Shipping handgun out of state - what's the bottom line

[Rayden]

So I just sold my USPc to someone in Colorado and I am searching for the best way to ship. This will be my first time shipping any firearm. I've done my reasearch but seem to be confused to the current status of handgun shipping.

Is there a FFL in Houston that can ship it to another FFL for me for a fee? If I can't find such FFL, which UPS or Fedex location in Houston that you guys have the best experience with shipping a handgun? And is overnight the only options or the 2 - 3 days rule is in effect now?

[Bob Landry]

You may ship it to a FFL if it is his policy to accept a firearm from a non-FFL. Otherwise, you'll have to get your FFL to ship to another FFL. You have to ship by common carrier, overnight, adult signature required.

[Mike1951]

You need to do some research. One FFL may ship to another FFL using the mail, which is much cheaper. You have to also pay the shipping dealer for a transfer, so the question is whether two transfer fees plus shipping is cheaper than overnight UPS or Fedex.

Second, if you use UPS or Fedex, it has to be one of their shipping centers. You can't ship from a UPS Store or a Fedex/Kinko's. They will most likely require overnight at great expense. Over the past few months, I have seen shipping by 2 or 3 day. It can't hurt to ask.

Also, check to make sure that the receiving FFL will accept a shipment directly from a non-licensee. Due to interpretation, some will, some won't. If not, you're back to paying an FFL to ship.

[Rayden]

Thanks Mike. Anyone has a preference of using either UPS or Fedex, and why? I confirmed that the receiving FFL does indeed accept from individuals so I need to ship on Monday.

You need to do some research. One FFL may ship to another FFL using the mail, which is much cheaper. You have to also pay the shipping dealer for a transfer, so the question is whether two transfer fees plus shipping is cheaper than overnight UPS or Fedex.

Second, if you use UPS or Fedex, it has to be one of their shipping centers. You can't ship from a UPS Store or a Fedex/Kinko's. They will most likely require overnight at great expense. Over the past few months, I have seen shipping by 2 or 3 day. It can't hurt to ask.

Also, check to make sure that the receiving FFL will accept a shipment directly from a non-licensee. Due to interpretation, some will, some won't. If not, you're back to paying an FFL to ship.

[Mike1951]

I would probably use whichever is closer. I would inquire about 2 or 3 day shipping. Both UPS and Fedex have robbed us for years by insistng that handguns be shipped next day air. Several months ago, Empire Arms began shipping handguns UPS 2nd Day Air. At about the same time, Southern Ohio Guns also started handguns by 2nd Day Air. I bought a Makarov from an individual in IN. At my insistence, he asked about other options when he went to Fedex. They initially quoted him over $50, which he paid and went home. The same Fedex clerk called him at home two hours later after asking her supervisor and being advised that the handgun should ship 3-day. As a result, my shipping was $21. That's why I say it can't hurt to ask.

If they insist on overnight, UPS Next Day Air saver or Fedex Standard Overnight can save you a few bucks if they are available in your recipient's area. They deliver by the end of the business day rather than 10:30am.

[Bob Landry]

If you're paying a shipping dealer for a transfer, you're getting ripped off. There's no law that says they have to do a transfer to ship. Only the FFL who transfers the gun to the new owner gets paid..

[Mike1951]

If you're paying a shipping dealer for a transfer, you're getting ripped off. There's no law that says they have to do a transfer to ship. Only the FFL who transfers the gun to the new owner gets paid..

I mentioned that he consider that option since it can be mailed FFL to FFL for about $15. That, plus the additional transfer fee can be less than overnight shipping.

[Rayden]

Well, I went to a Fedex shipping center and they said only overnight for handguns, and 2 - 3 days for long guns. I spent $60 including $3 insurance to overnight it to Colorado. Man there gotta be a better way

I would probably use whichever is closer. I would inquire about 2 or 3 day shipping. Both UPS and Fedex have robbed us for years by insistng that handguns be shipped next day air. Several months ago, Empire Arms began shipping handguns UPS 2nd Day Air. At about the same time, Southern Ohio Guns also started handguns by 2nd Day Air. I bought a Makarov from an individual in IN. At my insistence, he asked about other options when he went to Fedex. They initially quoted him over $50, which he paid and went home. The same Fedex clerk called him at home two hours later after asking her supervisor and being advised that the handgun should ship 3-day. As a result, my shipping was $21. That's why I say it can't hurt to ask.

If they insist on overnight, UPS Next Day Air saver or Fedex Standard Overnight can save you a few bucks if they are available in your recipient's area. They deliver by the end of the business day rather than 10:30am.

[Velocity]

What if it's just for a repair, or work being done - NOT being sold? Can you can ship directly to the gunsmith and he can ship directly back to you without FFL's being involved? Again, this is NOT a sale, just repair work.

[cowboymd]

What if it's just for a repair, or work being done - NOT being sold? Can you can ship directly to the gunsmith and he can ship directly back to you without FFL's being involved? Again, this is NOT a sale, just repair work.

I shipped a Beretta back to the factory through Academy. No transfer, I just dropped it off, they shipped it. Beretta shipped it directly back to me.