Shipping Firearms and FFL

[deerslyr]

So I'm trying to buy a bolt action rifle from a private seller off of a different forum. He lives in a different state and I'm trying to get it shipped to me in Montana. The way I read it from the ATF website is he can ship the firearm via a carrier to an FFL and then I can fill out all of the needed paperwork. I've contacted three different stores with FFL's now and there telling me that's illegal and it needs to be shipped FROM an FFL to an FFL. So whats true?

[bobcat]

You're right. I've done it the way you're talking about at least three times. An FFL is only needed on the receiving end.

[jackelope]

You're right. I've done it the way you're talking about at least three times. An FFL is only needed on the receiving end.

So have I. I did have a few that wouldn't do it unless it came from another FFL. I think it's up to the shop on a case by case basis.

[deerslyr]

I wonder why a shop would care? I finally told the last one that it must be store policy and that he was wrong about it being illegal. He didn't like that.

[b23]

Like the others, I've done it a few times myself but the receiving FFL has to be good with receiving from a non FFL. 

Also, make sure the private party that is shipping the firearm to your FFL includes a photo copy of his Drivers License along with the gun he's shipping/selling you.  The receiving FFL will want that information for their records and will very likely not transfer it to you if they don't get a copy of the sellers DL included in the box.   

And, if you've never done this before, expect the FFL you're having it shipped to, to have already opened the box BEFORE you get there.  Often, people who have never done this before get upset because the receiving FFL opened their package before they got there but it's common practice

[deerslyr]

Thanks for the info b23. Ill just do it ffl to ffl and pay the difference no big deal.

[CAMPMEAT]

UPS or FEDEX. No FFL needed.

[Stein]

UPS or FEDEX. No FFL needed.

Not according to the ATF:

An unlicensed person who is not prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms may purchase a firearm from an out–of–State source, provided the transfer takes place through a Federal firearms licensee in his or her State of residence.

[18 U.S.C 922(a)(3) and 922(b)(3); 27 CFR 478.29]

[b23]

I've always used US Postal Service and never had a single problem.  Only problem I've ever had was when I used a FedEx at one of those shipping places.  They told me I had to use the main branch to ship firearms.  I've used USPS ever since, never a problem.

I've bought quite a few from private parties that shipped straight to the FFL I used for the transfer and they had no concern about it coming from a private party, provided, the seller included a photo copy of their DL.  I know there are some FFL's that won't receive from private parties but I'd think you should be able to find one that does.  What are they charging you to do the transfer?  $15-$25 is the norm for long guns.  Class III stuff, OUCH, I pucker every time on those.

[CAMPMEAT]

UPS or FEDEX. No FFL needed.

Not according to the ATF:

An unlicensed person who is not prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms may purchase a firearm from an out–of–State source, provided the transfer takes place through a Federal firearms licensee in his or her State of residence.

[18 U.S.C 922(a)(3) and 922(b)(3); 27 CFR 478.29]

You can ship guns for warranty work without an FFL.

[b23]

UPS or FEDEX. No FFL needed.

Not according to the ATF:

An unlicensed person who is not prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms may purchase a firearm from an out–of–State source, provided the transfer takes place through a Federal firearms licensee in his or her State of residence.

[18 U.S.C 922(a)(3) and 922(b)(3); 27 CFR 478.29]

You can ship guns for warranty work without an FFL.

And you can ship an action to a gunsmith for a build and when it's done they can ship straight back to you, too.

You just can't sell a firearm or action and ship it straight to the purchaser, unless they are a FFL but that's common knowledge stuff, I think. lol