First, I did my first transfer with him where I’m shipping. He tells me $70 to ship, $30 for the transfer. I had already given him possession of the firearm so I asked, “Mark, why would I do this next time, I can ship it for 70$ and not pay you the transfer fee.”

“Yeah if you want to break the law”

I politely told him it’s not illegal for me to ship to an FFL using an appropriate carrier so long as I include the proper paperwork.

“Well I don’t accept handguns form individuals because it illegal. You can only ship long guns”

Again, I politely told him that’s his right to make that decision but that doesn’t make it illegal.

He continued to say, ”I do it by the book, others can try to buck the system” again, insinuating I was saying I would break the law. So that whole thing pissed me off enough I will be finding a new FFL.

But here’s my question, and he MAY be right on this but I can’t find it in Florida’s gun laws.

In the state of Florida I don’t have to adhere to the waiting period because I have a concealed carry, I am a service member, and I’ve completed the safety course, all of which waive the wait in some capacity. He tells me that since we’re not in Florida I have to observe Florida's wait because the waivable criteria doesn’t apply out of state. But the wait does??? Is this true?

I had a similar experience with a local gun shop when transferring in a rifle I won in a forum Karma a few months back.

Him: "Where's the rifle coming from?"

Me: "My buddy Q is going to ship it to you from Texas."

Him: "Nope, it's illegal for individuals to ship a firearm across state lines. Has to go FFL to FFL, and I need a copy of their FFL's license."

Me: "Um... I've done it that way dozens of times over the years, both coming and going."

Him: "Well, the law changed, and I follow the law."

Luckily Q was gracious enough to send it through his FFL. But that's the last time I'll be using that guy.

Now the hunt begins for one of the dwindling number of local FFLs that don't charge and arm and a leg for a transfer, or outright refuse to do transfers altogether because "I can order it for you".

FFL here.


He isn't completely wrong but close. USPS longgun is ok for non ffl's but handgun is a no no.
Fedex and UPS in recent years have come up with thier own rules. You actually have to take to the depot, not a store, an they require you to ship overnight. Post more later.

quote:

Originally posted by Crockett040:
FFL here.


He isn't completely wrong but close. USPS longgun is ok for non ffl's but handgun is a no no.
Fedex and UPS in recent years have come up with thier own rules. You actually have to take to the depot, not a store, an they require you to ship overnight. Post more later.

Completely tracking, which was my part about appropriate carrier. I mentioned this to him, has to be 2-day minimum and dropped off at a depot, not a Kinkos type location. But it’s still legal.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
I had a similar experience with a local gun shop when transferring in a rifle I won in a forum Karma a few months back.

Him: "Where's the rifle coming from?"

Me: "My buddy Q is going to ship it to you from Texas."

Him: "Nope, it's illegal for individuals to ship a firearm across state lines. Has to go FFL to FFL, and I need a copy of their FFL's license."

Me: "Um... I've done it that way dozens of times over the years, both coming and going."

Him: "Well, the law changed, and I follow the law."

Luckily Q was gracious enough to send it through his FFL. But that's the last time I'll be using that guy.

Now the hunt begins for one of the dwindling number of local FFLs that don't charge and arm and a leg for a transfer, or outright refuse to do transfers altogether because "I can order it for you".

Yeah it’s frustrating. I don’t accept from individuals, I don’t ship USPS. Okay, that’s fine but someone will and that’s where I’ll take my money.

70 Bucks is a bit exorbitant though. When I had my FFL most handguns I shipped went in a flat rate medium box. At the time it was about 18 bucks and insurance would bring some up around 30. I charged my transfer fee plus actual shipping.

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:
70 Bucks is a bit exorbitant though. When I had my FFL most handguns I shipped went in a flat rate medium box. At the time it was about 18 bucks and insurance would bring some up around 30. I charged my transfer fee plus actual shipping.

Exactly,

One’s personal opinion about a shipper doesn’t matter when it’s my money. At the end of the day I should have asked before shipping. So I don’t hold his policies against him. But it makes no sense to pay for a transfer when I can shop for 70$, or less. Then to say I’m breaking the law when trying to let him know his policies are gonna cost him money…no thanks.

It’s not illegal (not federally and not in the great state of Texas) but the carriers will not let non FFL’s ship handguns (if you follow their rules and tell them what you are shipping). I always accept transfers from individuals, as long as I know who it came from and who it is going to I do not care.

Tell him to show you where it states it is illegal and I doubt he can come up with anything.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by mark60:
70 Bucks is a bit exorbitant though. When I had my FFL most handguns I shipped went in a flat rate medium box. At the time it was about 18 bucks and insurance would bring some up around 30. I charged my transfer fee plus actual shipping.

Exactly,

One’s personal opinion about a shipper doesn’t matter when it’s my money. At the end of the day I should have asked before shipping. So I don’t hold his policies against him. But it makes no sense to pay for a transfer when I can shop for 70$, or less. Then to say I’m breaking the law when trying to let him know his policies are gonna cost him money…no thanks.

No, that is not a lot. Shipping is expensive and that is probably close to what it would cost me, depending on insurance. Unless the FFL does massive volume and can negotiate their rates, shipping is high and keeps going up.

14 years ago it cost $15 to ship a long gun, it would be 60-70 now. Handguns maybe less but it depends on insurance. Size and weight are the main factors in cost but I have shipped a 6x6 box that cost $30. Plus, in order for UPS to honor their insurance over $1000, a driver has to sign their paperwork or it has to be dropped off at a hub (no UPS stores). The hub near me closed and it cost me $20 to have a driver due a pick up (in addition to the shipping cost). Shipping is a racket now.

Not federally. Some states/counties have funky requirements though. I'm hesitant to saw laws, because often it's not. NY has things like that, it's not the law, but if you want to keep your gun store open, you WILL follow our rules.

Does anyone have any insight into the Florida waiting period out of state?

Not illegal
However, it is against the rules/policy of UPS and Fed Ex for a private citizen to ship any kind of firearm with them.
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/sh...o-ship-firearms.html

"It's illegal."


"Show me the document that says so."


"Um... well... uhhhh...."

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Does anyone have any insight into the Florida waiting period out of state?

He's obviously wrong. "How's Florida going to know what we do in our state?" should be the only question you should need to ask to show how stupid that is.

UPS and FedEx rules are not laws. Obviously, you'd be SOL in case of a lost or damaged gun shipped in violation of their rules.

Then again, USPS denies totally legit insurance claims all the time too. So you're no worse off, going common carrier ground shipping, if the price is right.

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
It’s not illegal (not federally and not in the great state of Texas) but the carriers will not let non FFL’s ship handguns (if you follow their rules and tell them what you are shipping). I always accept transfers from individuals, as long as I know who it came from and who it is going to I do not care.

Tell him to show you where it states it is illegal and I doubt he can come up with anything.

I used to ship handguns semi regularly as a non FFL. The UPS customer center verified the FFL I was sending it to (in another state). When the work was done the FFL shipped it directly back to me at me home via UPS. No hassles, no problems, other than the expense of next day air.


I have heard that the carriers have changed their policies and that is no longer possible, but I haven’t had occasion to ship in a long time so I don’t know.

The local FFL I receive my purchases from either GB or on-line vendor will only accept from FFL. I missed out on some rifles I wanted to purchase from GB because the seller is NOT FFL. And the seller do not want to deal with sending the rifle via FFL (even if I am willing to pay the sender's FFL fee and shipping).

Years ago, I sold a rifle and shipped it myself via USPS registered mail and insured. I did show them a copy of the FFL where I am sending the rifle to and USPS was OK with it.

All prices seemed jacked up. I just bought a new Sig from Sig themselves and they only gave me the option of a few gun stores to ship to but yet one who is GT Distributors right near me and a major LE store was not a choice. I had to pay $50 transfer fee to a gun store I hate instead of a $20 fee to GT’s who I love.

I'd guess that quite a few of us have had similar experiences. New FFL in town a few years ago. Decided I'd get acquainted, and he could make a few bucks for the transfer fee. I asked about receiving a revolver from a private party. He acted like I was trying to involve him in some sort of federal crime. Told me it was illegal, has to be shipped by an FFL,etc.,etc. I understand an FFL can choose to receive from a non FFL or not. Went to another FFL who actually knew the law; legal transfer accomplished without issue. Noticed the new FFL did not stay in business very long...

quote:

Originally posted by rock185:
I understand an FFL can choose to receive from a non FFL or not.

Which is fine. Just say that. "I don't want to deal with receiving directly from an individual." Or "I want the extra CYA coverage of only receiving from another FFL. Or "I've had bad experiences with private shippers not including ID in the past, so it's not worth the hassle". Or whatever.

But don't pull some "It'S IlLeGaL" bullshit out of your ass. Because believe it or not, some of us actually do know the law, and it only serves to lose you customers.