[Legs]

Pre-package all of the items and do not offer any info you aren't asked for.  If asked what you are shipping, you are shipping golf clubs.  Trust me on this...shippers are idiots and the slightest mention of "gun" of any kind will result in a mass panic.  There is NO law restricting the shipping of airguns.  It is your responsibility to assure that the buyer is of legal age (18) and you should always insure the package and TRACK it, but otherwise you're fine.

[Boondock Saint]

I sold my G3 SG1 gun to a guy in California. He wanted the original box. I put the gun in the original box, then put it into a regular box (you can get one at any packing supply place). Then I shipped it out on my UPS account. ( I run a business so I have a UPS account). But just pack the gun up nicely and take your box to a UPS store and tell them how you want to ship it. They will weigh it and tell you the cost. Simple as that.

[Harley]

I walked into the Tempe UPS office with my M60E3 in a large box that was still open.  I declared what it actually was and used their packing tape to seal the box.  You should have seen the looks on the faces of the people in line.  I explained that it was a replica model and they calmed down.  I cannot tolerate ignorate people.  Guns are only a tool the same as a hammer or screw driver.  It's funny how they don't outlaw cars which by the way kill more people on any given day than guns do.

[Bladerunner]

Haha. I completely understand what you're saying. I've read a few articles about people having to bring their airsoft guns into public places or getting pictures of their guns developed at local stores. Every player seems to have problems like this. It's just the fear that people have from watching too many movies and way too much t.v. Thanks for the info. and input. Now I can be a little more prepared.

[tringeno]

I've shipped my M4 on multiple occassions to get it upgraded, repaired and the such and as John said if it still has the orange tip on it you can walk right up to the counter, tell them what it is, show them it, and they will even box it up and send it for you.  The customer service people at the sort facility on martin and main (apache in tempe) are cool and have no problems as long as it meets BATF standards with the safety tip.  But as John also said be ready to get a lot of looks and questions, and iof you think it's hard shipping, try getting on an airplane with 2 all metal airsoft guns during a "high" terrorist threat.  The look on the guy who runs the scanners face alone is worth 20 minutes of EL AL level questioning.

[Raith]

You could turn the box inside out, I seem to remember most of the airsoft things that I've received in their original box had it turned inside out.

[Bladerunner]

Yea, that inside out idea is good. The problem I have is that I have an extra long barrel on my gun so it won't fit in the original box it came in. Thanks though.

[Wojo]

Go to the pakmail place that is right next to fry's, thats where i bought the box to ship my stuff.  They have a large selection so you will be able to find one that will work for you.

[Paco]

AFAIK, it's NOT legal to ship airsoft through the USPS, but it IS legal through a UPS location (not a Mailboxes, Etc.).  If I ship through the USPS, and they ask what's in it, I just tell them "training equipment" or "paintball stuff".  However, if you plan to insure it, TRUST ME - ship it via UPS.  If you ship it vie USPS and it's broken or lost and results in a claim, you will be in over your head since it's not "allowed" to be shipped via the USPS.  UPS is fine with it.

Official USPS Policy:

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
43 Firearms
431 Definitions
431.1 Firearm
A firearm is defined as any device (including a starter gun) that is designed, or may readily be converted, to expel a projectile by an explosion, a spring, or other mechanical action, or by air or gas pressure with sufficient force to be used as a weapon.
431.2 Handgun
Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (for example, short-barreled shotguns and short-barreled rifles) are defined as handguns. The following definitions apply:
a. Pistol or Revolver. A pistol or revolver is a handgun designed to be fired by the use of a single hand.
b. Short-Barreled Rifle. A rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches long is defined as a short-barreled rifle. This includes any weapon made from a rifle (by alteration or modification) resulting in an overall length of less than 26 inches.
c. Short-Barreled Shotgun. A shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches long is defined as a short-barreled shotgun. This includes any weapon made from a shotgun (by alteration or modification) resulting in an overall length of less than 26 inches.
431.3 Antique Firearm
An antique firearm (including those with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) is any firearm manufactured in or before 1898, or any replica of such a firearm, that meets either of the following conditions:
a. It is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition.
b. It uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, which is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available through ordinary commercial trade channels.
431.4 Rifles and Shotguns
A rifle is a shoulder weapon having a barrel that is 16 inches or more in length. A shotgun has a barrel of 18 inches or more in length. Rifles and shotguns have an overall length of 26 inches or greater and cannot be capable of being concealed on a person.
431.5 Licensed Manufacturer/Licensed Dealer
A manufacturer of firearms or a bona fide dealer in firearms is one duly licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), U.S. Department of the Treasury, under the Gun Control Act of 1968.
432 Mailability
432.1 General
The following conditions apply:
a. Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person (referred to as handguns) are nonmailable in the domestic mail except as permitted in Exhibit 432.1 and DMM C024.1.0.
b. The disassembled parts of a handgun or other type of nonmailable firearm that can be readily reassembled as a weapon are nonmailable except as permitted in Exhibit 432.1 and DMM C024.1.0 or C024.2.0.
c. Unloaded antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces are generally permitted as specified in Exhibit 432.1 and DMM C024.2.0.
d. Unloaded rifles and shotguns may be mailed if the mailer fully complies with the Gun Control Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-618) and 18 U.S.C. 921. The mailer may be required to establish, by opening the parcel or by written certification, that the gun is unloaded and not excluded from mailing because of the restrictions in 431.2b and c.
432.2 PS Form 1508
PS Form 1508, Statement by Shipper of Firearms, must be completed by each firearm manufacturer or dealer who deposits firearms for mailing. The form must be filed with the postmaster of the post office of mailing.
Exhibit 432.1
Mailability Requirements for Firearms

Handguns may be mailed by a licensed manufacturer or dealer, an authorized federal agent, or an authorized state, territory, or district agent ONLY when addressed to one of the following addressee categories for use in official duties:
Addressee Affidavit Requirements
a. Officer of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or organized reserve corps.
b. Officer of National Guard or militia of a state, district, or territory.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by commanding officer.
c. Officer of the federal government or a state, district, or territory whose official duty is to serve warrants of arrest or commitment.
d. USPS employees specifically authorized by the chief postal inspector.
e. Officer or employee of a U.S. enforcement agency.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by head of agency employing the addressee.
f. Watchman engaged in guarding federal, state, district, or territory property.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by chief clerk of department, bureau, or branch of government agency employing the addressee.
g. Purchasing agent or other designated member of an agency employing officers and personnel included in c, d, or e above.
Mailable with affidavit signed by addressee and certificate signed by the head of agency stating the firearm is to be used by an officer or employee cited in c, d, or e of the opposite column.
Unloaded Handgun
Mailer must be licensed manufacturer or dealer mailing to another licensed manufacturer or dealer. Addressee is FBI (or it's director) or scientific lab or crime detection bureau of any agency whose members are federal law enforcement officers, or state, district, or territory officers authorized to serve warrants of arrest or commitment. Manufacturers or dealers must complete PS form 1508, Statement by Shipper of firearms, and file with postmaster.
Postmasters may forward an unsatisfactory mailer statement to their RCSC for a ruling.

Unloaded Rifle or Shotgun
Short-barrelled rifles or shotguns that can be concealed on a person are nonmailable.
Mailer must comply with Gun Control Act of 1968 and with the state and local laws. USPS may require mailer to open parcel or give written certification that weapon is unloaded and not concealable. Registered mail service is recommended.

Unloaded Antique Firearm
Unloaded antique firearms sent as curios or museum pieces are acceptable for mailing.

432.3 Packaging and Marking
No markings of any kind that indicate the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside wrapper or container of any mailpiece containing firearms. Mailable matter must be properly and securely packaged within the general packaging requirements in DMM C010.
433 Mailer Responsibility
Even though certain types of firearms are permitted to be mailed within the provisions of the postal law in 18 U.S.C. 1715, it is the mailer's responsibility to comply with all federal and state regulations and local ordinances affecting the movement of firearms.
434 Legal Opinions on Mailing Firearms
Postmasters are not authorized to give opinions on the legality of any shipment of rifles or shotguns. Mailers should be referred to the nearest regional ATF office for further advice.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

What this tells me is that to 100% LEGALLY ship via USPS you need to tell them exactly what you're sending and fill out some other paperwork (and possibly pay more) - IF they allow you to ship it, since it seems to be at the discression of the postal worker.  Any legal questions have to go to the ATF.

Personally, I'd just skip all the hassle and ship via UPS.  UPS is almost always cheaper for larger packages (like AEG's) and you get $100 worth of insurance for free.

[Bladerunner]

That sounds great. Thanks for all of the information. I guess it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

[Bladerunner]

since my G3 "package" and items are most likley not going to get all sold in these forums, I was just wondering about what most people do about shipping their airsoft guns around the U.S. after they've sold them. I know some of you guys use ebay and stuff. Do you just ship with the original box? I'm just trying to imagine myself having the guts to walk into a UPS store with a big gun and accessories to ask if they can box it all up and ship it. Are there any special restrictions? Any feedback will be extremely helpful. Thanks.