Guys,

What is the best approach for packing a double rifle for UPS shipment as recommended by the gun smith? I really do want it very well protected.

Was thinking about a Star or SKB take down case.

Thoughts?

If you're going to use a plastic case, put some wooden boards at the ends so that the barrels don't punch through if the box is dropped on its end.

Get some high-density foam for the interior, and cut it to fit the rifle parts with a bit of compression.

Pack the case in its original cardboard container to make it less obvious.

Finally, ship the rifle via the US Postal Service, registered and insured to the full value of the rifle.

UPS WILL try to weasel out of paying on insurance claims if they damage, destroy, or 'lose' the gun.

George

I have not experienced that with UPS, they have paid all claims for me..maybe its a geographical thing...

I have a leather case for my double and I put that in a box surrounded by bubble paper and ship them UPS and Parcel post..

I would put it in a Pelican or Starlight case, since they are more sturdy than SKB. If you order one by mail, the case will arrive in a cardboard box. Put your double in the plastic case, put the plastic case back into its cardboard box and ship it.

But I don't trust UPS and would use US mail.

I would ship the rifle taken down. It is much harder to break the stock that way.

Pelican (take-down case)
you've got three 1.5" pieces of foam:

- One layer on the bottom
- A second in the middle - in which you cut out the shape of the gun, i.e.: it is "inletted" into the middle layer and completely surrounded by foam on all sides.

- A third layer of 1.5" foam on top.

Plus, you've got one tough case on the outside.

The extra weight will add to your shipping costs, but the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.

I put padlocks on the case (tape them to it to keep them from moving around) and put the label on the outside.

When I ship my double rifle I use the USPS.
Take the rifle apart. Wrap the barrels with several wraps of bubble wrap with enough to cover ends. Do the same with the stock.
Go to the box/shipping store and get a cardboard box. A layer of shipping peanuts on bottom, layer of foam/rifles another foam, topped by more peanuts. I have shipped two doubles and an M1 Garand this way. All have made it just fine. Just my opine!

“Finally, ship the rifle via the US Postal Service, registered and insured to the full value of the rifle.â€

"I would ship the rifle taken down. It is much harder to break the stock that way.â€

Two very good pieces of advise, nothing as sickening as getting a one piece stock in two pieces.

I have shipped a half zillion firearms around the US and some overseas.
If you would break the double down and then wrap it in several layers of bubble wrap (make sure ends have plenty too) then place it in a good cardboard box with double end flaps...use nylon strapping tape.... all should be well.
As to UPS. I agree with Ray on this one. It must be a regional thing as I have never filed a claim with UPS that was not properly paid. As to shipping on my end...I have had damange done to 2 firearms shipped from my place and UPS paid both. I am reasonalby sure my staff failed to pack one rifle correctly one day when I was not at the store however UPS paid the claim.
I have had broken firearms with the USPS too. No problems with them paying either. I did not pack that rifle broken by USPS.

Pelican case is on the way. Will ship it taken down, well packed, and fully insured.


Thanks All!

Make sure to send it AIR! Either Fed-Ex / UPS and make sure to insure it. When you ship prized weapons via air, they are less likely to get slammed around for days on end on a cross-country transit.

We ship over 100,000 packages a year from my operation and we experience the best service when we use the "Air" services from the major carriers.

It's expensive, but that double you're talking about weren't free either!

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
I would put it in a Pelican or Starlight case, since they are more sturdy than SKB. If you order one by mail, the case will arrive in a cardboard box. Put your double in the plastic case, put the plastic case back into its cardboard box and ship it.

But I don't trust UPS and would use US mail.

I have a Pelican for my rifles when I'm traveling. Works great.

I just ordered another Pelican for break down guns. I plan on shipping my broken (sniff ) shotgun to JJ in it. I'll do a single layer of bubble wrap on the two gun pieces as an extra level of protection.

Last time I shipped a gun I did it by USPS and it was great. Just dropped it on at the post office. As you know many postal workers are quite comfortable with guns...

UPS was a hassle as they wanted me to drop it off at the central location about 45 minutes from my house.

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
Pelican (take-down case)
you've got three 1.5" pieces of foam:

- One layer on the bottom
- A second in the middle - in which you cut out the shape of the gun, i.e.: it is "inletted" into the middle layer and completely surrounded by foam on all sides.

- A third layer of 1.5" foam on top.

Be careful. I beleive that SOME of the Pelicans only have two foam inserts. I was on a chat with Cabela's tech support last night and wa stold the thiers only have two.

-Steve

FWIW - I've been all over the net and these guys seem to have the best prices on the Pelicans. Excellent shipping too.

http://www.all-pelican-cases-4-less.com/

This is where I bought mine:

http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/product-features.asp?id=735584063

$133.85. Shipping was $14.49 to 97124.

-Steve