Priority mail works for me. Packing well as you describe is 99% of the job. Friend pointed out to me if I was happy dropping the gun from three feet to the floor in my package the gorillas in shipping could not harm it. I ship a lot of guns wrapped in a dense foam taped to each part, then place them in a LOM case and or hard plastic case which is double boxed in cardboard. I want both soft then hard layers protecting the gun. The cost is extra weight and increased shipping cost but be honest. You will never collect what its worth if it gets damaged in shipping. So over pack and be happy.