C & R - Import Into The USA

[Alan de Enfield]

Does the following 'cut & paste' mean that a US licensed importer can import a BSA, Maltby, Lithgow etc Enfield but cannot import (re-import) a Savage Enfield.

"The Curios and Relics FFL
a. Introduction
by Junil A. Kim (PANACHINO@delphi.com)
>From ATF Publication 5300.11 (12/89):
The Licensed Collector's Activities

Subject to other applicable provisions of the law and regulations, a collector's license entitles its holder to transport, ship, receive, and acquire curios or relics in interstate or foreign commerce, and to dispose of curios or relics in interstate or foreign commerce to any other Federal firearms licensee. However, restrictions are imposed on importations into the United States. Only licensed im- porters can bring in military firearms. Military surplus firearms sold under "Lend Lease" and similar arms assistance programs cannot be imported, as these weapons are >>prohibited<< by the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (22 USC 2778). Those collectors having questions concerning the importability of specific curio or relic firearms should contact the Bureau of ATF, Firearms and Explosives Import Branch, Washington, DC 20226."

Does this mean (for example) that you could import (without being a licensed importer) a Non-military Enfield

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[breakeyp]

"Foreign commerce to a Federal Licensee is a fascinating concept--the licensee would have to be over seas to be involved in foreign commerce---can foreign nationals in other countries apply for a C&R??

Seriously your red lined entry is the crux of the argument. A C&R can import any C&R eligble that has no military affiliation. BSA sporters could come in but sporters made in England by BSA or Gun Smiths using military actions cannot come in.

The laws must have changed as I tried to import on my C&R 10 years ago and was rejected. I did import target new manufacture actions for a fellow with my 01 license.

[terryinvictoria]

Speaking to the ATF a few years ago they said yes a foreign national can apply for a C&R license.
Now I do understand that there would most likely be a few conditions to that statement. Namely I was speaking to her as a Canadian. I would imagine citizens from countries like, Iran, North Korea and many others would be banned from applying.

However she said that the ATF would allow me to apply for a C&R license as a Canadian holding a valid firearms license in Canada. They would not allow a non firearms licensee from Canada to apply for a C&R license.

That's the Canadian slant on the story as told by the US ATF on C&R apllications by Canadians.

Regards
Terry in Victoria

[Brian Dick]

Any FFL licensee except an (03) C&R can do the occasional import of a sporting firearm as long as it meets BATF&E criteria.

Savage No.4 riflers can be imported but only by an (08), licensed importer. You must first obtain a retransfer authorization from the U.S. Dept. of State or BATFE Imports Branch won't approve it.

[texasaggie2010]

does the restriction apply to antiques? for instance, I am a licensed FFL 03 and am in Europe this summer. If I find an old british musket or some such and it was worth bringing back would it still be considered a "military firearm" and go through an FFL08?

[Jc5]

"A C&R can import any C&R eligble that has no military affiliation. BSA sporters could come in but sporters made in England by BSA or Gun Smiths using military actions cannot come in.

One goal for my research into Lee Speeds and other commercial Lee Enfields is to show people like the ATF that commercial Lee Enfield sporters have NO military affiliations, being produced as sporting rifles for civilian sale. (The details of the actions are different than the military versions in most cases, not that it should matter!) I hope it will make importation easier.

Side rant: Would be better if we could get someone in government to adjust the rules. This is of course pure bureaucratic B.S. and there's no reason for such laws. How do we get a "collector's amendment" tagged on to some innocuous piece of legislation?

[Alan de Enfield]

does the restriction apply to antiques? for instance, I am a licensed FFL 03 and am in Europe this summer. If I find an old british musket or some such and it was worth bringing back would it still be considered a "military firearm" and go through an FFL08?

You may have problems actually buying the rifle (on this side of the pond).
Whilst I cannot speak for the rest of Europe (although I believe the concept is similar) In the you cannot buy a weapon without a licence (I dont believe a US licence will have any authority in Europe to a 'casual caller')
I have just sold a rifle to Canada (yes I know its not the USA) the buyer had to arrange for an Importer / dealer to get the import licence / paperwork whilst I had to use a registered dealer / exporter to sort out the paperwork this side.

I'm sure BDL will be able to confirm as he is regularly importing into the US

In the UK we do not have quite the same concept of either Antique or C&R.

The deciding factor as to the need for a licence is "calibre". If a calibre is available then you need a licence to buy.
So if you find a 1880 rifle in 303 you need a licence.
If you found a 1920 'pin-fire' then you dont need a licence.