Posted on 01/12/2012 6:23:34 AM PST by JNRoberts
So, does anyone know how I can legally get this handgun from California to me in Texas without me having to drive there to pick it up?
My brother lives in California and he's going to give me a .38 special. He wants to buy a bigger handgun.
I seem to be getting a variety of answers on what is legal and not legal about how to get that gun to me. Clearly, it cannot be mailed regular mail and so that leaves UPS, Fed Ex, etc. (a private carrier).
Then I read for handguns it has to be mailed to a dealer, or licensed holder, etc.
I am not licensed yet and my brother in CA is not licensed, he keeps it his home only.
So, does anyone know how I can legally get this handgun from California to me in Texas without me having to drive there to pick it up?
Thanks!
Give it to the BATFE and meet them in Ciudad?
/wiseass
For a fee you brother can have a dealer in CA mail it to a dealer in your neighborhood. Simple!
But federal law requires you to use an FFL holder. Your brother will have to find one in CA to ship it, and I think he has to ship it to another FFL holder near you. Then, you go pick it up.
I'm sure there is someone that has done it. One issue is getting someone to actually ship it. Some of the shipping companies refuse to accept firearms. But, an FFL will be able to help you there.
>>>Give it to the BATFE and meet them in Ciudad?
/wiseass>>>
Made me LOL! :)
FFL dealer in Kalifornia to FFL dealer in TX. They may charge you a few bucks but it beats driving there. As far as I know that is the only “legal” way to do it. Or get holder to make a deal with you. NOT LOL!
Good info, Thanks so far everyone. Looks like I need to find some dealers.
Or you can just fly out there and bring it back on the plane in checked baggage in a locked case!
The FFL Holder Network is designed to make it easier for a buyer to get in touch with an FFL holder in his local area that is willing to manage the transfer of his firearms purchase. The FFL holder will typically charge a nominal fee for providing this service. In addition to the fees listed, the FFL holder may be required by law to collect sales tax, background check fees, or other transfer-related fees.
http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx
This is for a gun auction site, but the FFL holders will almost certainly work with you once you select someone local to you. Go to the site, put in your zip code and look through the list of those close by.
Simplest way (unless it has sentimental value).
Have him go to a gun show and sell the gun.
Buy another here in TX, there are plenty here.
Also, if it’s just a .38 revolver, it would be almost as cheap to buy one like it here in your home state. Revolvers generaly speaking are not expensive!
This raises another question...
Even though it’s a transfer between 2 private individuals, since it passes through a licensed dealer does he (FFL holder) have any legal obligation to make sure you are legal to possess that gun?
if you never want to see it again...
Shipping Firearms
Firearms may not be mailed or shipped interstate from one non-FFL to another non-FFL. Personally owned rifles and shotguns may be mailed or shipped to an FFL in any state for any lawful purpose, including sale, repair, or customizing. An FFL may ship a firearm or replacement firearm of the same kind and type to a person from whom it was received. Under U.S. Postal regulations, handguns may be sent via the Postal Service only from one FFL to another FFL, or between authorized government officials.
A person may ship a rifle or shotgun to himself, in care of a person who lives in another state, for purposes of hunting.
Firearms or ammunition delivered to a common carrier for shipment must be accompanied by a written notice to the carrier of the contents of the shipment.
http://www.nraila.org/gunlaws/federal/read.aspx?id=60
Check the various state laws. My dad lives in Virginia and has a condo in Western Pennsylvania. He has to drive 45 minutes out of his way to clear the Western end of Maryland to legally take his gun to the condo.
Before your local FFL releases to you he may have to run a background check
What ever happened to mailing it a piece at a time? Send it in 4 separate packages. Frame, cylinder, grips, and trigger mechanism.
One of those pieces is classified as the actual “firearm” - the rest are just “accessories.”
You’ll still need an FFL to transfer the one piece that is classified as the actual “firearm.” In this case, it is probably the trigger mechanism.
Don’t know the specifics of the laws, but I would think so. You’ll just have to ask them, but any firearms transfer probably requires an instant background check.
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