I was able to pick up my Sante Fe Hawken last summer on the way back from NC. Shortly before that, I had a gun I sold and packed well, destroyed in transit as well as one delivered with a crack in the stock. I'm not very trusting of shippers anymore.
Here is what I send out to folks sending me a gun:
The following instructions are due to receiving damaged goods* from another member for which I had to file a claim. The gun looked brand new (except for the damage) so the collectible value was ruined. They were a Gun Shop so you’d have expected it to be packaged better. I’ve also received others that were shipped similarly but surprisingly those arrived safely.
Please wrap the item in bubble wrap if you have it or at least several layers of newspaper, brown paper, etc. Double wrap or reinforce the lock area (including the hammer/cock) please.
Make sure the box is big enough so the item does not touch the sides. Please fill the empty cavity and ends with newspaper, paper shredder waste, etc. so that it can’t rattle and break through the box. I really hate packing popcorn but if that’s all you have then go ahead and use it.
Lastly, please insure the item for the payment including shipping, or (whatever the total is). That way if it’s destroyed in transit, I can recoup ALL my funds.
Acknowledgment of receipt of this email would be greatly appreciated.
* The gun referenced was a pristine unfired T/C 54 cal Renegade that had been spiral wrapped in brown paper and left to rattle around in the box all the way to my home. IT WAS SOLD AND SHIPPED BY A GUN SHOP! You'd think they'd have known better. The toe broke through the box and cracked. I obtained a repair estimate from my local gun shop for $75. I fixed the stock myself and relisted the item for $75 less than I paid as that's what the Post Office paid me for the damage.
Walt
. It appears its quite a bit shorter. 1.6”
