Shipping rifles

Henry2357 · Jan 21, 2020

To start, if this is the wrong forum for this question, mods please move.

I am going to list one of my rifles, it’s a “Lo n g” Dixie/Pedersoli 1861 Springfield and if it sells and needs to be shipped, what’s the best, or how, do you ship such a long package, and follow up question, where to get and what kind of box is needed. Thanks in advanced for any answer.
Joe

hawkeye2 · Jan 21, 2020

Ship it by USPS. You do NOT have to tell them what is in the package nor can they ask even if you insure it. Yes, it is entirely legal. I usually go by my favorite gun store and ask for a few boxes rifles came in. They can be spliced and strengthened. Use plenty of styro, peanuts and bubble wrap. I have never had an problem.

Henry2357 · Jan 21, 2020

Thanks Hawkeye, I think before I list it I will search for a sturdy box, will try a gun shop.

Travler · Jan 21, 2020

Could go to a carpet store and see if you can get one of those cardboard tubes. When I bought a kit long gun, it came in a full 5 ft long plywood box.

Henry2357 · Jan 21, 2020

I know kibler ships in wood boxes but, that’s way beyond me. A big tube is another good idea.. thanks

DOUBLEDEUCE 1 · Jan 21, 2020

If you can’t find a good, long cardboard tube, try a piece of PVC used for sewer lines.

Henry2357 · Jan 21, 2020

Another good suggestion, thanks

DOUBLEDEUCE 1 said:
If you can’t find a good, long cardboard tube, try a piece of PVC used for sewer lines.

SDSmlf · Jan 21, 2020

hawkeye2 said:
Ship it by USPS. You do NOT have to tell them what is in the package nor can they ask even if you insure it. Yes, it is entirely legal

Prefer USPS, and as long as you don’t go to one those shipping stores UPS and FedEx work ok. You can have an issue or huge price bump if it package gets to big, so check that out. Bride has taken the last half dozen or so packages to the USPS for me and plane out tells them what is in the package. Hard to hide if sending to a barrel manufacturer or gun maker and they check the validity of the recipient’s name and address. They know what you are sending and they know it is perfectly legal. Biggest problem with USPS is get there before they close for the day.

smo · Jan 21, 2020

US Postal Service has boxes, square & triangular.

Remove the barrel and wrap it in foam pipe insulation, you can pad the stock with it as well.

I usually remove the lock and tape it in a zip lock bag too the inside of the box/tube.

Finally, lad both ends of the box/ tube with your choice ( foam peanuts, Walmart bags,etc.)

USPS ships muzzleloaders too..... don’t let them tell you they don’t.

Good Luck with your sale.

ppg1949 · Jan 21, 2020

I shipped a musket with USPS a couple of years ago. I did what smo did. I was asked what it was and said muzzleloader parts. I used USPS boxes and thoroughly taped the outside. Total length was about 40 inches. If I remember it was about $20 insured with tracking. Shipped from Indiana to Texas in three days.

SDSmlf · Jan 21, 2020

smo said:
Remove the barrel and wrap it in foam pipe insulation, you can pad the stock with it as well.

Would not remove barrel from the relatively ’fragile’ stock, but rather get a longer box or tube. Just my opinion.

Stophel · Jan 22, 2020

I have a 6' fluorescent light tube box that I "armored" on the inside with wood and luan.

Captjoel · Jan 22, 2020

I make my own shipping boxes out of heavy duty cardboard I get for free from a furniture\appliance store.

It is relatively easy to make and each box is cut for the particular rifle. The costs of shipping have gone up quite a bit the last few years and a long 60 + inch package is considered "over-sized" by USPS standards and charges are considerably higher. It can run near the 100 dollar mark insured within the lower 48 states for a 2 to 3 thousand dollar gun.

Henry2357 · Jan 22, 2020

I know it isn't even sold yet, heck its not even advertised, but will find or build a box this coming weekend that will be safe for the rifle. Have PLENTY of packing material at work for the bumps it takes. Thanks all.
Joe

Griz44Mag · Jan 22, 2020

SDSmlf said:
Prefer USPS, and as long as you don’t go to one those shipping stores UPS and FedEx work ok. You can have an issue or huge price bump if it package gets to big, so check that out. Bride has taken the last half dozen or so packages to the USPS for me and plane out tells them what is in the package. Hard to hide if sending to a barrel manufacturer or gun maker and they check the validity of the recipient’s name and address. They know what you are sending and they know it is perfectly legal. Biggest problem with USPS is get there before they close for the day.

Do not hide what you are shipping. If you lie about it and something happens to the shipment the insurance will be voided. You may also be charged and prosecuted. You are not doing anything wrong. You are within all the rules when you insure and ship correctly and honestly.

russellshaffer · Jan 22, 2020

How about a piece of plywood just large enough to put the rifle on. Secure the rifle to the padded plywood with some heavy duty zip ties and make a box around it. That should keep the box from being bent and breaking the stock. A long cardboard box bends pretty easily and the stock isn't very strong.

Rifleman1776 · Jan 22, 2020

I use USPS 'click and ship' from my home. Going to the post office is risky. Some clerks are real jerks. Arguing law with them is pointless. A jerk is a jerk and much protected federal employee. You can't win an argument with a brick wall. With click and ship my rural carrier just picks up the package from my porch and that is it. The online form does not ask what is in the package. It just asks if a few prohibited items are in it.

jbwilliams3 · Jan 22, 2020

I've both made boxes out of cardboard and also out of wood. Probably the most secure box I made I used one of those old foam mattress pads as padding and built a simple box out of pine 1x4s and ply wood. The only reason I did that was because I had the stuff on hand and had run out of enough cardboard to cut up for the size gun (it was looong.)

I have only ever used USPS and never had a problem.

Henry2357 · Jan 22, 2020

Will Usps take a wood box?

jbwilliams3 said:
I've both made boxes out of cardboard and also out of wood. Probably the most secure box I made I used one of those old foam mattress pads as padding and built a simple box out of pine 1x4s and ply wood. The only reason I did that was because I had the stuff on hand and had run out of enough cardboard to cut up for the size gun (it was looong.)

I have only ever used USPS and never had a problem.

nhmoose · Jan 22, 2020

Henry2357 said:
Will Usps take a wood box?

No problem if you cover it in cardboard. Don't stick out of normal

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