Can anyone tell me what regulations apply to an African national (Zimbabwean)who wants to bring his safari rifle to the U.S. for service? I told him I would help him get the rifle here for some maintenance and repairs. Thanks to all in advance. MMP

From the ATF web site:

quote:

(Q2): What type of form do I, as a nonimmigrant alien, need to file with ATF to temporarily import a firearm or ammunition for hunting or other lawful sporting purposes?
(A2): You need to file ATF Form 6 NIA (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War by Nonimmigrant Aliens). The Form is both the application and, once approved, the permit you present to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the United States. The Form 6 NIA can be obtained by calling ATF’s Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch or ATF’s Distribution Center. It also can be downloaded from ATF’s Web site at www.ATF.gov.

Call the ATF and explain the situation; they should be able to tell you whether a) service falls under "sporting purposes", and b) the process can be completed by the time your friend arrives.

The problem, as I see it, will come if he leaves the States without the firearm, for example, if service isn't complete by his departure date.

George

This should be moved to the appropriate forum, don't you think

quote:

Originally posted by chipolopolo:
This should be moved to the appropriate forum, don't you think

No, this is the right place and the right info that I (and several other African PH's) need

Agreed - very relevant to African big game hunting. What's your PH going to do if he can't get his rifle repaired? Hunt with a broomstick?

I think he will have an easier time bringing it for a hunt. Perhaps he should buy a hunting license for his destination state to facilitate his goal.

Tounge in cheek guy's, (moving posts around)

GeorgeS: Thanks again. Your information is right on point. MMP

You're welcome, mufasa.

George

For Ganyana and others to navigate the ATF website try the following:
Use the site posted by GeorgeS above;
Once on the site click "FORMS" in the left collum;
Once in forms scroll down to 5300 "Firearms & Ammunition Program" click it and scroll down to 5330.3D(form 6NIA) Application and Permit for Temporary Importation of Firearms and Ammunition by Nonimmigrant Aliens
It looks like if you have a valid hunting license or have registered for a sporting event or show (SCI Reno) then proof of the registration etc needs to be sent with the form. If the firearm was purchased in the U.S. and has already been carried out of the U.S. then the form may not be necessary. [paragraph 5 general information] I'd have the form anyway.

Has any foreign national here actually bought a rifle to the USA since 2001?? VERY difficult to get an import permit.... unless you know someone, who knows someone..

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
I think he will have an easier time bringing it for a hunt. Perhaps he should buy a hunting license for his destination state to facilitate his goal.

Yup.
I would plan a free, public land hunt, buy a non resident license for something cheap, and drop the rifle off to be serviced before the hunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:

quote:

Originally posted by 500grains:
I think he will have an easier time bringing it for a hunt. Perhaps he should buy a hunting license for his destination state to facilitate his goal.

Yup.
I would plan a free, public land hunt, buy a non resident license for something cheap, and drop the rifle off to be serviced before the hunt.

Not that easy - need import permit...

Here's a reference that might be useful...

http://books.google.com/books?id=9encMNU8mwsC&pg=PA198&...UmfDae-4AY#PPA199,M1

So I take it that no one who has read this post knows of anyone who has successfully walked into the USA with a gun in recent years???

anyone, anyone??

Hi Matt, looking forward to next year.
James

Since 9/11, I have not heard of anyone outside the US who has legally brought a rifle in. But I am sure there are those that have done it. From what I understand the process can take months or years and is unlikely to succed.

Hey James

I know an agent in New York state who claims the he has organised the successful import for some guys from the UK... but it sounded like he had contacts on the 'inside' who could organise it.

I found it quite amusing that hunters in the USA complain bitterly about the firearms laws in other countries and yet it is nearly impossible for us to bring a gun to the USA (despite what the regulations say).... Dont you think that's ironic???

Or does no one there give a toss that foreigners cant bring their guns to the USA easily???

When I point this out most people reply with "oh if you want to go hunting - I'll loan you a gun"...well that is very generous of you but that's NOT THE POINT!!!

I have got US hunters a permit to bring their guns to Australia - rushed through in a little over a week. That is not because they were US citizens - that is because we try to accommodate foreign visitors!!

end rant....sorry...

Matt,

I retired from the US federal government 3 years ago. From the late 1970s through present our federal government has been heavily staffed with anti-gun/anti-hunting people principally coming from our major cities (who are also badly anti-gun/anti-hunting) where wild game are only seen in zoos. Unfortunately the US State Department and AFT are two of the worst when it comes to harassing law abiding hunters and gun owners. If it is any consolation they dislike us as equally well as they dislike foreign gun-owners and hunters.

Unlike others on the forum I firmly believe that should the democrats take over all three branches of the US government on November 4th that it will only get worse for all. I don’t particularly care for John McCain but I’ve already voted to hopefully keep one-party power from taking over our government

Jim

I don't think 99% of the gun owners in the US understand how difficult it is for foriegn hunters to bring their guns here to hunt with.