Shipping a rifle

[Atrain]

Hi guys,

My dad wants to send me a .22 rifle and we have never shipped a firearm before. Does it have to go to a FFL or can he just put it in a box and ship it UPS? The rifle is registered in my name btw...

Thanks for the help!

[Atrain]

BTW, my dad lives in CA if that makes a difference...

[BadShot]

I believe that because it is being shipped that it will have to go through an FFL.. I could be wrong though.

[7idl]

It's your rifle right? it's not transfering owners, right?
no problem.
(and this is where I would look for something 'official' as I don't want to get you into any trouble...we are dealing with CA and the BATF here)

[Atrain]

Yes, it is my rifle and not transferring owners.

[Great-Kazoo]

sending a long gun from yourself TO yourself is not against ATF laws
however if you have it registered in CA. transffering it getting it off the CA DOJ role might be different.
when i travel if i don't want to lug the rifle to check in baggage i u.p.s. it from me to me (in care of) C.O xxxx whoevers place i am staying at.

[Atrain]

I bought this rifle for my dad many years ago (~10) when we both lived in CA. He has never shot it so he offered to give it back to me. So if I have him put it in a box and label it from me going to me I should be okay then? And I don't understand the transfering it off the CA DOJ role comment, can you explain?

[Asha'man]

The rifle is registered in my name btw...

There's your second problem....

[Atrain]

There's your second problem....

Why?

[PanamaDave]

My only recommendation would be to have your father contact a local CA FFL. The dealer would know exact legal requirements and options regarding your scenario for shipment/transfer since you are the CA registered owner and would also not be the actual shipper.


Following from ATF FAQ may help... maybe not.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b7

(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]

(B9) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity? [Back]
Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.