Moving to Anchorage - How do I get my guns up there? (transfer, buying)

[Mr Manager]

I am moving to Anchorage at the end of the summer from the lower 48. I plan on driving the AlCan. How is the best way to get my hunting rifles and handgun up there? I think I remember hearing Canada will not let you bring them through even if they are locked up and unloaded.

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by Mr Manager

I am moving to Anchorage at the end of the summer from the lower 48. I plan on driving the AlCan. How is the best way to get my hunting rifles and handgun up there? I think I remember hearing Canada will not let you bring them through even if they are locked up and unloaded.

You will need to go to a gun store where you currently live and have them ship the guns up here to a gun store. Find a gun store here in Alaska close to where you will be moving. This is how my husband shipped his.

[stiffnecked]

You ABSOLUTELY DO NOT need to take them to a gun store. That's just plain stupid. You can ship firearms as "air freight" on most of the major airlines. You'll need to go to their web site to find out the details. I ship mine on Alaska Airlines and usually do that in Seattle at their air freight office.

You own the firearms. You are shipping them to your self. You do not need the services of an FFL to do that.

Link to Alaska Airlines FAQ on firearm shipments.
Answer

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

You ABSOLUTELY DO NOT need to take them to a gun store. That's just plain stupid. You can ship firearms as "air freight" on most of the major airlines. You'll need to go to their web site to find out the details. I ship mine on Alaska Airlines and usually do that in Seattle at their air freight office.

You own the firearms. You are shipping them to your self. You do not need the services of an FFL to do that.

Link to Alaska Airlines FAQ on firearm shipments.
Answer

My husband DROVE up to Alaska, thus that is why he shipped his guns via a gun store. It was fast, easy and not all that expensive so you see, no, it was not stupid! We have shipped things via air freight in the past only to have them end up in another State, especially with Amateur Airlines also known as AK. Airlines.

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

My husband DROVE up to Alaska, thus that is why he shipped his guns via a gun store. It was fast, easy and not all that expensive so you see, no, it was not stupid!

Did he have to pay transfer fees on either end?

[Alaskapat528]

Originally Posted by Barkingowl

Did he have to pay transfer fees on either end?

There was a fee but I cannot remember the amount. He found it very convenient to go to a gun store in the area he was leaving and let them handle it. Once he got settled up here he went to a gun store in Anchorage (I believe it was across from Sears Mall in Midtown Anchorage) to pick them up.

[Arcticthaw]

Maybe you can UPS them to your self? Just an idea. I have herd of people shipping them inside other personal containers to themselves also. Just not declare as guns but houshold or etc.

[stiffnecked]

You can ship stuff via air freight on ALASKA AIRLINES, even if you are DRIVING. DUH! It still makes no sense to ship them via a firearms dealer. You have to pay the dealers fee on both ends in addition to the shipping charges. From a legal standpoint there is absolutely NO valid reason to use an FFL.

UPS and FedEx will ship "some" firearms. But not all of them. They can get very picky about what is allowed. The most economical and efficient way to ship them to yourself is via air freight.

[RayinAK]

Well, one thing for certain: you can't take handguns through Canada. You should be able to travel with shotguns and rifles after buying a permit. It used to cost around $50.00 when the US Dollar was higher. You must contact US and Canadian customs to find out which rifles are considered legal in Canada, since their laws differ from the US's in relation to assault and military weapons.

Now, you can ship your firearms to yourself. The only problem I can see is that you need your other address where you are shipping the firearms to, and if the address is in a military installation, it may not be possible. Maybe take the rifles and shotguns with you, and ship the handguns from dealer to dealer?

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

The most economical and efficient way to ship them to yourself is via air freight.

I'd rather pay the fees & have the convenience of letting someone else take care of it for me.