anti-gun USPS

[Salty]

I shipped a ML barrel to Bobby Hoyt. I stripped everything from it except the ramrod thimbles. I was hoping Bobby could remove them if he needed to. I couldn't loosen the screws and was concerned that I might strip them. So the status for several days has been "received, package acceptance pending". I called the shipper, a local pack and ship company. The USPS x-rayed the package. Said that it looked like bullets were packed in the box with the barrel (the thimbles). So now it sits waiting for them to open, inspect and accept for further shipment. The shipper has instructed them to open it but it is still sitting in their possession with no progress.
So beware if shipping anything gun related via USPS. I have heard similar stories about UPS and FEDEX.

 

[nkbj]

That really is strange but hey, we're living in very strange times being ruled by regulations and policies formulated by unelected bureaucrats.

Hmm, so how are people supposed to send sample bullets to Mr. Hoyt when a barrel is being reworked?
And does that mean a body cannot mail or receive a box of cast minies or round ball?

 

[springfield art]

I shipped a ML barrel to Bobby Hoyt. I stripped everything from it except the ramrod thimbles. I was hoping Bobby could remove them if he needed to. I couldn't loosen the screws and was concerned that I might strip them. So the status for several days has been "received, package acceptance pending". I called the shipper, a local pack and ship company. The USPS x-rayed the package. Said that it looked like bullets were packed in the box with the barrel (the thimbles). So now it sits waiting for them to open, inspect and accept for further shipment. The shipper has instructed them to open it but it is still sitting in their possession with no progress.
So beware if shipping anything gun related via USPS. I have heard similar stories about UPS and FEDEX.

OMG. Who'd of thunk that would happen? Hope this all works out OK. The fear and hysteria around such items is excessive. Your experience will be of help to anyone else who might of though of shipping with the thimbles intact. Thanks.

 

[SOLANCO]

I try to make my purchases sufficiently local so that I can pick up in person. But it is not always possible. Last time I had a rifle shipped in I was on pins and needles until I received it.

Lead sheets are available. Wonder what the USPO would do if you lead lined the package? Or wrapped the contents?

Once received a firearm in a package labeled "Garden Art". That was probably asking for trouble.

 

[springfield art]

I try to make my purchases sufficiently local so that I can pick up in person. But it is not always possible. Last time I had a rifle shipped in I was on pins and needles until I received it.

Lead sheets are available. Wonder what the USPO would do if you lead lined the package? Or wrapped the contents?

Once received a firearm in a package labeled "Garden Art". That was probably asking for trouble.

They'd panic, call the local ATF & law enforcement!! It would be the kind of thing bad guys might do....

 

[nhmoose]

I try to make my purchases sufficiently local so that I can pick up in person. But it is not always possible. Last time I had a rifle shipped in I was on pins and needles until I received it.

Lead sheets are available. Wonder what the USPO would do if you lead lined the package? Or wrapped the contents?

Once received a firearm in a package labeled "Garden Art". That was probably asking for trouble.

You would not like the shipping cost I bet!

 

[longcruise]

I shipped a ML barrel to Bobby Hoyt. I stripped everything from it except the ramrod thimbles. I was hoping Bobby could remove them if he needed to. I couldn't loosen the screws and was concerned that I might strip them. So the status for several days has been "received, package acceptance pending". I called the shipper, a local pack and ship company. The USPS x-rayed the package. Said that it looked like bullets were packed in the box with the barrel (the thimbles). So now it sits waiting for them to open, inspect and accept for further shipment. The shipper has instructed them to open it but it is still sitting in their possession with no progress.
So beware if shipping anything gun related via USPS. I have heard similar stories about UPS and FEDEX.

Something doesn't seem right here. I've never heard of USPS X raying anything. Did you at any time declare to the shipper what was in the package? Did you have the shipper wrap it? Did they label it? It looks like your shipper raised a red flag to the USPS.

 

[wiscoaster]

Well, I don't know what the alternative is. I've suspected UPS and FedEx as well as USPS of screwing around with gun-related items shipments being sent to the wrong destination and/or delayed for unaccountable reasons. They're all messing with us, guys.

As far as the suggestion to call local law enforcement and the ATF, I take it posted as sarcasm. It's outside the jurisdiction of the locals, and it's probably at the instigation of the ATF. So jump from the pan into the fire if you want, but as for me, I'll just sit here on my thumbs. Eventually everything winds up somewhere.

 

[Sam squanch]

That really is strange but hey, we're living in very strange times being ruled by regulations and policies formulated by unelected bureaucrats.

Hmm, so how are people supposed to send sample bullets to Mr. Hoyt when a barrel is being reworked?
And does that mean a body cannot mail or receive a box of cast minies or round ball?

They are looking for modern ammunition which I don’t think you can mail. I know several people who work for USPS. Any suspicious package is held for examination by ATF, police, whoever. Yes there are anti gun employees who will report anything remotely gun related. I mailed some firearm subject BOOKS and got a dirty look from the affirmative action hire. It will get worse, you can’t mail a antique pistol anymore, long guns are next.

 

[Salty]

Something doesn't seem right here. I've never heard of USPS X raying anything. Did you at any time declare to the shipper what was in the package? Did you have the shipper wrap it? Did they label it? It looks like your shipper raised a red flag to the USPS.

Actually I told them to classify it as a tool.

 

[longcruise]

Actually I told them to classify it as a tool.

I think it's the packer who caused the problem. In my experience, USPS has never shown interest in what is in the package. I don't think they are allowed to ask.

 

[nkbj]

Once upon a time a postal inspector replete with county mounty cars showed up at my house to terrorize my wife while I was out of town on business.
There was this package mailed to me and at one corner of the box an octagonal muzzle (a replica of an 1849 percussion revolver) was poking out. There was no way you could ascertain which corner of the box to open up unless you had x-rayed it. But now it was opened up to reveal (gasp!) something entirely legal. What was the message?
To this day I wonder if they were simply stupid or perhaps stupid and trying to drive home a point.

 

[Flintandsmoke]

I’ve gotten to the point I won’t ship. It’s shows or nothin’

 

[[email protected]]

I ship guns with USPS all the time. Once in a while some newbie might try to quote some BS thing to me, I just ask them to show me in the regs where that is, they never can.
I once had a gal tell me I had to sign a form saying I was an ammo maker or an FFL holder. I refused of course, I told them I would be lying on a federal form, no chance!
This was all some time ago and I havent had any trouble since at my local PO. They know when I bring in a big box, that it has a rifle in it. They just ask how much insurance do I want.
Less trouble than UPS or Fedex. Fedex used to be easy, but they now require an FFL to ship any guns and I dont have one and dont want one. UPS is just a PITA to deal with and usually expensive.

 

[Dale Lilly]

I haven't shipped many [7 or 8], but no problems. The only problems with USPS have been torn Money orders and misrouted mail. I have received more than thirty without difficulty.

 

[Goli0]

I refuse to use USPS I had a Winchester SX1 barrel get lost then on top of that the Post office lost the claim paperwork . After 2 items vanished from the USPS system I refuse to use their services for shipping firearms.

 

[Headrush]

I guess i been lucky but ive had multiple firearms and parts shipped buying and selling and ive never had any problems with Fedex or UPS but USPS was shipping a barrel in a cardboard tube and it slid out according to them and they shipped me an empty cardboard tube but when i filed a report it was missing i received it the next day with no damage

 

[Rabidwookie2003]

I shipped a ML barrel to Bobby Hoyt. I stripped everything from it except the ramrod thimbles. I was hoping Bobby could remove them if he needed to. I couldn't loosen the screws and was concerned that I might strip them. So the status for several days has been "received, package acceptance pending". I called the shipper, a local pack and ship company. The USPS x-rayed the package. Said that it looked like bullets were packed in the box with the barrel (the thimbles). So now it sits waiting for them to open, inspect and accept for further shipment. The shipper has instructed them to open it but it is still sitting in their possession with no progress.
So beware if shipping anything gun related via USPS. I have heard similar stories about UPS and FEDEX.

That’s a nightmare, right there. Getting more and more common lately. I got lucky, I got an 1851 navy off of Gunbroker and it shipped USPS from Oregon to Florida. Apparently the ones that got ahold of yours were off that week or it slipped past them while they were at lunch.

 

[Dusty_Traveler]

Did you put "gun barrel" in the description of contents? Edit--I see you didn't.

USPS does NOT require to to describe your contents.

UPS does.

When shipping any ML or pre 1898 arms, only one word needs to be in the description: Antiques

Also...I have all but stopped using USPS to ship anything important, time sensitive, or valuable.

As with the entire world around us, YMMV.

Edit to add---

Also, when shipping to or from places with "Arms, armory, ordnance, firearms, guns, etc." in the main address line......DON'T DO THAT!! Just abbreviate!! Don't give anyone any ideas!! Never volunteer ANY information unless it is absolutely necessary to the arrival of your package.

 

[Old-Duckman]

I’ve gotten to the point I won’t ship. It’s shows or nothin’

You are doing just what they want you to do. Resistance not compliance is the answer.

They never stop, when they get what they say they want, suddenly they want more.