Import
 

I have never bid in a foreign auctio, but am thinking of trying for a couple of guns in an English auction. How hard is the importation process, and is there anything that needs doing before bidding? Any recommendations as to who are good import services/agents?

Call Charles at British Sporting in Millbrook NY.

Art,

Good luck and remember to factor in all the costs (e.g., buyers premium, exchange rate, and export/import cost). Also, there is no inspection period to return the gun. I use Steve Bertram to do the import. He'll bring in several guns at a time to reduce the shipping costs.

Ken

We had a guy come by the shop a month ago for us to fill out some papers for him to submit to the ATF and he was having a gun sent to us he’d bought in auction somewhere in the UK . What we did I didn’t think could be done but in actuality was perfectly legal . Every form had to be in triplicate . Anyway it has me watching the UK auctions on Invaluable a might closer . Wouldn’t mind picking up a decent K-80 or K-20 or quite possibly a Perazzi MX-20 or MX-28 .

I had Glenn Baker import several British SXS over the years. He had a contact in the UK that could look at the shotgun before I bought it- which was a great help.
Understanding what costs are involved including shipping from the seller to the company that will ship to the US, import costs including possible fees of everyone involved.
Ask as many questions as you can to be well prepared.
Be sure to post photos of your new toys.
Good luck!
Jim

Griffin & Howell will import and export

The last time I exported a gun to the UK it cost me $500.

Charley Pfleger at Hill Rod and Gun in Bozeman brings in gobs of English guns; has for years, so he knows the ins and outs.