So, I read this thread and a few others, I'm still not clear: can I LEGALLY ship a pistol UPS or USPS and will the manufacturer be OK with shipping it back to me? I've shipped a bunch of rifles UPS with nor problems, are the rules different with pistols?
UPS is fine. Just have to declare it when you give it to them. If shipped to an FFL, that FFL can ship it directly back to you legally without having to go through an FFL in your state.