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USPS Shipping of Handguns

hslaterprycehslaterpryce Member Posts: 927 ✭✭✭✭
edited April 2008 in Ask the Experts
I know - I know, this has been asked but I have a different twist on the question.

When a FFL ships handguns using the US Postal Service;

1) Do they just put the handgun in a Priority Mailer (assuming it fits) and ship using the flat rate?

2) Does the FFL "declare" that they are shipping a handgun? Because the Postal guys don't ask that question (only ask; Is it fragile, liquid, perishable etc).

Thanks for your answers in advance![:)]
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Comments

  • jethrojethro Member Posts: 462 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I use the flat rate box, but I send it regitered and insure it to the value it sold for.

    An FFL holder has to fill out the appropriate form for the post office and you do have to tell them it is a handgun.

    Mike
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  • duckhunterduckhunter Member Posts: 7,687 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Flat rate box if the gun will fit. Fill out the form.
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  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886 ✭
    edited November -1
    Link below is the form. Print two copies, fill them out, and take them to the PO. Have the postal-clerk postmark both copies (one for your records). This has to be done for every shipment. Multiple guns going out on one shipment (to the same address) need only one form.

    If, for some unfathomable reason, the clerk says the form is unnecessary, insist that your copy be postmarked. Here's the link, and good luck. Joe

    http://www.usps.com/forms/_pdf/ps1508.pdf
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  • hslaterprycehslaterpryce Member Posts: 927 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Duckhunter - "The Form" can you give me an idea of what is the form? As always - thanks
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  • hslaterprycehslaterpryce Member Posts: 927 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That wa fast on "the form:! Thanks!!!!![:)]
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  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,163 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The postal employee has the right to inspect the firearm to ensure it is unloaded. Considering the dweebs that work in some of the urban areas this is probably more dangerous than shipping a loaded gun. If you don't inform the postal service a firearm is in the container it increases your liability for any accident that might occur.
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  • ATFATF Member Posts: 11,683 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hslaterpryce
    Duckhunter - "The Form" can you give me an idea of what is the form? As always - thanks



    Here's the form you need #1508.

    standard.jpg
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Guys are absolutely correct- 1508 MUST be completed for mailing of handgun. ALSO- any (say again- ANY) shipment of a firearm- long or short- by common carrier- shipper MUST inform them that the item is a firearm. This is Federal law- and folks have been convicted of this, sent to jail, lose right to own a gun, etc. Just because someone does not ask does not relieve shipper of their responsibility.
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  • EOD GuyEOD Guy Member Posts: 931 ✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 11b6r
    Guys are absolutely correct- 1508 MUST be completed for mailing of handgun. ALSO- any (say again- ANY) shipment of a firearm- long or short- by common carrier- shipper MUST inform them that the item is a firearm. This is Federal law- and folks have been convicted of this, sent to jail, lose right to own a gun, etc. Just because someone does not ask does not relieve shipper of their responsibility.


    Notification is only required when shipping to a nonlicensee and you are right in that people have been convicted of shipping to an unlicensed person without notifying the carrier.

    If you are shipping to a licensee, notification is not legally required although some carriers want to be notified and not doing so may jeopardize any insurance claims.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    EOD- you are correct. C&P from 18 USC 922 (e):
    (e) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to deliver or
    cause to be delivered to any common or contract carrier for
    transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign commerce, to
    persons other than licensed importers, licensed manufacturers,
    licensed dealers, or licensed collectors, any package or other
    container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without
    written notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is
    being transported or shipped; except that any passenger who owns or
    legally possesses a firearm or ammunition being transported aboard
    any common or contract carrier for movement with the passenger in
    interstate or foreign commerce may deliver said firearm or
    ammunition into the custody of the pilot, captain, conductor or
    operator of such common or contract carrier for the duration of the
    trip without violating any of the provisions of this chapter. No
    common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag,
    or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package,
    luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other
    container contains a firearm. (END C&P)

    So the idea of "just don't say nothing" is probably not a real good idea.
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