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I have never tried to send firearms or firearm paraphenalia via USPS; rather, I have always used UPS & Fedex. I know the USPS has chronic hoplophobia (stay far away), and I have never been hassled by the private, non-gov't carriers for these types of shipments.

I think UPS's policy is to always move handgun shipments via pricey, next-day air service. I remember some news stories a few years ago of some UPS workers helping themselves to handguns being shipped via slower service, ie 2nd day or ground. Some see the next-day air policy as punitive treatment of gunowners by UPS. I do not work at UPS or anywhere within the logistics industry. But looking at this practically, this policy may help minimize the window of opportunity for thievery, because the parcel is hustled through the network faster, and not allowed to sit around in a relatively unsecure warehouse for very long. Not coincidentally, this minimization of thievery limits their liability. And I am certain UPS is not complaining about the extra money they make from charging for next-day service. I would be very surprised if they were pro-2A.

Picture someone with a $50 or $100 in one hand, holding a handgun by the bottom of the stocks with two fingers in the other (as you would a dirty diaper), their wide-eyed gaze shifting back and forth between the two, trying to make a decision, then speed-walking 40 yards from start to finish while closing their eyes and holding their breath. That's my general idea of UPS/Fedex/DHL handling firearms. (USPS is the same way, except they are likely to scream "GUN!", drop the firearm, then ask you to pick it up for them.)

I have sent long guns out-of-state for gunsmithing work (by an FFL licensee), and had them sent right back to me (no FFL). Ownership of the gun never changed, and was never challenged, nor have I had any visits by ninjas or blue suits, day or night. Documentation was included in the parcel stating that services had been rendered (as opposed to a sale).

I've heard of some folks shipping their guns to themselves, from one address to another, to attend training courses (Gunsite, Thunder Ranch, etc). Edit: in my recent experience, UPS was not accommodating when I tried to do the same thing with a slide-action shotgun. :x

As I reckon it, according to regs & common carrier policies, it is only when a SALE or change of ownership occurs, involving a common carrier as an intermediary and temporary custodian, that the RECEIVER (the individual or organization taking custody of the firearm from the common carrier) must possess the FFL, or be exempt (law enforcement agency, gov't, etc).

Of course, IANAL, NDIPOOTV. Btw, if someone knows that this understanding is wrong, please show me exactly where and how.