doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Shipping a gun within U.S.

I recently acquired a somewhat pricey new side-by-side and so am concerned by the risk of loss/theft if I check it with an airline. Can any of you recommend a safe way for shipping a gun within the U.S. (also, from U.S. to England or Europe)? Seems I've hears that UPS and/or Fedex might be an option. Any experience or suggestions appreciated.

On pricy items inside the US, which is the only place I have shipped, USPS registered I believe is the most secure. That at least would be my suggestion.

If you use an FFL then you can use PS Form 1508.
http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1508.pdf


But just by yourself you can do this
http://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm

Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > 4 Restricted Matter > 43 Firearms > 432 Mailability

432.3 Rifles and Shotguns

Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations under 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the rifle or shotgun is unloaded and not ineligible for mailing. The following conditions also apply:

Subject to state, territory, or district regulations, rifles and shotguns may be mailed without restriction when sent within the same state of mailing. These items must:
Bear a �Return Service Requested� endorsement.
Be sent by Priority Mail Express (�signature required� must be used at delivery) or Registered Mail.
Include either insured mail service (for more than $200) requiring a signature at delivery or Signature Confirmation service.
A shotgun or rifle owned by a non-FFL may be mailed outside the owner's state of residence by the owner to himself or herself, in care of another person in the other state where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. These mailpieces must:
Be addressed to the owner.
Include the �in the care of� endorsement immediately preceding the name of the applicable temporary custodian.
Be opened by the rifle or shotgun owner only.
Be mailed using services described in 432.3a.

USPS registered mail by a long margin. I wouldn't even consider another carrier. And in the rare event something should happen to it they actually pay what it is insured for, unlike some of the horror stories I've heard from private carriers.

dittos for registered mail.