Here's the set-up. My brother is going to ship me my dad's old 12Ga pump shotgun. This is a skeet shooting style shotgun. Don't remember the brand/model but I do remember it's probably got a 28" barrel and a 2+1 capacity max. It's probably pushing 30+ years old by now.
I'm struggling to get a clear answer on the procedure by Colorado law. I called an FFL here and one in his state. They told me that if my local FFL was willing to accept shipment from a private party, they could ship it directly without going through an FFL on their end. But what does CO law say regarding shipments from private party? Best case is to have them ship it to my FFL instead of going FFL to FFL. Then we only have to pay one fee.
Alright i was going through this same issue trying to get my brother my old C9 highpoint, maybe i can shed some light on it, i called the USPS, UPS, talked to several FFL's here and where i was sending it and they all said the same thing. USPS does not ship firearms normally they referred me to UPS, UPS told me that they do infact ship handguns and gave me the prices and insurance prices for them, they said that as long as i tell them its a handgun in the package that its ok, and advised me on the day i dropped it off to not close the box to let the shippers tape it shut once i got there. security I'm assuming. and that it had to be shipped to a licensed FFL. The FFL i talked to said that a private owner may ship said weapon just as if you were shipping it to the company for repairs but it must go to a FFL only. so a private owner cannot ship to a nother private owner unless said receiving owner has a antique or collectors license that it must go to a FFL. The receiving FFL may run a background check and charge you for that as well as there receiving fees as the FFL i sent it to did this but i believe that is there discretion. below i will post the UPS policy on firearm shipment and will also add the link to hopefully help you out, it does have cites on it also.
Shipping Firearms
Special Procedures for Shipping Firearms
Use These UPS Services for Your Firearm Shipment
UPS accepts packages containing firearms (as defined by Title 18, Chapter 44, and Title 26, Chapter 53 of the United States Code) for transportation only (a) between licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors (as defined in Title 18, Chapter 44 of the United States Code), and government agencies and (b) where not otherwise prohibited by federal, state or local law (i) from an individual to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector; and (ii) from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to an individual. The shipper must comply with and must ensure that each shipment complies with all federal, state and local laws applicable to the shipper, recipient, and package.
Handguns, as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921, will be accepted for transportation only via UPS Next Day Air Services, specifically, UPS Next Day Air® Early A.M.®, UPS Next Day Air®, and UPS Next Day Air Saver®. (Note: UPS Express CriticalSM Service is not available for firearms).
UPS accepts firearm parts for shipment, provided the part is not a "firearm" as defined under federal law; the contents of the package cannot be assembled to form a firearm; and the package otherwise complies with federal, state, and local law. (Note: Receivers or frames of a firearm, firearm mufflers and silencers are considered "firearms" and are accepted for transportation only if shipped in accordance with UPS's requirements for shipping firearms.)
UPS does not accept automatic weapons, including machine guns, for shipment.
Firearms (including handguns) and firearm parts are not accepted for shipment internationally.
UPS ReturnsSM Services are not available for packages containing firearms.
Follow These Packing Requirements
Packages containing handguns must be separated from other packages tendered to UPS for delivery.
All firearms are to be shipped in new corrugated packaging which meets the UPS Single Wall Box Strength Guidelines.
All firearms are to be packaged in accordance with UPS Packaging Guideline Specifications.
Ammunition must be shipped separately from packages that contain firearms (including handguns).
Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 172 regarding hazardous materials shipments, and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials.
About Documentation and Labeling
The shipper must use Delivery Confirmation Adult Signature Required service for each package containing a firearm, including a handgun, and affix a UPS label requesting an adult signature upon delivery.
The labeling and outer box markings on all firearms shipments should not identify the contents as containing a firearm. Labeling, including the shipper's and consignee's abbreviated names on the shipping label or air shipping document, must be non-descriptive.
Getting Your Firearm Shipment to UPS
Firearms (including handguns) may be shipped only through a UPS Scheduled Pickup Account (specifically, Daily Pickup, Daily On-Route Pickup, UPS Smart Pickup®, and Day-Specific Pickup), or through a UPS Customer Center (counters at UPS operational facilities). Note: Firearms (including handguns) are not accepted for shipment via UPS Drop Boxes, UPS On-Call PickupSM, or at locations of The UPS Store® or any third party retailer.
When you are shipping a package that contains a handgun, you must verbally notify the UPS driver or UPS Customer Center clerk.
See the terms and conditions in the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service for information regarding firearm shipments.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/packaging/guidelines/firearms.html
Hope this helps, it was a huge hoop to jump through to get it shipped but i remember hearing story's from my father about back in the day being able to only ship completely disassembled and firing pin shipped separate stuff. Good luck, i did get mine shipped funny thing is, the shipping handling insurance, fees and background check equaled out to be more than the highpoint itself HA! so i didn't charge my bro for the C9 only the shipping!