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shipping for the first time

geotreb
I know this has been covered in bits and pieces on here, but I wanted to clarify some things that you "old hands" know more about that I...

I do not possess an FFL and will be shipping to an FFL.
I am shipping a rifle.

1.
Being that I'm not an FFL - should I ensure that the FFL I am shipping to will take my shipment? I've heard that some FFL's will not take a rifle from an unlicensed person.

2.
When I do request an FFL - I should request that it come signed in the ink? I see in some places that some FFL holders will only send a copy?
What gives? Should I demand an ink signed copy, or is a Xerox OK?

3.
I plan to ship via USPS. I know not to put anything on the box that refers to it's contents - but I don't have to declare it?
What's the big deal if I do? Am I just making life difficult on myself? I've read somewhere on here that you must declare it, and in other places that you don't have to. What's wrong with being honest and up front about what's in the box? I prefer not to go to prison. I'll do the one that guarantees that possibility not happening.

4. Ok, I have a copy of the FFL - do I put a copy of it inside the box? And if I do, does it have to be the inked copy (if I need one) or the xerox copy?
I know I'm supposed to have a "copy" on my person in case I'm asked - I suppose a xerox copy suffices?

Sorry for the list of questions, but I don't see where much of this is covered in the shipping guide, and the forum has a variety of answers too...
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • bigtire
    1. Finding an FFL that will accept your shipment is the buyers problem. I always mention in the auction that I am not an FFL.

    2 A copy of the FFL signed in ink is what most people ask for. However you as an individual do not really need a copy for your records. You just need to make sure the rifle is shipped to an FFL. I as an individual always offer the option of just having the FFLs number emailed to me and then I verify it on BATFEs EZ-CHECK website.
    https://www.atfonline.gov/fflezcheck/

    3. You have to let them know it is a firearm. I also mention that it is being shipped to an FFL. You might take a copy of the FFL or EZ-CHECK verification to the post office with you to prove it is being sent to an FFL.

    4. I don't put a copy of the FFL in the box. Just a copy of my drivers license and a reciept for the weapon made out to the buyer.
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  • Henry0Reilly
    1. Yes, let the receiving dealer know that you do not have an FFL. You must provide some form of positive identification for his records - ask what he requires.

    2. A faxed copy is fine or just get the numbers and run it through EZ Check

    3. If you want insurance you had best declare the actual contents. USPS will ask you to sign a form wherein you swear the firearm is not loaded and the package contains no ammunition of any kind.

    4. If you do get a signed copy, hang on to it or send it back, that's up to you. I haven't sold any guns lately but next time I do I will only be asking for the number and using the EZ Check.
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  • john w
    When i Ship a rifle i zip tie the bolt make sure it is not loaded and I never declare whats in the box as there is no need to by usps rules and why open up a can of worms.I do take the copy of the ffl if i am ever asked to show the package is addressed to the ffl but in 20 yrs have never been asked When you insure it you do not have to declare what it is either. They ask you the standard questions and nothing is mentioned in the questions about a firearm. If you are ever asked stste they are antique rifle parts. I always insure it for double the value and ship it priority mail sig required and the double ins is in case they lose it you have to give the buyer back their money and if you do not double insure for twice the value of the gun you are out the gun and the money so you are - the gun with no money to compensate.
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  • p3skyking
    In all these types of post the one thing I never see mentioned is that the ONLY ADDRESS YOU CAN SHIP TO IS THE ONE ON THE FFL.

    I once had a guy send the FFL and then ask me to ship to a different address. All he was trying to do was avoid paying his FFL the fee, but someone with evil intent could do a lot of damage this way.

    Ocassionally an FFL will move his business, but he will have an amended licence to reflect the new address. I repeat- NEVER SEND A WEAPON TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN WHAT IS ON A GENUINE FFL.

    Accept NO excuses to do otherwise.
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  • bigtire
    quote:Originally posted by john w
    I always insure it for double the value and ship it priority mail sig required and the double ins is in case they lose it you have to give the buyer back their money and if you do not double insure for twice the value of the gun you are out the gun and the money so you are - the gun with no money to compensate.


    Umm... Think about that for a moment.

    The buyer has paid you for the gun. The USPS looses the gun. You have your money, but the buyer has no gun. You file the insurance claim and send the money to the buyer. You still have the original payment for the gun and the buyer has his money back.

    Whay would you need to insure it for twice it's value?
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  • 41 nut
    By insuring it for twice its value you are only throwing money away. In the case of loss or damage they will not pay any more than what they determine the value to be. Not what you say it its.
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