Wasnt quite sure where to post this but anyway,
has anybody had a rifle shipped from the states? if so is it easy and is it costly?

I should think the sender would have to send to a dealer here, where could i find out all the info?

any help on this one would be good

thanks

I can't help you with UK side of things, but for the export from the US, you'll need the following:

1) an FFL with a commercial exporter's license to apply for an export license for your rifle. License to be issued by the US State Dept.
2) to do that, the expoter needs a copy of your (UK) import license and a purchase order from you.
3) obtaining the export license can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months, depending on how picky the State Dept is and how many times they return the (incomplete/incorrect) license application.
4) all licences in hand, the rifle can now be shipped - e.g. with FedEx.
5) import into the UK ???????????????

As far as finding an exporter, gunbroker.com used to have a list on their website, but I can't locate it right now.

I have used http://www.montanarifleman.com for exporting, although their webpage says they only export their own actions. Worth checking in any event.

- mike

Alex,

first you need a DTI import license(free),I think they are based in Liverpool, this dept specializes in firearms.They will confirm in writing that the weapon you wish to import is not prohibited..
Secondly you will need someone in the states to export the weapon for you, there plenty of people that will do that, I used Leroys Big Valley Gun Works they charged $75.00 for all the paperwork,it usually takes between 4-6 weeks.
Mine arrived into Coventry customs where I got a phone call asking for authority to posess, and then finally a customs charge of approx 3.8% and then VAT @17.5%.
Certain items are worth it, some after all the charges are not..
If you are prepared to wait, then there is a great deal of satisfaction knowing that some greedy importer has not been able to screw you over..

regards
griff

does it make things tricky if they are a private sender?

does the vat still stand if it a second hand rifle being sent?

thanks for the info so far

alex

Alex Y
Not sure about first point.
Should be vat free if "pre owned".I buy stuff from the states all the time,my cousin lives over their, i mail them what i want, they buy it then post it to me "pre owned" jobs a good`un.
or if you can keep the cost under £35 i think this is the vat threshold and anyhting above this is payable the post office should be able to help.
Good luck

Oh i forgot to mention that you dont pay or shouldn`t pay duty on "gifts" so if it is a smaller company in the special instructions box add that it is a Birthday Gift.

Alex,
one problem with marking the s/h rifle as a gift is that it still requires to have a value stated, otherwise customs will make a charge for new!
Getting an individual to send the rifle still requires an export license, unless the value is less than $100 so I believe..
The reason that most folk don't get charged from the states is that the post office do not have the time to assess every parcel, should you send it UPS Fedex etc then they have their own customs..
A rifle on the other hand would not get through customs unnoticed..
The person sending the item would also have to declare what the item is, and there are state laws that prevent you from sending any unauthorised items abroad.. This was brought about after 911.

regards
griff

Alex,
Exporters in the US will not export you a rifle without you having a valid import license ,not only to cover themselves but to also cover yourself...
If you go ahead and import without authority,then expect a knock on the door early in the morning...
Get your paper work right and you will not have a problem, I don't know if DJM has imported firearms from the U.S, but take it from someone who has,YOU CANNOT BRING ANY FIREARM INTO THE UK WITHOUT A IMPORT LISENCE, if you get this wrong and you end up being prosecuted for the illegal importation of a firearm then you can kiss your firearms ticket goodbye and possibly in the worst case scenario be saying hello to lava Joe in the showers at your local prison...
Do not in this day and age and in current climate of terrorist threats underestimate the tenacity in which the HM Customs & Excise would prosecute you!!!!
I bought mine from gunbroker.com from an individual who was not FFL,the only way I could export it was to have an import license, this was free and arrived in two days from the DTI.
If you have any doubt then contact:
Gary Costello from PBS 01293 551140 who specialise in firearms importation.

regards
griff

griff,

when shipping in a rifle, after getting all the paperwork sorted this end does the rifle still have to go to a customs clearing house and freight handler, at a further cost, or can it come in say fed ex direct to a dealer, where they can sign it over to my ticket?

thanks so far for your other help

alex

Alex,
both UPS and Fedex have their own built in customs and will charge you at the same rate as HM & CE there should be no extra cost other than freight, one of the problems you will have is that if you wish it to go to a dealer direct,then customs may ask for a commercial import license thinking that this is commercial venture by the dealer..
The courier will sign it over to you when they are sure that you have the authority to be in posession of the item...
If you intend to keep the rifle you will not need to have it UK proofed, that is only required if you intend to sell the gun..
As I mentioned PBS could handle all the paperwork, give them a ring if only to pick their brains..

regards
griff