Another, shipping firearm thread

[Guest m&pc9]

I was looking to send my Bersa 22 in for service before I fixed it. And I found this at Bersa Forums, It is put on there by an authorized repair shop.

Please write or type a letter explaining the problem. Make sure to include a physical address and phone number. Dis-assemble the firearm like you were going to clean it. Wrap the parts separately to prevent damage in shipping, and place them all in one box.

Address the box to:

CGW

2631 W. Vine Drive

Ft. Collins, CO 80521

(970)482-4867

This prevents the word gun from being on the outside of the box and inviting unwanted attention. Take it to UPS or FED EX and ship it as PARTS! This will save you money, and is in no way a violation of any law. Shipping handguns overnight is a company policy to make it tougher and more expensive for you and it is not fair. Use our directions and you will save money and time.

If you have any further questions regarding shipping your firearm in for warranty repair, please send a PM to ColoradoGunWorksGunsmith.

Thanks!

C. Royce Honeycutt

Master Gunsmith

Master Firearms Instructor

Bersa Warranty Center

:: Bersa Talk :: - SHIPPING FIREARM FOR WARRANTY

I know we have discussed that you have to declare a handgun when shipping.

But these people claim you can take it apart and ship it as parts and its legal.

What do you guys think? Did they find a loop hole or are they spreading bad information.

I would hate to think the ATF would be knocking on my door because I shipped a firearm illegally.

It is on the web so it has to be true.

[Currently]

He is correct ... technically.

My view on the subject is I want it there as quickly as possible and the overnight shipping reduces the time in transit where stuff can get stolen.

Overnight packages are tracked and monitored very heavily.

[Guest bkelm18]

Actually no, he is not correct. Federal Law says you must notify the shipper that the package contains a firearm. Separating it into parts doesn't magically make it not a firearm. The frame is what is considered the firearm by the ATF. Any package containing a serialized frame/receiver contains a firearm.

ATF Online - Firearms FAQs

(B8) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier? [Back]

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.

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]

Edited August 12, 2009 by bkelm18

[Guest Tusculum]

BKelm is correct. If you ship a receiver, in the eyes of the law you are shipping a firearm, But, The way the company explained it, Its probably the only way a non FFL can ship a handgun. Do Not put anything on the package about it being a firearm. I registered with USPS ans UPS with my license but now I just put the firearm in a Flat Rate box,Insure it fully,Do a click and ship, and a pickup and the sweet lil mail lady comes and picks it up without saying a word. They told you to field strip it to give you a peace of mind in my own personal opinion. Thanks, Jack

[Guest m&pc9]

I have shipped a handgun back to S&W but it was declared. And it was shipped through UPS. They are saying not to declare it and say it is parts, I think that is illegal.

[Guest bkelm18]

I have shipped a handgun back to S&W but it was declared. And it was shipped through UPS. They are saying not to declare it and say it is parts, I think that is illegal.

You are correct, that is illegal. If it contains a frame/receiver, it must be declared. Mr. Honeycutt was also incorrect about UPS marking the outside of the box. Federal law prohibits the shipping company from putting anything on the outside of the box that says the box contains a firearm.