Purchases abroad?

[MudPuppy]

I may be taking a job in Europe. There will be substantial travel all over the continent.

Would I be able to purchase parts or magazines to return with me when I transer back out to the states (or mailed home during my stay)?

Primarily, I'm curious about polish magazines or bulgarian gas blocks for Kalishnikov variants. I am not talking about anything currently restricted, like receivers, frames, or barrels.

(I also know that internet legal advice is worth about half what you pay for it and won't base my actions on what I hear on the 'net, but would like possible opinions/experiences since I don't have the time to dig into this in detail...and I'm still kickin' the tires on the offer anyhow.)

 

[Sunray]

You'd have to comply with local laws first. Part export restrictions are totally different in Europe. Not all, if any, European countries allow the purchase and export of any parts by visitors anyway. Especially AK parts.

 

[MD_Willington]

You could also look up From 6 at the BATFE...

I called BATFE L M N O P about Russian magazine parts, not complete magazines, & I was advised to list the parts on a form 6 even if the parts were under $100USD, and say they were for "Personal Use Only"...

 

[MudPuppy]

Thank you--I'll start there.


Would that advice apply if you were traveling on vacation? I have no idea the time involved in Form 6 redtape. (I'm hopefully--and reasonably certain--of Russian travel. I think I'll pretty much be able to pick and choose...nice.)

 

[TheBigBulgarian]

You will not be able to buy anything legally from Bulgaria.
It is very hard or nearly impossible for the "unprivileged" citizen to own an AK.
Most legally owned private arms are shotguns, pistols and bolt action rifles. And it is a PITA to get those too.

 

[MudPuppy]

I'm thinking more about parts. Magazines, gas blocks, maybe optics?

I'll be living in England, so I have no illusions about getting a factory milled AK in Bulgaria and taking it back to London with me.

ETA To clarify, I would be living in England for an extended time. My firearms for which I'd like to acquire accessories would remain in the USA. I'd just like to get some cool stuff locally if possible for when I would return.

 

[Sunray]

The Form 6(not From 6) is for temporarily importing a firearm for hunting or target shooting. It has nothing to do with importing anything permanently. Certainly not parts. Duty and taxes aren't the ATF's responsibility either.
"...living in England..." You'd have Her Majesty's Government following you if you're running around Europe buying firearm parts. MI 5(Brit equivalent of the FBI) would be camped on your door step.

 

[MudPuppy]

I'm hoping to work with the MI 5 (and 6) a bit!

Seriously though, you can't even own gun parts in England?

 

[rkba_net]

"The Form 6(not From 6) is for temporarily importing a firearm for hunting or target shooting. It has nothing to do with importing anything permanently. Certainly not parts. Duty and taxes aren't the ATF's responsibility either."

This is incorrect...


There are several different ATF Form 6's and duty and taxes are a different issue...

ATF Form 6 NIA (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War by Nonimmigrant Aliens

ATF Form 6 Part 1 (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War

ATF Form 6 Part 2 (Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL ONLY

He will need to use ATF Form 6 Part 1... he will be able to import parts (NOT receivers, frames or complete firearms) this includes bolts, magazines, barrels and ammuntion etc etc. if he wants to import a firearm he will need the services of an licensed importer... however regular FFL's are allowed to make an occational importation but most do not know this... BTW as a sidenote ATF Form 6 Part II is used by military personnel to import "Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War" they are allowed to import SPORTING firearms... for more info see...

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/feib/guidebook/FEIB-GB.pdf

or contact

Firearms & Explosives Imports Branch
244 Needy Road
Martinsburg, WV 25405
Phone: (304) 616-4550
Fax: (304) 616-4551

 

[MD_Willington]

Yep 6 NIA is for us armed Canucks that want to hunt and participate in sanctioned events in the USA...

I have looked into this as I did own firearms in Canada, at the time of my hire and subsequent move to the USA...

Though I figured it was such a PITA to bring my stuff, that instead it was actually sold in Canada and left there...