Shipping was expensive??? Maybe ask the post office to send it "SAM" (space available mail) and it will lower the price....just an idea that might get you cheaper shipping. What's the length on that thing? If it's less than 48" long (which I don't think it is) then I can receive it in the mail and might be interested. Shipping would be to Dulles, Va 20189 and may not cost much to ship since our addresses are both Va (although it's a military address and comes to me via military mail....but that doesn't matter in the USPS' eyes). Let me know....