How to ship a BP Pistol

[Fnfalguy]

So I am about to bang my head into a wall reviewing USPS, UPS & FEDEX rules regarding shipping, so I figured I would ask others how they have shipped BP pistols. I keep getting bounced around from Dangerous Goods to Customer Service back to Dangerous Goods without getting an answer. While I still plan on trying to hammer out how to legally ship the pistols, I was hoping others had actually experience in shipping.

In short, how have you shipped BP pistols and what if any description did you have to use on the packages.
TIA

ETA: if you have managed to explain to customer service what you were trying to ship, what magic words did you use to convey the description of the item. So far I have been failing miserably using antique firearm, black power pistol, and even trying to explain it isnt a firearm in the US Code.

 

[bubba.50]

I use USPS flat rate boxes. Don't say a damn thing about what's in the box. Just answer their little anything hazardous, liquid, batteries etc., confirm the ship to address, get your tracking number and leave.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Same for me, there’s no need to explain to USPS.
I’ve mailed cap and ball pistols and as long as it’s going to a person that can receive it it’s perfectly legal. Today I mailed a muzzle loading rifle with no issues.

 

[Semisane]

Yep, USPS flat rate, insured.

 

[hawkeye2]

USPS, flat rate or regular priority, insure it. Buy the label online and just drop it off at the P.O. Do not answer any questions except the one about hazardous contents and do not volunteer any info or ask any questions. I have shipped and received revolvers (many) and rifles this way and have never had a problem.

 

[sheriff john]

Used the post office's priority mail pre-made box ( both ways ). No problem. Went out disassembled as parts, came back assembled. Using an easily-identified-as-a- gun box is probably not a stellar idea due to thefts during shipment. My delivery driver's a great guy, used to bringing long boxes to my farm. "Got another gun for you."

Showed him the southern mountain rifle he'd brought to me and how it was packed. "You're lucky. Some things get treated pretty rough before we get them."

 

[TNBandit]

I have never sent anything whatsoever through the USPS where they asked me what I was sending. Only the usual "liquid, perishable, etc questions. Frankly it's none of their business. If you're buying insurance for the package they do have a place to list the contents if I remember correctly. In that case it's "machine parts"

 

[Fnfalguy]

I have never sent anything whatsoever through the USPS where they asked me what I was sending. Only the usual "liquid, perishable, etc questions. Frankly it's none of their business. If you're buying insurance for the package they do have a place to list the contents if I remember correctly. In that case it's "machine parts"

This is one area I saw a potential problem. It relates to insurance if you purchase that. If you actually have to use it, I’m sure they (shipping company) would fight me on it if it was an item that wasn’t shipped ”correctly”.

 

[TNBandit]

This is one area I saw a potential problem. It relates to insurance if you purchase that. If you actually have to use it, I’m sure they (shipping company) would fight me on it if it was an item that wasn’t shipped ”correctly”.

Very true. Cool username too. Been a member of the Falfiles so long I've got a 4 digit member number

 

[Fnfalguy]

Very true. Cool username too. Been a member of the Falfiles so long I've got a 4 digit member number

Different user name for me there. Go by Hydrotx on the files. Two digit member number myself.

 

[jdw276]

Take it to a gunstore that does transfers. They will give you tracking numbers etc when they create the labels.

 

[Columbus]

Yep, USPS flat rate, insured.

Don't bother to insure - they won't pay. USPS regulations prohibit the shipment of ANY handgun except by FFL.

 

[TNBandit]

Different user name for me there. Go by Hydrotx on the files. Two digit member number myself.

NHBandit at your service. Good to see you.

 

[Tumbledown]

Take it to a gunstore that does transfers. They will give you tracking numbers etc when they create the labels.

Why? In most areas, it can be shipped directly.

 

[powderhombre]

I made the mistake once by telling the UPS agent it was an antique Firearm in which case all she head was firearm and made a huge scene in the store. I went home and called company rep and he said absolutely can ship any gun made prior to 1898 and their reproductions. He called the agent in question and I returned and shipped with no problem. The agent never said a word to me and I did not embarrass her further.

 

[11Bravo]

Good to know powderhombre as I have a UPS acct and can print my shipping at home, then just drop off.

 

[Celticstoneman]

USPS, no muss, no fuss.

 

[Two Elks]

I always answer their question verbally with "machined parts", and that satisfies their question. I've NEVER had a problem shipping BP pistols or rifles. I always remove the barrels and then wrap each piece (stock and barrel) in a cheap ($5) new towel and put them in a carton. The buyer always gets a couple of new towels and the pieces arrive undamaged from the cushioning. I've shipped a lot of BP rifles and pistols over the years that way. And Powderhombre is correct there are no regulations on replicas or real guns older than 1898. But why open a can of worms by voluntering that it is a firearm at all. I've used USPS, Fed Ex and UPS all three. But the way it is now don't expect UPS to get it delivered to the correct address 100% of the time, unfortunately.

 

[B P Maniac Shooter]

I shipped an extremely well packed complete Lymans Great Plains pistol to TX last month. They are legal to ship, however, I don't tell them whats in the package. Pay the clerk, get your tracking number on a receipt & leave.
That's all.

 

[Two Elks]

If you take it to an FFL you're probably going to be charged for their services plus the postage and you'll probably going to have to ship it to the buyers FFL which further complicates the issue for you AND the buyer. There is no Form 4473 required by seller or buyer on BP guns so why use an FFL ?