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Info on shipping a gun

MikeMc
I am preparing to sell two vintage guns. What is the preferred method of packing and shipping guns? How much will it cost? Any special notes?

Thank you very much.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • Spider7115
    "Guns"? Rifles? Shotguns? Machine guns? Revolvers? Semi-autos? Cannons? Muzzle loaders? Made before or after 1899? It makes a difference.
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  • MikeMc
    Vintage Springfield trapdoor 52" long plus bayonet. Made before 1899.

    Vintage airgun 36" long. Vintage currently unknown.

    Thanks.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by MikeMc
    Vintage Springfield trapdoor 52" long plus bayonet. Made before 1899.

    Vintage airgun 36" long. Vintage currently unknown.

    Thanks.


    OK, you can ship them through the Post Office or any other carrier. Just be sure the buyer doesn't have any local laws preventing them from receiving antique guns, such as New Jersey and NY City.

    I love Trapdoors and I'd like to know more about it.
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  • MikeMc
    Thanks for the reply. I was looking particularly for hints on packing properly, and how to estimate costs of shipping.

    The trapdoor is serial number 495411 with a stamp/inscription on the stock probably SWP 1888. Comes with bayonet. There is a wee bit of rust in the breech, I am not qualified to judge its condtion.

    See photos at: http://mcmsharedphotos.shutterfly.com/26
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  • 11b6r
    Bubble wrap (lots of it) is good. However, the boxes tend to get tossed- hitting on the ends results in broken stocks, barrel poking out of packing, etc. several inches of styrofoam or folded paper at EACH end, making it fit snugly in the box. Overwrap box with strapping tape. For high dollar items, consider using a hard sided foam lined gun case. It will need to go inside a cardboard box.

    Both your items can be shipped by US Post Office. You should declare that one contain an antique rifle. PO can require you to show or affirm that it is not loaded. DO insure it. DO require adult signature. NOTHING on outside that says GUN.

    After packing, shake. You should hear/feel NO movement inside. You can price shipping costs at the UPS website, and check with post office on Priority Mail.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
    Bubble wrap (lots of it) is good. However, the boxes tend to get tossed- hitting on the ends results in broken stocks, barrel poking out of packing, etc. several inches of styrofoam or folded paper at EACH end, making it fit snugly in the box. Overwrap box with strapping tape. For high dollar items, consider using a hard sided foam lined gun case. It will need to go inside a cardboard box.

    Both your items can be shipped by US Post Office. You should declare that one contain an antique rifle. PO can require you to show or affirm that it is not loaded. DO insure it. DO require adult signature. NOTHING on outside that says GUN.

    After packing, shake. You should hear/feel NO movement inside. You can price shipping costs at the UPS website, and check with post office on Priority Mail.




    Good advice but I wouldn't declare anything about the contents unless you absolutely have to. Under Federal Law and USPS regulations, this is NOT a firearm and does not need to be declared. Mentioning "rifle" could cause some idiotic clerk to tell you they can't ship it, which is totally wrong. I shipped a Trapdoor the other day from NY State to Arizona by insured Priority Mail (cost about $35) and simply handed it to the clerk and left.
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  • MikeMc
    Thanks everybody.
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