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Shipping long guns

binski
If you dont have factory box,what is the best way to package and ship a rifle?
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • binski
    As a non licensed person { NO FFL}, what are my options in shipping long guns?
    Also the cheapest?
    Thanks.
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    I just add what it would take to ship to the farthest point in the U.S. most long guns can be shipped for <$50 w/ ins. some times I'm off a little and either make an extra $ or eat the difference.
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  • binski
    Thanks, Mike Whiskey. I tried to make some sense out of FedEx site,but just confused myself! You gave me a place to start,and maybe I'll catch on before to long.. Thanks again binski
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  • nmyers
    You need to have the shipping carton/case in hand before you list a long gun. I assume that the carrier is going to try to get a truck to run over the container, because no one likes "manual handling" items.

    I usually low ball the shipping price & eat the loss. Some folks will call you a thief if you quote the actual cost; that only tells you that they haven't shipped a long gun recently. Insurance, signature required, "excess length", all add up to a staggering amount.

    Neal
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  • PA Shootist
    I typically ship long guns in double boxes, as said one must figure on the carrier throwing the carton, dropping it, or running it over! Figure $6.00 for both new boxes, purchased to fit one inside the other. This adds a little weight, of course. Add for bubble wrap if used, I use it most times. The buyer hopes to have his newly purchased firearm arrive in the same condition as it was in when shipped, and I believe I owe that to the buyer. Insurance can be estimated for approximate selling price, and I include that cost. Be sure the receiver understands the rules of filing a claim for damage, e.g.: Notify the carrier immediately of visible duress to the shipping cartons; Notify the carrier as soon as possible of hidden damage; and most importantly, SAVE ALL THE PACKAGING for inspection. Without the package being deemed adequate upon scrutiny by the insurance inspector, the claim will be denied! They prefer to not pay claims! Some will advertise shipping for actual costs, but that leaves the potential bidder wondering just how much it might cost, might deter from bidding. I calculate to the greatest distance US points, and I try to come pretty close to actual total costs, but sometimes I come up a little short, sometimes I gain a dollar or two, which might help defray the costs of driving to a shipping point, etc.
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  • Grasshopper
    I always eat some cost, think it helps bidders cough up a little more. When I see shipping 45-50 dollars, well that turns me the other direction. IF it merits I get a hard case at no cost to bidder, other than that as above, BUBBLE WRAP the heck out of it. ymmv
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  • fordsix
    i ship guns in 6"craft tubes in 6x6x48 boxes i can stand on them, hi alaska is very expensive ,cross the continental divide at 10 bucks
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  • toad67
    Go beg and plead to your local gun shops to get some discarded factory rifle boxes that customers don't want. Once you get some of those then ask for the outer shipping boxes that the guns came in. Most of the shipping boxes are about 4"x 9"x 52" or so. Cut the Styrofoam out to make the gun fit in the factory box, and then put it into the shipping box. Cut the outer shipping box as close as you can to the inner box. Most packages over about 50" long get you an extra charge. Make sure the gun is tight in both boxes too. Whatever anyone tells you don't use bubble wrap. They can say what they want, but I'll guarantee you that they have never had to prove their case to a carrier's insurance as to how well it was packed. I've had two separate rifles arrive with broken butt stocks in the last year and a half. Proving that the rifles were correctly packed got the insurance to pay up, but it took time. As for rates, you live about in the middle of the Country so I'd guess that $35 would cover you on most guns either way insured to about $600. Good luck, it can be an adventure.
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  • David Nunn
    It is legal for a non-FFL dealer to ship a long gun via USPS. You can go standard parcel rate or Priority Mail rate.

    I ship via Priority Mail, and for a normal long gun, I charge $35 for shipping. Sometimes, I guess short and make up the difference, and other times I guess long and pocket a buck or two.

    I also provide new Uline boxes, and a lot of bubble wrap and tape.
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  • mmppres
    I agree with Nunn. Most ship USPS for 35 or 40 with signature. Also remember that if you insure for over 500.00 signature is free. I use alot of bubble wrap from incoming firearms. Also us the heavy duty card board corners that are on appliances those you get free from stores.
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  • john carr
    quote:Originally posted by nunn
    It is legal for a non-FFL dealer to ship a long gun via USPS. You can go standard parcel rate or Priority Mail rate.

    I ship via Priority Mail, and for a normal long gun, I charge $35 for shipping. Sometimes, I guess short and make up the difference, and other times I guess long and pocket a buck or two.

    I also provide new Uline boxes, and a lot of bubble wrap and tape.


    Absolutely. I've mailed (sic) six or seven shorguns and rifles over the past few years, shipped Priority, never much over $15.00 + insurance, forgotten how to estimate insurance. No hassle at counter.
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  • armilite
    The last gun I sold I put a $35 shipping fee in the auction. Actual shipping cost was $51. Insurance will add substantially to the shipping cost.
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