Thread: Can I still import mags 2018? (Brownell ignores me)

1) I wanted to import some A-cat mags (4-round 308 mags), (all under 100 USD), but before hitting the order button I thought it was be clever to ask Brownells if they ship it to NZ, unfortunately no matter how many emails I send them (including exact URL's of the things I want to order) they just ignore them. Does this mean they have stopped sending to NZ, or simply that I just need to hit the order button before they get their thumbs out?

Normally I wouldn't feel comfortable about sending money to a company that can't be contacted, however if I've understood it right they are the only reasonable company that ships to NZ, or at least that's what the older threads here on this forum indicates.

2) If a simple 4-round mags works, I would be tempted to order some 30 223 mags as well later on, and at least their own branded ones doesn't have any written restrictions of sending internationally. Do you think they do? I got the impression from some threads that they don't send high-cap mags.

3) For high cap mags it's probably really important to have the e-cat rifle all sorted out first, or?
I got my e-license but haven't figured out any reason to register any of my rifles as e-cat, however maybe I would just for the extra mag cap. ideally I would like to have received the mags first and check if they even fit before deciding to upgrade, but it's probably a requirement to first registering it as e-cat before doing any high cap imports right?

Go ahead and place the order, unlike alot of places brownells wont charge your card until it ships. If they arnt able to fulfill the order you will be emailed and told why.

Choose any of the shipping options, it doesnt matter which really, they choose an appropiate one anyhow.

Youre welcome.

if you fit any Hi Cap mags into your A cat before its an E cat you would b breaking the law as it currently stands

As for Brownells,, I have spent so much with them in the past they sent me a thank you letter which my better 1/2 opened!!

Generally great to deal with just as long as you remember they are not local if you have issues

Make sure you have an import permit for any e-cat parts before you try to import them

Thanks Towely, I tried ordering now, let's see what happens.

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

Make sure you have an import permit for any e-cat parts before you try to import them

Sure, What about regular non-ecat mags?

Will be fine

Thanks again, 2 follow up questions if you don't mind:

1) Ok so I can't fit any mags until I have the e-cat, but can I still apply for the mag import permit? I'm still deciding which e-cat to get, and since the mag import will take ages anyway I'd figure I have some time before they arrive. But I'm guessing I probably need to first spend a couple of weeks to get the e rifle sorted, THEN do the e-cat mag order and wait another month to get the mags.

2) Can I import drum mag if I e-cat something? unfortunately brownells doesn't allow international shipping of bx-25's, so I'm tempted to get the drum mag instead. Do I NEED it? No, I just think it would look kind of cool. But I'm worried it might raise some red flags.

3) Can I re-use import permits?
For example let's say I can buy 3 mags under the 100 dollar USD limit, but let's say I want 30 of the mags in total, do I need to hand the same application 10x to the police, or is the fact that they were approved once a safe bet that I can use the same permit as many times as I want?

They recently had a magazine sale and I tried to get 3x Ruger 10rd AICS mags but they wouldn't ship to NZ, however they will ship Magpul 10rd AICS mags.
I think it depends on what the manufacturer's rules are as well.

When I imported the Magpuls in the past, they were stopped by customs and both I and the arms officer were contacted. I just emailed them a copy of my licence and a link to the manufacturer's site of my rifle. It was all pretty easy but they do check up.

do not import e cat parts with out a permit , they will be confiscated. and the police will not issue retrospective permits. I suggest you contact an arms officer , but you should get an e endorsement before you buy anything e cat related. speaking from experience

Can't find anyone who will send firearm parts to NZ, trying to get a gas bleed off valve for a Browning Bar, when you try and buy it comes up "don't freight out side USA". Tried to buy a sling swivel screw, same came up.

Numrich ships to NZ again I think, maybe give them a go. @tetawa

Spear 30 round magazines work perfectly,no import issues either

Originally Posted by marky123

Spear 30 round magazines work perfectly,no import issues either

Still an expensive way to buy mags, I got 7 pmags delivered to my door from brownalls the other day for NZ$142 all up. Permit if needed is just a email and has no cost.

Looking forward to change of itar rules and the $ limit being raised to $500!

Originally Posted by jim160

Numrich ships to NZ again I think, maybe give them a go. @tetawa

Just had a look at their site, seems they only ship to USA and Canada still.