Hey all -- while I was visiting, my dad said he wanted me to take some of his long guns. I didn't have time to set it up while I was there and it would have been too difficult to fly with them (again, time to set up, dealing with three young children and their accutrements, etc.). So I want to set it up so that all he has to do is drive them over to the FFL there to be shipped to an FFL here. I don't want him to have to try to deal with UPS or other carrier.

Questions: Has anyone dealt with Florida Gun Exchange in Ormond Beach, FL? I know they have a large internet presence, and it's close and relatively easy for him to get to. Do FFLs generally do the packing, or is this something I need to set up for my dad? If so, what's the best way to do so? Bubble wrap and a box? Send hard cases to his house with locks? Ideally, I'll do three long guns, one with a scope attached. Would the FFL ship each individually or would they (or get my dad to wrap together) ship in one box. If it gets too complicated, I'll settle for one.

Sorry for all the questions, but I've never shipped or received a firearm, and I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible for Dad -- I'll do as much as I can except for actually taking them to the FFL shipper.

Second, he can't remember where the M1 carbine mags are, so who's a good source for those? I see that Fulton Armory gets good reviews?

Thanks.

Did he 'give' these guns to you when U lived at home? Just getting around to taking possession now?

I just sent long guns through the US Mail system, declared & all, tracking & insurance. Of course I packed them up myself. Help him hunt down some boxes, assistance too if he needs it.

http://www.shipmygun.com/go/

Others on SF have suggested this site. DK about one you suggest.

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
Did he 'give' these guns to you when U lived at home? Just getting around to taking possession now?

I just sent long guns through the US Mail system, declared & all, tracking & insurance. Of course I packed them up myself. Help him hunt down some boxes, assistance too if he needs it.

I was at his place visiting for a couple of days, and he said take 'em, I'm not using 'em.

He's pretty well up in years, and I'll spend the extra for FFL to FFL to make it as easy on him as possible. Maybe I can set it up with USPS on my end, send him the labels, and arrange pick-up at his house. Maybe one of our USPS members can chime in on that.

Depending on where he lives, there's a place in DeLand that has done exactly what you're looking for in the past. It might be too far for him to travel, not sure where he is. Try googling Boyers Gunsmithing in DeLand. They are good folks and I expect they would be happy to help him. Provided it's not too far out of his neighborhood. I can track down contact info if needed.

I have 10 or so Pro Mag M1 carbine magazines that you can have it you want them. They are 15 rounders and I was going to convert them to 10 rounds due to being in NY. I went another route and have no use for them. Yes, I know they are Pro Mags, but these actually work. Let me know if you're interested.

You can still find New In Wrapper USGI mags out there, but they've gotten a bit pricey. A cheaper option is aftermarket magazines, some of which aren't bad.

The new production South Korean mags have worked well in both of my carbines, and are available for ~$12 each. https://www.aimsurplus.com/pro...M1+Carbine+Magazines

KeepShooting.com also sells aftermarket magazines that have good reviews. https://www.keepshooting.com/f...m1-carbine-magazines

If you plan to use the larger 30 round magazines, you'll want to ensure that your carbine has been upgraded with the later M2-style magazine catch. Earlier mag catches may have problems fully supporting the weight of a loaded 30 round mag, which may result in feeding issues.

To check, look for an underlined "M" stamped on your mag release button. That marking denotes the later style catch, which has a reinforcing leg on the left side of the catch, corresponding to a third lug on the left side of the 30 round mags.

I will take the ProMags if the OP is not interested. Will be glad to pay your postage.

quote:

Originally posted by fldigger:
Depending on where he lives, there's a place in DeLand that has done exactly what you're looking for in the past. It might be too far for him to travel, not sure where he is. Try googling Boyers Gunsmithing in DeLand. They are good folks and I expect they would be happy to help him. Provided it's not too far out of his neighborhood. I can track down contact info if needed.

Thanks -- I think I've got it set up through a local shop that my dad and granddad have always patronized.

SgtGold -- thank you for the very generous offer, but my dad says he thinks he remembers where the original mags are -- and I'm doing okay, so I'll let maxwayne take you up on your generosity.

quote:

Originally posted by maxwayne:
I will take the ProMags if the OP is not interested. Will be glad to pay your postage.

Holger has spoken. 'Sold' to maxwayne. I'll let you know what USPS priority comes to when I figure out which box I'm using.

You are smart going FFL to FFL if you live in a different state than Dad. Family who live out of state can't give you a firearm unless it's specifically part of a will and spelled out. Sig2340 helped me once when I thought it was OK for one family member to give another a firearm when they lived in different states. Why take a chance in my fault, your fault, nobodies fault? I am grateful to him for the correct advise.