Antique gun import from UK?

[zombienerd]

That is too cool that you guys were able to do this

I can't imagine how much money will be gone into this total, but I've gotta say I'm proud of you guys for even trying.

 

[Hillbillyz]

Two governments working and getting something correct, what are the odds that will ever happen again.

 

[Geneseo1911]

fantastic news, Bob!

We would love to see a pic of the old warhorse; better yet one of you shooting her!

 

[Bob88]

A Sad and Unfruitful End to a Long Struggle

I just wanted to come back and report that after all the effort we made to get this piece from the UK to the USA, it has finally hit a dead end. This because of ridiculous costs for an official to personally transport the weapon from the UK authorities to the airport to be exported to the USA. There seems to be no way around this and the former owner (who surrendered it to authorites) is trying to have it put into a museum instead, anything but having it destroyed.

Guess I can put my state department clearance letter that I worked so hard to get can go in a museum too.

Sorry I don't have better news but thought you all might like to know how it turned out. Not well.

Regards,

Bob

 

[ScottsGT]

This because of ridiculous costs for an official to personally transport the weapon from the UK authorities to the airport to be exported to the USA.

So how much is this ridiculous cost, if you don't mind me asking??

 

[Odd Job]

I am also curious, my guess is £200 - £400

 

[ScottsGT]

I am also curious, my guess is £200 - £400

that's still reasonaable for what the outcome would be. I'd pay it.

 

[Bob88]

I wrote my UK buddy to be sure (or get more detail), his previous email said $1000 US or more. Two official guys, vehicle with lockbox bolted to vehicle, etc...

Sucks.

 

[ScottsGT]

Well, WWII Colts are bringing $1500 plus. Still might be a good investment.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Maybe it would have been better to store it for when Britain calls for aid in the form of arms again. It has happened twice already.......

 

[woodybrighton2]

might be worth trying the people on arrse.co.uk the army rumour service have some firearms dealers might no a work around if you ask in the shooting sports section.

 

[Oro]

$1000 US or more. Two official guys, vehicle with lockbox bolted to vehicle, etc...

OMG. You have to be kidding. This is what it takes to move an unloaded firearm in the UK these days?

At this rate, pretty soon, even the POLICE won't be allowed to babysit children. Oh wait, that's already the law:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/sep/28/government-orders-review-babysitting-police

 

[woodybrighton2]

NO you can move long guns around fairly safely.
at the commonwealth games at bisley competitors .22 target pistols were moved around in a special armoured car with armed police as escorts

meanwhile the machine gun club (they exsist and its legal ) vickers and lewis guns plus ammo were in the back of a ratty landrover

 

[femoralis]

Woodybrighton2, you have GOT to tell us about the british machine gun club....

 

[Cosmoline]

does he have an ocean worthy sailboat... do you?

LOL that's what I was thinking.

Sorry to hear it didn't work out, but not surprised.

Maybe you should forget the 1911 and smuggle *HIM* to freedom!

 

[woodybrighton2]

They exist its a few old boys with a couple of vickers and lewis guns.
You can legally own machine guns,rpg's, grenade launchers etc in the UK all you need is a part 5 firearms certificate good luck with getting hold of one though
you've got to have a good reason to own one. "because I want one or its just so kewl won't do"
how or why the machine gun club survives I don't know keeping a low profile having historical valuable weapons that are not attractive to criminals hardly going to do I drive by with a vickers are you probalby helps.

 

[philuk44]

One of the older members at my club is a firearms dealer and has a section 5 certificate. He tells stories of "back in the day" when he would take the train from London to the ranges at Bisley carrying a sub-machine gun or two and a pile of ammo............

Phil