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Shipping a Handgun to Myself

dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,178 ✭✭✭
edited June 2014 in Ask the Experts
I realize I can ship a handgun to myself at my residence - via UPS hub is usually how I do it, but are there any restrictions with respect to shipping to "just where I happen to be"? Specifically, I'm visiting Mom back in MA and driving back cross country. I have MA, NH, UT and OR non-resident CCWs. Id rather not do the "flying with a gun" bit this time (although it is great fun going to the head of the line in SFO and clearing the EMP) and would like to ship the thing to myself at Mom's address. Any issues regarding shipping?

I know hunters ship rifles to their final destination, obviously not their legal residence, but wonder if doing it with a pistol is any different? Any hints from anyone who has done it?
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Comments

  • andrewsw16andrewsw16 Member Posts: 10,728 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes, under FEDERAL law, you may ship any firearm, long or short, to yourself at any address and it does not have to go through an FFL. People do it all the time when they are traveling between matches or hunting trips. (State and local laws may require an FFL in places like NYC.) If you are sending it "in care of" your friend or relative at that address, contact them ahead of time and tell them NOT to open the package and simply hold it for you. Don't forget to inform the common carrier in writing that the package contains a firearm.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,890 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'd think the $80-90 Next Day Air shipping charge each way might be an issue.

    Also, there are many guns whose importation MA prohibits. I would not want to get involved in a whizzing contest with the state police over whether my gun was "just coming for a visit" & was not being illegally imported.

    Complying with the "carrier notification" requirement can be tricky. UPS hubs force you to use their computer to enter shipping information, & there's only 1 freeform entry field, which is something like "special instructions". I always show "handgun for repair". Telling the clerk that your package contains a firearm is not enough to protect you.

    Neal
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  • CheechakoCheechako Member Posts: 563 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As nmyers said, I'd be more leery of MA laws than any Federal regulations or UPS rules.

    BTW, what is a " non resident CCW" ??

    Ray
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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,178 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The UPS hub in SF is pretty good on shipping, as opposed to FedEx which is a PITA.

    I have the non-res Class A LTC but don't bring in +10 round magazines. I'm not clear on whether I can so default to not bringing them in.

    The "non-res CCW" is a concealed weapons permit issued by a state to people who are not residents of the state, but who visit and wish to carry or, with regards to MA and the Class B, possess or transport handguns. Through reciprocity the Utah non-res is good in about 35 states, I have Oregon, New Hampshire & Massachusetts because I visit often. MA is a PITA for renewal, it's $100.00. UT is a breeze, $60.00 for 5 years and $16.00 for renewal. NH & OR are easy too.

    Regarding shipping, I know it's costly and in the end I may skip it entirely and just buy a C & R eligible handgun in ME or NH using my C & R FFL.
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