Tula, Imports, "neither a rifle nor shotgun"

[ZepTepiNeteru]

Somewhere along the line I discovered and became enamored of the MTs series of arms produced by ?Tula Arms.

MTs-28

After a good bit of investigation, and an email from a Tula executive, I had found that Tula was not exporting to the United States. The executive was vague as to the reasons but further investigation uncovered an import ban by the US State Department due to suspicion of arms deals with various rogue nation/elements. That seemed to be the end of the story...

Then I noted in Volume 57 Issue 26 of Shotgun News (22SEP03) that SSME was able to import the Tula TOZ-78. A quick email inquiry to them and a response: unable to import as the MTs-27, MTs-28, and MTs-29 are not classified as just shotguns or as rifles.

So, does anyone have any idea what the deal is here? Is it merely a matter of some fedgov bureacrat not having the right box to check on a form? Is there some kind of ban specifically on combo arms? Why does import of the TOZ-78 bypass the State Department but an MTs cant get through import procedures?

 

[keederdag]

So, I'm guess'in from the look's this is a semi-auto shotgun rifle O/U?

 

[Sergeant Bob]

It is a "Combo" rifle/shotgun indeed. I suspect it is not legal for import due to the fact it doesn't fall into one specified category and BATF probably doesn't even have a "Combo" category.

Is it merely a matter of some fedgov bureacrat not having the right box to check on a form?

I think you are correct in that assumption. I did some searching for the answer but could find nothing on the subject so that's just my opinion.

 

[keederdag]

Oh man so what are we supposed to do if we're half American Eskemo and half African American. Huh.....A 4473 kunundrum?

 

[4v50 Gary]

Talk about interesting guns those Russians make. I'm glad the Cold War is over (ahem, not as antagonistic) and we're friendly (not aiming missiles) with each other.

 

[ZepTepiNeteru]

Normal chamber/action/configurations for the ones I mentioned are as follows...

MTs-27: 9x53 bolt action single over 20ga semi

MTs-28: 20ga semi over 22lr semi

MTs-29: 20ga bolt single over 22lr semi

Here is the answer to a question Ive never heard asked....

The MTs-255, a five shot 20ga revolver...

 

[C.R.Sam]

Not at all difficult to screw up the paperwork for export or import.
Especially if the item requires both State and Treasury departments approval.

Yes, I have the forms. ( somewhere )
No, I cannot use them without professional help.

Sam

 

[robear]

Hmm..

Hey, keederdag, that's a good name for a new wildcat..

"The .4473 Kunundrum"