How do I move across country with guns, ammo, etc?

[Rogdog]

Originally Posted by joeman

The problem is that I am moving from Boston to California, and I am DEFINITELY not driving. I'm having my cars shipped (and they have to be empty of all items) and I am flying---no way will I drive that far, sorry.
So, any other ideas on how to get the (unloaded) guns across the country?
Will the airlines take them in cargo?

I don't know about cargo but, I've sent them checked baggage. The airlines have rules posted on their web sites for this. It's nerve wracking. Checked bags go missing all the time. How many of those are "appropriated" by some baggage handler? What are the odds on a gun case?

Those were the thoughts in my mind when traveling with $4000 worth of shotguns for a shoot in Montana. They made it, but the airport has a separate area for them which I didn't know about. When they never came down the luggage chute, I freaked!

You can buy additional insurance for them but it would be cheaper to sell them and buy new ones at the other end. The insurance bill to cover $4000 worth of guns for one round trip flight? $1800. CRAZY

Forget Ammo. One box is all they will allow.

Only one end of a UPS shipment must have an FFL. You could UPS them to a gun shop in your new town. Check with them first of course. Use a UPS hub rather than a store. The store clerks 1.don't know jack abut it. 2. are just as likely as a baggage handler to steal them. 3. reluctant to take the responsibility. I've shipped guns back to manufacturers and repair facilities this way. A proper box, hand them to the guy at the UPS hub, done. At a store? Mass confusion, argument, attitude, editorial comment, etc.

They will ship ammo as well. Extra hasmat fee. Can go from you to you rather than an intermediary. Expensive any way you cut it.


Happy reading!

[kodaka]

Well, I have a number of firearms and ammo, plus propane tanks for the grill, matches, candles, paint, houseplants, all the crap everybody usually has! How are you supposed to move this stuff across country??

Generally when you move long distances, you don't take every.single.little.thing you own.


They don't take house plants because they will die en route. If you refuse to drive cross country yourself, then throw them out. Or plant them in the backyard for the new owners to enjoy. Or donate them to the hospital. Is it really that much of a problem to get new houseplants when you get there?? I'm having trouble imaging it.

Obviously a full propane tank is a hazard, and an empty one....why would you want to pay to move an empty tank to the other side of the continent? Based on the cost of a new tank and a refill, the estimated value of an empty tank is ~$30. At the rates interstate movers charge why would you even think of taking it with you, even if they agreed? It's cheaper to buy a new one than to pay the relocation cost.

[lifelongMOgal]

Check the Californina laws. IIRC, if you ship to a CA-FFL they are going to have to enter it into their system, you'll have to go through the NICS check all over again, and pay an additional transfer fee.

I believe yu can UPS the ammo to yourself, if CA law allows it, better check on that one too. CA has some pretty restrictive firearms laws that they have attempted to extend to ammo in the past. DOn't recall if they were successful on the ammo measures. Shipping UPS won't be cheap and will have to have the appropriate ordinance marking on the exterior of the box.

Personally, with guns & ammo, I would absolutely take the time and effort to make the drive. It will only take 3.5-4 days and you'll see lots of the country along the way.

[Rogdog]

We rectently had several moving companies give us estimates for our move from San Diego to Idaho. A 1500 mile move. The quotes are in the range of $.55-$.60 a pound. There would be a minimum but I didn't catch what it is. Their estimate of our stuff is 7900 pounds. One might infer that a similar size load going twice the distance would be about twice the cost per pound. I don't know if that's true but, I might infer it. Our estimate includes an extra "bulk" charge for our quads. Total estimate:$4400 (not to exceed) with extra insurance. They get the back injury, not me. Totally worth it.

Surprizingly, they do take guns! We were told to pack them in cases then box the cases. Have a list of the serial numbers for the driver (the responsible party.) DO NOT LABLE THE BOXES AS FIREARMS. The crews are often local hire / day labor. They do not take ammo, propane tanks, things that might bo boom. They do take empty fuel tanks, like the ones on our quads, which they will be moving.

As mentioned in another post, I'd junk the propane tank and get a new one. Either discard the ammo and get new or UPS it to someone on the other end. It's about $20 hazard fee plus whatever the shipping rate is for the weight of the box. FFL is not required, signature is. UPS will cover your box with stickers proclaiming it to be EXPLOSIVE! The drivers seem to enjoy this (not.)

Hope this helps.

[M3 Mitch]

Honestly if you are a gun guy, store your guns with parents or other people not living in CA, do your minimal stint of work there and move on to greener pastures.

I have carried guns packed in soft cases and then all the soft cases packed tight into a gun safe. If you don't yet own a gun safe, let this be your excuse to get one, not necessarily a really good heavy one, but a decent one.

To do the above you would need to drive a U-haul or similar. Their smallest truck is not horrible on gas, you can take most of your non-shippable stuff.

The propane bottles, though, I would sell where you are and buy new ones when you arrive.

[Borsig]

I couldnt move to cali with my weapons. (Class III)

Either way, I am moving to VA with them and about 35,000 roudns of ammo. I trust no one and am moving them myself on a rental truck. My ammo alone weighs 2000 pounds.

[Synergy1]

I think Borsig is correct in the trust thing. I trust almost no one either with the exception of my Vietnam Veteran buddies. After being wounded 3x in Nam trust is huge and today's world is just how much can I jam the next guy....

Nevah happen to a VN Vet using Vietnam buddies for assistance. However, I would sell most of my stash if I had the amount of rounds you have. I have 9,000 rounds for my 7 handguns and 3,000 rounds for my M16. I would reduce my stash to less than half.

Think about it but do what you believe is good for you and good luck in traveling.

...

[Shapland]

Check with Atlas Van Lines/Mayflower. They WILL pack and move guns across the country. No ammo, though: that you will have to pack in the car (locked in some states).

Good luck.

S.