- abbreviate the name of the company your sending it to. So if it's Bill's Gun Shop - BGS or the name of the guy Bill Smith
A good idea. For an FFL shipping a gun to another FFL they sort of insisted on that. BTDT
- if usps or ups or fedex asks what contents are you casually just say " just some parts" none of their biz anyway.
- Since your sending it to a smith for work. My understanding is you can mail it. I'd just include a note inside stating this firearm is going to a smith for repair.
For a non-licensee is shipping a handgun to a licensee then it has to go by common carrier per ATF (Fed-Ex/UPS). Fed-Ex/UPS rules mandate overnight shipping on handguns.
For a licensee returning a handgun to a non-licensee it has to go by common carrier as well.
For a licensee shipping to another licensee it can USPS with a form that they have available. I do this all the time.
- if you do mention the contents...be prepared to go through the red tape while everyone braces themselves and calls their supervisors...all the way up the chain until you find the guy who will say exactly what we've told you here. It's fine.
- if you wrap it good in bubble wrap and stuff some newspaper in the box it'll be just fine. Make sure there is a good 2-3" of space all around it. I've shipped a lot of stuff...never had a problem.
Yes, if properly packed a case pretty much just adds weight to an already overpriced shipment. Shipping in a box that is over sized allows for plenty of padding and somewhat hides the fact that this might be a handgun.