The Accurate Reloading Forums
Mailing Muzzle Loaders
03 August 2005, 08:19
tarbeMailing Muzzle Loaders
I did a search and came up empty. Trying to navigate the USPS site gave me a headache

Can anyone tell me the rules for sending a mz through the mail, interstate? Do I need to go through a licensed dealer like with a cartridge gun?
Thanks in advance,
Tim
0351 USMC
03 August 2005, 19:07
KRyderAs I understand it you do not need a FFL for muzzleloaders . It's just like any other non-regulated package in the mail to the federal government.
04 August 2005, 00:30
aktoklatAS long as the muzzleloader is not a Savage 10ML (uses modern Nitro powder) or TC Encore (can swap bbls to centerfire) you can ship by any parcel service without an FFL.
Focus on the leading edge!
04 August 2005, 02:31
BrentYou can mail a muzzleloader just fine. You can mail a cartridge rifle too (handguns are different). You only need and FFL on the receivers end and then ONLY if ownership is changing hands (ie, not necessary for gun repairs). Also FFL is not needed for antiques regardless of cartridge vs muzzleloader even if ownership is changing.
Mailing is definitely the best way to go in my book. I have mailed many and have had to educate the odd counter gorilla about their own regulations, but the station managers/supervisors/postmasters know the regs.
All bets off on handguns - no experience there, but I do know they are different.
Also, no mailing of ammunition in the US mail.
Brent
When there is lead in the air, there is hope in my heart -- MWH ~1996
04 August 2005, 03:17
tarbeThanks for the replies.
I just recently mailed a .375, but had to go registered mail to an FFL.
Sounds like I am ok for regular mail straight to an individual - no FFL party required, right?
Tim
0351 USMC
04 August 2005, 05:46
BrentFor a muzzleloader - nothing required. Though I don't know about that Savage smokeless abomination, but any standard muzzleloader can be shipped to anyone w/o an FFL.
Your .375 should not have been any different unless you were buying or selling in the transfer.
Brent
When there is lead in the air, there is hope in my heart -- MWH ~1996
04 August 2005, 11:08
ShopCartRacingquote:
AS long as the muzzleloader is not a Savage 10ML (uses modern Nitro powder)
WRONG.
-Spencer
05 August 2005, 01:20
aktoklatSpencer, Thanks for the correction. Seems when we first received the Sav 10 ML our local ATF agents recommended we ship them same as centerfire. After a research you are corrct and I stand corrected sir, thanks for the catch!
Johnny
Focus on the leading edge!
05 August 2005, 07:16
DoublessI life in Texas; have received a White Model 97 from Alabama overnight w/o FFL, and have shipped same to Idaho via the US mail, also "w/o paper"...
05 August 2005, 21:14
ShopCartRacingBP guns, bows and arrows, and knives are all in the same class and require no papers or reg.
I would be wary of pre-1899 rifles, because although they are C&R and also do not need paperwork, try explaining that to a holier-than-thou state or ATF official who has nothing better to do than put your nuts in a vise and see you squeal over getting the 'correct' documentation.
-Spencer
08 August 2005, 05:54
HuttIs there an ATF manual that lists the torque specs on one's nut in a vice.
08 August 2005, 07:55
ShopCartRacingI happen to have a copy of that manual and it states:
1. Firmly secure offending nuts in a large vise with jaws at least 2" wide.
2. Begin tightening until proper paperwork is presented.
3. If paperwork does not appear, continue to tighten vise until you hear a popping noise or a sharp scream is released, don't worry if this happens in unison.
4. Should this not work (even after getting largest agent present to jump up and down on the vise handle) confiscate property immediately and tactfully threaten to increase the punishment if 'this ever happens again'.
Copyright 2005 - ATF Asshole Publishing Corp.
-Spencer
09 August 2005, 01:16
StoneybrokeI think the TC Encore has to go to a FFL because it is convertable to a centerfire.
09 August 2005, 18:24
conchoYes stony you are correct ! I have one and it must be baught from a dealer because it can be made into a pistol !Has to be registered !
09 August 2005, 18:47
conchoHere is more info about Savage ML10 Natchez Shooters Supplies sells them Call and ask information about shipping them 1-800-251-7839
09 August 2005, 22:16
ShopCartRacingI does not matter that the Savage ML's are designed for smokeless powder.
Any BP gun can shoot smokeless powder, even if they can only do it once.
As someone who has sold and currently sells them on the internet, let me state once and for all that there is no gray area when it comes to Savages. They are muzzleloaders and as such abide by the same rules as other muzzleloaders. The end.
The T-C Encores are one of the only exceptions because the frame is what is considered the firearm, nevermind that it is shipped with a 209X50 barrel.
-Spencer
08 September 2005, 08:39
sputsterI agree with what everyone else said about sending the muzzleloaders.
Brent - sending handguns has to be to an FFL dealer, used to be able to do it UPS. A few years back though UPS caught some flak about the unethical and sloppy gun package handling of its employees, and now requires the customer to use Next Day service only when shipping handgonnes. Don't know if it's an ATF reg, but it's the way USPS does it. USPS sure won't ship one.

sputster
23 October 2005, 03:36
Flatland Hunter2Never had a problem with UPS or USPS sending or receiving ML's.
Formerly Flatland Hunter