I have a 28 Nosler I'm looking to sell. I've only sold rifles face to face never shipped. What should I consider when shipping? I'll call an FFL when or if I get it sold. Just getting some info here so I can ask the appropriate questions. Thank you.
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Shipping a rifle?
- Thread starter nooch2222
- Start date
Expect to pay a fair amount. If your lucky the FFL you transfer from will be able to help box it up and save you some money. If sending direct to the receiving FFL you’ll need to package it up. Probably cost at least 50 bucks to send.
Receive payment. Get the FFL from which you are shipping the rifle to. Make sure that FFL will receive the rifle from a non-FFL. Ship the rifle overnight to the FFL.
Finished.
Finished.
Theoretically you can ship a rifle 3 day, but I've always paid the extra money for overnight.
-Receive payment
-Receive copy of FFL
-Package Rifle + FFL copy+ copy of your DL + note about who it's for and their contact info. I ship in cheap walmart cases most of the time.
-Take to USPS (no handguns) and send it to the FFL with appropriate insurance.
-Pass along tracking info
I don't think you need to overnight rifles. Still ends up being expensive by the time you include the case.
-Receive copy of FFL
-Package Rifle + FFL copy+ copy of your DL + note about who it's for and their contact info. I ship in cheap walmart cases most of the time.
-Take to USPS (no handguns) and send it to the FFL with appropriate insurance.
-Pass along tracking info
I don't think you need to overnight rifles. Still ends up being expensive by the time you include the case.
Take it to FFL and pay him the USPS shipping cost plus his $25 fee. That's what I did after Fed Ex wanted nearly $200 to ship a handgun. A few weeks before, Fed Ex charged me just under $100 to ship a rifle I sold, and that was shipping ground, not next day. I wish I would have thought of using the FFL dealer that time.
I recently had to ship a rifle. Looked into every avenue to try and save money while still doing it in a reasonable manner (I'm now a broke student), and it was just easier to go to an FFL and have them ship it out. Unfortunately, it's not cheap.
I called around to Fedex, UPS, USPS, and didn't get a warm and fuzzy from any of them. They all gave me the run around, none of them seemed to really understand the rules, didn't really care to help me out, and some would redirect me to their hazardous shipping departments who were even less helpful (which I quite honestly didn't think was possible).
I just broke down and had the FFL ship it. It was too much of a hassle to do it other ways, especially since no shipping company was willing to help me out.
If the gun is light/small enough, you can try https://www.shipmygun.com. I've never used them, but some on here have used them with success. There is weight and and length limits, so be aware of that. It wasn't possible for me to ship my rifle through them, but perhaps it will work for you.
I called around to Fedex, UPS, USPS, and didn't get a warm and fuzzy from any of them. They all gave me the run around, none of them seemed to really understand the rules, didn't really care to help me out, and some would redirect me to their hazardous shipping departments who were even less helpful (which I quite honestly didn't think was possible).
I just broke down and had the FFL ship it. It was too much of a hassle to do it other ways, especially since no shipping company was willing to help me out.
If the gun is light/small enough, you can try https://www.shipmygun.com. I've never used them, but some on here have used them with success. There is weight and and length limits, so be aware of that. It wasn't possible for me to ship my rifle through them, but perhaps it will work for you.
No need to overnight. I prefer to use Fedex, my local shop will ship w/ their discounted rate. Usually comes out to $20-$30. Just make sure you have their valid FFL. Dont overthink it, its not complicated.
I always ship rifles ground and insured. Most of the distributors and vendors I deal with ship to me the same way. Licensees are no longer required to send physical or email copies of the license itself, they need to send the license number only. You only need the first three and last five digits, and you can check the validity of the license at the link below. Mail only to the address that shows up there.
I just sent a rifle from Washington to Ohio and with $2000 in insurance it was $41. Box it up good and you’ll be fine. Be sure to check with the receiving FFL to see if they accept long guns from a individual, if not then you have to take it to your FFL to be shipped. Probably add another $15-$20 for that.
Insurance also isn't "cheap" for UPS at least, its enough that you will want to make sure your purchaser covers the cost.
Last shipped rifle was insured for $5k and I think it ran me $115 all in via UPS Ground from the south east to the north east (1,200 miles).
Last shipped rifle was insured for $5k and I think it ran me $115 all in via UPS Ground from the south east to the north east (1,200 miles).
Box it up and take it to a locally owned shipping store, they usually don't mess with you like corporate places do.
If you show up to a UPS hub with the rifle boxed and FFL info with youz the hub will know what to do. At least my hub did. Then I just started taking it to my local place.
USPS will ship it too.
Make sure and package it well, they will shift and break stuff.
If you show up to a UPS hub with the rifle boxed and FFL info with youz the hub will know what to do. At least my hub did. Then I just started taking it to my local place.
USPS will ship it too.
Make sure and package it well, they will shift and break stuff.
No UPS Store will accept anything firearm related. There was a kid in front of me who wanted to ship an airsoft rifle and they wouldn't accept it. This doesn't include going to a UPS depot. I've never been turned away from their depot.
UPS stores are frickin useless and expensive to boot.
Mailing rifles and shotguns USPS registered mail is the safest, easiest, and most secure method. Read the mailing firearms section of the Domestic Mail Manual so you're informed. If anyone hives you shit, ask for the postmaster immediately.
The below is what I have adhered to and had no issues what so ever, Sorry if it sounds soap boxish/preaching, but it works for me. These rules I have garnered by reading posts like this, websites and personal experience.
1. Always specify that the buyer pays for shipping. To and back if they don't go through with the transfer at the receiving FFL.
Unless shipping is part of the deal.
2. Ship it in a hard case. They are cheap. Tape the hard case shut inside the cardboard box the hard case comes in. It is easier to have a damage
claim settled if you shipped in an appropriate container. Make sure it can't be moving, that way it can get no momentum of the case is dropped.
3. Always ship on a Monday. That way it doesn't sit around over the weekend. The more it is moving, the harder it is for an insider to steal it.
4. Always insure it for the cost plus the cost of shipping. That way you can make the buyer whole if something happens to it.
5. Whether or not they are required to send a mail/email copy, it sure helps if you have it with you when you tell the UPS/FedEx/USPS agent that
you have the FFL with you and they can see it. They don't want to get in trouble either.
HOWEVER, after a recent go round with USPS losing, then destroying, ripping the shipping label off and having the package returned because of the return address. Then having to have the local newspaper get involved to have them settle the insurance claim, I will never ever ship anything USPS again. This was some Valentine stuff we were sending to my daughter and her other half at the time on Lackland AFB in Texas. Beyond the local staff of the post office (they are your neighbors) USPS personnel are next to useless unless you hold their feet to the fire.
6. Make sure everything is taped tight and no loose edges. The companies use tremendous amounts of automation and you can see the marks on boxes a lot. I have been shipped shotguns (back when I was restoring Ithaca 37 16ga guns for my own use) that I was surprised made it without being broke. Boxes had edges grabbed, crushed, ripped. You name it. The more secure it is the better chance it will get there.
One time I even built a crate when I was shipping one of my better quality 1874 Sharps replicas to the factory in Wyoming. The extra $$ for the weight was worth the piece of mind a $2200.00 gun (for me that was a lot of money) would get there in one piece, especially since I had to wait
16 months for the 1st one and over a year to have another rebarrelled (backlog).
7. Never ever have anything on the outside show it is a firearm. If you can take the gun down and make it look less like a long gun, the better. I always (if possible) take the barrel off shotguns to ship. Makes them half the length and less likely to get broken.
8. Make friends with the folks at the terminals. Be nice. They remember. I have never had any issues shipping long guns to anyone.
1. Always specify that the buyer pays for shipping. To and back if they don't go through with the transfer at the receiving FFL.
Unless shipping is part of the deal.
2. Ship it in a hard case. They are cheap. Tape the hard case shut inside the cardboard box the hard case comes in. It is easier to have a damage
claim settled if you shipped in an appropriate container. Make sure it can't be moving, that way it can get no momentum of the case is dropped.
3. Always ship on a Monday. That way it doesn't sit around over the weekend. The more it is moving, the harder it is for an insider to steal it.
4. Always insure it for the cost plus the cost of shipping. That way you can make the buyer whole if something happens to it.
5. Whether or not they are required to send a mail/email copy, it sure helps if you have it with you when you tell the UPS/FedEx/USPS agent that
you have the FFL with you and they can see it. They don't want to get in trouble either.
HOWEVER, after a recent go round with USPS losing, then destroying, ripping the shipping label off and having the package returned because of the return address. Then having to have the local newspaper get involved to have them settle the insurance claim, I will never ever ship anything USPS again. This was some Valentine stuff we were sending to my daughter and her other half at the time on Lackland AFB in Texas. Beyond the local staff of the post office (they are your neighbors) USPS personnel are next to useless unless you hold their feet to the fire.
6. Make sure everything is taped tight and no loose edges. The companies use tremendous amounts of automation and you can see the marks on boxes a lot. I have been shipped shotguns (back when I was restoring Ithaca 37 16ga guns for my own use) that I was surprised made it without being broke. Boxes had edges grabbed, crushed, ripped. You name it. The more secure it is the better chance it will get there.
One time I even built a crate when I was shipping one of my better quality 1874 Sharps replicas to the factory in Wyoming. The extra $$ for the weight was worth the piece of mind a $2200.00 gun (for me that was a lot of money) would get there in one piece, especially since I had to wait
16 months for the 1st one and over a year to have another rebarrelled (backlog).
7. Never ever have anything on the outside show it is a firearm. If you can take the gun down and make it look less like a long gun, the better. I always (if possible) take the barrel off shotguns to ship. Makes them half the length and less likely to get broken.
8. Make friends with the folks at the terminals. Be nice. They remember. I have never had any issues shipping long guns to anyone.
The last time i looked they sent handguns overnight, but rifles are/were ground. There were also restrictions as to which offices of the shipping company will take (or allow) drop off. IMHO best to double check with the providers you are considering using.
Use Fedex or UPS, do not and I repeat, do not use usps! They are barely smart enough to read yet they give them keys to a 50 year old Jeep that has the steering wheel on the wrong side?!?! Ive had multiple items “delivered “ but never received the package. Going on a year trying to get reimbursed for a brake for a rifle and also a hunting puffy jacket. They are a few bricks shy of a full load of stupid!
UPS or Fed Ex hub/ depot or USPS, but pack well and insure. Had a broken stock arrive once. The buyer did not want to pay for insurance.so he had a broken stock. UPS is usually my last choice f the three. For long guns you do not need an FFL to ship if the receiving FFL will accept. Usually requires a copy of your drivers license.
You nailed it. Bunch of window licking mouth breathers! They screwed up on 75% of items I shipped this past year - thankfully none of which were firearms. They did loose a S&W Shield that I had bought online and had shipped to my FFL though. After a few calls they found it in the back of a truck. USPS is the sorriest bunch of idiots I’ve ever dealt with.
one thing I learned was to state in your classified ad that the buyer’s FFL must accept from a private individual. Or the buyer had to pay the additional fee for me to run it through my FFL.
second thing I learned was that I could open a FedEx account online, open an account with them for billing and payment, and then ship and create labels from my home. For rifles I can take and drop off at my local FedEx store. I box them up in unmarked cardboard boxes with plenty of bubble wrap, etc inside, creat the shipment and print the label, and drop it off on the counter. they don’t ask questions at my local FedEx store is you have preprinted and taped the labels on.
for shipping ammo, I create the shipment and print the label at home, and when creating the shipment I check limited ORM-D box and the “pickup at home” box. Make sure it’s got the triangle label on the end. Set the ammo on the front porch the morning it is to be picked up and the nice FedEx driver picks it up. Easy peasy
second thing I learned was that I could open a FedEx account online, open an account with them for billing and payment, and then ship and create labels from my home. For rifles I can take and drop off at my local FedEx store. I box them up in unmarked cardboard boxes with plenty of bubble wrap, etc inside, creat the shipment and print the label, and drop it off on the counter. they don’t ask questions at my local FedEx store is you have preprinted and taped the labels on.
for shipping ammo, I create the shipment and print the label at home, and when creating the shipment I check limited ORM-D box and the “pickup at home” box. Make sure it’s got the triangle label on the end. Set the ammo on the front porch the morning it is to be picked up and the nice FedEx driver picks it up. Easy peasy
Regardless of what you read on some company website or what someone at the counter tells you, the following are the Terms of Service of each of the three main carriers and are their internal law as to what is allowable and what is not. You better know these when dealing with a shipper.
UPS, see section 3.7: https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_US/terms_service_us.pdf
Fedex Ground, see pages 8 and 13: https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/SG_GroundTariff_2021.pdf
Fedex Express, see pages 8 and 12: https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/SG_TermsCond_US_2021.pdf
USPS: https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm
UPS, see section 3.7: https://www.ups.com/assets/resources/media/en_US/terms_service_us.pdf
Fedex Ground, see pages 8 and 13: https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/SG_GroundTariff_2021.pdf
Fedex Express, see pages 8 and 12: https://www.fedex.com/content/dam/fedex/us-united-states/services/SG_TermsCond_US_2021.pdf
USPS: https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm
Here is another one from last week that I’m trying to get figured out from USPS! I ordered a phone skope and a spotting scope cover that are mia! It was again “delivered “ but yet its described at picked up by a individual?!?! In order to pick some up at USPS you have to show id, also I wasn’t even in the same state when this was picked up! Again, don’t use usps unless you like giving shit away!
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Most of the time when I do a online order or call in order I request them to use UPS or fedex. I would of this time as well but trying to talk to someone at phone skope is borderline impossible! I’m just waiting for the day that when you get transferred to customer service or customer affairs it’s in a call center in India!!!
”Turn that company around”.......you do realize you are talking about the US Government correct? There is no ”company” in the US Government. It’s all just one big dysfunctional sham that is unaccountable for pretty much anything these days. Incredible how we still exist as a society but I digress.
There is something deeply wrong with a lot of things these days.....the USPS is just a small piece of the iceberg.
How big a "requirement" is it to have a FFL on the shipping end, if you first get the FFL docs from the receiving end? How many NICKS does it need to go through? Or do FFLs just protect their income sources? Thanks your reply.
FFL has to receive it, enter it into his/her books, witness you filling out the 4473, and submit for the NICS.
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