posting air weapons ?

[Mark D]

Do you need to specify 'surface mail' or 'by road' on RM Special Delivery service if there is a chance that it could be flown?

For clarity this is an airpistol going from Kent to Durham

[Adam77K]

Do you need to specify 'surface mail' or 'by road' on RM Special Delivery service if there is a chance that it could be flown?

For clarity this is an airpistol going from Kent to Durham

I've never had to specify that. Sent lots of air pistols RMSD, last one a month ago. I declared it correctly as a "low powered air pistol". I'd come prepared with a printout of RM's restricted goods leaflet just in case, but after that second's pause from the person behind the desk, during which you draw the metaphorical deep breath, there was no issue. There's always the risk if you get a new person who doesn't know the score, which is why it helps to go able to quote chapter and verse.

The only real issue is the size limits which rule out most air rifles, leaving PF48 the only option and under that service airguns don't qualify for enhanced compensation.

[Mark D]

Thanks Adam

I'm happy with the RM SD T&Cs and have not had an issue in the past. I do seem to remember that I had read a post on a forum recently, that scanners used at airports were picking up airguns and they were being sent off for testing / verification to Belfast or where ever they now do the testing. Hence the 'surface mail'

[Adam77K]

Mark

I'd assume (dangerous I know) that when you declare "it's an air pistol" the post office should know to send it via the appropriate transport. I'm not saying the doomsday "shipping off to Belfast for examination then destruction" scenario can't happen, but I suspect when it has it's been when the contents have been declared as something else vague and innocuous.

[angrybear]

Do you need to specify 'surface mail' or 'by road' on RM Special Delivery service if there is a chance that it could be flown?

For clarity this is an airpistol going from Kent to Durham

YES,
Special delivery routinely fly's, and is routinely X ray'd, the x-ray will show "a pistol" it will be refused flight & because it's a "gun" it WILL be sent to Belfast for inspection.

While not required by the rules, if I post an air gun I include inside the box a signed letter stating it is a UK legal sub 12/6fpe air rifle/pistol empty & unloaded with both seller & buyer details.

Strangely Post Office workers do not know every single posting rule for Royal Mail, and as their rules state, it is the senders responsibility to ensure all rules are met,

Air guns can be sent 1st class or RMSD by ROYAL MAIL, if they are too big for ROYAL MAIL they can be sent with PARCELFORCE,

If sent with PARCELFORCE they must be sent PF48, no other PARCELFORCE service is allowed.

Not exactly difficult rules to follow.

[Mark D]

Just to finish off this thread. Posted RMSD on Friday 13th and marked 'surface mail only'. Inside was a declaration stating sub 6fpe air pistol - unload and no gas signed and phone number with address.

Arrived mid morning on Monday 16th with happy buyer

[Troubledshooter]

Over the years, up to and including last week, I've sent air pistols by RMSD the length and breadth of the country, even to Scotland, and never once marked the outer packaging with the contents of the parcel, only a senders name and address label, and all have arrived without delay.
I mark anything sent by PF48 Express as 'Sporting Goods' in the appropriate box, as they ask for this information.

[Nikkormat]

Has anyone found a reliable way of posting air pistols out of the country? My FWB65 is still in England, and I want to get it over here to Czech Republic.

Matt

[Evostu]

I always use parcelforce no.problems