Importing a firearm from overseas

**RandomTask** · April 10th, 2007, 08:22 PM

I'm looking at buying a handgun that is currently in Germany. The seller is a bona fide business. The pistol is a model that is/was available in the US, but this one has a collectible serial number at an attractive price.

What is involved in obtaining the gun? Do I just have them ship to my FFL like normal?

**Holleta** · April 10th, 2007, 08:34 PM

I think that's a very big no-no. Otherwise anyone could "import" banned Chinese or Russian weapons at will via their friendly local FFL.

In order for a weapon to meet US import requirements it must pass a whole gammit of very strict (and becoming increasingly more strict) BATF requirements and the importer must have/fill out many forms/licenses to do such.

**1FingrCHan** · April 10th, 2007, 09:37 PM

How is about Gi bring back?, lot of Iraqi AK can be dissassembled and reassembled again, he he he, just kidding..

1FingrCHan

**GRoPA** · April 10th, 2007, 10:05 PM

It is a long process. A lot of paperwork tha must be filled out in triplicate and submitted to the ATF for approval. Not really worth it. Good luck finding a dealer to go through the hassel for you.

**RandomTask** · April 10th, 2007, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by Holleta

I think that's a very big no-no. Otherwise anyone could "import" banned Chinese or Russian weapons at will via their friendly local FFL.

If anyone is wondering, the gun is an HK P7 PSP. The attractive part is that it has a very low serial number, probably made in the first month of the first year they made them.

**JayBell** · April 11th, 2007, 02:38 AM

its legal, and its a hassle, however, when you get it here, it has to be engraved with the importers name, address, and serial #(factory ser# already there ok) which will destroy collectability.

its OK if it said HK Firearms Chantilly VA, but "Random task, Anywhere PA" on it may not be enhancing:-)

**LorDiego01** · April 11th, 2007, 09:57 AM

When we moved to the US, my dad wanted to bring his collection with him. He was really into shooting, and at one point had to choose between his corporate work or professional shooting.

Even with that, it wasn't worth the hassle.

**phillyd2** · April 11th, 2007, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by RandomTask

If anyone is wondering, the gun is an HK P7 PSP. The attractive part is that it has a very low serial number, probably made in the first month of the first year they made them.

Buy it and send it back in pieces. Is that Legal? No. So if you do it don't advertise it.

**GRIZ** · April 11th, 2007, 06:12 PM

If it is a model that isn't imported to the US, ATFE hasn't approved it for importation and you can't bring it in even if you were a licensed importer. If you were a resident of Germany and immigrating or moving back to the US you can import your personal firearms. No NFA weapons and I'm not sure about something that hasn't been approved for importation.