I posted this in the NFA Machineguns forum but realized this is probably a better place to get answers based on my Google research:

So it's my understanding that neither UPS nor Fed Ex will ship a machine gun. The Fed Ex policy appears to be relatively new. This leaves USPS registered mail, so I am trying to decipher USPS regulations.

USPS deems short-barreled rifles (based on USPS's indicated measurements, NOT NFA-speak (I know an MG is not an SBR per NFA definitions)) to be nonmailable. The USPS's definition of a short-barreled rifle is "a rifle that has one or more barrels that are less than 16 inches long. These definitions include any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle, whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if such a weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches." It seems like putting a 16" barrel and wooden stock on the Uzi would bring it outside the dimensional range to be classified an short-barreled rifle by USPS regs.

However, USPS also states that "[a] short-barreled shotgun or rifle of greater dimension may be regarded as nonmailable when it has characteristics to allow concealment on the person." Does anyone have any idea what "characteristics to allow concealment on the person" means?

Are you an FFL?  If yes, this is a simple and pain-free adventure.

If no, pull barrel and ship w/o as a rifle would be my best guess.

USPS regs prohibit mailing of any firearm other than rifles and shotguns unless the mailer is a licensed dealer or manufacturer.

USPS regs classify all concealable firearms as "handguns" for the purposes of mailing. That means receivers, AR lowers, frames, silencers, etc.

Pulling the barrel on an SBR or machine gun doesn't change a thing.
If you aren't mailing a complete rifle or shotgun.....then you damn well better be a dealer or manufacturer.

Having an 03 FFL makes shipping firearms a lot easier for anyone who isn't a dealer

You can use your 03 C&R FFL to ship USPS?

How?

Anyone can mail rifles and shotguns via USPS. No FFL of any kind required.

An 03FFL is not a licensed dealer or manufacturer, therefore cannot mail firearms other than rifles or shotguns via USPS.

and the definition of antique firearm under 431.3?


So, the 03FFL can only mail firearm the USPS considers "antiques".........which aren't regulated by ATF and don't require an 03FFL to buy.

Both Fedex and UPS simply require you to have a FFL

UPS even explicitly lists a 03 FFL as being acceptable:

No, they both require you to enroll in their FFL shipping program and abide by it's restrictive agreement.
Having a collectors license does not allow a collector to ship firearms via FedEx or UPS that are not C&R.

In no shape, manner or form is that easier than dropping off your firearm at your local FFL and letting him ship it USPS or shipping a rifle or shotgun yourself at any post office.

And before I forget.......Fuck FedEx, Fuck UPS.

The gun is still at my FFL/SOT awaiting approval of my Form 4, so it is my FFL who will mail it for me.

I guess you missed this part:

UPS does not accept automatic weapons, including machine guns, for shipment, either domestically or internationally.

https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/shipping-special-care-regulated-items/prohibited-items/firearms.page

Fedex has similar verbage

I've shipped 5 machine guns over the last few months. All went USPS registered mail.

why in the world would you risk having it shipped instead of going there to pick it up?  I must be missing something here.....