can I use USPS to return a .22 rifle for repairs?
 

I gifted a .22 Mossberg Plinkster to my son in law and when he got evicted from his apt., the Sherriff deputy asked if he had any guns and he said "yes, in the bdrm closet." They immediately tackled him in front of the Grandkids, went to the gun and stuck a tool into the action and snapped of the ejection/extractor and buggered it up pretty good. I called the Dept. and they will do NOTHING ABOUT IT!
Maverick Arms told me to mail it in and they would repair it at no charge. I have it boxed and ready and the lady at the post office said I needed to see the Post-Master to ask him about it.
So, it still sits here, since I have trouble meeting HIS schedule. Can I just mail it? It does NOT say "Gun, weapon, or anything on the outside. Thanks!

Yes, you can. See http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/unlicensed-persons.html#shipping-firearms-usps for information in regards to unlicensed persons (read non FFL holders). If Maverick Arms is licensed you're OK. When you present it at the USPS counter honestly answer no to the standard question of "is there anything liquid, hazardous, or perishable in the package". If they're nosy (shouldn't be) the box contains sporting goods. Send using priority mail with a tracking number. Insure at your discretion. Like you said, use plain jane cardboard box with indication of its contents.

FFL01 is absolutely correct. If you go to the USPS Domestic Mail manual, it is under restricted mailings. You CAN mail a rifle or shotgun (make SURE it is unloaded)

Only an 01 Dealer or Manufacturer can mail a HANDGUN is US Mail. Not even us lowly 03 FFLs can do that.

PS- I am so happy I live in a rural area, small post office. When I moved here, went down to the PO, introduced self to Postmaster, explained I was collector, and would be mailing/ recieving rifles and shotguns. She smiled, said "No problem- we got about 6 of you guys."

That is Great News! TY ! Now I can finally get around to it.

that sheriff's department should be sued for pullin crap like that.

SIL needs to send a demand letter to the agency. Send it certified mail. Demand they pay for the damages.

Sorry Guys, Around here, WE DON"T demand ANYTHING from the LE agencies. It just gets them riled up. (reads as Buford T. Pusser-types) I am clearly on my own as far as this Rifle repair goes.
Maverick Arms will get it taken care of free, so, it will all be ok in the end.
It would be nice if it FELT like L.E.O.'s were "on our side" around here for a change.
Thanks for the link to the Post Office rules!

they may quit acting that way if they get put in their place once in awhile, intentionally destroying your property is wrong, I would attempt to make a fuss about it just so it doesn't happen to the next guy who maybe won't be able to get it fixed for free or maybe its a rifle thats been in the family for 80 years and some prick intentionally breaks it, that would p**s me off beyond belief

oh yes, Pi**ed is an understatement. It only got worse when I did try to call because they also stole the magazine and kept it. They said," We haven't heard anything about it". They don't want to look up which officers were present at the eviction.
SIL(removed) is a Dipshist anyways and I will kick his arse if I EVER see him again. Loser never took care of his 3 kids and then left and took the car. anyways, too personal to go further. I will go about doing it alone. as usual.

I would talk to an attorney about my 4th amendment if it were me, but I don't know all the facts and it could have been justified.