To make a long story short I need to ship my pistol to Taurus for warranty. I called the Taurus customer service and he said to just ship it to them FedEx. Well, i called UPS and FedEx and they both said it is illegal to ship firearms. So i call Taurus back and they said to just box it up and not tell them what it is!!
So my question is, can i do that? And is there any way for them to find out and me get in trouble? Plus, Taurus said i HAVE to ship it over night and its like $50 to ship it all the way to Miami!! Let me know what you think
Shipping a firearm, Need Help
Moderator: carlson1
Shipping a firearm, Need Help
Luck favors the Prepared
G19c, G26, KT P11, Mossberg Mav 88, 10/22
G19c, G26, KT P11, Mossberg Mav 88, 10/22
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propellerhead
- Senior Member
- Posts: 917
- Joined: Tue May 09, 2006 9:12 am
- Location: The part of Texas that isn't like Texas
Contact the bigger FedEx/UPS place in your area. The small sites don't always know what they are talking about.
I called the small site first and was patched to a manager. The manager dug out their procedure book and read through it while we were on the phone. When I showed up, the manager was there to receive and ship my gun. The regular clerk just stood there in awe.
I called the small site first and was patched to a manager. The manager dug out their procedure book and read through it while we were on the phone. When I showed up, the manager was there to receive and ship my gun. The regular clerk just stood there in awe.
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propellerhead
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Tue May 09, 2006 9:12 am
- Location: The part of Texas that isn't like Texas
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TheRising
If you search on the forum for this topic you'll find this has been addressed. Here's where my redundant post is 
http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... highlight=
You pretty much HAVE to spend the money to ship the firearm overnight. That is the only way a non-FFL can do it. If you can, find an FFL who will do it for you for $15 or $20 bucks and it will be cheaper that way.
The guys at both FedEx and UPS didn't know what they were talking about. However, if you choose UPS it can only be a certified UPS owned storefront. It can't be any of their other centers. If you did a little searching on UPS' website for firearm you would probably have come up with this....
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resour ... earms.html
I am personally kind of skirting the issue with my shipping problem. My Dad and Mom are coming down here in June and my Dad is just sending my G23 "to himself" here in Houston "c/o me" on Firday (overnight with UPS). That is the only way that I know of to get around having to ship it to an FFL.
http://www.texasshooting.com/TexasCHL_F ... highlight=
You pretty much HAVE to spend the money to ship the firearm overnight. That is the only way a non-FFL can do it. If you can, find an FFL who will do it for you for $15 or $20 bucks and it will be cheaper that way.
The guys at both FedEx and UPS didn't know what they were talking about. However, if you choose UPS it can only be a certified UPS owned storefront. It can't be any of their other centers. If you did a little searching on UPS' website for firearm you would probably have come up with this....
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resour ... earms.html
I am personally kind of skirting the issue with my shipping problem. My Dad and Mom are coming down here in June and my Dad is just sending my G23 "to himself" here in Houston "c/o me" on Firday (overnight with UPS). That is the only way that I know of to get around having to ship it to an FFL.
You have to ship from a UPS or Fedex shipping center, NOT a storefront nor a Kinko's.
Their regulations require that it be shipped via next day air, but both have lower cost next day air options. For instance, UPS has Next Day Air Saver which delivers by the end of business the next day instead of 10 am.
If you ship without telling them what it is, you will have no recourse if lost or damaged.
Their regulations require that it be shipped via next day air, but both have lower cost next day air options. For instance, UPS has Next Day Air Saver which delivers by the end of business the next day instead of 10 am.
If you ship without telling them what it is, you will have no recourse if lost or damaged.
Mike
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
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propellerhead
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- Location: The part of Texas that isn't like Texas
My dad called the post office in the past. They told him that they would ship it, as long as it wasn't loaded.
And it cost him $5, but it was a little kel-tec.
And it cost him $5, but it was a little kel-tec.
"If a man breaks in your house, he ain't there for iced tea." Mom & Dad.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
The NRA & TSRA are a bargain; they're much cheaper than the cold, dead hands experience.
"The Rising" is correct.
It is not against the law to ship your firearm to a qualified repair center.
In my case, Springfield Armory did require it to be shipped overnight - and if you care about getting your firearm there and back without it being "lost" you will ship overnight with insurance and label the contents "machine parts" which in fact they are.
"The UPS Store" centers can supply you with the box and shipping label with which you may take and package your firearm for shipment then return to the store and have it shipped out.
Just my experience...
It is not against the law to ship your firearm to a qualified repair center.
In my case, Springfield Armory did require it to be shipped overnight - and if you care about getting your firearm there and back without it being "lost" you will ship overnight with insurance and label the contents "machine parts" which in fact they are.
"The UPS Store" centers can supply you with the box and shipping label with which you may take and package your firearm for shipment then return to the store and have it shipped out.
Just my experience...
"An armed society is a polite society"
By their corporate policy, these places are not allowed to accept handguns. You must go to a Fedex staffed shipping center.propellerhead wrote:The place I called was a FedEx/Kinko's in a strip mall. I suppose if I just showed up they wouldn't know what to do. Since I called ahead, they had time to look up their procedures manual.
For TheRising, the only one I see in your area is the Fedex center at 12606 Fuqua in Houston.
Does your Dad have a class 01 FFL? It has been my understanding that only FFL's may ship vis USPS.Venus Pax wrote:My dad called the post office in the past. They told him that they would ship it, as long as it wasn't loaded.
And it cost him $5, but it was a little kel-tec.
Mike
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
Overnight shipping is required policy by the express companies that we have ready access to, Fedex and UPS. It is also part of that policy that storefronts and other Fedex and UPS merchants cannot accept handguns for shipment. IF you try to circumvent that policy by shipping from one of those locations by not correctly stating the contents, I would say you would have zero chance of collecting on a claim if lost or damaged.CaptDave wrote:In my case, Springfield Armory did require it to be shipped overnight - and if you care about getting your firearm there and back without it being "lost" you will ship overnight with insurance and label the contents "machine parts" which in fact they are.
Mike
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
AF5MS
TSRA Life Member
NRA Benefactor Member
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jimlongley
- Senior Member
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- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:31 pm
- Location: Allen, TX
Warning, long post - here are the regs right out of the Domestic Mail Manual
I find it interesting to note that they use "explosion" while gunpowder does NOT explode although it could be considered to provide "gas pressure."
Sorry about the formatting.
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Domestic Mail Manual 1-8-06
601 601.11.1.5
Mailability: Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter
11.0 Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter
11.1 Pistols, Revolvers, and Other Concealable Firearms
11.1.1 Definitions
The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:
a. Handgun means any pistol, revolver, or other firearm or device the mailing of which is regulated by this standard.
b. Pistol or revolver means a handgun styled to be fired by the use of a single hand and to fire or otherwise expel a projectile by the action of an explosion, spring, or other mechanical action, or air or gas pressure with enough force to be used as a weapon.
c. Firearm means any device, including a starter gun, designed to, or that may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosion, spring, or other mechanical action, or air or gas pressure with enough force to be used as a weapon.
d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.
e. Short-barreled shotgun means a shotgun that has one or more barrels less than 18 inches long. The term short-barreled rifle means a rifle that has one or more barrels less than 16 inches long. These definitions include any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches. A short-barreled shotgun or rifle of greater dimension may be regarded as nonmailable when it has characteristics to allow concealment on the person.
f. Licensed manufacturer and licensed dealer mean, respectively, a manufacturer of firearms or a bona fide dealer of firearms, duly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury, under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-618), 18 USC 921, et seq.
g. Antique firearm means any firearm (including those with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898, or any replica thereof, if such replica:
1. Is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition.
2. Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
11.1.2 Handguns, Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (referred to as handguns) are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in 11.1.3 and 11.1.5 after the filing of an affidavit or statement required by 11.1.4 and 11.1.6.
11.1.3 Authorized Persons
Subject to 11.1.4, handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, a licensed dealer of firearms, or an authorized agent of the federal government or the government of a state, territory, or district, only when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the person’s official duties:
a. Officers of the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Organized Reserve Corps.
b. Officers of the National Guard or militia of a state, territory, or district.
c. Officers of the United States or of a state, territory, or district, whose official duty is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.
d. USPS employees authorized by the Chief Postal Inspector.
e. Officers and employees of enforcement agencies of the United States.
f. Watchmen engaged in guarding the property of the United States, a state, territory, or district.
g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of agencies employing officers and employees included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e.
11.1.4 Affidavit of Addressee
Any person proposing to mail a handgun under 11.1.3 must file with the postmaster, at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee setting forth that the addressee is qualified to receive the firearm under a particular category of 11.1.3a. through 11.1.3g, and that the firearm is intended for the addressee’s official use. The affidavit must also bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official duty use
of the addressee, signed by one of the following, as appropriate:
a. For officers of Armed Forces, by the commanding officer.
b. For officers and employees of enforcement agencies, by the head of the agency employing the addressee to perform the official duty with which the firearm is to be used.
c. For watchmen, by the chief clerk of the department, bureau, or independent branch of the government of the United States, the state, the territory, or the district by which the watchman is employed.
d. For the purchasing agent or other designated member of enforcement
agencies, by the head of such agency, that the firearm is to be used by an
officer or employee included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e, Authorized Persons.
11.1.5 Manufacturers and Dealers
Handguns may also be mailed between licensed manufacturers of firearms and licensed dealers of firearms in customary trade shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts.
11.1.6 Certificate of Manufacturers and Dealers
A licensed manufacturer or dealer need not file the affidavit under 11.1.4, but must file with the postmaster a statement on Form 1508 signed by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms, that the parcels containing handguns (or major component parts thereof) are customary trade shipments or contain such articles for repairing or replacing parts, and that to the best of his or her knowledge or belief the addressees are licensed manufacturers or dealers of firearms.
11.1.7 FBI Crime Detection Bureaus
Handguns may be mailed without regard to 11.1.3 through 11.1.6 if:
a. Addressed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or its director, or to the scientific laboratory or crime detection bureau of any agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers or officers of a state, territory, or district authorized to serve warrants of arrest or commitment; or
b. Offered by an authorized agent of the federal government as an official
shipment to any qualified addressee in categories 11.1.3a. through 11.1.3g, or to a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms or to a federal agency.
11.2 Antique Firearms
Antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces may be accepted for mailing without regard to 11.1.3 through 11.1.6.
11.3 Rifles and Shotguns
Although unloaded rifles and shotguns not precluded by 11.1.1e and 11.1.2 are mailable, mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, 18 USC 921, et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, 27 CFR 178, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not precluded by 11.1.1e.
11.4 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms
Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of rifles or shotguns. Contact the nearest office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for further advice.
I find it interesting to note that they use "explosion" while gunpowder does NOT explode although it could be considered to provide "gas pressure."
Sorry about the formatting.
=======================================================
Domestic Mail Manual 1-8-06
601 601.11.1.5
Mailability: Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter
11.0 Other Restricted and Nonmailable Matter
11.1 Pistols, Revolvers, and Other Concealable Firearms
11.1.1 Definitions
The terms used in this standard are defined as follows:
a. Handgun means any pistol, revolver, or other firearm or device the mailing of which is regulated by this standard.
b. Pistol or revolver means a handgun styled to be fired by the use of a single hand and to fire or otherwise expel a projectile by the action of an explosion, spring, or other mechanical action, or air or gas pressure with enough force to be used as a weapon.
c. Firearm means any device, including a starter gun, designed to, or that may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosion, spring, or other mechanical action, or air or gas pressure with enough force to be used as a weapon.
d. Other firearms capable of being concealed on the person include, but are not limited to, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles.
e. Short-barreled shotgun means a shotgun that has one or more barrels less than 18 inches long. The term short-barreled rifle means a rifle that has one or more barrels less than 16 inches long. These definitions include any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches. A short-barreled shotgun or rifle of greater dimension may be regarded as nonmailable when it has characteristics to allow concealment on the person.
f. Licensed manufacturer and licensed dealer mean, respectively, a manufacturer of firearms or a bona fide dealer of firearms, duly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the Department of the Treasury, under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-618), 18 USC 921, et seq.
g. Antique firearm means any firearm (including those with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898, or any replica thereof, if such replica:
1. Is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition.
2. Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and that is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
11.1.2 Handguns, Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (referred to as handguns) are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in 11.1.3 and 11.1.5 after the filing of an affidavit or statement required by 11.1.4 and 11.1.6.
11.1.3 Authorized Persons
Subject to 11.1.4, handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer of firearms, a licensed dealer of firearms, or an authorized agent of the federal government or the government of a state, territory, or district, only when addressed to a person in one of the following categories for use in the person’s official duties:
a. Officers of the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, or Organized Reserve Corps.
b. Officers of the National Guard or militia of a state, territory, or district.
c. Officers of the United States or of a state, territory, or district, whose official duty is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.
d. USPS employees authorized by the Chief Postal Inspector.
e. Officers and employees of enforcement agencies of the United States.
f. Watchmen engaged in guarding the property of the United States, a state, territory, or district.
g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of agencies employing officers and employees included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e.
11.1.4 Affidavit of Addressee
Any person proposing to mail a handgun under 11.1.3 must file with the postmaster, at the time of mailing, an affidavit signed by the addressee setting forth that the addressee is qualified to receive the firearm under a particular category of 11.1.3a. through 11.1.3g, and that the firearm is intended for the addressee’s official use. The affidavit must also bear a certificate stating that the firearm is for the official duty use
of the addressee, signed by one of the following, as appropriate:
a. For officers of Armed Forces, by the commanding officer.
b. For officers and employees of enforcement agencies, by the head of the agency employing the addressee to perform the official duty with which the firearm is to be used.
c. For watchmen, by the chief clerk of the department, bureau, or independent branch of the government of the United States, the state, the territory, or the district by which the watchman is employed.
d. For the purchasing agent or other designated member of enforcement
agencies, by the head of such agency, that the firearm is to be used by an
officer or employee included in 11.1.3c. through 11.1.3e, Authorized Persons.
11.1.5 Manufacturers and Dealers
Handguns may also be mailed between licensed manufacturers of firearms and licensed dealers of firearms in customary trade shipments, or for repairing or replacing parts.
11.1.6 Certificate of Manufacturers and Dealers
A licensed manufacturer or dealer need not file the affidavit under 11.1.4, but must file with the postmaster a statement on Form 1508 signed by the mailer that he or she is a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms, that the parcels containing handguns (or major component parts thereof) are customary trade shipments or contain such articles for repairing or replacing parts, and that to the best of his or her knowledge or belief the addressees are licensed manufacturers or dealers of firearms.
11.1.7 FBI Crime Detection Bureaus
Handguns may be mailed without regard to 11.1.3 through 11.1.6 if:
a. Addressed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or its director, or to the scientific laboratory or crime detection bureau of any agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers or officers of a state, territory, or district authorized to serve warrants of arrest or commitment; or
b. Offered by an authorized agent of the federal government as an official
shipment to any qualified addressee in categories 11.1.3a. through 11.1.3g, or to a licensed manufacturer or dealer of firearms or to a federal agency.
11.2 Antique Firearms
Antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces may be accepted for mailing without regard to 11.1.3 through 11.1.6.
11.3 Rifles and Shotguns
Although unloaded rifles and shotguns not precluded by 11.1.1e and 11.1.2 are mailable, mailers must comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618, 18 USC 921, et seq., and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, 27 CFR 178, as well as state and local laws. The mailer may be required by the USPS to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not precluded by 11.1.1e.
11.4 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms
Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of rifles or shotguns. Contact the nearest office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for further advice.
Real gun control, carrying 24/7/365
From the ATF's website:
In regard to shipping via FEDEX/UPS
(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
In regard to shipping via USPS
(B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
For more info: http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b8
In regard to shipping via FEDEX/UPS
(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
In regard to shipping via USPS
(B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
For more info: http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b8
"An armed society is a polite society"