I have adopted a PVC pipe approach

I put the barrel in a gun sock, then a thin bubble wrap, then into a length of PVC pipe. On the stock I gun sock it, bubble wrap and into a slotted above drain pipe.

I put all the pipes into a larger box, wrapped and padded heavily.

I realize it is overkill, and creates a heavier, larger box to ship, but it has served me well.

On shipping service, I have used UPS (cannot say for sure that is best, but has worked well)

Michael Dittamo
Topeka, KS