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Mailing antique handguns
capgun
Member Posts: 1,848 ✭
I was told that USPS changed their regs regarding non FFLs mailing antique handguns about a year ago. I found it on one of the USPS sites, but can not locate it now. The new reg said non FFLs can mail and receive antique firearms, but excluded handguns.
Comments
I bet I am not the only one who has been told, I can't ship a rifle or even a replica by USPS. Eventually the problem gets resolved when someone who has a clue comes to the counter, but in all fairness, UPS is not much different.
"Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any
shipment of rifles or shotguns. Mailers should be referred to the nearest
regional ATF office for further advice (see ATF Online at www.atf.gov)."
----Pub 52
Only a dealer shipping a handgun needs to tell the clerk what he is shipping.
Neal
I receive antique handguns all the time by USPS. I don't know what the actual regs say but many reputable sellers seem fine with them.
They may seem fine violating USPS regulations, but if the handgun is lost or damaged an insurance claim will not be paid.
quote:Originally posted by gartman
I receive antique handguns all the time by USPS. I don't know what the actual regs say but many reputable sellers seem fine with them.
They may seem fine violating USPS regulations, but if the handgun is lost or damaged an insurance claim will not be paid.
You need to get a grip on ALL of the federal regulations...from both the USPS, and the BATFE. Legally, any antique, is made before 1899. As such, it is considered a NON-FIREARM, by the government agency who regulates the firearms trade. If it is considered a NON-Firearm by them, then there is no need to declare it to USPS as a firearm, or handgun.
No one is violating any USPS regulations by doing such.
Best
EDIT 1
quote:quote:
Originally posted by tsr1965
quote:
Originally posted by capgun
quote:
Originally posted by gartman
I receive antique handguns all the time by USPS. I don't know what the actual regs say but many reputable sellers seem fine with them.
They may seem fine violating USPS regulations, but if the handgun is lost or damaged an insurance claim will not be paid.
You need to get a grip on ALL of the federal regulations...from both the USPS, and the BATFE. Legally, any antique, is made before 1899. As such, it is considered a NON-FIREARM, by the government agency who regulates the firearms trade. If it is considered a NON-Firearm by them, then there is no need to declare it to USPS as a firearm, or handgun.
No one is violating any USPS regulations by doing such.
Best
You are violating USPS regulations. It is a direct violation of written USPS regulations. USPS can make its own regulations regarding the use of the US mail, and it has regulations on firearms, including antique handguns. C&Rs can not mail handguns, that is a USPS regulation, even though it does not violate ATFE regulations. USPS has many restrictions on the mailing of items it considers dangerous or hazardous. I doubt they would prosecute, but an insurance claim would not be paid if the antique handgun was lost or damaged and shipped in violation of USPS regulations.
SHOW ME THE REGULATION!!!
capgun, it is covered in the USPS regulations under 432.1...quit blowing smoke up everyone's behind! There are no regulations being broken.
Best
quote:Originally posted by capgun
quote:Originally posted by gartman
I receive antique handguns all the time by USPS. I don't know what the actual regs say but many reputable sellers seem fine with them.
They may seem fine violating USPS regulations, but if the handgun is lost or damaged an insurance claim will not be paid.
You need to get a grip on ALL of the federal regulations...from both the USPS, and the BATFE. Legally, any antique, is made before 1899. As such, it is considered a NON-FIREARM, by the government agency who regulates the firearms trade. If it is considered a NON-Firearm by them, then there is no need to declare it to USPS as a firearm, or handgun.
No one is violating any USPS regulations by doing such.
I think the point is (and a good legal question since the Post Office is a quasi-government agency with its own law-enforcement division), if the Post Office's "regulations" are no longer matching the BATFE's definitions for "firearms" what is the legal status for the person violating Postal regulations? Is it a crime, or just a civil matter?
For example: If I ship a handgun using a common-carrier (like UPS) by ground (to an individual in my state or to an FFL in another state), I know I'm only violating the common-carrier's regulations (which says I'm supposed to use their expensive "express" services); I'm not violating any laws.
The question is: if I ship an "antique" handgun (possibly a muzzle-loading reproduction which the ATF says falls into the "antique" category and should be mailable) through the mail and it violated the Post Office's "regulations" have I committed a crime? Or is it just a "breach of contract" issue, and the worst I'd be looking at would be being denied an insurance claim if it were lost or damaged?
quote:Originally posted by capgun
quote:Originally posted by gartman
I receive antique handguns all the time by USPS. I don't know what the actual regs say but many reputable sellers seem fine with them.
They may seem fine violating USPS regulations, but if the handgun is lost or damaged an insurance claim will not be paid.
You need to get a grip on ALL of the federal regulations...from both the USPS, and the BATFE. Legally, any antique, is made before 1899. As such, it is considered a NON-FIREARM, by the government agency who regulates the firearms trade. If it is considered a NON-Firearm by them, then there is no need to declare it to USPS as a firearm, or handgun.
No one is violating any USPS regulations by doing such.
Best
You are violating USPS regulations. It is a direct violation of written USPS regulations. USPS can make its own regulations regarding the use of the US mail, and it has regulations on firearms, including antique handguns. C&Rs can not mail handguns, that is a USPS regulation, even though it does not violate ATFE regulations. USPS has many restrictions on the mailing of items it considers dangerous or hazardous. I doubt they would prosecute, but an insurance claim would not be paid if the antique handgun was lost or damaged and shipped in violation of USPS regulations.