How to Package A Rifle For Shipping?

[Daniel Cary]

Idk if anyone will entertain this, here. However, If you have a Rifle without The Original Box ..
Has anyone sent one in a Soft Case, securely packed in a Cardboard Box, ie.

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[ktk120]

Best action is to go to a place like Academy in the south or whatever your big box outdoor store is and buy a cheap plastic case, usually about $15-$25. Go to your FFL and ask for a box they are likely throwing out that another rifle came in.

I have also bought soft sided zipper case and bubble wrapped around those and put into a box. Depends on the value of the gun how far you want to go.

I have received an awful lot of guns just bubble wrapped.

 

[PARA45]

Yes, I have, and I removed the bolt and wrapped it in bubble wrap, I also bubble wrapped the inside of the box to prevent the case from shifting in the box. Rifle made it without any issues. Another option is the plastic with foam inside rifle cases, and then put the case inside the box. I know it's extra work, and may cost a bit more, but you may prevent dealing with Fed Ex, you know how they honor the damage claims.

 

[baxterb]

I have a 9.3 that has been mailed about 6 times. For it, I got a medium sized plastic gun case and removed the barreled action from the stock and packed each in bubble wrap etc. so they do not move. Then I put it back in the cardboard box the case came in, reinforced the corners with strapping tape and mailed it. As I say, it’s done a LOT of mail miles and has made it just fine.

 

[Josh P]

Anything that reduces the profile, especially laterally, is worth looking into. An example from above is the removal of the bolt. I have shipped them in inexpensive cases inside a cardboard box, as well as alternating between bubble wrap and gun socks with enough bubble wrap and other large media (please stop shipping guns with foam peanuts. I'm looking at you, Simpson's.) to keep the jostling down. Be sure to put enough carboard, etc. at both ends to keep the muzzle and butt safe from impacts.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

I’ve shipped a few through deals on gunpost here in Canada. I get my gunsmith to save me boxes and choice one that’s close to the same size. I then wrap the rifle in bubble wrap and pack it securely in the box with crinkled up news print. Then wrap the box in plain brown paper and very generously packing tape it. I take photos of the condition of the rifle before and during packaging in case of an insurance claim but thus far have not had to use it.

 

[deewayne2003]

You’re asking for trouble…. I’ve filed 5 insurance claims for firearms damaged in transit and all of them were because the shipper thought the packaging was “adequate”

Bottom line, if you not confident that your packaged firearm will not survive a toss out of a second story window onto concrete….

Then your rifle is not packaged adequately!

Especially with UPS - they love to break stocks

Take rifle and put in gun sock, then inside plastic case with rifle in more packaging and then the hard case wrapped in packing material and stuffed inside another cardboard box.

May sound ridiculous- but that’s how I wrapped the last rifle I shipped; and it still arrived with the cardboard damaged and the cheap plastic case cracked.

 

[Tubby’s Canteen]

The pony express must be more violent on them then the Canada post dog teams.

 

[Berettaco]

Think like they are going to try and break it - I think they try sometimes.
As other suggested - Plastic case inside a cardboard box. Never leave the bolt in the action. Taking it out of the stock and wrapping separately are a good idea as well.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I ALWAYS us a hard plastic case with outer cardbord box - ends overwrapped with fiberglass packaging tape. Many trips and no problems with USPS. Guns are, of course, insured on my Collectors Inc ploicy which covers shipping or travel damage as well as fire, theft, etc.

 

[Daniel Cary]

Very well! .. I just found our Local FFL dealer turned into a Pot Shop, Lord help ..

A 1/2 Hour away, another dealer explained the process briefly, transfer charge, weighed & Outside Cardboard Boxes on Hand. They stated they typically use whoever's cheapest "In Delivery". USPS/UPS/FedEx.
I was under the Impression UPS was typically the Carrier?
And does Ammo need to be sent Separately?

Thank you!

 

[Berettaco]

Ammo has to be sent separately and marked with hazardous labels - post office won’t handle those

 

[Daniel Cary]

Ammo has to be sent separately and marked with hazardous labels - post office won’t handle those

I though UPS were the one & only, for Ammo.
Thank you.

 

[krish]

I Shipp my fire arms through my FFL. Yes it cost about $30 to 40 more. He logs the transaction and packs it, insures it and sends it to the FFL of buyers choice. As it is all up & up less head aches. Everything is documented. He uses FEDEX as prfered carrier. Ammo has to be shipped via UPS at their main hub. Not any ups store. Cost a tiny more but lot of peace of mind.
Krish

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Also guys
Make sure on outside of Box in big letters.
This is for the receiving FFL

DO NOT UNPACK UNLESS CUSTOMER IS PRESENT. IF YOU DO YOU ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE!

I had this happen recently. Gunshop unpacked before customer arrived. Stock was cracked when he arrived.
There were obvious drop mark on trigger guard and floorplate. That were not there when packaged. I know because I boxed it up.

 

[Daniel Cary]

I Shipp my fire arms through my FFL. Yes it cost about $30 to 40 more. He logs the transaction and packs it, insures it and sends it to the FFL of buyers choice. As it is all up & up less head aches. Everything is documented. He uses FEDEX as prfered carrier. Ammo has to be shipped via UPS at their main hub. Not any ups store. Cost a tiny more but lot of peace of mind.
Krish

Thank you also Krish.
Is it customary to Insure the shipment for the "Cost of the Rifle"?

 

[krish]

That is another can of worms. Yes it is customary to insure for the full value. How ever who is filing the claim in case of damaged or lost. The buyer, seller, or the FFL.
THAT HAS TO BE SET IN PLACE BEFORE THE TRANSACTION. SAVES A LOTT OF HEAD ACHE.
IT wii be nicer if you could get the buyer send you a shipping lable from his ffl with insurance and you only want to be resposible for freight on board responsibility.
Krish

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Insurance with FedEx or UPS is a joke in itself. If it does arrive damaged. Try to get something from either of the carriers. It's a nightmare and most times they find a way to deny the claim.
Been there done it on several occasion when one is damaged in shipment

 

[Daniel Cary]

Par for the Course .. Really informative, however.
Thank you & @krish

 

[ktk120]

99% of FFL will not ship for you. I cant find one anywhere in DFW that will deal with the hassle/liability even for a fee. If you have one that will you are lucky because that is something going by the wayside quickly.