Looking for review and advice.
I purchased a gun through Gunbroker. Had a great interaction with the seller, and he shipped the gun a timely manner once he had verified payment. I've got a copy of the shipping label sent by the seller. Last Friday (19 April), gave the FFL a heads up that the gun was marked out for delivery and he should see it that day. Early afternoon comes around and I see the tracking status is updated as "delivered". I go to the FFL's shop. He double checks his guns in for transfer and it isn't there. He states he hasn't signed for a gun from FedEx even though the FedEx site says it was signed for. The FFL owner says it wouldn't be the first time a FedEx driver signed for it and left it on the truck so he could finish his route on time, and states he's had problems with them. His recommendation was to follow up on Saturday. I check with the neighboring shops and another nearby FFL on the odd chance it was an error in delivery. No dice. I give the seller a heads up. Seller speaks to receiving FFL and gets same version of the story I did. I start a case with FedEx, even though I am not the sender nor the FFL addressee. Saturday, I followup and there is still no delivery to FFL. I followup with FedEx; per their initial investigation, they claim it was delivered and state the FFL has been a problem in the past.(Of note, the name listed as signing for it is 'aroberts'; the receiving FFL is a C Roberts). They state they are elevating the claim to a 'coordinator'. I let them know I was concerned as I don't like my name tied up with a missing gun (not to mention the cost...it ain't a HiPoint) and it's going to become an ATF issue. I spoke with the seller; he and I are on the same sheet of music, and he agrees that if the gun doesn't turn up by Monday afternoon, then he will have his (sending) FFL file a missing gun report with the ATF.
So I am at the point where I am certain the issue is between FedEx and my receiving FFL. I've never had a problem in the past like this with FedEx, with respect to a firearm. I've never had a problem with the Receiving FFL and have done gun related business through his shop before. Further, the Receiving FFL is a PawnShop who has been in business for over a decade in the area (coastal NC). I know of a case several years ago where he not only refused to buy suspected hot items, but contacted our county Sheriffs' Department to report the suspicious activity. His involvement led to an arrest. I've personally seen him decline to take items and ask people to leave when he had concerns about proper ownership of the materials being discussed. Also, a simple search doesn't bring up a litany of complaints, allegations etc. about his business, so it appears he is still operating legally and normally.
Taking both FedEx and the Receiving FFL at face value...they can't both be right. Is there a benefit to a receiving FFL claiming non-delivery for a few days, either for licit or illicit purposes? I get the potential for theft on either party's side, but is there another angle potentially at play?
In any case, if the gun doesn't show tomorrow by a reasonable point, I'm going to have to rely on ATF involvement. Any current and relevant advice, recommendations, other resources I should consider? I am not law enforcement and I do not work for a shipping company, so I may not know what I don't know.