importing ww2 fiream from another country?

[domeshotjuan2]

so i recently found out my greatgrandfather fought in ww2 and my father has access to a luger his grandfather took off of an apposing soldier he killed in battle after the guy shot him in the leg with it.

but the issue is its in argentina and im unsure as to what the best method to bring the pistol to the states would be. if theres anyone out there that has some options for me ide really appreciate it.

short of going to pick it up and flying it back i dont know what to do and even then i dont know if they will allow it on the plain.
im also worried if i can get it shipped to me some how it might get lost.

[bigthaiboy]

so i recently found out my greatgrandfather fought in ww2 and my father has access to a luger his grandfather took off of an apposing soldier he killed in battle after the guy shot him in the leg with it.

but the issue is its in argentina and im unsure as to what the best method to bring the pistol to the states would be. if theres anyone out there that has some options for me ide really appreciate it.

short of going to pick it up and flying it back i dont know what to do and even then i dont know if they will allow it on the plain.
im also worried if i can get it shipped to me some how it might get lost.

Any FFL01 licensee is allowed make an occasional importation of a firearm on behalf of a non-licensee (but the firearm cannot be for resale). The FFL must first submit a ATF Form 6, Part I to the Imports Branch of the BATF. This takes about 4-6 weeks for approval. The FFL then has to submit the approved ATF Form 6, and a completed Form 6A to U.S. Customs.

Be prepared to pay a few hundred $$ for the FFL to facilitate this service for you.

Many countries will also require you to apply for an export license, before the firearm can leave the country. You may require an agent in Argentina who is familiar with exporting firearms to facilitate the export paperwork and shipping for you. Again, expect to pay a few hundred $$ for this service.

If you plan to fly to Argentina to pick the Luger up, you would have to check with the airline, but many airlines are pretty cool with allowing unloaded / locked firearms in your check luggage, as long as the out-going export paperwork and approved BATF Form 6 is complete at the time of check-in. You would need to check all this with the airline, Argentine Customs, and U.S. Customs in advance, as different countries have different export regulations.

[Faust]

Know anibody with a sail boat?

[Diesel-Gunner]

If you plan to fly to Argentina to pick the Luger up, you would have to check with the airline, but many airlines are pretty cool with allowing unloaded / locked firearms in your check luggage, as long as the out-going export paperwork and approved BATF Form 6 is complete at the time of check-in. You would need to check all this with the airline, Argentine Customs, and U.S. Customs in advance, as different countries have different export regulations.

I understand the need for the form 6 but how do big game hunters fly back from Africa, New Zealand, ect with their firearms? I dont know how much paperwork they do when hunting out of country. I would say a call to the Airline would be a good starting point.

[tpuig]

Hunters travelling overseas aren't importing a firearm. They fill out a customs form before leaving, and then bring the same firearm back into the country. That covers the USA.

A rifle is just checked baggage, but the paperwork in the other country still needs to be filled out ahead of time. Most of the time a professional hunter or guide will help with the forms. Do a quick search for outfitters in various countries and on their websites is usually info on the procedures and forms to fill out.

I understand the need for the form 6 but how do big game hunters fly back from Africa, New Zealand, ect with their firearms? I dont know how much paperwork they do when hunting out of country. I would say a call to the Airline would be a good starting point.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Military surplus firearms can only be imported by a Licensed Importer (Type 08 FFL). The "occasional" allowance of importing by other types of FFLs only applies to non-milsurp firearms.

[DVSmith]

Contact these guys and ask their advice. They are pretty friendly and helpful:

http://www.simpsonltd.com/import.php

[Seesm]

good luck. let me know if you can do it cuz I have a luger in Germany and its waiting for me for 2 years now...

[Big Jake]

You could always "Keester Stash" it. LOL!

Seriously though, good luck on this one and please post pics when/if you get it!

[packnrat]

one way to get your pistol here. is to go out and learn how to $ail, then buy a $100,000 $ailboat, take a trip to said country. another $100,000 latter you have your pistol here in the USA.

easy and cheep....well maybe not so cheep or easy






.

[rt66paul]

While you are at it, stop by in Sicily, get a load of the hard stuff and bring that back to pay for the sailboat. Just about as easy.

[gdict]

Military surplus firearms can only be imported by a Licensed Importer (Type 08 FFL). The "occasional" allowance of importing by other types of FFLs only applies to non-milsurp firearms.

This is my understanding of the law as well, but from reading Simpson's website, it seems if the firearm has been elsewhere than the origin country for a long time, then it may not be bunched in with other "surplus" guns. Being a C&R firearm certainly doesn't hurt.

I don't know Argentine gun laws, but there may be more trouble with an export permit than with BATF on this end.

Good luck!