Selling a rifle from Canada to the US?

I haven't been here for a while. I tend to poke around on Canadian Gun Nutz a lot but thought this question might be better posted here as I think there are more users from the US.

I'm considering selling my 1941 Johnson and although the thought of exporting any functional firearm from this country doesn't sit well with me I am being selfish since they seem to sell for more in the US. I want to buy a lathe and milling machine that are coming up for sale this fall and this rifle would cover most of that.
If I do decide to sell and want to try and sell to a US buyer I would need to involve an exporter for sure, and scare up a buyer....
Is auction a better option? I've just discovered Switzer's auction site (I'm looking for a 1918A2 BAR Barrel and hoping one will turn up there) and Switzer's seems to sell all over the world.

Anyone have real experience on this sort of thing?
Ken

Brian Dick of BDL Ltd would be able to advise you for certain as he used to import/export. He's a member here... https://www.milsurps.com/member.php?u=2818 A link to him...

I don't think you can import a US issue back into the USA though.

It can be done but there are additional hoops to jump through on the US side. US military firearms require a retransfer authorization letter from US Department of State before they can be approved on an ATF Form 6 import permit.

Right, I have heard about that US issued firearms not allowed re-entry thing. That's how we ended up with all the 1897 shotguns from Vietnam.
It may not be an option then. I'll see if I can talk to someone at Irun guns, I think they do import / export and should know for sure.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

It can be done but there are additional hoops to jump through on the US side. US military firearms require a retransfer authorization letter from US Department of State before they can be approved on an ATF Form 6 import permit.

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Thanks for this info. Sounds like quite a hassel, and fee at every turn no doubt. Perhaps a motivated buyer would be willing to plug away at what is likely a painful experience but I'm not sure I'm willing!

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Originally Posted by sapsk

That's how we ended up with all the 1897 shotguns from Vietnam.

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I remember that, long time ago now. Too bad I didn't get involved and grab a couple back then.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

I remember that, long time ago now. Too bad I didn't get involved and grab a couple back then.

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No kidding. I remember mauling one at Wholesale sports in Calgary. It was in good shape, so much history to it, big ol flaming bomb and a bayonet. $400. That was too expensive at the time, good grief!!

Apparently according to the ads at the time there was every manufacturer and every condition from as new to just a few parts. Prices were manageable too. Just didn't do it, should have bought one of each.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Apparently according to the ads at the time there was every manufacturer and every condition from as new to just a few parts. Prices were manageable too. Just didn't do it, should have bought one of each.

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I made a few good decisions in later years, one was this mint Johnson. Now, to sell or not...

I had a pair of Johnston rifles years back, one was a rough one bought from the rafters of Milarm and I forget where the other came from. I had a bayonet as well, refurb scabbard but it was there at least. I sold both over time along with my BARs, M14, all the other US collection including the M2 .50. Good luck getting what they call for in bucks now, let us know...

Ah for the carefree days before 22 October 1968. Senator Thomas J. Dodd and LBJ started us on the downward spiral we find ourselves in today.

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Originally Posted by old tanker

22 October 1968

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Ours was different...and is still different.

I imported quite a few surplus US military firearms over the years including a half dozen of those 1897 trench guns I bought from a dealer in Ontario. Yes, it was a bit of a hassle to jump through the retransfer hoops, but I had and still have a good relationship with the Department of State and ATF Imports Branch. Retransfers of US C&R military firearms weren't possible until 2005. The tradeoff being the surplus military barrel ban which is still in place. There's always a trade off! Even the Enfield Pattern 1914 requires a retransfer authorization. I imported a couple from England and a P'14T sniper from Ontario for a U.S. Naval officer over the past few years.

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I forgot to mention that I imported a nice 1941 Johnson rifle out of Canada way back when the air was clean and sex was dirty! I still have one I bought in Florida with an original bayonet and scabbard. They are interesting rifles but I wouldn't trade an M1 Rifle for one if I had to carry it in anger.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

I wouldn't trade an M1 Rifle for one if I had to carry it in anger.

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I did a demonstration one time years ago for Recon pl in Victoria and brought in an M1 compared to the Johnston. They all agreed J was interesting but the M1 was the better choice for an infantryman stripping and handling in the field. The small parts and complex fit of the barrel to jacket would be a problem. I'm sure you'd see Brian as a para, doing a roll over a barrel jacket with barrel out could cause an issue replacing in a dented jacket. Anyway, they didn't want one either. On the range it was OK except it pitched my brass out of sight into the woods and dented the rims in beyond repair.

I agree on all points. I've noticed over the years as I've seen quite a few Johnson rifles, that the butt is very fragile where it's thin around the tang. They are almost always chipped or cracked. The recoil operation beats it pretty hard in that weak area. Much like a Browning A5 shotgun. It's definitely not for the reloader either Jim. The obvious difference between gas and recoil operation. Adoption of the M1 Rifle instead was a no-brainer IMHO. I can't imagine rolling around on a hot DZ trying to get the barrel in place either. Even if it the jacket wasn't damaged.

So what happens if a Canadian citizen with permanent resident status brings a firearm from Canada into the United States. Is he permitted to sell it, does he need to go through an importer. Do they track it to ensure it is returned to Canada. I'm assuming he can bring it but maybe not.

If he wants to bring it down permanently, it needs to be imported on an ATF Form 6 and transferred through a dealer just like any "new" import. There is a method for an individual bringing personal firearms across from Canada for trade shows and shooting competition, but it requires paperwork on the Canadian side and inspection/checks on both sides round trip.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

..... Retransfers of US C&R military firearms weren't possible until 2005. The tradeoff being the surplus military barrel ban which is still in place. .....

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Please give more info. How can the rifle be importable while the barrel is banned?

I am experienced with Form6's bringing in misc parts for personal use. Always wondered about the barrel ban.

There's not much info to give. The importation of surplus military barrels was banned in 2005 during the Bush administration. There are organizations likr FAIR and NFATCA that have petitioned to overturn the barrel ban since with no success.

Complete and original Curio and Relic military firearms are importable by licensed importers and has been the case since 1986. They were banned between 1968 and 1986. C&R military firearms that have been altered from original configuration are not importable.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

There's not much info to give. The importation of surplus military barrels was banned in 2005 during the Bush administration. There are organizations likr FAIR and NFATCA that have petitioned to overturn the barrel ban since with no success.

Complete and original Curio and Relic military firearms are importable by licensed importers and has been the case since 1986. They were banned between 1968 and 1986. C&R military firearms that have been altered from original configuration are not importable.

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So it seems that an entire original 1941 Johnson is importable, but its barrel is not importable by itself?!

That's correct.

Ken,

Email direct to bdlltd@bellsouth.net. My replies are failing via the forum.

Brian