A question for any FFL holders on here

[poor_choices]

I'm going to make some calls tomorrow to ask this same question, but thought I'd ask here as well.

I've been holding 4 guns (2 rifles, 1 shotgun, and 1 handgun) for a former neighbor who relocated to Europe for the military 10 years ago. He's back in the states now but ended up moving to Arizona for his retirement. I'd like to get his guns back to him and there's some questions about getting that done.

I plan to have them all shipped from an FFL on my end, there's some debate about what happens on his end though. Since the guns are already his, will he need to go through the whole process with the 4473? I'll probably pay for any transfer fees on his end either way, it just seems silly for him to go through that to get his own guns back.

[ghosthunter]

There his guns he should just come pick them up from you.

Shipping them may be needless trouble. Depending on Arizona laws and types of guns.
I would tell him to come get them.

[HUNTNORTHWEST]

Did he transfer them to A FFL to you?

Just give him his guns.

[ryan2202]

Well, there are a couple questions to understand more.

Did he transfer the guns to you before he left to Europe thru a FFL?

If he did, then you will need to go thru a FFL to send them and he will need to do form 4473 to obtain them.

If he did not, there’s legalities here that you shouldn’t post on this forum.

My suggestion is to call him, ask him how he wants to get his guns back and have him do the research in order for you to be able to send them. In addition, the cost to ship them.  Firearm shipments require min. 2 day delivery. He may not even want them back….10 years is a long time. But ultimately, this is him, as the gun owners responsibility to understand how to obtain them.

Road trip might be on the horizon or you can ship them via UPS or FedEx, but verify if FFL is required to complete the hand off in Arizona.


I’m a FFL and I know I tried to buy a gun (personal use) and they would not ship to WA. It was just the choice of the FFL I was in. I’ve since received and transferred guns from and have sent guns to FFLs in Arizona.

[poor_choices]

Well, there are a couple questions to understand more.

Did he transfer the guns to you before he left to Europe thru a FFL?

If he did, then you will need to go thru a FFL to send them and he will need to do form 4473 to obtain them.

If he did not, there’s legalities here that you shouldn’t post on this forum.

My suggestion is to call him, ask him how he wants to get his guns back and have him do the research in order for you to be able to send them. In addition, the cost to ship them.  Firearm shipments require min. 2 day delivery. He may not even want them back….10 years is a long time. But ultimately, this is him, as the gun owners responsibility to understand how to obtain them.

Road trip might be on the horizon or you can ship them via UPS or FedEx, but verify if FFL is required to complete the hand off in Arizona.


I’m a FFL and I know I tried to buy a gun (personal use) and they would not ship to WA. It was just the choice of the FFL I was in. I’ve since received and transferred guns from and have sent guns to FFLs in Arizona.

I took possession prior to I-594 taking effect; it wasn’t exactly 10 years ago that he left.

I told him I’d get them back if/when he ever returned to the US, so that’s the plan. I’m fine with paying to ship them back to him. I plan to call a few shops in Tucson to get opinions from them in the next few days.

[timberfaller]

Shipping is a gamble these days.  Meet half way somewhere.  Five finger discount and broken firearms has been my experience.

[Rat44]

Don't know about Arizona but he may be liable for taxes.
Happened to me when my Dad gifted me 2 firearms a while ago.
was charged taxes by the dealer that received them , was not happy about that little loop hole.
Best check on local and state laws.
 A road trip to see an old friend be in your future.
Or theirs .

[pianoman9701]

Don't know about Arizona but he may be liable for taxes.
Happened to me when my Dad gifted me 2 firearms a while ago.
was charged taxes by the dealer that received them , was not happy about that little loop hole.
Best check on local and state laws.
 A road trip to see an old friend be in your future.
Or theirs .

They're his guns, not a gift from the OP. He's already paid the taxes on them. There's no tax liability. I agree with avoiding shipping if you can.

[dreadi]

Dude needs to get airfare, a long pelican case, some locks, and collect his items.


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