In the late 1990s I purchased a Holland & Holland .500 Black Powder Express double rifle with steel barrels (mint bores) with underlever and an oak & leather case from Australia (for an excellent price). When it arrived in Columbus Ohio, I received a notice it had arrived at the importer's company.
Drove to the Columbus airport and importer's office gave me a paper to take to the custom office. That office was located in what was once know as Rickenbacker Air Force base south of Columbus.
Drove there and walked into the office and presented my paper work to the custom official. As I remember I was only asked one question- is this for my personal use? I said yes it is a black powder rifle made in the late 1880s.
It was stamped approved -no tax (I was very surprised).
This was the 2nd firearm I personally imported -the 1st was a H&H hammer shotgun made in the 1880s. it arrived via USPS mail and was delivered to me with no import tax -handed to me by postal carrier at my school where I worked in 1988.
Sometimes, maybe it depends on the officer/agent on duty???
I am optimistic that the tariff issue will help us in the long run.
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