USPS problem

[Billnpatti]

Today I tried to send a muzzleloder through the mail and the post office refused it. I spoke with the local Postmaster and he also refused the shipment saying that the post office only accepts muzzleloaders for shipment from licensed dealers. I then went to the next town and tried to mail the rifle and got the same refusal. The second person went as far as calling the regional office in Waco and was told that muzzleloaders could only be shipped by dealers. Has anyone else run into this problem or is it unique to Central Texas? I have, in the past, mailed several muzzleloading rifles and shotguns with absolutely no problems. What's up?

 

[Rogue River]

The only refusal I,ve had they won,t ship pistols!

 

[Sinner]

Nope, no problems anywhere I've ever been. You can't legally ship most firearms unless it is to a FFL holder, but anyone can originate shipment. Blackpowder firearms are not restricted by the feds, by some states still restrict them.

 

[FRJ]

There is no law regarding M/L guns from being shipped by the USPS!! Your running into an unimformed gvt flunky. Why are you even telling them whats in the box? FRJ

 

[ohio ramrod]

To often you are dealing with people who have no detailed knowledge. To them a gun is a gun! :idunno: :idunno:

 

[Billnpatti]

Since it is going to Canada, I have to put on the customs paperwork exactly what is in the box. If it wasn't for that, I'd just keep my mouth shut and let them take it. Nothing liquid, nothing hazardolus, etc. Just answer those questions and let it go. But in this case, I HAVE to declare what I am shipping. I can't get past the ignorant government lackies and the worst part is that it is the regional office that is telling the local post offices that they can't mail a muzzleloader. When the top dog is ignorant and spreading his ignorance, I am screwed.

When I contacted USPS in Washington, they just refered me to my local postoffice. Another burocratic handoff. Every time I have any dealings with a government office, I leave with the feeling that our government is augering in. The whole damned thing is circling the drain.

 

[Rifleman1776]

This issue arises frequently.
Individual postal workers often automatically just say "no" when they don't really know what they are doing. With their back to a wall you have almost no options. Right and wrong are not factors. Just pure stubborn bureaucratic intransigence. You may have to use UPS or FedEx.

 

[rafterob]

I do know you cannot mail a muzzleloader in firing condition into or out of Canada. Canadian suppliers mailing out of the country must leave the barrels untapped. You could probably mail "antique replica gun parts" there but the barrel would still be a problem. Plus you could rest assured it would be inspected if declared anything relating to guns.

 

[F.G. Ford]

If you take the gun apart, as most likely, you already have.
Send the barrel and lock one day, and send the remaining parts another day.
That way you are only sending parts, and nothing else. :stir:
Fred

 

[F.G. Ford]

Modern guns, I can relate to.
BUT these jack ass bureaucrats have managed to shut down the legal transport of antique, and replica collectibles.
Contact your local elected house representitive, and lodge a formal complint naming persons involved.
Contact you postmaster, and his/her superior, and let them know of your actions.
I'm sure some one will explain to them your rights.
Also ask for a written copy from all involved.
Fred

 

[Geraldo]

The State Department regulates what can be exported, and a number of things you wouldn't expect require an export license.

 

[matt denison]

"I do know you cannot mail a muzzleloader in firing condition into or out of Canada."Not true.

I mail mzzldrs all over the country, all over the world and very often into Canada. Flintlocks all.

When a USPS employee says that the Post Office does not handle muzzleloaders ask them to show you the regulation that says they do not. (there isn't one) Be polite but firm. Be assertive, ask to speak to a manager either on premises or on the phone. Stand your ground. You do not need to be a dealer or need an FFL.

Little known fact: it is also legal to ship a Long gun (rifle or shotgun) through the mail. Yes, it is. The only restriction is that it must be unloaded. ..duh..

I have had ths problem often when a new employee starts at the same place where I have shipped muzzleloaders for years. UPS or USPS, doesn't matter. That is why you need to ask for a different person or a manager.

Reminder. Always be polite, Smile, be friendly and present yourself like you are being friendly and offering new informatin or advice. It will get you much farther than raising your voice, calling names etc.

 

[Vaino]

I was refused shipment of a MLer by the USPS and after talking w/ the local Postmster, convinced her to call BATFE and they told her that MLers are exempt from firearms shipping regs.. PM then had them fax the regs and I suggested that they be placed in the USPS reg book. Have had no further problems.....Fred

 

[ihuntsnook]

As long as what you are shipping is legal, not a liquid and not hazardous, it's none of their business what's in the box. I ship lots of antiques in Priority Mail boxes -- insured with delivery confirmation. Shipping one to California tomorrow morning.

 

[bubba.50]

what FRJ said-why do they even know what's in the box? there's absolutely no way it's any of the postal flunky's business.

my opinion and yer welcome to it.

 

[necchi]

Ya realy gotta dig, it's legal by postal code but some individuals are afraid to even look at the code book.
It's easier for them to just say no

Rifles, antique guns (unloaded)
AIR/Yes-- Ground/Yes-- INTERNATONAL/Yes
And here are the codes
601.11.2
601.11.3 43
601.11.2/
601.11.3 No content markings on outside of mail piece are permitted.

431.3 Antique Firearm
An antique firearm (including one with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) is any firearm manufactured in or before 1898, or a replica of such a firearm, that meets either of the following conditions:

It is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition.
It uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available through commercial trade channels.

 

[necchi]

My community is surrounded by little towns,
I'm lucky enough that in one little burg there's a Sporting goods distributor that has the local USP office well versed with the code book.
The Main Office in town won't touch anything thats gun related, even a barrel blank alone in the box.
If I take a full ML rifle to the other Office that clerks don't even blink an eye while slappin the labels on and taking my money.
There are a few States and Canada I won't ship to,, I don't know there rules.

 

[cynthialee]

I notice there is no mention of pin fire weapons...

 

[necchi]

It's there,
"uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured"
It's not made commercialy, you need someone to make your pin fire ammo privately.

 

[Sinner]

"I do know you cannot mail a muzzleloader in firing condition into or out of Canada."Not true.

I mail mzzldrs all over the country, all over the world and very often into Canada. Flintlocks all.

...

Little known fact: it is also legal to ship a Long gun (rifle or shotgun) through the mail. Yes, it is. The only restriction is that it must be unloaded. ..duh..

...

Simply not true. It is illegal to send a rifle(not including antique or blackpowder firearms)in the mail to a non-ffl holder, with one exception: a person may send a rifle/shotgun from himself to himself, such as if a person was traveling from lousiana to maine to go hunting, but didn't want to travel with it. .
Check dept. ATF laws and regulations.