Retired LEO planning on rving to Alaska from lower 48. What is the best way/preferred way to get a handgun for personal use into Alaska. I understand it is strictly forbidden to transport one through Canada. Was wondering if possible to mail to gun shop or police department in Alaska. Has anyone done this?
handgun
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Ray D
Well-known member
I've done quite a lot of this, but not to Alaska. But, that was 6 years ago. It may have changed.
So, check it out.
Back then, one had to take it to a licensed gun dealer. The gun dealer would send it to a licensed gun dealer at the destination. The gun could then be retrieved from the dealer, by the owner. It was expensive, as both dealers and the shipping merchant got a fee. You had to pass a background check, to pick up your gun, both ends. There is also a fee for that.
As I said, this was years ago. It may have changed.
Ray D.
Consider renting one in Alaska. Then, simply return it before coming back to the lower 48.
So, check it out.
Back then, one had to take it to a licensed gun dealer. The gun dealer would send it to a licensed gun dealer at the destination. The gun could then be retrieved from the dealer, by the owner. It was expensive, as both dealers and the shipping merchant got a fee. You had to pass a background check, to pick up your gun, both ends. There is also a fee for that.
As I said, this was years ago. It may have changed.
Ray D.
Consider renting one in Alaska. Then, simply return it before coming back to the lower 48.
Ray D said:I've done quite a lot of this, but not to Alaska. But, that was 6 years ago. It may have changed.
So, check it out.
Back then, one had to take it to a licensed gun dealer. The gun dealer would send it to a licensed gun dealer at the destination. The gun could then be retrieved from the dealer, by the owner. It was expensive, as both dealers and the shipping merchant got a fee. You had to pass a background check, to pick up your gun, both ends. There is also a fee for that.
As I said, this was years ago. It may have changed.
Ray D.
Consider renting one in Alaska. Then, simply return it before coming back to the lower 48.
It is still this way.
Bruce
SargeW
Site Team
When I went to Alaska last year I left my hand gun in Washington State with a friend. I took a 12 Ga shotgun. I claimed it at the border, filled out the one sheet claim form in advance and paid my $25 permit fee. They inspected it at the border going in, and from then on whenever I came to a border crossing, I just showed them the permit. Much easier and way cheaper. You can PM me if you want further info.
Being an Alaskan resident I would say to try the shotgun method if you must have protection and buy a pistol here. It is not worth the effort to ship your pistol here and then back at the end of your trip. Whatever gun you carry there you can get the same here. You might find one here to add to your collection and then ship that one home. You can never have enough!
Foto-n-T
Well-known member
Don't you have to be a resident of the state in order to pick up the gun? As in a Utah resident can not purchase a gun and pick it up in Arizona or in my case if I buy a gun in Montana I have to have it shipped by the dealer to a shop in Wyoming in order to pick it up.
I realize that this isn't a gun "purchase" but I was under the impression that picking one up is picking one up. I haven't done this or researched it for a number of years but there was at one time an allowance enabling a person to ship a gun to himself in another state without at background check. Somebody educate me, I'm ignorant once again.
I realize that this isn't a gun "purchase" but I was under the impression that picking one up is picking one up. I haven't done this or researched it for a number of years but there was at one time an allowance enabling a person to ship a gun to himself in another state without at background check. Somebody educate me, I'm ignorant once again.
gc1966
Well-known member
I don't think you can legally mail a gun anywhere in the USA without a FFL (Federal Firearms License) Take the gun to a FFL and they can mail it to another FFL for you to pick up.
Jim Godward
Well-known member
gc1966 said:
You are right and the last quote I got would put the cost for the 2 FFLs right about $100 plus the shipping. I'll deliver it when I travel to my daughter's. Good thing she is not in a hurry for it.
gc1966 said:
This is not true. For example, when I need my skeet guns serviced, I ship them via UPS to my gunsmith. He does the service and ships them back to me via UPS. You can also do this via USPS. This is legal. No FFL paperwork needs to be done.
Bruce
nomad297 said:
From ATF website FAQ
May a nonlicensee ship a firearm through the U.S. Postal Service?
A nonlicensee may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another State. A nonlicensee may mail a shotgun or rifle to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. The Postal Service recommends that long guns be sent by registered mail and that no marking of any kind which would indicate the nature of the contents be placed on the outside of any parcel containing firearms. Handguns are not mailable. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun.
[18 U.S.C. 1715, 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5) and 922 (a)(2)(A)]
May a nonlicensee ship a firearm by common or contract carrier?
A nonlicensee may ship a firearm by a common or contract carrier to a resident of his or her own State or to a licensee in any State. A common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. In addition, Federal law requires that the carrier be notified that the shipment contains a firearm and prohibits common or contract carriers from requiring or causing any label to be placed on any package indicating that it contains a firearm.
[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(2)(A), 922(a) (3), 922(a)(5) and 922(e), 27 CFR 478.31 and 478.30]
May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity?
Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm.
I have shipped to myself from mainland to AK several years ago. The problem was finding somewhere to ship to that I could trust. General Delivery just did not seem like the thing for me - your mileage may vary.
Foto-n-T
Well-known member
Thanks odie for doing the research. It appears that not much has changed since the last time I did this.
My wife and I would love to visit Canada one of these days but unfortunately one of my habits is shooting, which means the rig carries my toys as well as my carry guns. I've never looked into it but I suppose that I might be able to store them at a local gun shop somewhere in Idaho or Washington.
My wife and I would love to visit Canada one of these days but unfortunately one of my habits is shooting, which means the rig carries my toys as well as my carry guns. I've never looked into it but I suppose that I might be able to store them at a local gun shop somewhere in Idaho or Washington.
Ernie n Tara
Well-known member
Incidentlly, it's not just Canada that discriminates (and they are certainly within their rights), but the US as well. Turns out that when I wished to take a Canadian friend shooting (in FL, but I expect its a federal law) I found out that he was not permitted on the range, even using my weapons and ammunition.
Ernie
Ernie
kenb1023
Well-known member
I have heard of people disassembling the gun and mailing the pieces in separate boxes. Don't know if that is leagalgc1966 said:
kenb1023
Well-known member
Can you just carry the receiver in your pocket then?nomad297 said:
