My grandpa found out I was looking to buy a shotgun, and it just so happens he has one he doesn't ever use any more. He offered to give it to me if we can figure out how to ship it (he lives in California and I'm in Texas).

I found this:
The Gun Zone -- Shipping Firearms

but I'm not entirely sure what it all means...

We also were thinking if they won't let us send a full shotgun through the mail, could he take it apart and send the barrel in one box and the rest of the gun in another box, 2 shipments?

Does anybody here have any experience shipping firearms that could give some advice? We don't really want to use an FFL carrier if it can be avoided, since that seems like it could be rather pricey.

(the shotgun is a pre-1964 Winchester model 12)

p.s. he has a pistol he say's he'll send too, if he can find it. I'm pretty sure the laws concerning shipping a pistol are different, though... any advice here too?