How shipping works

Firearms on Trigger Transfers always change hands through a licensed dealer (FFL). When a gun "ships," it ships to the buyer's FFL, never to a home address. The buyer picks it up there after the background check (Form 4473) and pays that dealer's transfer fee.

• Buyers: choose a transfer dealer near you from the FFL directory and give the seller their info. The shipping dealer usually needs a copy of your FFL's license.
• Dealers shipping: ship FFL-to-FFL as you normally would.
• Private sellers shipping: handguns can't be mailed through USPS by non-licensees. Use UPS or FedEx, which each have their own firearm rules, or have your local FFL ship it for you. Check with the carrier before you ship.

NFA items move dealer to dealer (SOT to SOT) and the buyer takes possession only after ATF approves the transfer (Form 4). Shipping cost and timing are arranged between the seller and the buyer's SOT dealer.

Ammo usually ships to the buyer by UPS or FedEx ground (not USPS). Some states and cities restrict it. California, for example, requires ammunition to be delivered to a licensed vendor. Check your state's rules before buying or selling.

Holsters, cases, optics, safes, archery gear and other accessories ship straight to the buyer with no FFL transfer. A few items are restricted in some states, like magazines over 10 rounds and body armor; listings that are illegal in your state are hidden when your profile has your state.

"Local pickup" means you meet the seller near the city shown on the listing. For firearms, do the transfer at an FFL even if you're in the same state. It protects both sides and keeps the paperwork clean.

Sellers set their own shipping price, or mark "Free shipping." If a listing doesn't show a cost, ask the seller before you agree on a price. Insured, signature-required shipping is a good idea for anything valuable.