Selling a rifle from Canada to the US?

[sapsk]

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

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

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.

[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.

[sapsk]

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.

---------- Post added at 05:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:10 PM ----------

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.

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!

[browningautorifle]

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

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

[sapsk]

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

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!!

[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.

[sapsk]

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.

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

[browningautorifle]

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...

[old tanker]

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.