How To Import Foreign Firearms

[LuciusKang]

Of course, my first post in a new forum has to be a question right? Lol.

Anyway, I just inherited three long guns and a handgun who passed away in Germany and I am doing a bunch of research into how to get them into the US.

I know there are some dealers who charge fees and whatnot for assisting through the process but so far it looks like it may cost an arm and a leg.

So far, I have concluded that I need to complete and get an approved Form 6, a receiving FFL on the US side, a customs broker to handle duty fees and whatnot, a German export permit, and have the firearms shipped to the FFL.

I already have a vague notion of how this is going to play out, but what I would like to know is if there are any CalGunners out there who have gone through this process before and can shed any light, tips, and perhaps precious insight into what this might cost and how to avoid any potential pitfalls.

Am I going the right direction in trying to cut out a middle man like Simpson's Ltd. or another "import specialist"?

[GammaRei]

Hope you get the info youre looking for. But hint, good luck with that avatar. . .

- G

[Mssr. Eleganté]

If any of the firearms are military surplus firearms then you are going to have to go through a licensed importer. If they are all just commercial sporting firearms then a licensed dealer can "occasionally" do imports with a Form 6.

I've seen a few threads on here about importing inherited firearms where it was mentioned that it's better to just go with a licensed importer. Apparently there are lots of little extra fees and hassles that start to add up when a licensed dealer uses the "occasional" exemption.

[Jonathan Doe]

I know a man who has a C&R license. He imported a 1911 or 1911A1 from Australia. I don't know what he had to do to import it. I had an impresson that it was not very complicated.

[FNH5-7]

I hope the handgun is on the roster or older than 50 years that way they don't hassle you about it.

[jonzer77]

Hope you get the info youre looking for. But hint, good luck with that avatar. . .

- G

Whats wring with a cz75 avatar or was it something else?

[bbguns44]

What kind of guns ? Might be easier to just sell them in Germany & use
the money to buy what you want here.

[Peter W Bush]

Whats wring with a cz75 avatar or was it something else?

+1 ???

I always miss the good avatars I guess...

[LuciusKang]

The handgun is a short rail CZ75 pre B. The rest of the guns I haven't actually laid eyes on yet, but they are all from the late 70s or older, though I doubt I am so lucky as to get all C&Rs.

BTW my old avatar was of Dubya making a stupid face. Since I'd rather be non-political, I switched my avatar so something that makes me happy