I would like to import a couple of firearms from the USA and would like some advice on what I need to do to buy them in the USA and import them into Australia.

Appreciate input from those who have recently done this in Oz.

Regards,

Joe

Joe,
2 things. You need an Aussie “Form B709A†(import permit) issued by your state firearms registry, and you need an export permit issued by the US State Dept to a licensed exporter of firearms.

If the dealer you want to buy the firearms from in the US is not a licensed exporter you’ll need to find one and have him send a copy of his FFL to the dealer you are buying from.

US exporters I’ve talked to usually charge circa US$200 to process the export paperwork. See for example - Simpsons

You’ll also need to use a licensed firearms dealer on the Aussie side.

If you get everything lined up right it can be done with only a modicum of hassle, but unless you’re bringing in something unique, or bringing in 3 or 4 firearms together, financially it probably won’t be worth it.

Quick summary:
1. find licensed US exporter
2. have firearms in USA transferred to exporter
3. get Aussie B709A
4. send necessary documentation to exporter
5. wait for US State Dept to issue export permit
6. Exporter ships firearms to licensed dealer in Australia
7. when firearms arrive in Australia, Customs performs safety test and assesses duty, GST etc.
8. Aussie dealer picks up firearms and transfers them to your name (permit to acquire needed)

I think this just about covers it.

Also do a search here. This topic has come up more than a few times in the past.

Hope this helps.

- stu

Just add to that note too.

How are we standing with importing dies and getting them delivered by Australia Post? Are they likely to get here if marked "reloading Dies" or do we need something more creative?

Is it worth risking?

Stu,

thanks your reply. I will check out previous posts.

Most of the procedure seems straight forward but the rate determining step seems to be finding a licenced US exporter. Apart from Simpsons that you referred to, any idea how can I find others, particularly in Texas ?

The licenced exporters, are they generally dealers or specialise in exports ?

Also, is that USD 200 fee you mentioned for paperwork, is that is per shipment or per firearm ?

Grateful for your advice.

Joe

I don't know any licensed exporters in Texas, but I'm sure they exist. Google? I'd imagine the State Dept. would have a list of exporters but I have no idea where to find it.

$200 is not a set fee, just an approximate charge I've been quoted a few times for small shipments (not per firearm). Check the Simpsons link for details on their charges.

- stu

JFE,

I had a long hard look at this idea, too, in order to get one of the new Winchester 1895 rifles in .405Win, which Winchester Australia wouldn't bring in.

After speaking to quite a few people, who have experience with the importation of firearms, I realised that, while possible, it was going to take a lot of work and cost a lot of money.

For example. The Winchester 1895 costs around $US1200 and with all of the import/export paperwork and shipping, the rifle's cost would almost double.

In fact, the additional costs are around the same price as an airline ticket to the US. So what I have done is bought my 1895, through a sympathetic and trusted FFL in the US and he is "babysitting" the rifle until I can arrange to fly over and bring it back with me!

I'll just make sure that I have my B709A and my PTA arranged in advance. Customs will still sieze the gun on arrival but I will be able to take delivery of it later and I will have had a trip to the US for about the same cost as having it sent out. I am even thinking about tying it all in with a hunting trip at the same time - maybe blood the .405 before I bring it home!

Bob,
Just wondering, how are you going to legally take possession of the rifle in the US? I guess you've worked it out already, but that always seemed like a stumbling block to me.

- stu

Bob,

thanks your views. I have a mate who is also keen on a 1895 / 405 and was going to buy one along with a few others but that fell through. I think the price talked then was around AUD 1500-1700. Not entirely sure why it didnt work out.

I am personally interested in 1886 Lightweight in 45/70 and LH rifles not available in Oz.

It seems like a lot of bother to go through but sometimes you have no choice.

Joe

Hi JFE
PC and myself both bought 45/70 1886 and brought them in through Simpsons. was about 260-280 US from memory.
Simpsons were not quick, took almost 6 months. Rifles were posted and would now need to be Fedexed or similar - added cost.
Simpsons changed their policy on exporting as well and if the firearm doesn't come from them they now charge 10% of the cost of the firearm on top of the export charges.
The USA export permit is the problem can take 12 weeks.

Fergus posted this link to an exporter
Clay's web page

Another exporter, unsure of this one
We are guns

RLI said in another post he is a dealer in Vic and would do the import for people, as he had a contact for the export, said just pm him.

If you are going to buy a 1886 45/70el let me know how much I would be interested in buying another, Simpson's were doing export same cost for 1-4 firearms only added freight.
PM me about the 1886 would be interested either way.

I understand Sinclairs also process export orders for firearms for $75us

I have uses a company called Big Valley Gunworks to process the export permit for my Cooper I bought into NZ

I bought the rifle from a gunshop in the States (Whittakers) by email and fax and instructed them to ship to big Valley gunworks.

I then sent Big Valley my NZ import documentation and they applied for the us export permit.

Took 4 months from order to delivery.

Cost us $75 for the permit and us $80 for shipping. total cost of the Cooper landed in Nz as around nz$220 including gst.

Wasnt too painfull at all and I'll definately do it again

NZV
do you have email or web site for Big Valley Gunworks

I have been told Sinclairs will no longer export items that they haven't sold.

quote:

Another exporter, unsure of this one
We are guns

Forget about We Are Guns. I posted that link on another thread. My transaction went downhill with him, and if he's still in business (unlikely) I couldn't recommend him anymore.

- stu

I have used Leroys last 3 imports and no problems, I can import into Melbourne Australia as I have a Gundealers licence or you can import yourself but make sure paperwork is correct also now Australia Post will not accept firearms the freight will be more.

Leroys Big Valley Gun Works
524 2nd Avenue North
Box 22
Glasgow, MT 59230

(406) 2284867

leroygun@nemontel.net

Steve

Gents,

thanks for your feedback.

Steve - I'll send you a PM to discuss further.

Regards,

Joe

quote:

Originally posted by GreybeardBushman:
Just add to that note too.

How are we standing with importing dies and getting them delivered by Australia Post? Are they likely to get here if marked "reloading Dies" or do we need something more creative?

Is it worth risking?

Dies are neither firearms or ammunition. Unless corrected by someone I doubt they would be a problem on the Aussie side (??).

I would have them labelled as "machine parts - dies" in any case.

I have not imported Reloading Dies but yes , I would get them described as "machine parts" or similar as some anti-gun zealot would send them back to sender even if it is a legal import as dies are are.

Steve