Seeking a helping hand in the USA

Hi
I want to bring some spares from Springfield Sporters into the UK. I have done this several times over the years with no problem. However, Springfield Sporters' current policy is "Until further notice we will not be shipping any international orders". What I would like to propose is someone in the USA to whom Springfield Sporters could ship my order (I would pay Springfield Sporters, there'll be nothing to pay). I would also send a US $ check to the obliging fellow in the USA and he (she) would ship to me in the UK. I would NOT be bringing in "pressure bearing" parts like barrels, bolts, actions, receivers -nothing that could get anyone into trouble - only screws, sight blades, etc etc. And I'd be quite happy for my US pal to open my package to check this.
Is there anyone in the USA with time on their hands and an obliging nature, who would do this for me? I'd pay all the costs. And in return, there may be things in the UK you need which I can source for you?
PM me if this might work.
atb
Rob

Hmm, tricky issue, and I sympathize. Using an obliging friend is how I get around it too. Good luck ...

The problem is definately an interesting one, I often see things on U.S Ebay that interest me, but the seller will not sell outside of U.S.
This really p****s me off, I bet they have no qualms about buying from here. A freindly contact is the answer all right.

Maybe they don't like Your Countries Gun Laws and are refusing to do business overseas for that very reason...Sounds like a bad proposition to me as the sender would be the one holding the bag if the deal goes south. You'd still be sipping Fosters on the beach, and one of us would be a pin cushion in Jail..Tsk, Tsk

This is the Brownell's page on exporting from the USA

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/genera...nal_sales.aspx

Makes interesting reading and explains why some companies no longer want to go through the hassle

It looks like it's all one way traffic. After reading that and thinking about the odd small part that we would want , and knowing our import restrictions, I am still certain that it's just the one country that's up itself.
Remember, when it comes to SMLE parts, we want for very little.

US gun shops don´t seem to have the same level of squeamishness when exporting fully auto rifles to drug barons in Mexico

The last post is drifting dangerously close to political commentary. Please keep it on topic so we don't have to close this thread.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by villiers

US gun shops don´t seem to have the same level of squeamishness when exporting fully auto rifles to drug barons in Mexico

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The U.S. NRA has pretty much DEBUNKED that theory. They have proven that 90% of such weapons come from the Middle East and Central Asia through Guatemala.

I need to say my piece in defense of the FFL's involved. I can't let comments like above go by without a rebuttal as it's absolute crap. I see that the propaganda perpetrated by the international and US news media has taken effect. The Mexican Gun running scandal was perpetrated by the U.S. Government and not American gun dealers. The dealers involved were instructed by the Department of Justice to make sales that they knew were illegal and were uncomfortable with. There were NO fully automatic weapons sold by US gun shops that were a part of this fiasco. It isn't that easy to sell a full auto weapon to anyone in this country contrary to popular belief. It's a corrupt ploy to cast blame on the American gun trade for weapons smuggling so that more restrictive gun laws can be put in place here and it relies on the ignorance of the masses. The problem is that good folks working for the BATFE blew the whistle when one of our Border Control Agents was killed with one of the weapons. The crap is just now starting to fly as this big corrupt operation has back fired. You can shut it down now if you like. I hope you do.

---------- Post added at 02:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ----------

Export of parts is no problem as long as the ITAR laws are followed. We've discussed this here on milsurps before. Export licensing is expensive. I can do it for you if you need the service.

---------- Post added at 02:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:10 PM ----------

The Brownells export page offered above by Amatikulu is an excellent reference.

...on the original issue of buying from the US...
I suppose one of the frustrating things is that there are a number of very well stocked suppliers who have some items which you can't get hold of in the uk, apart from carrying out a lot of detective work, or lucking across something on ebay etc.
But you can't really blame the retailers from not wanting to go through the bother of posting overseas - especially small value items - which is where our network of helpful lee enfield enthusiasts come in (barring some parts of the 'Western US' it appears :p).
To illustrate the problems, in recent personal experience I noticed Numrich appeared to deliver overseas (and blimey at $30 postage for anything from a screw upwards it costs a bit) - but I have tried to order items twice recently which never turned up - one went out of stock, so fair enough and in the other case my order has mysteriously gone on 'hold' - and I'm going to chase it up.
But it seems that the international fraternity is the only way to do it - and long may it continue!

Well, I've had very kind and obliging PMs from 3 forum members - it's very heartening!
I will NOT import regulated items, so will definitely NOT put nobody in any embarassing legal situation.
(Actually, Lee Enfield parts are easily found in the UK, the parts I need from the USA are for early Mausers (see my avatar for a clue)).
Many thanks to all who responded - I'll be in touch.
atb
Rob

Thanks Brian, even here in NZ that story spread around the media and if one took the time the true story the truth was in fact included, but, that part sure doesn't get headlined or remembered very well, too bad.

PS, and Brian, this may be your area; whats to stop a person with a valid export license offering to receive enfield parts from ebay sellers on behalf of the buyer, and then forwarding them onwards, conforming to the law all the way of course, and realizing we're just talking about simple parts and accessories here, not receivers or restricted magazines etc.
As I understand it, a re Numrichs policy, that parts orders of $100 (or is it $200?) or less don't require an export license, someone in the US who could receive the parcel and readdress it and mail it would do very well. I'd pay $10-$25 per hundred to get my parts no worries.

Seems to me that some willing person would do well to offer this service.

RJW, I've been doing it for years. All they need do is ask, handle placing their own orders and have them sent here for forwarding. They must be under $100 to be exempt from licensing. I charge 25% plus postage at cost which is $15 by USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail. It's charity work more or less. Brian