Shipping Rifles from California to Out-of-State Buyers

[miloann2002]

I am the original owner of several rifles located in the San Gabriel Valley, California. A few were registered with the California DOJ as assault weapons in 1999.

As I prepare for retirement, I am exploring lawful options for selling my remaining rifles to out-of-state buyers through GunBroker. In 2022, I completed several such sales by arranging shipment to the buyers’ licensed out-of-state FFLs.

Since then, I understand that UPS have changed their firearm-shipping policies. I would like to learn the current legal and practical process for completing these transactions in full compliance with California and federal law.

Can anyone recommend an experienced FFL in the San Gabriel Valley or greater Los Angeles area who can handle the shipment to an out-of-state buyer’s FFL for a reasonable fee?

I would especially appreciate recent, firsthand experience involving a firearm registered as an assault weapon in California. I am seeking procedural guidance only and will confirm all requirements with the appropriate FFL and government agencies before proceeding.

 

[JRAUS]

You can use ShipMyGun.com, it uses Buds Gun Shop’s FFL. You can ship nationwide with that for about $15-$20, they will give you a label and UPS/FedEx won’t ask any questions (besides ”are you shipping ammunition with this?”) as this is an FFL’s label.

 

[Jeb52]

A few years ago before COVID I sold a Daniel Defense M4 V7 to a friend in GA. It was registered and had a bullet button. I removed this, unhinged the upper from the lower, boxed it in the original case from DD and sent it to the GA FFL via Fed Ex after buying a label from Ship My Gun.

I then filed the paperwork with CA DOJ to unregister it. I forget the number of the form but it’s on the DOJ site. I also attached a letter explaining everything I did above, including the name of the FFL who received it in GA and the name/contact info of the new owner.

In February this year, I received a letter from DOJ telling me the rifle was successfully de-registered. Crazy amount of time.

 

[smoothy8500]

recommend an experienced FFL in the San Gabriel Valley or greater Los Angeles area who can handle the shipment to an out-of-state

What's the law on registered assault weapon (RAW)- I don't think any FFL's will accept it to ship unless having the special DOJ permit, correct?

Either ship USPS or use the ShipMyGun.

Edit: I was discussing FFL here in Ca not accepting a RAW to ship out of state.

 

[echo1]

What's the law on registered assault weapon (RAW)- I don't think any FFL's will accept it to ship unless having the special DOJ permit, correct?

Either ship USPS or use the ShipMyGun.

Free states don't have AW regs and don't care. It's going to an FFL, PAX

 

[1911-CV]

What's the law on registered assault weapon (RAW)- I don't think any FFL's will accept it to ship unless having the special DOJ permit, correct?

Either ship USPS or use the ShipMyGun.

Free states don't have AW regs and care. It's going to an FFL, PAX

Smoothy8500 was concerned about a CA-based FFL not accepting a RAW to ship out of state. He is correct about that.

 

[Gawernator]

What's the law on registered assault weapon (RAW)- I don't think any FFL's will accept it to ship unless having the special DOJ permit, correct?

Either ship USPS or use the ShipMyGun.

You don't need to involve them. You just mail the gun to the out of state FFL and they are not going to care as they don't have the dumb laws.

 

[smoothy8500]

I meant if you tried to ship a RAW from an FFL here in CA-will the shop here accept it? Which is why I suggested using alternate means.

 

[CadeH]

I meant if you tried to ship a RAW from an FFL here in CA-will the shop here accept it? Which is why I suggested using alternate means.

They can only touch it if they have a dangerous weapons permit

 

[kemasa]

Do you want to know the law or what the CA DOJ seems to care about?

I sold a so-called a-salt weapon and I shipped it through a dealer with all the required permits due to the CA law regarding limits of shipping such EVIL(tm) weapons. In talking to the CA DOJ later it seemed that they really didn't care if the firearm was being shipped out of CA, even though the law says otherwise.

My personal suggestion is to try to see if you can make arrangements to ship all the firearms at the same time and make a drive to NV to do so. It isn't worth the cost or risk to ship from CA. This applies only to the so-called a-salt weapons.

Common carriers, such as UPS and FedEx have made changes in regards to shipping firearms, basically making it harder to impossible to use them, even for dealers. Long guns can be shipped USPS. Handguns can only be shipped USPS by a dealer, although there are very limited exceptions, most would never apply to the average person.

 

[mrbieler]

Get a copy of the FFL the buyer wants to use
Check the FFL on line, ATF has ATF EZ Check
I would contact the store to confirm their policies to receive.
Mail the long gun USPS with delivery confirmation and signature required. Include in the packaging the buyers info and a copy of your drivers license.

California's assault rifle rules mean nothing to the out of state FFL's (provided you're not shipping to a state that has it's own restrictions). When the transfering dealer receives the rifle and transfers ownership, that will trigger notification to the CA DOJ.

 

[smoothy8500]

if they have a dangerous weapons permit

OK, I have a RAW and I remember something about FFL's in CA requiring a special permit.

Regardless, using USPS or ShipMyGuns has been the main way to send rifles/shotguns with the least hassles.

 

[Gawernator]

Do you want to know the law or what the CA DOJ seems to care about?

I sold a so-called a-salt weapon and I shipped it through a dealer with all the required permits due to the CA law regarding limits of shipping such EVIL(tm) weapons. In talking to the CA DOJ later it seemed that they really didn't care if the firearm was being shipped out of CA, even though the law says otherwise.

My personal suggestion is to try to see if you can make arrangements to ship all the firearms at the same time and make a drive to NV to do so. It isn't worth the cost or risk to ship from CA. This applies only to the so-called a-salt weapons.

Common carriers, such as UPS and FedEx have made changes in regards to shipping firearms, basically making it harder to impossible to use them, even for dealers. Long guns can be shipped USPS. Handguns can only be shipped USPS by a dealer, although there are very limited exceptions, most would never apply to the average person.

I see you are a FFL but how is that true? I have gotten prepaid labels for UPS before, most recently Remington for warranty work

 

[miloann2002]

Do you want to know the law or what the CA DOJ seems to care about?

I sold a so-called a-salt weapon and I shipped it through a dealer with all the required permits due to the CA law regarding limits of shipping such EVIL(tm) weapons. In talking to the CA DOJ later it seemed that they really didn't care if the firearm was being shipped out of CA, even though the law says otherwise.

My personal suggestion is to try to see if you can make arrangements to ship all the firearms at the same time and make a drive to NV to do so. It isn't worth the cost or risk to ship from CA. This applies only to the so-called a-salt weapons.

Common carriers, such as UPS and FedEx have made changes in regards to shipping firearms, basically making it harder to impossible to use them, even for dealers. Long guns can be shipped USPS. Handguns can only be shipped USPS by a dealer, although there are very limited exceptions, most would never apply to the average person.

Thanks for the info.

I visited USPS and was told that they would not accept firearms or ammunition for shipment. I also visited the former UPS Customer Center in Baldwin Park and confirmed that it is permanently closed. UPS now directs customers to UPS Store locations.

I shipped rifles successfully in 2022, but the available shipping options and carrier policies appear to have changed significantly since then.

 

[miloann2002]

OK, I have a RAW and I remember something about FFL's in CA requiring a special permit.

Regardless, using USPS or ShipMyGuns has been the main way to send rifles/shotguns with the least hassles.

I visited USPS today and was told that they would not accept firearms or ammunition for shipment. I also visited the former UPS Customer Center in Baldwin Park and confirmed that it is permanently closed. UPS now directs customers to UPS Store locations. Do you know whether a UPS Store would accept a properly packaged rifle with a prepaid shipping label issued through ShipMyGun.com? Thanks.

 

[mrbieler]

I visited USPS today and was told that they would not accept firearms or ammunition for shipment. I also visited the former UPS Customer Center in Baldwin Park and confirmed that it is permanently closed. UPS now directs customers to UPS Store locations. Do you know whether a UPS Store would accept a properly packaged rifle with a prepaid shipping label issued through ShipMyGun.com? Thanks.

USPS counter employees have a nice laminated flip card setup they can refer to on the rules to ship firearms. A lot of the centers will simply choose to play ignorant and/or tell you no. My personal opinion is it's not worth arguing with stupid so I leave and go to another post office. I had to go to three in my area to find one with employees willing to help. Shipped a rifle back in January. The women behind the counter actually thought it was cool that she had the chance to break out her little guidebook to walk through the steps.

From the USPS:

432 Mailability | Postal Explorer

pe.usps.com

 

[smoothy8500]

I visited USPS today and was told that they would not accept firearms or ammunition for shipment.

Ammunition? No, they won't accept.

The pertinent part of @mrbieler USPS rules:

432.3​

Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations per 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws. The Postal Service may require confirmation, either by opening the package or through written certification, that the firearm is unloaded and eligible for mailing.


As for UPS and Fedex shipping through ShipMyGuns or the accepting FFL's label: From what I understand you are not supposed to drop off at the kiosks or independent shops. Fedex required a scheduled pick up by the driver (At least from a year a year or two ago) for a revolver sent to S&W. I believe UPS has the same policy.

 

[smoothy8500]

My personal opinion is it's not worth arguing with stupid

I agree. Luckily my PO in South OC is pretty cool with shipping rifles.

 

[mrbieler]

Ammunition? No, they won't accept.

The pertinent part of @mrbieler USPS rules:

432.3​

Except under 431.2, unloaded rifles and shotguns are mailable. Mailers must comply with the rules and regulations per 27 CFR, Part 478, as well as state and local laws. The Postal Service may require confirmation, either by opening the package or through written certification, that the firearm is unloaded and eligible for mailing.


As for UPS and Fedex shipping through ShipMyGuns or the accepting FFL's label: From what I understand you are not supposed to drop off at the kiosks or independent shops. Fedex required a scheduled pick up by the driver (At least from a year a year or two ago) for a revolver sent to S&W. I believe UPS has the same policy.

Mailed two revolvers back this spring to S&W. S&W sent me the pre paid mailer. Walked into FedEx center (not a kiosk or franchise), popped the gun case in the fedex box, and handed the box and label to the counter. Got my receipt and walked out. Pistols shipped back to the mother ship for repair. No issues.

 

[BONECUTR]

From what CADOJ says on one of my conditions for a AW permit is I must facilitate shipping of Registered AW's to out of state FFL's even though I do not offer outgoing shipping services as it is not legal (according to them) to ship a Registered AW's


I've been told its fine if the registrant want to drive the firearm out of state but not ship it.
IANAL and have never seen a specific code that allow it.