The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Hi has anyone here who lives on the mainland UK ever bought a rifle from southern Ireland.if so what's involved and is it expensive to get over.thanks

I seem to recall that the path of least resistance involves shipping via a friendly RFD in Northern Ireland.

Having one picked up in Londonderry tomorrow (though this example was already in the North.

For direct from Eire, I think it's still relatively straight forward.
Ask the seller for their perspective...I seem to remember one big dealer Tallyoakey? or a similar name: worth checking out maybe.

Thanks saddled.I've seen some great rifles at decent prices in euros but wasn't sure with the rfd fees and going over would make it worth while and the factor in UK customs.thanks

Can't hurt to fire off a few e-mail to some Eire RFD's & ask them.

Why would you need to involve Customs?
Eire is an EU country so no VAT & the like - all H.M. Customs would do, would be notify your Chief Constable of an import, on the strength of the empty slot on your FAC.
BUT
If you then sell the gun on, you MAY need to verify what Proof marks it has, as it IS legal to own & use a gun in the UK that has not been proofed, but NOT legal to sell it on or give it to someone. (Some foreign proofs are accepted in the UK, some are not)

So am I correct in thinking if I got the dealer to transfer it to a ni red I could drive over,produce fac,pay and drive home again.

Ring the Eire dealer FIRST.
Extra paperwork involved (of the TOO MUCH variety) Iif you want to do it in person!
That's what couriers do best

A couple of years ago I sent a rifle to Eire, it was a pain in the ar$e because of the Dublin authorities. The mate I sent it to did exactly what you said for his second rifle, drove into Ulster, picked it up, took it home. Find a NI dealer first, I'm led to believe that most are fully aware of the best way forward as this is how most of the guns get into Eire...