I also stopped using UPS after they severely dented the barrels on an L.C. Smith. It took me a long time to get the Claim money and they would only deal/communicate with the shipper and would only send the money to the shipper. After that I always use USPS and I try to request that sellers shipping to me do the same.
ATF regulations state that you do not have to disclose the contents to the post office if it is a long arm. But you do have to do so with a contracted carrier (such as UPS and FedEx).
Some postal offices will ask what the contents are if you are insuring the package, but mine never does. And technically they cannot deny to ship if you say it is a gun. If they do, just use another office or ship via the on-line click and ship service.
USPS is also faster and easier to deal with in the event of a claim.
