want to examine this primarily from the standpoint of a non-FFL holder, as FFLs are already aware of what they need to do to stay legal. Please do not offer answers as if you are an FFL shipping a firearm.
Shipping a firearm
The term "firearm" in the context of this FAQ refers to the serialized portion (such as the frame or receiver). By "serialized" and "un-serialized", we mean the part that's considered a "gun", not just any part that happens to have a serial number. In other words, whatever part would require a Form 4473 if you were to purchase it from an FFL. Everything else can be considered "machine parts" or whatever other nomenclature you prefer. As with the rest of this FAQ, this is not legal advice, we are not lawyers, etc.
- What must I do to ship a pistol or a rifle to another Indiana resident?
- What must I do to ship a pistol or a rifle to a resident of another state?
- What must I do to ship a pistol or a rifle to an FFL (such as back to the manufacturer, or to an FFL in another state)?
- Do these rules cover a whole gun? What if I want to ship just the serialized receiver? How about just the un-serialized frame/barrel/stock/etc.?
- When must I ship through an FFL in my home state?
- Must ammunition follow the rules listed above, or are there special provisions?
Best advice: ship ammo UPS. You can NOT send ammo USPS. Must be declared by DOT regulations. Shipping carton will get a sticker. You can not ship ammo larger than .50 caliber or 8 Gauge.
How to Ship Ammunition or Ammo
Shipping powder and primers:
Incurs a HazMat fee (~$24 for up to 50 pounds); powder and primers can be mixed.
Shipping brass cases, bullets, or other non-hazardous components:
Brass cases and bullets are not regulated. For bullets, flat rate box @ USPS with adequate inner pack is the cheapest route.
- Can I ship anything gun-related via USPS?
- What is a "common carrier" and which ones can I use?
- Which one is the best/cheapest/easiest to work with?
- Do all "satellite" offices accept firearms or other "dangerous" goods or must I ship them through a "hub" office?
- How can I find out which satellite offices will accept my firearm?
- About how much can I expect to pay to ship my firearm?
- For USPS, a small Priority package (such as for just a receiver) with delivery confirmation is around $10, depending on weight. A full-length rifle will be more expensive. If you use the USPS-provided boxes, it can be cheaper.
- For UPS/FedEx, Overnight delivery can be in the $50-$100 range. If you are shipping to the manufacturer for warranty service, try to get them to send you a shipping label so it's on their dime and not yours.
- Package but do not seal the package. You will need to declare that you are shipping a firearm and the shipper has the right to inspect the contents. You may wish to disassemble it or field-strip it to make it evident that it's unloaded without having to handle it.
- Do not put anything on the outside of the package that indicates the contents. Package as discreetly as possible, including abbreviating the addressee: e.g. "S&W" instead of "Smith & Wesson". Do not allow the shipper to place any stickers or notes on the outside of the package indicating the contents.
- The ATF FAQ regarding shipping firearms has additional information: ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Unlicensed Persons
For fun, I will include the addresses of some local FedEx and UPS hub offices if you can provide them.
If you can come up with any other pertinent questions, please feel free to add on. Answers should be brief and concise, so that they'll fit into a FAQ without taking up pages of screen space. If possible, a link to the statute that covers your answer (or to the INGO thread that discusses it) would be helpful. As we collect the answers, I'll update this top post for further discussion and review.
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