Like most firearms regulations....they don't make sense. But its USPS policy.

No, I'm talking about PER THEIR POLICY, reading section 12. How does an upper, by itself, classify as a restricted item?

 

Also something to watch for, which I didn't know till it happened. I ordered a part which was being shipped to me via UPS. After a few days of tracking online, I was surprised that UPS transferred the pkg to USPS for final delivery. Luckily my part did come in the mail, but once it hit USPS's systems, UPS tracking ends at that point.

 

Did this happen to anyone else?

 

That sounds like it was shipped via UPS Mail Innovations. Along with FedEx Smartpost, they use the USPS at some point to deliver to the destination.

 

I've had things shipped like that using one of those two. I always get agita when I check the tracking number and find that it's going this route...

The biggies at FedEx and UPS tried to sell me on shipping with their latest abortion -- the unholy alliance with the USPS. It goes through the carrier's regular shipping system until it reaches the destination city, at which point it is handed off to the postal service for final delivery. I didn't want any part of it.

USPS stinks to say the least. The tracking number is almost useless. Ups is so much better.

You will not get a choice with some items and shippers. Its the latest rage for UPS and Fedex to keep costs down to the shipper. Presorted by destination state or area at the shippers location, it is sent in bulk with similar items to a bulk breakdown location. NJ's location is Lawnside, NJ. Here it is resorted with other packages and delivered to USPS Mail Distribution Centers that handle the find leg to the mailbox (In NNJ its Teterboro or Kearny). Tracking is updated after the Post Office sends notice it has been delivered. It is not a real "1Z" type item for UPS. Sometimes is faster that UPS or Fedex ground.

For what it's worth, I shipped my upper via USPS to have the comp pinned on without incident. :unknw:

No, I'm talking about PER THEIR POLICY, reading section 12. How does an upper, by itself, classify as a restricted item?

 

Well, the regulations at "12" say

 

12.1.1c and 12.1.1d). means any device, including a starter gun, which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique firearms

 

And an upper is callled....the "Upper Receiver"

 

Now, I know that legally it's not a firearm but it's hard to argue that it's not a receiver and that's probably how they are using the definition.

It was my impression that for the "legal" definition of receiver, it had to be a serialized part.

Also note:

 

"Firearm frame or receiver is the part of a firearm which provides housing for the hammer, bolt or breechblock, and firing mechanism, and which is usually threaded at its forward portion to receive the barrel."

 

I'm pretty sure the upper can attach the barrel if it isn't already attached, and houses the bolt. And because this is their policy and not law it is their interpretation that matters.

 

However, if it is nonmailable per policy, it still doesn't allow them to keep the item, assuming that is what they are doing.

 

Edit:

 

Actually, I may be wrong. Since this is the USPS, what dictates or governs their policy?

i sent my friend 45 lbs of lead for him to make me some bullets and the box with the little stuffed animal i put in there to take up room made it fine but the lead was stolen

i sent my friend 45 lbs of lead for him to make me some bullets and the box with the little stuffed animal i put in there to take up room made it fine but the lead was stolen

Tyrone thought he had some precious metal to take to junk yard.. Damn...

i sent my friend 45 lbs of lead for him to make me some bullets and the box with the little stuffed animal i put in there to take up room made it fine but the lead was stolen

Guys on the Castboolits forum complain about problems with shipping lead in FRB's being delivered empty all the time. I think it just breaks through the box because of the weight.

Guys on the Castboolits forum complain about problems with shipping lead in FRB's being delivered empty all the time. I think it just breaks through the box because of the weight.

 

Not using enough tape to secure the box. I've had 68 lbs of dive weights shipped in the FRB with no issues, just need to add some extra tape or use reenforced tape with the string in it.

nope used alot of tape and even reinforced with whole pieces of cardboard fit underneath and on top so it couldnt break through. and the other items in the box arrived fine. it was definitely stolen i think it breaking through is just an excuse people are trying to pass off.

I still haven't gotten anything back from USPS other than my claim for insurance is denied. Here's what they have listed on their claims website:

 

Status

Date

First Appeal Pending

03/27/2013

First Appeal Submitted

03/27/2013

Article contained prohibited items (non-mailable)

03/19/2013

Claim Pending

03/19/2013

Claim Submitted

03/19/2013

 

They are considering the upper receiver assembly a firearm and thus non-mailable. I have appealed that they at least return it to me and no response and I can't get through to anyone to discuss this. I really don't know what to do. If they classify it as a firearm haven't they illegally taken possession of a firearm? This is unbelievably strange.

You will not get a choice with some items and shippers. Its the latest rage for UPS and Fedex to keep costs down to the shipper. Presorted by destination state or area at the shippers location, it is sent in bulk with similar items to a bulk breakdown location. NJ's location is Lawnside, NJ. Here it is resorted with other packages and delivered to USPS Mail Distribution Centers that handle the find leg to the mailbox (In NNJ its Teterboro or Kearny). Tracking is updated after the Post Office sends notice it has been delivered. It is not a real "1Z" type item for UPS. Sometimes is faster that UPS or Fedex ground.

 

Yup. Thats what sportsmans guide does.

Have you gone in to talk to the postmaster?

At issue is their definition of a "frame or receiver" which as far as the AR-15 is concerned, has been a point of contention since it was first marketed. Many believe the upper receiver should have been the registered part of the firearm and not the lower. The USPS definition is also inconsistant with the BATFE's and is way too vague to be accurately applied to an AR upper by someone that does not know better or has a hostile attitude towards guns and gun owners. One more reason to just not support the USPS foe anything. No serious excuse exists for them to have a problem shipping it other than their desire to give you a complimentary hard time. Next time they cry the blues they can't continue operate without raising their rates or reducing their services you will know why.

Would it be possible to head down to your PD and file a theft report? I mean anything that would lite a fire under their ass.

And they wonder why they are going out of buisness.

they may have sold it to make payroll..

Have you gone in to talk to the postmaster?

 

He was utterly useless. Couldn't even give me a number to speak to the appeals people. He didn't even sound like he wanted to be there.

Lawyer time

Interesting thread on a coin collector forum about an "incident" with the postal inspectors.

Pretty scary.

 

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