Out of state mother/son handgun transfer

[HiredGoon]

OK, I know that no FFL needs to be involved in a handgun transfer from mom to son.

But what if mom lives in a different state (Washington) and son is in PA and she wants to ship it to him?

Can mom just ship it via UPS or FEDEX on her own, directly to the son? I believe it has to be overnighted and cannot be sent via post office.

Does anyone know for sure?

[gnbrotz]

All interstate transfers of a handgun must be via a FFL. She can use a common carrier to ship to a dealer here, where the son can pick it up after completing the PICS check/paperwork.

Only FFLs can (legally) use the USPS for shipping firearms.

[HiredGoon]

Hmmmm, OK thanks, Greg. I figured there'd be a hitch. Is that info in the UFA somewhere?
I know the part about parent to child is, but I didn't see the interstate transfer part.

Or is this a federal thing?

So it really doesn't matter then if it is a mother/son transfer or not? Still has to be shipped to an FFL here in PA?

[IV_Warrior]

The interstate part is federal regs.

[Agent Smith]

Originally Posted by HiredGoon

So it really doesn't matter then if it is a mother/son transfer or not? Still has to be shipped to an FFL here in PA?

Correct.


To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?

A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his State, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law. A person may sell or transfer a firearm to a licensee in any State. However, a firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector.

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(d), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]