International Shipping question

[303 Gunner]

As far as general importation questions, you would have to work with an exporter in the country you are purchasing the rifle and an importer here in the United States. I imported a pair of Mk III snipers from the UK a few months ago. The whole process took about 6 months start to finish. It was fairly painless thanks to a high level of proficiency on both sides. I'm going on almost a year for my imports from South Africa due to a few crossed wires along the way, so your mileage may vary.

I can only really speak to bolt action milsurps, as that is where my experience lays. Rifles built pre-1899 are categorized as antiques and do not require an import permit. 1899 and on do, and additionally must be in unmodified military configuration and have been in the country of origin for at least 5 years to be importable. U.S. manufactured rifles are not currently importable. Your importer will fill out an ATF application for permission to import the rifles. My first one took 3 months for approval. Additional ones since then have taken about a week. For both the UK and South Africa, their export applications can start once an approved import permit is granted on the U.S. end. Once the rifle is brought in country, it is required to be import marked by the importer. As far as costs, they vary by importer, but tend to be a base price for the first rifle, then smaller additions for additional rifles. My Mk III's cost ~$1500 in import fees all said and done. However, they were exempt from duties due to their age (Over 100 years old).

There are a number of excellent importers here in country, including our own Brian Dick. I'm sure any of them would be happy to give you more detailed information!

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