Frustration

Last week, I found a SMR style flintlock that was exactly what I have wanted for a long time. Seller was in Tennessee and was very nervous about shipping to California. I offered to use a receiving FFL if it made him feel more comfortable.

Funds were sent. Rifle was taken to UPS. UPS refused to ship. I tried to inform seller that USPS was the way to go.

Long story short, he is refunding my money.

I guess I'm back to searching.

UPS may have refused to ship because he told them it was a rifle. When I ship UPS I only ship parts

UPS stores are independently owned and operated. Owner can make their own rules. I have shipped through the local UPS hub without questions or issues (bride uses local UPS store to shop things like purses, but definitely over pays). I have shipped to California and even less gun friendly states without issue. I have even shipped and received major gun components (barrels for example) with folks in Canada, though USPS was used, and that was probably two years ago. If there is a willing seller and buyer there is a way to consummate the deal.

Mulebrain said:

UPS may have refused to ship because he told them it was a rifle. When I ship UPS I only ship parts

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Parts, a stock and a barrel.

I ship replica props

I just had a fowler delivered by UPS today. They’ll take modern arms as well. Kimber just sent me a packing label to send a 1911 back to manufacturer for repairs. I haven’t any FFL either. Some locations will, while others refuse. I’d make it clear what the parcel is though, and avoid trying to sneak anything.

This guy was spooked about shipping to CA from the start. I actually understand that part. Apparently, he went to his local FFL after UPS turned him down and they told him they don't ship anything to CA.

I just messaged him to see if he would ship to my FIL in PA. It makes more sense for me to just start my search over.

I'll have to figure out what to do from there. I won't be surprised if he just returns my money.

Who knows. Might find something else you’re happier with. This is a niche hobby, but many fish in the sea.

There have been changes in UPS and Fedex regarding shipping guns AND parts, which they call gun products I believe. Only shippers with shipping agreements can ship those things with them as of about the past month. Even telling them its parts or a muzzle loader or antique or replicae isnt going to get it there if you arent an FFL or have a shipping agreement with them already.

It looks like whatever we have been used to doing in the past isny working now as far as parts or "not federally recognized as a gun" guns. Its not a legal change, its a company change in policy. Post office hasnt changed,... yet.

azmntman said:

Parts, a stock and a barrel.

I ship replica props

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"machined parts".

ChinaLakePW said:

Long story short, he is refunding my money.

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Sorry to hear that,
This shipping thing is becoming a spinning circle that makes it hard to find a door,

road trip........

I believe the issue is that if you don’t have an account with FedEx or UPS you have to take it to a shipping location and they ask specifically what you are shipping. If you have an account set up with either, you simple pack the goods, print a label and drop it off or have them pick up from you. I have a daily pickup with FedEx and the only time the FedEx shipping S/W asks what I am shipping is if I am shipping internationally.

Check out Kibler's Long Rifles in Lisbon, Ohio! their kits are fantastic and are fun projects!

I use the USPS and neither they nor I ever mention what's in the box. I truthfully answer no to their little list of prohibited items, pay my nickel, get my receipt & tracking # and leave.

I did list some 'brass ornaments' I sent Australia once and some 'machined parts' to Belgium on customs forms.

ChinaLakePW said:

Last week, I found a SMR style flintlock that was exactly what I have wanted for a long time. Seller was in Tennessee and was very nervous about shipping to California. I offered to use a receiving FFL if it made him feel more comfortable.

Funds were sent. Rifle was taken to UPS. UPS refused to ship. I tried to inform seller that USPS was the way to go.

Long story short, he is refunding my money.

I guess I'm back to searching.

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Have the owner take it to a FFL and have them ship it to your FFL, problem solved. Cost a few dollars more, but it works every time, it is there business.

ChinaLakePW said:

Last week, I found a SMR style flintlock that was exactly what I have wanted for a long time. Seller was in Tennessee and was very nervous about shipping to California. I offered to use a receiving FFL if it made him feel more comfortable.

Funds were sent. Rifle was taken to UPS. UPS refused to ship. I tried to inform seller that USPS was the way to go.

Long story short, he is refunding my money.

I guess I'm back to searching.

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Has the fella considered sending the item in 2 separate packages, barrel and stock, as parts?

Find someone in TN to FTF it, and mail it to you.
We do it with car parts all the time.

FishDFly said:

Have the owner take it to a FFL and have them ship it to your FFL, problem solved. Cost a few dollars more, but it works every time, it is there business.

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He said he went to his local FFL after UPS. They refused to ship to CA.

Graybeard2A said:

Check out Kibler's Long Rifles in Lisbon, Ohio! their kits are fantastic and are fun projects!

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I decided on a Kibler a while ago. I just have too many irons in the fire right now.

ChinaLakePW said:

Last week, I found a SMR style flintlock that was exactly what I have wanted for a long time. Seller was in Tennessee and was very nervous about shipping to California. I offered to use a receiving FFL if it made him feel more comfortable.

Funds were sent. Rifle was taken to UPS. UPS refused to ship. I tried to inform seller that USPS was the way to go.

Long story short, he is refunding my money.

I guess I'm back to searching.

Click to expand...

Look no further than Jim Kibler rifles they have the best components and finest you'll find anywhere, I know because I own them