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October 27, 2016, 08:56 AM | #1 |
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I want to make sure it's legal: USPS mailing
I've been reading USPS rules & I'm still a bit confused so I'd like to double check here with experts. I need to mail a CVA cap-n-ball black powder replica (1851 Navy Pistol) from Texas to Colorado. Are their some legalities I need to worry about? I'd like to insure it but what do I say on form?
TIA... Last edited by BumbleBug; October 27, 2016 at 09:19 AM. |
October 27, 2016, 12:36 PM | #2 |
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Why not go UPS and not get involved with the government?
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October 27, 2016, 03:45 PM | #3 |
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Best bet is to call or email your local Postmaster, they know the rules and who knows the rules.
Don't walk in the PO door with it, though, ask first. |
October 27, 2016, 04:31 PM | #4 |
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http://www.usacarry.com/forums/gener...-usps-ups.html
See paragraph 12.1.1.h below: https://about.usps.com/postal-bullet...l/updt_001.htm |
October 27, 2016, 04:57 PM | #5 |
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They only ask if it contains hazardous or flamable material. It is perfectly legal to ship antique or black powder firearms via the USPS. I've done it a number of times. They do not ask what is in the package....ever.
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October 28, 2016, 08:06 AM | #6 |
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Thanks everyone.
It looks like reading the USPS reg's several times its all OK. ...bug |
October 28, 2016, 09:03 AM | #7 | |||
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Quote:
In terms of shipment by a non-licensee (i.e. a non-FFL), the USPS broadly classifies firearms into 2 categories: "Rifles and shotguns" (Pub. 52 § 431.4) and "Handguns" ("Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person" - § 431.2). There is no problem shipping rifles and shotguns, provided that the barrel length and shoulder stock requirements are met. Per § 432.3: Quote:
Publication 52 contains a definition for antiques in § 431.3 that is superficially similar to the familiar 68 GCA definition, but it does NOT have the same ramifications because the USPS does NOT broadly exempt legal antiques from (almost!) all regulations like the ATF does. Notably, § 432.2 says this: Quote:
Keep in mind that U.S. postal regulations carry the force of law, and you may be surprised at the harshness of the penalties for many violations. If you bust a FedEx or UPS rule, generally the worst thing that's going to happen is they might ban you from future shipments and refuse to honor your insurance claim if the item was lost. Not so with the Post Office! If I were you, I would ship UPS or FedEx. It's been a while since I read their tariffs and I strongly recommend that you do so, but the last time I read them, they exempted antique handguns from most of the onerous requirements that apply to modern handguns. Mandatory disclaimer: I am not an attorney, nor do I play one on TV. This is not legal advice. Caveat emptor and YMMV.
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October 28, 2016, 04:17 PM | #8 |
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Put it in a box and mail it. They only ask you if it is flamable or hazardous. There are pics posted in the post office showing what can't be mailed as hazardous materials....and black powder handguns aren't on the list. Just say no and pay the postage. Cabela's will ship them right to your house. No FFL is necessary. There are a couple of places they won't ship, like Ill. They'll even ship to NYS. It's legal to own one in NY, you just can't load and shoot them without a pistol permit.
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October 28, 2016, 05:10 PM | #9 | |
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October 28, 2016, 06:43 PM | #10 | |||
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Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Last edited by Aguila Blanca; October 28, 2016 at 06:55 PM. |
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October 30, 2016, 08:34 AM | #11 |
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I'd call first irrespective of what the regulations say. I have run into people at the post office who are unfamiliar with the rules or possibly anti-gun and refuse to ship. If they aren't dealing with an issue regularly they may not know how to respond.
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October 30, 2016, 08:47 AM | #12 |
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I've only ever bought BP guns, including cap and ball revolvers, in person - too many less than perfect ones out there.
But the airguns I've received by a shipper have been from UPS, not the post office. Ironically, though, sometimes it's the postman who delivers it to my door, even if it started out with UPS. Eh?? Apparently it's becoming a common thing. So what does that do to the rules and laws?
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October 30, 2016, 08:49 AM | #13 |
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ship it
We seem to be going 'round n' 'round.
Ship it UPS and forget about USPS.
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October 30, 2016, 10:24 AM | #14 | |
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One more time:
Quote:
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October 30, 2016, 10:42 AM | #15 | |||
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Quote:
From Publication 52 § 431.1.a (my emphasis in boldface): Quote:
The definition is confusing because it first exempts antiques and then turns around and "un-exempts" antique handguns. I didn't write this stuff. Quote:
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October 30, 2016, 02:55 PM | #16 | ||
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October 30, 2016, 06:47 PM | #17 |
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Sometimes you just have to accept the exception to the exception unless you find the exception to the exception to be unacceptable.
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October 31, 2016, 02:15 PM | #18 | |
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