Thread: Importing rifles from USA

Has anyone recently imported a rifle from the USA?

I’m looking into bringing in a muzzleloader and just trying to figure out the basics. Do I just need to get a Permit to Import from the Firearm Safety Authority and then find an USA seller that exports?

Or do people normally use an agent?

Black powder stuff isn't considered a firearm,check with the State Department but I have never had any trouble. Get a import permit and a mate to send it FedEx.

Edit to add: it's not considered a firearm stateside.

Thanks norsk. That's interesting. If they aren't consider a firearm perhaps I can buy one in Oct when I'm there and send it to myself. Time for more googling.

Originally Posted by cb14

Thanks norsk. That's interesting. If they aren't consider a firearm perhaps I can buy one in Oct when I'm there and send it to myself. Time for more googling.

Yes you can and that would be the best way to do it.

Only catch is I need the serial number for the NZ import permit so will buy, get the permit and get a mate to send. Thanks for your help!

It might be less expensive to bring it in a gun case that is TSA approved if you are going to be flying there and back to NZ. Shipping costs are ridiculous from the US. When bringing rifles into NZ after getting my NZ license, I just had to do the normal permit process with the police. The only problem I have had was custom built rifles that they didn't have a data base for. They wanted much more info (including pictures) of the rifles.
Cheers

Shipped many…. Things have changed in the states and depending what state u buy it in…. Make sure you keep and get ALL the paperwork with said “apparatus”…. And then … checking on how u are going to ship it,aircraft,sea etc… make inquiries as to whether they will accept the shipment and what paperwork they want…. And how it is to be shipped ,ie… taken apart,pieces,case ,locks etc etc ….

My time flying for the airlines ,I have seen major cockups due to the smallest of details…. Go overboard in getting the required paperwork and creds for “said” piece….

Originally Posted by f-class shooter

It might be less expensive to bring it in a gun case that is TSA approved if you are going to be flying there and back to NZ. Shipping costs are ridiculous from the US. When bringing rifles into NZ after getting my NZ license, I just had to do the normal permit process with the police. The only problem I have had was custom built rifles that they didn't have a data base for. They wanted much more info (including pictures) of the rifles.
Cheers

Yes, my latest plan is to use the normal Import Permit and bring the muzzleloader back with me.

You should definitely get the permit on the kiwi side of things…..I can guarantee you that the USA side of things they will easily sell you the merchandise….THEY WILL NOT SHIP IT OVERSEAS FOR YOU……you will have to do the hard yards from the New Zealand side….I am presently going through this now…and have done it many times…….I have a mate that owns a large firearms store(Keith’s sporting goods)….they will not take the risk or time to do this anymore ,it has become very costly for them .

I’d be interested to find out what state you intend to purchase the muzzleloader……..if it’s in Oregon I can help you …pm me

I will definitely get the NZ import permit and am now just looking at the best shipping option.

In Oct I arrive into Salt Lake City and am hunting in Wyoming. Cabela's just north of SLC would be the easiest option. Thanks for the offer to help. I plan to head back to Oregon one day but its hard to get good non-resident tags (compared to WY, MT, CO etc).

Cabelas …perfect…hopefully you have a few mates there that can help out with the transaction……WORD OF CAUTION!!….If you have someone else buy it for you ,then sell it to you….make sure you get all of their info…..Drivers license,address,phone number…….etc etc……ALSO….if you can find a Notary(local)who will notarize the transaction(which Ive done before)that will also legitimize the transaction…

I know that sounds like a little bit of overkill,….but give been down that road…kiwi customs,Police scan and will make it fucking difficult over the smallest of matters……it just shows you are trying to do the right things and theres no skullduggery going on……

Shipping..my advice…buy a lockable gun case…transport as “CHECKED”luggage with “copies”of all of the “ORIGNIAL”documents……Ive done it other ways,but it becomes more expensive than the firearm was worthy….

Originally Posted by A330driver

Shipping..my advice…buy a lockable gun case

Harbor Freight sells a great knock-off Pelican case> Tried to attach a link, but it's not working. It's called an Apache 9800 gun case.
Cheers

Originally Posted by f-class shooter

Harbor Freight sells a great knock-off Pelican case> Tried to attach a link, but it's not working. It's called an Apache 9800 gun case.
Cheers

Thanks for that. I have a good case that I’ve used to take my rifle to USA.