How much does it cost to ship a large-frame pistol, say, 750 miles?
I’ve never had need to until quite recently, but here are a couple of things I’ve learned over the last few days:
The only thing that legally matters[1] is that the firearm must be shipped to an FFL in the recipient’s state[2].
The receiving FFL will, of course, charge a fee for the pleasure of being involved. How much depends on the shop. By way of example, the shop nearest me charges a detestable $75. Another I’ve patronized in the past charges a reasonable $30. Remember, though, that it’s the recipient’s FFL that matters.
So, how does it actually get to the recipient’s FFL? You ship it via common carrier — FedEx or UPS.
What about shipping cost? Well, like everything in life, “that depends”. You see, FedEx and UPS require that pistols shipped from non-FFL (me) to FFL (thee) be overnighted. Throw in that “interstate” variable and with FedEx, that’ll be $75… or $110 with UPS.
**blink**blink**
Both FedEx and UPS have told me that if, instead, arms are shipped from FFL to FFL, then they will allow the cheaper 2nd Day Air rate, which would cut the cost by about half.
But that engages two FFLs: source & recipient — oh, and shipping costs.
It all works out to:
Transfer Fee #1 + 2nd Day Air Shipping + Transfer Fee #2
Your mileage may vary.
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[1] – 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and 922(b)(3) — more here.
[2] – Unless you live in one of those places.
the rest of me 