Thread: Importing firearms

There's a website called Guns International which is the equivalent of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for grown men - full of firearm classifieds and every high quality gun you can imagine.

Has anyone here bought firearms internationally, and is the process relatively easy or a complete headache?

I'm looking at a few options from the USA, but I've heard that an export permit for a firearm can cost thousands. Is this true? And how long does the process generally take? If it costs an arm and a leg I may just scrap the idea.

Cheers.

importing from usa is a pain is the %%%% !!!!@!

So it's character building? I like the sound of that.

Originally Posted by Frodo

So it's character building? I like the sound of that.

well if you like having pain in your arse i suggest eating carolina reapers are a good way to start.

Originally Posted by gonetropo

well if you like having pain in your arse i suggest eating carolina reapers are a good way to start.

Yes, it will cost an arm and a leg - and possibly your left testicle !

I have looked at the numbers and the economics of importing a single rifle from the USA do not work out for a private individual.

Originally Posted by KiwiinSeattle

Yes, it will cost an arm and a leg - and possibly your left testicle !

I have looked at the numbers and the economics of importing a single rifle from the USA do not work out for a private individual.

Cheers for the info. What a shame, aye. There's some really cool stuff up for grabs on the 2nd hand market overseas.

Once the ITAR changes go into effect here in the USA, it should be easier and cheaper to import from the USA as well as purchasing accessories and similar items.

Originally Posted by Frodo

There's a website called Guns International which is the equivalent of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for grown men - full of firearm classifieds and every high quality gun you can imagine.

Has anyone here bought firearms internationally, and is the process relatively easy or a complete headache?

I'm looking at a few options from the USA, but I've heard that an export permit for a firearm can cost thousands. Is this true? And how long does the process generally take? If it costs an arm and a leg I may just scrap the idea.

Cheers.

I think it depends on what you are buying. Certain rifles are just not available here so it makes sense. As mentioned it not a cheap exercise but if you want something special or different its warranted. I am in the process at the moment. A $US6000 rifle in the US becomes around $NZ10500 delivered in NZ. We have an importer in NZ who advertises the service. I haven't used them personally but if you don't want the hassle this is a good option. But clearly don't try to import a Ruger 10/22!!

What's your timescale could try Tee something up possibly.

My own example from 2010. Invoice in USD, landed in NZ for NZD 6502.00. Worth it back then.

If the firearm you are looking for available in Canada, maybe it's cheaper in total and less hassle getting from there.

Shipping could cost a lot especially from North America.

Originally Posted by xiaohan

If the firearm you are looking for available in Canada, maybe it's cheaper in total and less hassle getting from there.

Shipping could cost a lot especially from North America.

Haha - came here to post this. Canada's prices vary widely (sometimes the same price as USA, but in Canadian dollars due to manufacturer's contracts), and unless it's a restricted or prohibited firearm in Canada, Canada customs doesn't care at all, and Canada Post will happily ship whatever you put in the box aside from powder and primers. None of those dumb USA regulations and money bleeding fees like in the USA.

Another trick is to know that firearms manufactured (not just designed, but physically and positively proven to be in existence) prior to 1899 are not firearms according to US law, so don't need to go through the same export regulations... legally they're a chunk of metal in an amusing shape and nothing more.

No idea how going over the ocean works, but UPS and Fedex charge up to 100% value brokerage fees crossing the Canadian/US border when there's no brokerage to be done, so they're best to avoid. USPS and Canada Post just transit the firearm through after clearing customs. Canada Post requires all firearms (by their definition anything with a receiver that shoots projectiles) must travel ground freight, with signature on delivery, so that simplifies things in that regard.... will probably just take a month or two to get here!

Canadian air freight is DEF not cheap in my experience and the days of cheap surface freight options seem to have gone. As was just said, freight from Nth America in total has become a deal killer- I keep funds in the US but other than small specialist items, it's often of suspect viability to get stuff out now.

I have quite a few projectiles sitting over there with my mate so might have to do another trip to collect them

I'm using boarderview at the moment giving it a go.