Guys:

Am considering buying a shotgun or two at a gunstore in Europe and then arranging for them to be shipped back to the States. Has anyone here ever done something similar? If so, please would you be kind enough to explain the process.

IMHO you are better off just bringing them back with you in your luggage. If you buy a firearm in France you can also deduct the VAT when you take it out (you get reimbursed, talk to the dealer when you buy) which isn't insignficant. Declare it upon arrival, pay the duty, get your receipt, you're legal and have the paperwork to prove it if you ever travel overseas with it again. As far as I know the French gun dealer does not need to provide "export" paperwork when sold to a foreigner, and you'll save on all the paperwork and costs of shipping.

There is something called an "occasional import" which allows an FFL dealer to import a firearm.

I believe the BATFE Form 6 & 6A are the ones that need to be completed and submitted. You can get them from the BATFE web site and discuss it with your local dealer.

George

quote:

Originally posted by Shikaribabu:
Guys:

Am considering buying a shotgun or two at a gunstore in Europe and then arranging for them to be shipped back to the States. Has anyone here ever done something similar? If so, please would you be kind enough to explain the process.

You might also give Dig at www.vintageguns.co.uk a ring.

He specialises in this sort of thing if you'd prefer somebody else to do the leg work for you.

Tell him Amir sent you.

There are so many things that can go wrong with this that I highly suggest you use an experienced importer with good connections to shippers, customs, etc. I have heard too many horror stories.

It use to be easy to import antique firearms into the US. In the early 1990's I purchased a 12 b SXS shotgun from a British maker . It was delivered to my place of work via US mail with NO Problems. In the late 1990's an antique SXS rifle was sent to me from Australia. This time I had to go to the nearest international airport to clear it through customs. Other than my time it was easy to do.
I have used an importer to import non antique shotguns from England. While there maybe less expensive ways of doing it, I have found the importer the best for me. If you plan to carry a firearm that you buy overseas into the US with you, please get the necessay permits from ATF well in advance.
Good Luck!

quote:

IMHO you are better off just bringing them back with you in your luggage.

I'm under the impression that in most European countries that the dealer (seller) cannot legally turn possession of the firearm over to a foreign buyer without fairly extensive paperwork beforehand. Am I wrong?