Importing vintage air rifles

[edbear2]

I am fairly sure that I am going to have to work away.... in the USA (Indianapolis area) for 3, or even 4 weeks soon ....so I am going to try and sneak some time off to see if I can unearth any old guns in the area....there are quite a few gun shops, and it "feels" like an area where some digging may produce something......The thing is, on the way back I will be on a normal scheduled flight (probably KLM)..Just say that I found for example, a BSA 1938 break-action, and had a receipt for it etc.....Does anyone know of any pitfalls I may encounter bringing it back?.......or would it be easier to just break it down and post it?......Any advice, or info would be much appreciated....

I will only be looking for Pre 1939 stuff as I think this may be easier to get back due to the VCR...ie classed in the UK as a "curio/collectable.

[Mark D]

Firstly you would need to check with the airline to see if they will carry airguns, my experience, which goes back to 2006 is that most will provided they go in the cargo hold and are in a padlocked case. You just declare them at customs and it's job done. If you post them to yourself you will get caught up with customs and parcelforce clearance charges. My last experience with this was with a Hy Score pistol, which took me 6 weeks to prize away from the customs boys and girls.
The only thing I would check on is any new restrictions that may be in place due to the VCR.
Good luck hunting down those pre war bsa's

[chuckjordan]

MarkD was on the money. Here are the (US) TSA (transporatation security administration) guidelines. At the ticket counter you declare you have a firearm. they take you aside, you sign a form, and off it goes into the hold. If you already have the stock removed from the action, it's slightly easier. No pellets with the gun (and DON'T bring anything on-board the cabin). And do check with your airline that they'll allow it.

Good luck on your search in Indianapolis, it'll be rare that you'll find what your looking for at a gunshop, but, you may search for a gun show and you'll have a better chance there. I'm sure you will have much more fun at a gunshow!

Good luck!

Chuck

[Vic Thompson]

When I imported an airgun from the US, it was roughly as above, in addition, I had to "prove clear" at the check in desk, ie, provide the item for inspection. Also, Customs told me that the item has to have a red label on it, be handled only by approved staff members, and taken to the red customs channel. When I arrived there, they took little interest in it, the easiest part of the transaction.
The airline didn't red flag it. The R+R's are on HM Customs Web Site so I have been told.

HTH, Vic T

[edbear2]

When I imported an airgun from the US, it was roughly as above, in addition, I had to "prove clear" at the check in desk, ie, provide the item for inspection. Also, Customs told me that the item has to have a red label on it, be handled only by approved staff members, and taken to the red customs channel. When I arrived there, they took little interest in it, the easiest part of the transaction.
The airline didn't red flag it. The R+R's are on HM Customs Web Site so I have been told.

HTH, Vic T

HI Vic......many thanks to you, very helpful and interesting links!.....also thanks to you other guys.......all I need to do now is try and get some time away from the job whilst over there......

[edbear2]

Back Today......With a very clean Premier (ser 2657) found in a pawn shop.....also found a almost unfired, boxed with all bits, BSA scorpion, but the guy wanted $200, and I was very happy with the webley.....

My Importation experience was very positive, will repeat here in case others are interested.( although most was covered in members answers to my original question)

Flew Delta out of indy....They have no problem with fullbore pistols or rifles, plus up to 8lb weight of cartridges

Checked in my suitcase (hard case type...if soft case pistol must be in a case of it's own)

Told the staff there was a air pistol inside.....A TSL rep came and looked at it, checked it was uncocked/unloaded, and that was that......A large sticker was applied to the suitcase to show it contained a "firearm"....and it was taken away separately by a specialist handler.

Arrived at Heathrow....my name came on the tannoy to identify myself to a delta rep....there was my case standing behind the reps desk...

"so you have a firearm to declare....what type is it".....said the rep as he got a large form ready.

"It's a 40 year old Webley .177 air pistol"

"Oh...O.K.,wont bother with the paperwork, we only were told it was a pistol... just go with this lady to the customs red desk"

Customs opened the case......asked about paperwork and how powerful it was, plus it's value....Very friendly and helpful, and could see it was an older gun and no problem after I explained all the details......whole episode took 10 mins max!

So....common sense and a polite, helpful approach = a nice result!

Will post pics of webley and bsa, plus some of gander mountain's gun dept., in a while after I wade through the 6 2gig cards I used up in my camera....

[edbear2]

Okey Dokey..BSA and gander mountain gun dept piccys here;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3122848...7622318223327/

Webley piccys here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3122848...7622398254537/

Not much in the way of airguns in gander mountain.......but check out the little pink stocked rimfire rifles for 8 - 10 year old girls........even the American guys who I worked with all had various loaded weapons in their vans.......from .38's to .44's.but to be fair, to a man, the attitude was "I hope to god I never have to use the thing, but my and my family's safety is my main concern"

Sobering stuff when you see a guy fixing a fuseboard in a house with a .38 snubby in an ankle holster