Rifles and Customs

[Tower75]

Hi guys and girls,

I know this subject has come up in the past, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas;

I'm off to the States in a few weeks and I was wondering if I could actually buy a rifle out there and bring it back here.

There's a few guys in my club that has done that, so I know it can be done.

I've spoken to my firearms licensing office, and they basically said they don't care where it comes from, as long as the rifle is a Section 1 rifle and fits the details on my FAC they're fine. But they suggest speaking to customs first to see if I need any paper work.

So, before I try and wade through the mine-field of HM customs, does anyone have any info on how I could bring a rifle back to the UK?

Regards
T

[20series]

I would talk to your local RFD and see if they can offer any tips. TBH it's more likely to be an issue getting anything out of the US than into the UK. It would also need to be UK proofed as well, so that will cost an amount.

Alan

[Sandgroper]

From what I understand, bringing it in isn't a big problem, as Customs at this end should sign your rifle onto your FAC, it's purchasing and getting it out of the US in the first place that is more problematic.

Not having done it myself, I couldn't tell you the ins and outs of the process.

Edit: regarding proof see p4 of this thread http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.ph ... 8&start=30

[Porcupine]

Bringing a rifle into the UK is no problem - take your FAC, declare it on your way in, have customs sign it onto your FAC

Bringing a rifle out of the USA is no problem - You'll need to sign a customs form #4457 I think, and keep the gun in a locked hard case (any ammunition in a wooden, cardboard or metal box inside the hard case - max 5kg ammo). Allow extra time at check in and keep the key/combination handy as the TSA will want to open it up.

Proofing is not an issue unless you want to sell the gun - it is not illegal to import or possess an unproofed gun, only to sell one

However, you cannot buy a gun in the USA. Non-immigrant aliens (non-US citizens who do not hold a green card) are banned from possessing firearms, with some exemptions. One of these exemptions is to simply get a hunting license from a US state - this exempts you from the restrictions on non-immigrant aliens but it does not exempt you from some other restrictions. Federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) are banned from transferring guns to non-resident aliens (non-US citizens who have not resided in the US for more than 90 days). You could get around that by buying from a private seller, but it is illegal to take possession of/sell a firearm from/to someone who is not a resident of the same state as you, unless you are an FFL. Since you are not a resident of any state (you need to be there for 90 days for that), buying or receiving a gift of a firearm is illegal. If you stayed in the US for 91 days you could buy a gun on the 91st provided you had a hunting license and proof of your 90 days residency. So for people studying or working temporarily in the USA this is the way to do it. But tourist visas only last 90 days so you're out of luck.

So to get a gun out of the country you will need to find an FFL with an export license and pay them to ship it out of the country to you.

The rules changed in 2003 btw, it used to be possible.

[Mike357]

There is a very good thread on another forum, you know the one where they use air instead of powder about bringing guns out of the US. Some of it was written by a bloke who has done it several times so it isn't just heresay and speculation.

[Tower75]

Bugger...

Ah, well. Thanks for the info, Porcupine. Appreciate it.

Well, at least I'll be able to buy and bring back cartridge cases and heads for reloading.

Excuse me while I sulk for a bit. :cool2:

[saddler]

I would talk to your local RFD and see if they can offer any tips. TBH it's more likely to be an issue getting anything out of the US than into the UK. It would also need to be UK proofed as well, so that will cost an amount.

Alan

NO.

It would NOT "NEED TO BE ...PROOFED"!!!

[AHPP]

Speak to Gavin Haywood at Anglo Custom Rifles for advice.

[phaedra1106]

There is a way to buy a gun without being resident in the US for 90+ days, it's not strictly legal but it's not illegal either, I discussed this at some length with the ATF in 2010 when I was looking at a Steyr .338.

However, and there's always a however with these things, you would still need to apply for the export license and the ATF said that it could take up to 6 months without the normal FFL transfer and residency proof.

[Mike357]

Bugger...

Ah, well. Thanks for the info, Porcupine. Appreciate it.

Well, at least I'll be able to buy and bring back cartridge cases and heads for reloading.

Excuse me while I sulk for a bit. :cool2:

Tower. it is easily done. Head over to the other place for a look. Don't give up so easily man :lol: