Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

[Fx1]

Hi.

Can anyone tell me the best way to export a rifle from the US?

i have seen a company who charge $400 to do the paperwork + shipping on top called Simpsonltd.com

But i was wondering if anyone else did the same service but maybe more competitive price?

Also why does the UK have to go through all this bull shit to get a rifle out of america?

Thanks!

 

[Advokaten]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

The fee for the export license is 400 USD,

no real way that it can be lower than so.


One way us swedes have done it prior is that we get the permitt for the rifle, as a UK living person I belive that you have to have it written up on your letter, similar things.

Then I have arranged all the pre requisites for returning with a rifle, ie a European firearms passport and travel documents,

traveled to the place the rifle is located and then taken it with me back home.

This can at least be done within Europe since I have done it.

As regards to the costs, well it´s part of not accepting standard rifles.

/Chris

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

So the 400$ is the fee for the export permit?

It amazes me that the US government wants to harm its own economy by making it so difficult to buy from the US.

i thought it was hard to get guns in the UK!

 

[Shooter21]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

Why not buy an accuracy international or Sako TRG and not worry about the export

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

I have not considered the AI AE yet.

i have a Sako 85 and i find the bolt and action interface pretty loose.

i like CNC machined actions and the custom look of maybe a surgeon or GAP rifle.

UK gun smiths seem to want paying in gold bullion they are so expensive!

 

[jagged77]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

What is it you are wanting to export? There's a wide choice of factory and custom options available off the shelf here in the UK most of which are from the US. My local dealer has both Surgeon and (dare I say Lawton) actions kicking around ready to build on with a choice of Bartlien, Pacnor, Tru-flite barrels, not to mention a full range of Manners stocks.
If you read through this site regularly you will see that the Accuracy International is up there as one of the most highly regarded platforms, they are available on your doorstep...

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

Yes have you see how much money a UK gunsmith wants for a custom rifle.

i was quoted over £5000+ thats near $8000+ for a rifle that i can get off the shelf from Surgeon or GAP for $3000-$5000

AI rifles are very heavy and im not sure i want one that heavy.

 

[Shooter21]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

AI is heavy, but a sweet shooter

 

[jagged77]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes have you see how much money a UK gunsmith wants for a custom rifle.

i was quoted over £5000+ thats near $8000+ for a rifle that i can get off the shelf from Surgeon or GAP for $3000-$5000

AI rifles are very heavy and im not sure i want one that heavy. </div></div>

Sounds like they're taking the piss.. I can put you in touch with a good smith that can build you a quality custom rifle for under £3K.

I've found that the general rule of thumb is that if a rifle retails for $3K in the US then buy the time its over here, proofed and duty paid its usually the same amount or slightly more in pounds (£3K +).

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

well this rifle needs to be carried around a field and over fences but always shot off a bipod so it doesnt need to be a stalking rifle but it cant be a back breaker either!

 

[jagged77]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

PM sent with a couple of options for you

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes have you see how much money a UK gunsmith wants for a custom rifle.

i was quoted over £5000+ thats near $8000+ for a rifle that i can get off the shelf from Surgeon or GAP for $3000-$5000

AI rifles are very heavy and im not sure i want one that heavy. </div></div>

Sounds like they're taking the piss.. I can put you in touch with a good smith that can build you a quality custom rifle for under £3K.

I've found that the general rule of thumb is that if a rifle retails for $3K in the US then buy the time its over here, proofed and duty paid its usually the same amount or slightly more in pounds (£3K +). </div></div>

i live walking distance from the Birmingham proof house so i can get this done myself at the lowest cost.

i still cant work out how 1.64 USD to GBP ends up a 1:1 conversion but UK importers must think we are stupid.

$4000 = about £3000 after tax and shipping. not £4000!

 

[Advokaten]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

Same same,

well the 400 USD is for an export permit, regardless,
ie one or ten rifles,

in Sweden we try to get US made barrels, it´s a hassle and then some however the 400 USD spread out ower 20-40 barrels will lower the ower head cost a lot,

the other barrels available here are Lothar Walter and perhaps some from Shultz and Larsen,

beyond that no barrels.

Fx1 suck it up money wise and try to negotiate with the importers/shippers for a better price.

/Chris

 

[jagged77]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes have you see how much money a UK gunsmith wants for a custom rifle.

i was quoted over £5000+ thats near $8000+ for a rifle that i can get off the shelf from Surgeon or GAP for $3000-$5000

AI rifles are very heavy and im not sure i want one that heavy. </div></div>

Sounds like they're taking the piss.. I can put you in touch with a good smith that can build you a quality custom rifle for under £3K.

I've found that the general rule of thumb is that if a rifle retails for $3K in the US then buy the time its over here, proofed and duty paid its usually the same amount or slightly more in pounds (£3K +). </div></div>

i live walking distance from the Birmingham proof house so i can get this done myself at the lowest cost.

i still cant work out how 1.64 USD to GBP ends up a 1:1 conversion but UK importers must think we are stupid.

$4000 = about £3000 after tax and shipping. not £4000!

</div></div>

Unless you are an RFD you will not be allowed to have an unproofed firearm in your possession period so how do you figure you're going to take it to the proof house??

I've been through this exercise many times and I've no axe to grind with any of the importers or distributors I've dealt with. I wouldn't the want the hassle and cost of importing only to have to deal someone like you for the return they get that's for sure... Good luck ;o)

 

[Fx1]

Re: Exporting a Custom Rifle from The US to UK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fx1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes have you see how much money a UK gunsmith wants for a custom rifle.

i was quoted over £5000+ thats near $8000+ for a rifle that i can get off the shelf from Surgeon or GAP for $3000-$5000

AI rifles are very heavy and im not sure i want one that heavy. </div></div>

Sounds like they're taking the piss.. I can put you in touch with a good smith that can build you a quality custom rifle for under £3K.

I've found that the general rule of thumb is that if a rifle retails for $3K in the US then buy the time its over here, proofed and duty paid its usually the same amount or slightly more in pounds (£3K +). </div></div>

i live walking distance from the Birmingham proof house so i can get this done myself at the lowest cost.

i still cant work out how 1.64 USD to GBP ends up a 1:1 conversion but UK importers must think we are stupid.

$4000 = about £3000 after tax and shipping. not £4000!

</div></div>

Unless you are an RFD you will not be allowed to have an unproofed firearm in your possession period so how do you figure you're going to take it to the proof house??

I've been through this exercise many times and I've no axe to grind with any of the importers or distributors I've dealt with. I wouldn't the want the hassle and cost of importing only to have to deal someone like you for the return they get that's for sure... Good luck ;o)

</div></div>

Well thats not what i heard is actually the law. I have 3 rifles that have been cut and altered which require a reproof and it doesnt need to be done until i sell the rifle on to someone else. (Edit: i have an RFD local who can send to proof when he goes)

You mean someone like me who isnt stupid enough to hand over my money without knowing exactly what im getting.

Yes im sure you and others prefer fools and their money which are easily parted.

Please dont give me the sob story that these people dont make much money from importing! Because no one buys it. In this economy people cant afford to hand over £1000 more than they should for a rifle.

UK importers order small and sell high which leads to high prices and long lead times.

Im out of Hornady .223 ammo again until further notice! i wonder why!

But anyway im going to be doing my homework before i spend money on this rifle. At least the US has a forum full of happy customers here which helps in my choice.