Is it ever worth importing?

[PlasticJock 539]

I've heard a few people talk about importing things like scopes and some accessories from overseas (usually USA), due to the cost of some things over here.

My question is this: Most Americans think we're crazy paying about $2500 for a new remi 700, to use that model as an example.

Over there I've seen them advertised for $700. Would it be worth importing, or would the price, by the time the bumflufferies ie import/export licence, end user certificates, finding an RFD and licensed couriers have been dealt with, not be much different than buying over here?

 

Also, has anyone imported any quality gear, for example S+B, Zeiss, certain rifle stocks and made a saving?

[paulus 26]

I've heard a few people talk about importing things like scopes and some accessories from overseas (usually USA), due to the cost of some things over here.

My question is this: Most Americans think we're crazy paying about $2500 for a new remi 700, to use that model as an example.

Over there I've seen them advertised for $700. Would it be worth importing, or would the price, by the time the bumflufferies ie import/export licence, end user certificates, finding an RFD and licensed couriers have been dealt with, not be much different than buying over here?

 

Also, has anyone imported any quality gear, for example S+B, Zeiss, certain rifle stocks and made a saving?

depends if they check the boxs labeled as dog chews

[riflehunter583 58]

i tried to import a scope from the us last year but no go becuase there is a trade embargo on scopes from the us with more than about 4 x mag! customs can and do seize such goods.

 

i have imported stuff from the far east for years and the duty is small say 2 / 3%

 

the vat is the same 20%

 

but this has been for other goods not firearms from the far east

[Rake aboot 4,936]

German galss is just the same price, even dearer once duty and VAT is added. I`m off there in 2 weeks and have started a shopping list already, I reckon mostly hunting clothes, boot etc, Maybe glass if I can get a good deal on a decent scope. And outside edge swingblades. $35,

[PlasticJock 539]

Clothes and boots defo, maybe roe sacks as well

[Hawkeye. 26]

had a few things from USA. Cost + carriage and uk carrier charge + VAT meant I didn't save much.

[The Duncan 802]

[JohnGalway 1,043]

A few years ago when the dollar was worth camel shit was the time to buy stuff from there, not so good now.

[COMPO 54]

i bought a winchester knife in the states when on holiday.......it was a third of what it would cost here.

 

no experience with importing firearms but my wife has ordered other items from teh states.......they have to list what it is on the outside of the packet, and the cost, you are charged a tax for it leaving the states and then obviously you pay the cost of postage and then there are taxes at this end usually also........end result it may save you money but ......its a lot of paper work and hassle may just be easier to do a bit of overtime and pay the asking price here at home.......the difference in prices is probably the above costs passed on by the importers......

 

 

my boy goes to a cadet unit, i am actually taking some of the cadets shooting this weekend.....one of the instructors who is their range officer and who i am spending a bit of time with sorting out and getting approval for the clay shooting travels with his work.......he also has a fac for rifles and black powder pistols and he contemplated buying a new pistol and importing it from the states the last time he was there........however the confusing and various legal jumps and the importation costs put him off...........and apparently they dont consider black powder pistols "firearms" in the states so he wouldn't have needed any kind of permit or license to purchase it........the paperwork would have started at the airport.

[COMPO 54]

i also bought a gunsock and a few other bits.......every time i go on holiday i try and get a few bits.....most of the time now i go on holiday to france and buy shooting and hunting stuff there.

 

something else to consider the usa dont "proof" their guns , several european countries do and can be imported without having to send the gun to a proof house afterwards