sending handgun for repair

[nolanp]

I have to send my bersa 380 for repairs I would like to know which couier to use because I am sending a handgun so I dont have to go though all the red tape thanks.

[JayBell]

unless you are a FFL you cannot use the US mail.

a common courier such as fedEx, UPS, or such can be used.


FedEx next day is best, UPS will not accept firearms at package stores, only at main shipping hubs, and UPS rules that all handguns must be shipped next day.
This is due to their employees stealing so many guns, they decided to pass the cost on to you.

insure it, and its fed law that the carrier must be notified that you are sending a firearm.
no marks on the outside of the box should indicate the contents.

thats it.


I have sucessfully used Fed Ex many times to send guns, not a problem.

PACK IT WELL, as if it has to survive a runover by a forklift, as it just may!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nolanp]

Thank you jaybell for that info.

[techieguy]

Do you need to take it to a FedEx facility,like UPS requires, or are you able to take it to a Kinkos/FedEx store?

Thanks!

[rwilson452]

Sorry no kinkos it must go to a staffed fedex facility. Same with UPS
It must be declared. Visit the FEDEX and or UPS web sites.

Do you need to take it to a FedEx facility,like UPS requires, or are you able to take it to a Kinkos/FedEx store?

Thanks!

[SGTUSArmy]

Also, one other small detail that could be overlooked. MAKE SURE IT IS UNLOADED.

[kimbercdp]

I sent my Taurus to be repaired via the US mail. Gave it to the employee to weigh, and it was sent out. I didn't read anywhere that I could not do this. When it came back, there was nothing said about me sending it via an improper carrier. It was unloaded, and in its original container. It came back FedEx, and I had to sign for it. I insured it when I sent it US mail.

[keystone]

Don't ask, don't tell can get many things done, right wrong or indifferent.

[JayBell]

good point on the "dont ask, don't tell", but a reminder that mailing handguns via USPS is illegal.

The USPS made a mistake, and if it had been lost or damaged, USPS would not have honored the insurance claim...at the best, at the worst, you might have gotten a visit:-)

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b8

(B7) May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?[Back]


A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.

[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]



(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]

[Al Rick]

The next best thing to do, is take it to your local arms shop and have them send out the firearm. They will charge you a small fee - just another option. And if your in good with them, they may send the item out on the house - you still pay shipping, but no extras.

Also, add a nice little letter inside your package for the manufacture, reason why your firearm needs repairs, let them know you like the product and ask for some freebees - shirts, hats, stickers, pins...

Rick