Need Some Help

[Elmstreet]

I hope this is the right place to post this. Here goes:

I am trying to ship a replica muzzle loading percussion pistol (black powder) to another forum member. I contacted my local post office and they said that they can absolutely not ship any handgun, even read the regulation to me that essentially bars caplocks, matchlocks, flintlocks and others from being mailed. Next, I called the FEDEX 1-800 number and was told that they would only accept handgun shipments from FFLs.

I know it's been done before (black powder sent person to person without using FFL) and believe it's perfectly legal. How does one go about doing it?

Thanks

 

[loaded round]

I'm fairly certain you can ship a flintlock or percussion gun through UPS legally. Check their regulations at a UPS store.

 

[RugerHound]

I've shipped and received black powder handguns directly from the seller through the mail. There is nothing that says you have to declare it as a firearm... And in fact relics/curio/antique black powder firearms (including replicas) do not need to go through FFL as I understand it.

If you wanna be super safe, then go to an FFL... I just pay for insurance and mail 'em! ;)

ETA - I think some states may have tighter regulations than the feds... So you'll want to know your own state laws as well as the laws of the state where the piece will be received.

 

[Poco Oso]

RugerHound's got it. You can buy them out of Cabella's catalog, no FFL required. UPS has been the way they have shipped shipped to me. I don't see where it would be different for you. Same gun, same laws?

 

[Pat-inCO]

Disassembled, it becomes precision machined parts.
Three or four shipments would handle it because it
would take ALL of them to make a gun.

More expensive? Only for the shipment costs.
Break laws and it becomes VERY expensive.

 

[blume357]

I'm pretty sure Poco Oso is right.... UPS and don't declare it as a handgun. Bought two B/P revolvers from Cabellas and they both came UPS direct.

 

[ken s]

ups 2ND DAY... and don't let the idiots at the post office tell you they can't...I do it all the time...
any antique made before 1898 or a replica thereof is able to ship.

just don't tell them a gun is inside...after they get through shaking, you may have it stolen...

call it an antique and insure it. Ken

 

[Elmstreet]

Thanks for the replies. All helpful.

 

[nvbirdman]

Federal regulations say a muzzleloader is not a gun. Box it up, take it to the post office, and if they ask what it is, tell them it's jewelry for Aunt Mary's birthday.

 

[speedsixman]

Yeah, but if you don't describe it as what it is, good luck collecting on any insurance claim for the item.
I'm darned if I know any good way to ship - I have read too many horror stories of the USPS and UPS refusing to pay claims on lost or damaged items, in spite of all the proper documentation in the world.

It really is time for the folks who have gotten stiffed by the USPS to complain loud and long to their congresscritters. If enough people did it, they might look into doing something about it.

Myron