Legal question about selling and shipping a rifle out of state.
I am a Texas resident and I am selling (actually gifting) a rifle to a friend who is a Michigan resident.
I realize I can ship it via usps or something to an FFL.

My question is can I ship it via a private transfer?
For example, I have a friend that delivers campers from Michigan to Texas about every week. Can I just package the rifle and have him drive it up?

Secondly, does it have to go get dropped at an FFL for my friend to pick up, or can it get shipped to my friend directly?
I'm guessing the FFL route, but just trying to save a couple buck without breaking the law.

Thanks for any advice!

Interstate transfers need to be done through an FFL- you will need to ship to one near your friend, that accepts shipments from non-FFLs.

I am actually not sure about the other question, but I actually think it would be fine, as you are transferring the rifle in-state to the shipper, who then completes the sale through an FFL as required. I am not a lawyer, and more knowledgeable people may disagree with my assessment.

Thanks for the response. 
So the transfer must go through and FFL since it is interstate. 

Sounds like I can ship it any way I would like, or even take it to the FFL myself if I happen to be in Michigan?
I may be in Michigan next month so I could potentially bring the rifle with me and drop it at the FFL myself? I'm just a bit leery of shipping it via usps for some reason.

Thanks again!

<-----FFL/SOT

Thanks for the responses.
Just to clarify, I can legally ship the rifle via any means to Michigan to an FFL for the transfer.
That would include shipping it via a third party (not limited to usps, fedex, ups, etc), or delivering it directly to the FFL myself?

I will likely just ship it up via USPS, I just want to make sure I understand my options.

Thanks!

No.
It must be USPS or a common carrier.



You can use a common carrier (UPS/FedEx/other common carrier) to deliver the firearm to the FFL.
You can mail it USPS to the FFL.
You can deliver it yourself to the FFL.

You cannot have your friend Billy Bob the long haul trucker take it with him the next time he delivers a load of grapefruit to Michigan.

Lol. Thanks for the info, much appreciated!