Mother-in-law wants to buy me a gun while traveling abroad

Doubt it.

First of all I doubt any European/EU Country would let a non EU citizen buy a gun there.

Want to trade mother-in-laws? I'll give you a good deal on my anti-gun model...

wouldnt you need an importers liscense?

It's been awhile since I have dealt with this, but there is an ATF license required to import a firearm. There are some FFLs that might be able to make the arrangements, i think the best people to talk to would be the big C&R import houses that deal with this daily like AIM Surplus etc.

The thing of it is that the United States is probably the best place in the world to buy a handgun. Short of specific rare collectors guns anything you could find in another nation is probably going to be cheaper and *much* easier to purchase in the US.

When I had my FFL a few years ago it was legal for a Type-01 to "infrequently import" firearms.

You did not then have to be a licensed importer.

Ask your local FFL if he will do this for you. They probably won't hassle with it though because they do not understand how to do it.

If your FFL would call his local Field Agent, they could talk him through it.

On your end, first thing you need to do is find an FFL that will receive the firearm. As stated above, any 01-FFL can do this for you, if you can talk them into it. Not many will be aware they can do an import for you, so they may refuse. You then need to submit ATF FORM 6 - Part I (5330.3A) to ATF. If they approve the importation, your FFL then presents the approved ATF FORM 6 - Part 1 and a completed ATF FORM 6A to the US Customs Service.

You can download the forms here: http://www.atf.treas.gov/forms/5000.htm#firearms

My MIL bought me a Ruger SP101 last Christmas, she is a real sweatheart

What kind of gun? Isn't an "antique" is it? I think it'd help if it was, but I'm doubting that's the case here. The paperwork here will be a hassle on a modern gun, and I can't imagine what it'd be like trying to buy one in Europe to send here, as Europe is quite restrictive for the most part, and even more so towards foreigners.

Tell your MIL

That we would love to have her on thr!

Good luck getting your import. If it happens, please post an update.


This is one of the guns I would love to get imported....

Baikal Skyph MP-448 9x18




Type: Double Action
Calibers: 9x18 Makarov
Weight unloaded: 590 g
Length: 162 mm
Barrel length: 94 mm
Capacity: 12 rounds

The MP-448 'Skyph' pistol has been developed at Izhevsk Mechanical Plant (IzhMech, also known under the trademark "Baikal") during late 1990s, as an enhanced version of the famous Makarov PM pistol, which is also manufactured by IzhMash. The MP-448 'Skyph' pistol is offered for export sales and for local authorities.

The MP-448 'Skyph' pistol is a blowback operated, semiautomatic pistol with polymer frame. The double action trigger with external hammer and slide-mounted safety-decocker is similar in design to Makarov PM pistol. The disassembly procedure for MP-448, however, is different as the trigger guard is integral to the frame, and there's a separate disassembly lever at the left side of the frame, above the trigger. The magazine release is also different from PM, as it is made in the form of large rectangular button, located at the left side of the grip, next to trigger guard. Double-stack magazine has a polymer buttplate and contains twelve rounds of 9x18mm Makarov ammunition. The slide, while similar in design to PM pistol, has different shape and is not interchangeable with it. Sights are fixed, with the rear sight being dovetailed into the slide.

It's not difficult

At least it wasn't 10 years ago. I bought a higher grade AYA SxS in Eibar Spain. It was a planned trip and purchase. I had an import permit however the manager didn't care about "no stinking permit" Their country only operated under their laws. Anyway, the gun was shipped via Lufthansa to Florida and United to S.F. which was the closest customs airport to my location. ATF charged a fee to inspect the gun to make sure it wasn't an illegally imported firearm. I hired an agent to fill out the paperwork at the customs warehouse at S.F airport and ship it to a local FFL. This was a new gun and if I wouldn't have saved almost $1500.00 on the original purchase it probably wouldn't have been worth the hassle and time.

I dont know what its like nowadays, but a family friend was Naval Aviator back in the late '80's and early '90's. He said that during port calls in the Mediterranean, him and some of his buddies would buy brand new Glocks, supposedly dirt cheap, and brought them back with them.

This is one of the guns I would love to get imported....

Click to expand...

The gun still has to meet U.S. regs for "sporting purposes" to be imported. That pistol might not qualify as the ATF has a "points" system based on the features of the pistol. The small caliber (9x18) and fixed sights hurt that particular gun. (A gun gets more "sporting purpose" points for 9mm or larger, adjustable sights, target grips, etc. Size and weight also count)

Just wanted to let you know there is more to importing a firearm then just finding a FFL willing to do it and filling out the correct paperwork and paying customs duties.