OT Buying/Importing a Firearm

[Bruce]

I have this desire to own a Browning Dualis (European version of the BPR) in 30-06. It appears that they have stopped making them, but I have found a few for sale through internet searches. I know absolutely nothing about the process of buying out of country and having one imported into the US. Can someone who has had experience provide me with some information about the steps, the pitfalls, the time and extra cost involved? Is there any one country that is better than the others to buy from? Do they have to mark them as an import when they get into the US? Do you know a reputable US importer/dealer? Would a US importer/dealer have a better connection for finding one than me doing it on my own?

For our Canadian members, is this rifle available up there? I have also posted thiese questions on Pumprifle.org. Thanks in advance.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Hi Bruce,
I've sent many guns out of the country but never had one sent to me so I don't know all the details. I know some country's are easier to deal with than others. I use an import/export company in Blaine Wa. If you will PM or email I'll get you there contact info.

[86er]

Any FFL holder can do a "temporary" or "one time" import of a rifle or shotgun. The FFL holder fills out a Form 6 with all of the firearm info and submits the form with a copy of FFL and drivers license to BATFE. You will receive in the mail a copy of the form back and it will be stamped in red "NOT FOR RESALE". You forward the form to the exporter. Most exporters in foreign countries will use the mail service and it will convert to the US Postal Service upon clearing the Customs House at the Int'l Airport where it arrives. US Customs will attach a green label to the box that says "Attention Postmaster". Based on the green label, the postal service will collect the 11% Pittman-Robertson import tax from the addressee based on your receipt (converted to US dollars). Your FFL holder can then put the long gun on the books and do a transfer to you on a 4473. NOTE: if it were a long gun produced prior to 1900 you could have it sent right to your door without the FFL. The UK is the easiest and friendliest place to buy from. The Royal Mail Service converts right to USPS and you can track your package the whole way. It will arrive at the Int'l airport in about one week and will clear in two days headed to your post office. It will then get delivered as a regular package that needs to be signed for (couple more days). If you purchase in England I'd be happy to tell you who to buy from and who to use an your exporter. Turkey uses a private courier that send the gun by ship to a private broker that converts it to Federal Express. I've never received tracking info from Turkey and once I get the thumbs up that it shipped, I've waited two months to 10 weeks to see the package. Other countries vary tremendously.

[Bruce]

Thanks for the information. Yep, I overlooked the tax. Thanks for reminding me. I will do a little researching in England to see what I can find. I have found a few in Australia, but unless our exchange rate is real good, I will probably have to forget buying one. They seem to be running around $1,800 Aussie dollars.

[86er]

Try Mike Ladd at Ladds of Creddington, he is a dealer so if he doesnt have one he may be able to get one. John Foster - Gunmaker would then be your guy to handle the export.

[Bruce]

Anyone know how to tell if this ad from Spain is current or not? It is by far the best source and price I have yet to find.

http://armeriaromero.com/cat/catalog07/ ... php?no=439

[86er]

I called them and the price is $2062 US, plus 18.4% tax. They have no idea how much shipping is and did not know my contacts in Eibar, Basque. I estimated $138 shipping and 11% excise upon arrival. I think it comes out to around $2914 delivered. Unfortunately, I cannot provide guidance on importing from there because I don't know who they would use as the export broker. They say shipments to USA are commonly conducted by CargAire (loosley translated) or maybe its AireCargo. Ironically, I said "oh, so it will go by air" and the lady said "no, probably by ship". Anyway, I hope this helps some.

[olyinaz]

If it's the difference in stocks you're after, perhaps see if they are available separately? No import issues that way.

Oly

[Charles]

Holland and Holland has a New York branch and they could handle it all for you.

[Bruce]

Thanks for the information fellas.

86er, especially to you.

Almost $3,000. My wants just went down the drain. I must have been day dreaming out loud.

Olyinaz, no it is not just the stocks. I am in a phase of collecting the U.S. version (BPR) and I am about to finish up a research project (another article) concerning the BPR and Dualis. I really would like to own one, for no particular reason other than it is different. I have really had a hard time getting any solid information about the Dualis concerning production history, technical data, specifications etc...

Everyone, thanks again.