Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey fellas,

Just wanted some advice on how to and what to do when shipping a rifle through the mail here in Virginia. The gun in question is a Remington .270 model 700. I tried to do a little research through Google but found much of the information provided to possibly be incorrect. I think I read that I don't really need much paperwork since it isn't a handgun. I was hoping to find out from some true gun enthusiasts on what I should do and how to pack a rifle so it doesn't show up banged up to hell and back. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeremy

I've shipped a Saiga12 shotgun in a cheap rifle case (that was wrapped in cardboard) via FedEx before. No paperwork was needed since it was going to a FFL holder in Northern VA.

Hopefully someone else can elaborate more on specifics of the laws related to shipping a long gun within Virginia.

Thanks for the information. I have read that if someone has an FFL it makes the purchase/sale easier. But, I'm going to be shipping to a guy without one. Websites have stated that the seller must have some kind of proof the guy is over 18 and can legally own a firearm to the best of your knowledge. I'm just trying to cover my own ass here.

If you want to send it by USPS, the regulations can be found at pe.usps.gov> Pub. 52 (sec 432.3). The regs for mailing a rifle or shotgun are much more lax than for mailing a handgun.

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You might be better off just doing a face to face exchange...

As far as packing, wrap the gun in cloth, then pad it in the box with either bubble-wrap or lots of crumpled newspaper. You want to protect the finish from possible reaction with the plastic or the acid in the paper.

you have 3 things to comply with.

1) The shippers regulations
2) The state laws
3) Federal Laws

1) Most carriers allow a individual to ship a long gun, but check with the carrier of choice for their regulations. If by 'mailing' you mean USPS, then you show up with a box, pay the postage, and go on your way.

2) VA State law allows in-state sale between residents with no paperwork needed.

3 ) Federal law allows in-state sale between residents with no paperwork needed.


The fine print:
If you are doing a 'blind' transaction, and cannot meet the buyer in person, there is a challenge that they can reasonably prove to you that they are a resident of the state, and not a prohibited person. You have no way to look at an ID, and match it to the person. If you have not made reasonable attempts to verify the purchaser's identity, and ability to possess a firearm, and it turns out they are not who they say they are, or are prohibited, then you have significant problems.

IMO the risk/reward is too sided to risk in this case. I personally would not do a bind though the mail in-state transaction. Even if a FFL charged $50 to do the transfer, it would be worth it to me.

Thanks for all the help fellas. Greatly appreciated.