How much of a hassle is it to import a rifle from the u.s.a can someone tell me ?how long does it normally take ? and cost in all the customs crap etc ? thanks

Heaps. I will provide some info later. Can't now. Plan to do it only if the firearm is of a higher value.

Picking one up tommorrow, taken over 12 months.

PS Last time I thought this I arrived at customs and decided a Police form wasn't correct so a week later after the Police and Customs discussed it, they decided it was OK after all. Only a working day wasted and 200 kms of driving.

quote:

Originally posted by NitroX:
Heaps. I will provide some info later. Can't now. Plan to do it only if the firearm is of a higher value.

Picking one up tommorrow, taken over 12 months.

PS Last time I thought this I arrived at customs and decided a Police form wasn't correct so a week later after the Police and Customs discussed it, they decided it was OK after all. Only a working day wasted and 200 kms of driving.

Nitro
The police and customs don't belive YOUR time is worth anything, and as for driving 200k's they don't give a rats ...

quote:

Originally posted by velodog:
How much of a hassle is it to import a rifle from the u.s.a can someone tell me ?how long does it normally take ? and cost in all the customs crap etc ? thanks

You also need to find a licenced exporter in the US. I'm processing an order now through We Are Guns, Norton MA. About US$200 to process an export order. This can be for multiple guns if they're on the same Import Permit. On top you have shipping, and the Australian import costs. Bottom line, as NItro said, it had better be a high dollar item or else get a few at the same time to spread the costs around.

I have done it once for a 1886 winchester 45/70 replica that could not be had in Australia. I needed it for a project so I had to go through the total head fuck that it is

Stu
Lets us know how you go.

Veldog
PC and I exported the same rifle through the same exporters who now claim on their web site not to export guns they don't sell, but someone did post that if you pay an extra 10% on purchase price they will do it.
Had to get an import permit from the police - you need 2 copies one to send to the usa and the other you will need here in aus for customs. Is much easier to get gundealer to clear it through customs. 6-12 weeks to obtain export permit in the usa for the exporter.

i got an email back from a u.s dealer they want $850.00us to do the deed ,an time about 8 to 12 weeks hmmmmmmm

quote:

Originally posted by velodog:
i got an email back from a u.s dealer they want $850.00us to do the deed ,an time about 8 to 12 weeks hmmmmmmm

Thats steep !! I would search else where, I think Griffen & Howe charge $500us.....really all they do is fill some forms out, wait, and walk it to the mail box

quote:

Originally posted by velodog:
i got an email back from a u.s dealer they want $850.00us to do the deed ,an time about 8 to 12 weeks hmmmmmmm

Try the people StuC mentions. That is ridiculous.

US$200 to $300 for the broker and freight of around $US$150 plus or minus is what I paid.

PC that was Griffin and Howe ! must have gone up

Veldog
this is who PC and I used, theire export page seems to be back. Kevin was the guy we dealt with, he is a bit relaxed ie nothing happens fast with him, but it did happen, if they still export firearms from other suppliers they would be worth contacting. Email them and ask.
Simpson export page

Also do a search here(in the Aussie forum), some one in the last year posted about importing through someone else.

Velodog
If its available it might be easier and cheaper to buy it through Canada ,what sort of gun are you trying to import?

darwin mauser ,it was an old schonenaur i wanted, but seemingly it will cost an extra 35%,so i think i will look in oz instead

Have a look in the UK as well. Sothebies and Christies have semi annual fine arms auctions. I've seen M-S full-stocked carbines sell around the £300 mark. And you won't need to pay VAT if you're exporting.