Importing Pistol Parts From Canada for an LBR

[Outsider]

With the time coming close to when I can apply for my FAC, I'm looking to get a .357/.38 revolver on my ticket. And my eyes keep lingering on the Alfa Proj.

From my research and listening to some general murmuring the only thing the Alfa really doesn't have on the Taurus equivalent is the double action trigger pull and general availability, it being a bit lighter, cheaper, coming with a case and kit if you manage to get it new, etc (and to be honest, I prefer how it looks and while aesthetics should never be the deciding factor in purchasing a firearm, it's got enough over the Taurus equivalent without having the fact it looks a bit better impact the case much...)

However, I'm not sure I like the the stiff double action which always seems to come up, especially as Tauruses can be modified and I'd like to do some competitions with whatever I pick up. However, there's a Canadian company that does a little spring kit specifically for Alfa revolvers to reduce the trigger pull dramatically both for double and single action.

http://www.rustywood.ca/restricted-AlfaProj.html (ALFA PROJ Reduced Power Spring Tune Kit)

$10 Canadian seems pretty cheap for a part that can solve this issue. I was wondering if it's legal to purchase the part and have it shipped over? Or even have someone I know buy it and ship it over here if the company won't ship it themselves?

Thanks.

[DavidRees]

As far as UK law is concerned, it is a not a pressure-bearing part, so would not be a restricted item.

Canadian law might be different, however. If anything like US law, you are likely to be OK. I'd definitely ask the shop concerned whether they will ship internationally. Be prepared for a hefty shipping fee!

If it is legal to export from Canada, and you have a friend who will pop it in a Jiffy bag and post it to you here via the cheapest route, it might save you a LOT of money, because:

if the value of the goods, including shipping cost, is greater than £18, then VAT at 20% will be payable, plus possibly duty on the item value alone--say 7%. Then the courier may well want to be paid for doing the customs processing on your behalf, and may charge anything between £8 to £15 on top. It can work out very expensive.

Do post here and let us know how it all works out...

[greenshoots]

thanks for that site very interesting

greenshoots