Shipping Firearm via Private Courier.

[coppery]

I'm going to Cali in two weeks for 3 weeks. It would be a joy to have my 1911 down with me cause I got some family who are into guns as much as I, that way when we go to the range, I can bring MY toy. (no carry obviously)

I heard that I can ship it to myself via Private Courier without the use of an FFL(FedEx, UPS). Is this true. Also, the address I'd be shipping to is not my name, but a place I will be staying at(private residents)

Is there any truth to this.

Also I know I can just fly the gun in checked luggage following the TSA guideline, mainly I'm just paranoid about it getting lost, or getting "lost".

[donm]

It's legal to ship a handgun to yourself via a private courier, but both FedEx and UPS regulations state that a FFL/manufacturer/importer must be at one end of a firearm (including long gun) shipment. I've flown with a handgun several times; it's pretty painless -- just look up the rules on the airline's web site (they may be a little different from the TSA's rules). Avoid NY/NJ airports. You can ship a long gun to yourself via USPS.