Import grandfathers shotgun?

[jcm331]

Hey all,
So my dad and grandfather came to the US back in the 70s. They kept my grandfather's house back there in sicily. My grandfather who passed away in 2013 has his old Beretta shotgun back in Sicily. My grandfather and my dad both hunted with that shotgun and consider it an heirloom. Anyway we can get that shotgun in the US so we can keep itnin the family? My dad is going back to Sicily on Friday and will be there for a little over a month

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Short answer is YES you can.

Long answer is that is requires some applications and BATFE review/approval (Typically longer than the amount of time your Dad will be back in Sicily).

Detail answer: Depending on exactly how old the shotgun is....you need to have an FFL submit BATFE Form 5330.3A.

Requirements for importing new or antique firearms/ammunition

help.cbp.gov

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[oneshot86]

and Theis knocks it out of the park again

 

[jcm331]

Awesome thank you! I assume then it's just a matter of shipping the firearm from Italy to the importing ffl.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Yes and No....

That is the process of importing it into the USA....Italy will have their own requirements for exportation and I do not know anything of that process, sorry. More than likely you will need a dealer there along with your approved BATFE import permit to file application for an Italian export permit but do not hold me to Italy requirements...not my specialty

Edited To Add:
Whatever you do, do NOT have the shotgun imported into the USA while the BATFE is either reviewing the import application or while you find FFL to submit import application.
Customs will hold for 30 Days then it gets sent to a contracted holding warehouse and daily storage rates are typically 26$ per day in your area. In Houston the daily storage rates are typically 33$ per day for a single shotgun.
IF at all possible...let it stay in Italy until you have all the ducks in a row from all sides.

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[jcm331]

Got it, thank you. Much appreciated.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Talk to any of the big auction companies like James Julia. They import and export all the time.

There is a fee, but it is easy and safe.

If you contact The Beretta Gallery in New York, they can probably help you, too.

Possibly also New England Custom Guns In Nh.

Don’t try and do it on your own! One screw up and the gun could get impounded
Or worse. Get a professional importer to do it and pay the fee. It is usually small... 200-300 dollars.

Cheers, Sirhr

 

[oneshot86]

there you have it

 

[7.62willdo]

Please ensure that there is no ivory on the gun iat all, up to and including the bead on the front of the barrel customs has seized rifles and shotguns for having the smallest amount of Ivory inlaid or otherwise .......jmtcw.