I am new to this segment of the hobby and have spent a fair amount of time researching which firearms I acquire. One thing that has struck me is the breadth and depth of what is available on the American market and its significantly lower prices (apart from some Russian variations). I'm not referring to U.S. firearms which I would assume would be less expensive, but to dealer advertised prices for European imports. Is this simply a factor of economies of scale? Or is there some other reason? Also, do members here commonly purchase firearms in the U.S. and simply pay the importation fees? It seems like that would be a reasonable and cost effective way to build a collection. Any advice on this would be appreciated.
American Inventories\Prices
- Thread starter ajagcapt
- Start date
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The American Marketplace is very large compared to the Canadian one. While most of the Milsurp parts and rifles once went to the USA, that has changed considerably since Homeland Security became involved.
Military Rifles and equipment that was freely imported into the USA, (such as firearms), has dried up dramatically, and the prices of many firearms had risen due to supply and demand. An instace of this is the SVT-40 that can easily be bought for $250-$300 in Canada but now commands prices upwards of $600 in the USA. Some of the ones offered are nearing the $1000 range.
There is also a matter of paperwork, regulations, and approvals. Potential Dealers and Exporters MUST obtain the necessary licences to export certain items and do not really want the headache of having things approved. This is one of the reasons Importers charge you about $250 to import a rifle from the USA, so unless it is a special rifle, it simply is not worth it to a Canadian buyer.
There are some exceptions, particularly in the area of "Antiques" but everything pretty well has to meet the approval of both American and Canadian Governments and Laws.
The American Marketplace is very large compared to the Canadian one. While most of the Milsurp parts and rifles once went to the USA, that has changed considerably since Homeland Security became involved.
Military Rifles and equipment that was freely imported into the USA, (such as firearms), has dried up dramatically, and the prices of many firearms had risen due to supply and demand. An instace of this is the SVT-40 that can easily be bought for $250-$300 in Canada but now commands prices upwards of $600 in the USA. Some of the ones offered are nearing the $1000 range.
There is also a matter of paperwork, regulations, and approvals. Potential Dealers and Exporters MUST obtain the necessary licences to export certain items and do not really want the headache of having things approved. This is one of the reasons Importers charge you about $250 to import a rifle from the USA, so unless it is a special rifle, it simply is not worth it to a Canadian buyer.
There are some exceptions, particularly in the area of "Antiques" but everything pretty well has to meet the approval of both American and Canadian Governments and Laws.
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Welcome to the hobby/addiction.
I've brought two Ross rifles north, working with Clay at Prophet River (sponsor here and great service). Even with the fees, the math worked in those instances. Mind you, the dollar was a wee bit stronger than it is now. As for greener pastures south of the border, if you are a US collector who sees something here in Canada, it is a really complicated and expensive process to have it brought south.
I've brought two Ross rifles north, working with Clay at Prophet River (sponsor here and great service). Even with the fees, the math worked in those instances. Mind you, the dollar was a wee bit stronger than it is now. As for greener pastures south of the border, if you are a US collector who sees something here in Canada, it is a really complicated and expensive process to have it brought south.
Thankfully, there are still some areas in the U.S. where Milsurps are reasonably priced, and even with the fees charges by Prophet River for importing, are less expensive than purchasing in Canada. Don't get me wrong, I always try to buy local first, but when I see some rifles attempting to be sold on the EE for 50-100% more than market value, it only makes sense to look south.
