How to import personal gun into US?

[Nanook]

I have a cousin who lives in Hong Kong and since it went back to mainland China it will now be difficult and expensive to own a handgun.
The question is, what kind of hoops does he have to go through to legally bring this gun into the US? Is it possible at all?
It's not an 'assault' rifle, just a .40 handgun. Full cap mags but that's easy to take care of, just get rid of them to make that go away.
I figured it would be easier just to sell it in HK and buy another one at home.
Anybody have any ideas?

 

[Wildalaska]

You can import your personal firearm into the US on occasion, you need an FFL holder to do it for you...

 

[Nanook]

WildAlaska, thanks for the reply. It confirmed what I found out from the ATF 'site. I checked there after I posted the first message.

The gun was made in the US, but is stamped for export sale, not for sale in US. What I don't know is if that's because of the standard capacity mags, or for some reason the entire gun.

According to the ATF web site, an FFL can import a gun as long as it's not for resale, or for a non-licensee. This is without an import license. He would need a form filled out and sent to the ATF import section. Once they accepted it and sent the form back, the form would be given to Customs at the time of importation. In today's climate, I'd be a little squeamish about attempting such a thing, but at least it appears it's possible.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

To import a gun, you can download a copy of ATF Form 6, fill it out and send it to ATF for approval. Provided there is no importation restriction for that firearm, they will approve it and send the form to you.

You then take the Form 6 to an FFL and he handles getting the gun and then transfers the gun for you.

 

[Nanook]

A correction of my previous post. The magazines are marked for export only, not for sale in the USA. The gun is not so marked.

Thanks for the reply, HKmp5sd. I wasn't sure when I read the ATF site. I'm going to d/l the form and send it to my aunt. They can take it from there. There are plenty of FFLs in the area they can deal with.