shipping your own guns or receiving gifts

[mjt]

I know a transfer of ownership and shipping usually requires FFL and a dealer.  How about when a family member sends you guns that you already own or they are gifting?  Can they be shipped person to person direct without involvement of any other parties?  If so, any special procedures?  Thanks.

[FireBreather01]

ATF regs state that if you are the owner of a gun you may ship it to yourself at any address as long as it is addressed to you and opened by you. State regs may differ. I've done this on occasion when I've had to fly - much less hassle and I don't have to worry about theft by baggage handlers.

http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#b9
"(B9) May a nonlicensee ship firearms interstate for his or her use in hunting or other lawful activity? [Back]

"Yes. A person may ship a firearm to himself or herself in care of another person in the State where he or she intends to hunt or engage in any other lawful activity. The package should be addressed to the owner. Persons other than the owner should not open the package and take possession of the firearm."

As far as a gift between persons from different states it is my understanding that each gifted firearm must go through an FFL before the recipient can take possession.