No, you can't ship black powder pistols or handguns via the USPS.

[Loyalist Dave]

Btw, Always insure your package for what it would cost to replace it.

Have you ever made a successful claim for a lost item?

LD

 

[brushblind]

I just received a replica .62 cal. Dragoon yesterday delivered by USPS. I noticed the cost was $30.30 which is highway robbery, literally! Anyhow, it's not a perc. revolver but I thought they were shippable as long as they weren't converted to fire cartridge. Somebody please find out, I have some I would like to sell! When I bought them they were shipped to my door by Fedex and UPS but that was a few years ago.

 

[ormond tony]

What everyone is apparently forgetting is the following:

BLACK POWDER FIREARMS MUST BE SEPARATED BY DATES/PERIODS. When people talk about black powder weapons and make rules, they may be talking about modern day rifles and pistols. Thats why there is 431.3. At least in my opinion.

When discussion this with officials, there is a need to distinguish that fact. The BP firearms of today are not your dragoon, colts, great plains, etc of yesteryear. The yesteryear ones should not have the capability of todays BP firearms. If you ask a postmaster, make sure everyone is on the same page and same time peiod.

Just my opinoin. If I am wrong, so be it.

 

[ormond tony]

I just received a replica .62 cal. Dragoon yesterday delivered by USPS. I noticed the cost was $30.30 which is highway robbery, literally! Anyhow, it's not a perc. revolver but I thought they were shippable as long as they weren't converted to fire cartridge. Somebody please find out, I have some I would like to sell! When I bought them they were shipped to my door by Fedex and UPS but that was a few years ago.

how was it sent? priority or regular mail? that might make a difference. priority is tracked all the way.

 

[brushblind]

I think the one constant in the debate is can you load the gun with cartridges? If you can then you can't mail it, to include the antique 6 shooters. Be interested though, in light of what I just said, how does Taylor ship the conversions they offer.

They must ship to your local FFL.

 

[64Springer]

I have to point out here, that getting a straight answer from the Post Office is difficult.

The first lady I called up at the USPS did not have a clue. She simply called up Publication 52 and was reading it to me over the phone. I said, "Look, I can read it, I don't need someone to read it to me, I need someone who understands what it means." She directed me to the Mailing and Shipping Resource center. The guy there was extremely helpful. He did not know the answer, but was clearly interested in finding the answer as opposed to the front-line phone person who simply was going to read the regulation she did not understand to me.

It's entirely likely that you will get different answers depending on who you ask at the Post Office.

So again, I suggest you print out USPS Publication 52 section 431 and 432 and take them to your local postmaster and have them clarify whether the USPS considers any kind of pistol a handgun or not (the answer is yes, they do), and what the requirements are for shipping a handgun (that is in section 432).

Dear Mr. Maker,

We wish to thank you for the inordinate amount of time you've invested to date. Your zeal, passion and dedication to the cause is shared by more than you could possibly imagine. Please keep up the good fight. And know you are constantly in our prayers.

Forever Yours,

Sarah Jane Brady

CC: Beto O'Rourke, Joe Biden, Moms Demand Action, Al Sharpton, Lori Lightfoot, J.B. Pritzker, Alvin Bragg and Gavin Newsome.

 

[brushblind]

how was it sent? priority or regular mail? that might make a difference. priority is tracked all the way.

Priority insured.

 

[user 16256]

Have you ever made a successful claim for a lost item?

LD

Yes sir. Several times for damaged or 'lost', i.e., stolen items. Both ways. I did have a very nice rifle burn up in a mail truck and USPS informed me of it and took care of me without much hassle. I've had to initiated the claim for customers in order to refund them. USPS is far safer than ups or fedex imo and experience.. way more firearms never recieved or damaged through them. They just don't care. USPS mail carriers are the best! The insurance is worth every penny.

 

[user 16256]

So is consistent service.
I have it set up with my post office that they notify me when anything other than a standard first class letter or bulk mail is delivered. They don't always do it, and other times they have notified me of a delivery and I've found an empty mailbox... at 23:00 hours. Sometimes the parcel arrives the next day, sometimes days later....,

LD

Sign up for informed delivery. It sends you a picture everyday of every piece of mail.
https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm

 

[64Springer]

Yes sir. Several times for damaged or 'lost', i.e., stolen items. Both ways. I did have a very nice rifle burn up in a mail truck and USPS informed me of it and took care of me without much hassle. I've had to initiated the claim for customers in order to refund them. USPS is far safer than ups or fedex imo and experience.. way more firearms never recieved or damaged through them. They just don't care. USPS mail carriers are the best! The insurance is worth every penny.

It took the USPS three weeks to deliver a C&R rifle to an address two states away.

Three weeks.

I could have duct taped that rifle to a crack addled turtle and had faster delivery.

It's a damn shame USP has stopped shipping firearms. Was hoping some lawsuits would have fixed their little brown wagon. No luck as of yet.

 

[user 16256]

It took the USPS three weeks to deliver a C&R rifle to an address two states away.

Three weeks.

I could have duct taped that rifle to a crack addled turtle and had faster delivery.

It's a damn shame USP has stopped shipping firearms. Was hoping some lawsuits would have fixed their little brown wagon. No luck as of yet.

I've never had that experience, but I also pay more to ship since it is so much cheaper than the alternatives. First class or priority with adult signature confirmation and insurance.

 

[brushblind]

Aside from the issue of actually needing to ship a black powder handgun lets look at the real issue here.....the current POTUS and his stooges are doing there very best to restrict our rights as defined by the Constitution. Look at all the other changes he has made that are in the news and then in the courts. This one simply hasn't been in the news. That's the way he wants it, nice and quiet. It is only when it becomes big news that someone challenges the change.

He should be called the "TIC" for thief in charge! Ticks are classified as parasites so it fits, he's bleeding America dry!

 

[zimmerstutzen]

A common question that comes up here is, "Can I ship a black powder pistol or handgun through the USPS?"

The answer is no.

There is then always a lot of debate around this. A lot of people are confused between the Federal definition of a firearm and USPS postal regulations.

These are the USPS regulations, as updated February 9, 2023:

https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/Pub52/pub52.pdf
Go to page 99.

Alternatively, you can go here:

https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_008.htm
View attachment 243321

What this means is that you cannot ship "antique firearms meeting the description of a handgun." via the USPS. This includes replicas. The USPS doesn't consider antique firearms to be firearms unless they meet the definition of a handgun. Then they consider it a firearm.

What it also means is that you cannot take the gun apart and ship the pieces as "parts" to get around this regulation. You can't ship the frame or lock for a handgun, either.

Regardless of what the federal government may define a firearm to be, USPS postal regulations do not allow the shipping of any kind of handgun.

There are exceptions for certain government employees, and certain license holders. But your average Joe cannot ship any kind of handgun through USPS.

Well I went to page 99 as you suggested. And what to my wondering eyes did appear, but sections that YOU left out. for instance:
432.2 Handguns
d. Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.

What parts of a muzzle loader hand gun are regulated under Chapter 44 title 18??? Where ever did you get the idea that a lock is a receiver or "other" part so regulated under the federal statute? This is a specific section which under normal rules of statutory construction, provides an exception to the general provision.

I also just sent a letter off to my congressman about the Post Office's efforts to restrict second amendment rights that are permitted under federal law. Frankly, even a liberal judge would have a hard time finding the reasoning to say this is valid. The federal law already addresses what firearms related items may be mailed and that would normally be considered to have pre-empted these regulations.

 

[azmntman]

I use Pirate ship. Cheaper and gives you the best rate bewtween the top shippers like USPS FedEx and UPS. When I print a label I have to assure no haz matt buy insurance (not asked for what) and I take it the local USPS so I get a receipt that indeed they did get it. If I have to dsassemble and shop in two pieces I will. I only ship replica props and the fact they are working replica props does not change the fact they are replica props. Agree with the gracious thank you submitted by 64sprigfield 1000%. Now go stirr another pot in another forum. The feds dont need yer help, they doing a wondeful job of fear mongering and escalating confussion everywhere (please note that Lucifer is the father of confussion).

 

[64Springer]

Well I went to page 99 as you suggested. And what to my wondering eyes did appear, but sections that YOU left out. for instance:
432.2 Handguns
d. Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.

What parts of a muzzle loader hand gun are regulated under Chapter 44 title 18??? Where ever did you get the idea that a lock is a receiver or "other" part so regulated under the federal statute? This is a specific section which under normal rules of statutory construction, provides an exception to the general provision.

I also just sent a letter off to my congressman about the Post Office's efforts to restrict second amendment rights that are permitted under federal law. Frankly, even a liberal judge would have a hard time finding the reasoning to say this is valid. The federal law already addresses what firearms related items may be mailed and that would normally be considered to have pre-empted these regulations.

Outstanding Job, Sir.

Nothing on a black powder revolver is regulated.

And its why black powder revolvers are not handguns in the legal sense of the word.

 

[ROA457]

Well I don't know who your FedEx people were here in Australia, or in the USA, but I bought a second hand assembled TVM FL ML Rifle from an American member of this forum, who shipped it via FedEx to a friend of mine in South Carolina, who then shipped it via FedEx to me here in Qld Australia a few weeks ago without any problems other than 2 week delay by Customs in Brisbane because of backlogs. Understandably I had a PTA and Import permit approved before shipment commenced.
I've had Locks, Bullet moulds and all sorts of BP ML accessories shipped over here with nary a problem in the past.
In my experience FedEx have been 100% easy to deal with, others over here say the same.

Coinneach, I have heard the same thing, yet to test the waters though. I will have to put feelers out and see what others have found.

 

[BrianL]

I have contacted the USPS Mailing and Shipping Solution Center.

I asked them if a black powder percussion pistol (or replica) could be shipped via USPS between individuals. The answer was no.

They said:

"I have been informed these CANNOT be mailed from one private person to another. Restrictions are below from Pub 52. Thank you and have a great day!"

View attachment 243637
Per USPS Publication 52, section 431, Any kind of pistol, antique, replica, modern, or otherwise, is still considered, by the USPS, as a handgun. As such, it falls under restricted materials, and handguns have special mailing requirements (see image above).

It does not matter whether or not the ATF considers black powder guns to be "firearms" or not. What matters it that the USPS considers any gun you hold in your hand to shoot to be a handgun.

Anyone who does not want to believe what is in this thread is encouraged to print out section 431 and 432 of Publication 52 and see your local Postmaster, and ask them:

1) Are black powder pistols (or replicas thereof) considered "handguns" by the USPS.
2) What are the restrictions for mailing a handgun through the USPS.

Or, you can call the Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center:

Talk to a Live Agent Monday-Friday from 7:00am-7:00pm Central at 877.672.0007

I wish this was not so, but it is, and you should know before shipping a black powder pistol via USPS because you probably won't get an insurance claim honored, and you may well run afoul of the law.

Sorry but if I can send the barrel, and I can send the stock, and I can send the action/lock, then I can send the whole gun, even if I have to break it down to parts. I am an FFL and this issue is not an issue.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Yes sir. Several times for damaged or 'lost', i.e., stolen items. Both ways. I did have a very nice rifle burn up in a mail truck and USPS informed me of it and took care of me without much hassle. I've had to initiated the claim for customers in order to refund them. USPS is far safer than ups or fedex imo and experience.. way more firearms never recieved or damaged through them. They just don't care. USPS mail carriers are the best! The insurance is worth every penny.

I can almost guarantee that you must sue FED EX. I have several times.

 

[BrianL]

Have you ever made a successful claim for a lost item?

LD

Yes, once I had a vintage sight 'lost' behind the driver's seat, was compensated and a year later got the item. I also sent a stock that got broken in transit. I got the stock back and used it for knife scales, received a check, and returned and reimbursed the buyer.

 

[Surfinator58]

I have sent black powder through the mail for years and I have received black powder pistols and rifles and muskets through the mail for years every once in a while there is a postmaster who does not know their own law or misinterprets their own law that happened to me in San Diego years ago but it is totally legal in most States