Question about shipping a rifle

[rdm]

I went down to the local Fedex drop off today and the lady behind the counter told me I needed a FFL to ship a rifle out of state to a gunsmith. Is this right?

[blipelt]

To my knowledge shipping out-of-state you have to ship to a FFL.
You yourself don't have to have one. At least I didn't when I shipped off an action awhile ago.

Brent

[geargrinder]

Originally Posted by blipelt

To my knowledge shipping out-of-state you have to ship to a FFL.
You yourself don't have to have one. At least I didn't when I shipped off an action awhile ago.

Brent

Brent is correct.

You do not have to be a FFL, you just have to send to one.

My suspicion is that your Fedex place is a franchise store like the UPS stores. They can set their own policy and refuse to ship anything they see fit.

If that is the case you'll need to take it to the real Fedex or UPS terminal in your area. They almost always have a better grasp of reality and regulations.

Good luck.

[EddieHarren]

I would use the USPS. I receive and ship long guns from, and to, customers regularly.

[dirtball]

If you are purchasing a firearm (the portion of the weapon with the serial number on it, receiver/action etc.) from out of state it MUST be shipped to a FFL licensee. Once you own it, it can be shipped to and from a licensed gunsmith with out going thru a FFL Licensee.
You will have the least amount of hassle with the USPS, especially the smaller local PO's that know what they are doing.

Dave

[loaders_loft]

Do you need the FFL holder's license number or is just the address okay?

[dirtball]

Originally Posted by loaders_loft

Do you need the FFL holder's license number or is just the address okay?

You are supposed to have a "Signed copy of the FFL License" of the person/dealer that you are shipping the firearm to.
Present this to the carrier as assurance that the shipment is legal.
You can go on "Gunbroker.Com" and get a complete rundown of the current rags, AND you can link to the BATF web site and verify that the FFL license that the purchaser sent you is from a current licensee and not a forgery.

The last ones that I have done the guy at the post office just looks at the FFL license and hands it back to me and ships the firearm.
Hand guns HAVE TO BE shipped overnight express, if I recall correctly.
Dave

GunBroker.com Support FAQ 1118 : Firearms Shipping Guide