i'm just wondering if anyone on this board has attempted to bring over components?
call the canadian customs and ask them.
First, it has NOTHING to do with CANADIAN customs. When you bring something across the border you are EXPORTING it from the US and IMPORTING it into Canada.
So there are laws from BOTH countries to obey. Importing? Canada doesn't care, Exporting? The US DOES care.
If you have a question about exporting from the US, here is the email:
DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov
In the regulations, the restrictions and penalties are no different for components, ammo, parts for complete firearms.
Here is an example and references:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=623967
As noted, if you are caught in an export check by Homeland Security, getting of "lucky" means you keep your car, and you are allowed to return to Canada later that day. But all your purchases are confiscated, you are banned from ever entering the US again, and also put on the airline watch list.
Ask yourself, is it worth it?
Yes, this has happened to a member on this board, ( I remember reading a couple years ago) and it wasn't even a component, but an item in the grey zone. Holster or something. He didn't find out he was banned until the next time he went to cross the border. Remember, that US Customs doesn't need (much of) a reason to ban you.
And there are random exit checks at the Buffalo crossings, and they can even stop you if you are near the border, the so called "border zone"