Shipping & Returns
Last updated: April 10, 2026Shipping
Orders are processed and shipped as quickly as possible. In-stock items typically ship within 1–3 business days of order confirmation. Certain products — including built-to-order rifle systems, ammunition, and suppressor pre-orders — may have extended lead times. Where available, estimated lead times are noted on the individual product page. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your order leaves our facility.
THEORY1 ships via UPS and FedEx within the contiguous United States and Alaska. Customers in Alaska are responsible for any additional shipping charges, which will be calculated at checkout. We do not currently ship to Hawaii or internationally.
Firearms and NFA items (suppressors) cannot be shipped directly to customers and must be transferred through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. You will be asked to provide your FFL dealer's information at checkout. All FFL transfer fees, SOT transfer fees, and any related dealer costs are the sole responsibility of the customer. THEORY1 does not cover, reimburse, or negotiate these fees under any circumstances.
It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify that any firearm or regulated item ordered from THEORY1 is legal to purchase, possess, and receive in their state and local jurisdiction. Buyers must be at least 18 years of age to purchase long guns and at least 21 years of age to purchase handguns. By completing a purchase, the buyer warrants that they meet all applicable age and eligibility requirements under federal, state, and local law.
Ammunition shipments are subject to carrier restrictions and applicable state and local laws. It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify that ammunition can be legally shipped to and received in their jurisdiction.
Return Policy by Product
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| Product | Return Policy | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle Systems | 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee | Return for full refund minus original and return shipping. Firearm must be returned via FFL-to-FFL transfer. All FFL and SOT transfer fees are the customer's responsibility. Firearm must be unmodified, in original condition, with all accessories and packaging. Returns on firearms accepted through FFL transfer are subject to THEORY1's sole discretion. |
| AX10M Chassis | 45-Day Return with 15% Restocking Fee | Must be unfired, unmounted, and in original packaging with all accessories. "Unmounted" means the rifle action has not been seated and torqued into the chassis. Once a rifle action has been mounted, the chassis is ineligible for return regardless of round count. THEORY1 will inspect for mounting wear upon receipt — if wear is detected, the return will be declined and the chassis returned to the customer at their expense. All returns at THEORY1's sole discretion. |
| Suppressors | Final Sale — See NFA Policy Below | Cancellable before ATF Form 3 or Form 4 submission only. A 15% restocking fee applies. Once paperwork is submitted, the sale is absolutely final. No exceptions. |
| Ammunition | All Sales Final | Ammunition cannot be returned for safety and liability reasons. All ammunition sales are final. |
| Gear & Accessories | 30-Day Return | Must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging with all accessories and documentation included. |
Initiating a Return
To initiate a return, contact us at info@theory-1.com with your order number and reason for return. We will review your request and, if approved, issue a Return Authorization (RA) number along with return shipping instructions. Returns sent without a valid RA number will not be accepted and will be returned to the sender at their expense. All returns are subject to approval at THEORY1's sole discretion.
Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer unless the return is due to a verified THEORY1 error or a confirmed defective product. We strongly recommend using a trackable, insured shipping service for the full purchase value of the item. THEORY1 is not responsible for items lost or damaged in transit on customer-initiated returns. Items returned damaged due to improper packaging will not be accepted.
Once a returned item is received and inspected, approved refunds are processed within 10 business days. You will be notified by email when your return is received and whether your refund has been approved or declined. Refunds are issued to the original payment method. If the original payment method is no longer valid, contact us at info@theory-1.com before initiating your return.
Order Cancellations
Orders may be cancelled before they ship by contacting us at info@theory-1.com. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled and must go through the standard return process, subject to applicable return eligibility for that product category. Firearm orders where the ATF Form 4473 has been signed and the transfer completed cannot be cancelled or reversed. Built-to-order items may be subject to a cancellation fee if production has begun; this will be disclosed at the time of order.
Firearms, FFL Transfers & Background Checks
All rifle systems purchased from THEORY1 must be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer of the customer's choosing. You are responsible for selecting your dealer, confirming they accept transfers from out-of-state dealers, and providing their information at checkout. All FFL transfer fees, SOT transfer fees, and any related dealer costs are entirely the customer's responsibility. THEORY1 does not cover, reimburse, or apply credit toward any of these fees for any reason.
Inspect before completing transfer
When your firearm arrives at your FFL dealer, inspect it thoroughly before completing the transfer — that is, before signing the ATF Form 4473. If you observe any damage or discrepancy, do not complete the transfer. Have your FFL contact us immediately at info@theory-1.com. Once a transfer is completed and the Form 4473 is signed, the firearm is legally yours and THEORY1's ability to remedy issues is significantly limited. Damage claims on firearms accepted through a completed transfer are reviewed entirely at THEORY1's sole discretion.
Background check denial
If your NICS background check is denied and you are unable to take possession of the firearm, the firearm will be returned to THEORY1 via FFL-to-FFL transfer. In this event, a 15% restocking fee plus actual return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund. THEORY1 is not responsible for background check delays, denials, or any related costs. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure they are legally eligible to purchase and possess a firearm before placing an order. Customers who believe their denial was an error may independently appeal through the FBI's NICS appeals process.
THEORY1 is not responsible for FFL dealer delays, transfer denials, refusals to accept transfers, additional state-level requirements, or dealer fees. These are the customer's responsibility to resolve.
Suppressor Return & Order Policy
Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Due to the nature of the ATF transfer process, special conditions apply that differ substantially from standard product returns. Read this section carefully and completely before placing a suppressor order.
Before ATF transfer submission
If your ATF transfer paperwork (Form 3 or Form 4) has not yet been submitted, you may request a cancellation by contacting info@theory-1.com. A 15% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund. All cancellation requests are subject to approval at THEORY1's sole discretion.
After ATF transfer submission
Once ATF transfer paperwork has been submitted, all suppressor sales are absolutely final. No returns, cancellations, exchanges, or refunds will be provided under any circumstances — regardless of wait times, approval delays, or changes in the customer's circumstances after submission.
Your responsibility — state eligibility
It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify that suppressor ownership is legal in their state and local jurisdiction before placing an order. Suppressors are currently prohibited for civilian ownership in the following jurisdictions:
Do not place a suppressor order if you reside in any of these jurisdictions. By placing an order, you represent and warrant that your shipping address and legal residence are in a jurisdiction where civilian suppressor ownership is permitted under all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Ordering from a prohibited jurisdiction may result in criminal liability. THEORY1 assumes no responsibility for orders placed in violation of applicable law, and no refund will be issued for orders cancelled or rejected due to jurisdictional ineligibility after paperwork has been submitted.
Suppressor laws change. This list reflects currently prohibited jurisdictions as of the date shown above. It is always the customer's responsibility to independently verify current laws in their state before ordering.
Damaged or Defective Products
If your order arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 7 days of confirmed delivery at info@theory-1.com with your order number and clear photos of the damage or defect. For firearms, you must notify us before completing the FFL transfer — see the Firearms section above. We will work to arrange a replacement or refund at no additional cost to you for verified issues reported within the required timeframe.
Claims submitted after 7 days of confirmed delivery, or on firearms where the FFL transfer has already been completed without prior notification to THEORY1, will be reviewed at THEORY1's sole discretion and may not qualify for a no-cost resolution.
Limitation of Liability
THEORY1's liability in connection with any product purchase is limited to the purchase price paid for that specific product. THEORY1 shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from or related to a product purchase or use, including but not limited to lost profits, loss of use, or costs incurred due to shipping delays. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply in all cases.
This policy and any disputes arising from a purchase from THEORY1 are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. By purchasing from THEORY1, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Wyoming for resolution of any disputes.
This policy is subject to change without notice. The version published on theory-1.com at the time of your order governs your transaction. Questions? Contact us at info@theory-1.com — we respond to all inquiries within 1–2 business days.