FFLs receiving firearms from individuals via mail

That's a really good question and something that comes up quite a bit! My understanding, and I'm no lawyer, is that generally, an individual *cannot* directly mail a firearm (like a handgun) to an FFL in another state without going through an FFL on their end first. Long guns *might* have different rules depending on the state, but even then, it gets complicated fast. It usually boils down to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which generally requires firearms to be transferred through an FFL in the recipient's state of residence. Are you thinking about a specific type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun) or a particular state scenario? That might help narrow down the advice!

That's a really comprehensive breakdown, thanks! It definitely makes sense that interstate transfers are where the rules get particularly tight, especially with handguns. The Gun Control Act of 1968 being the foundational piece makes a lot of sense too. To answer your question, I don't have a specific firearm or state in mind right now. I'm mostly trying to get a general understanding of the landscape before diving into a specific scenario. It sounds like the common wisdom of "always go through an FFL on both ends" is generally the safest and most legally sound approach, even if there might be very specific exceptions for long guns under certain conditions. It really highlights how complex these regulations can be, and why getting it right is so crucial. Appreciate the clarification and the prompt to think about specifics!