An interesting idea for my Gewehr 98 sporter *Project Update Dec. 20th 2011*
- Thread starter Nabs
- Start date
Well I checked out this website: FAQ for importing firearms, and it listed what I would have to go through to get a firearm into Canada. The barrel is also not an exempted part so it seems I will need to go through the process. Can anyone confirm if this is the way to do it to get a non-exempted firearm part into Canada from the US ?
Alright, someone tell me if I understand this correctly:
To import a firearm (or non-exempted firearm part, my barrel for instance) I would contact International Trade Canada and request a blank International Import Certificate, fill it out, and mail it back to International Trade Canada to be certified. I would then mail it to down to the seller in the US who has the barrel.
While that is being done, I would contact the CFC and request pre-registration for the barrel so it can clear through the Canada Border Service Agency.
When the seller receives my International Import Certificate, he would then fill out his own copy and send both of them in to the Department of State.
When the export license is sent back to the seller, he would then mail the barrel to me and I would clear it through the CFC once it has arrived.
I do have some questions:
How would I go about declaring the value of the barrel to Customs Canada ?
Would the US export license be mailed separately from the package or with it ?
The seller in the US (I am assuming at the moment as I haven't asked) does not appear to be a major firearm dealer but a common dealer like myself, would he be exempted in any way for the US export license ?
Would the US Seller apply to his State department (in the state he lives in) for the US version of the International Import Certificate ?
To import a firearm (or non-exempted firearm part, my barrel for instance) I would contact International Trade Canada and request a blank International Import Certificate, fill it out, and mail it back to International Trade Canada to be certified. I would then mail it to down to the seller in the US who has the barrel.
While that is being done, I would contact the CFC and request pre-registration for the barrel so it can clear through the Canada Border Service Agency.
When the seller receives my International Import Certificate, he would then fill out his own copy and send both of them in to the Department of State.
When the export license is sent back to the seller, he would then mail the barrel to me and I would clear it through the CFC once it has arrived.
I do have some questions:
How would I go about declaring the value of the barrel to Customs Canada ?
Would the US export license be mailed separately from the package or with it ?
The seller in the US (I am assuming at the moment as I haven't asked) does not appear to be a major firearm dealer but a common dealer like myself, would he be exempted in any way for the US export license ?
Would the US Seller apply to his State department (in the state he lives in) for the US version of the International Import Certificate ?
Why would you request pre-registration of the barrel from the CFC? Barrels aren't registered.
The package will have declared value, this is used to calculate taxes owing.
To export a firearm part, the shipper must be a licenced exporter.
The US exporter applies to the US Department of State for the export licence.
The package will have declared value, this is used to calculate taxes owing.
To export a firearm part, the shipper must be a licenced exporter.
The US exporter applies to the US Department of State for the export licence.
Sorry, I was just trying to make sense from what information was posted on the International Trade Canada website. They had FAQ section relating to firearm parts but directed me back to the import process for importing a firearm. Forgive my ignorance at the process as it is the first time I have sat down to try to understand it.
Can I assume that I can then cut out the pre-registration part with the CFC ? If so, how would the Canada Border Services Agency react when this package shows up at the border and they do not know what it is ?
I have bought exempted parts from common sellers (not dealers) in the US before and I am familiar with the "sticker" forms they have fixed to the packages where the value is declared and the description of the item is given as well as if it is a gift or not box to be ticked
If I go through International trade canada for the import license, mail it down to the seller and he mails his copy that he received from the Department of State back to the Department of State along with the copy of my import certificate, he should technically be issued a export license since he is a seller and it is simply a barrel (a 29" one at that, not a 3" barrel for a pistol that would undoubtedly be flagged), right ?
Again, my only real concern is the Border Services Agency and how to let them know the seller and I have gone through the proper channels to clear this barrel. Would a copy of the export license be fixed to the outside of the package or something like that ?
Can I assume that I can then cut out the pre-registration part with the CFC ? If so, how would the Canada Border Services Agency react when this package shows up at the border and they do not know what it is ?
I have bought exempted parts from common sellers (not dealers) in the US before and I am familiar with the "sticker" forms they have fixed to the packages where the value is declared and the description of the item is given as well as if it is a gift or not box to be ticked
If I go through International trade canada for the import license, mail it down to the seller and he mails his copy that he received from the Department of State back to the Department of State along with the copy of my import certificate, he should technically be issued a export license since he is a seller and it is simply a barrel (a 29" one at that, not a 3" barrel for a pistol that would undoubtedly be flagged), right ?
Again, my only real concern is the Border Services Agency and how to let them know the seller and I have gone through the proper channels to clear this barrel. Would a copy of the export license be fixed to the outside of the package or something like that ?
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Alright, I am in talks right now with Questar International (thank you for the reference, Coyote) in relation to importing the barrel the legal and safe way, hopefully it won't be outrageously expensive to do.
After browsing the US State Department's website in relation to seeing what a US seller would have to do to export a firearm or non-exempted firearm related part, it is no wonder why you simply do not see people import milsurps into Canada, the bureaucratic hoops you have to jump through is amazing.
If this works, I should still be on target to completing my Gewehr 98 sniper clone project.
After browsing the US State Department's website in relation to seeing what a US seller would have to do to export a firearm or non-exempted firearm related part, it is no wonder why you simply do not see people import milsurps into Canada, the bureaucratic hoops you have to jump through is amazing.
If this works, I should still be on target to completing my Gewehr 98 sniper clone project.
- Location
- Newmarket,Ontario
A question for those who may have the answer in regards to proper metal finish. I have been successful in removing the layers of rust that covered the exterior of the 1905 Danzig but she still needs a bit of work. As a result of the intense polishing, some of the metal is quite shiny and reflective. I would like to restore the "dull" polished look, any idea how I would go about doing this ?
roberto mervici
Regular
- Location
- Prov.Quebec, Canada
Hi, couple of months a go I send a siamese mauser action and a barrel .458 socom to a US federal license smith in Washington state for some work ( cut the shank of the barrel and make a new shank 14TPI to match the siamese action rechamber to 45/70, install the barrel, and make a new follower.)
Prior sending I check with export canada and was told no document are required, US side I talk to ATF, Department of State and US Custom, all told me to send no problem....I did and as precaution I included in the box copy of canadian registration and letter explaining the reason I send it.
The box reach destination and two weeks later the smith inform me that the rifle was on his way back.
3 days later the smith got a call from US Custom that the rifle got seased since He did not apply for export license. Papers of the seasure arrive 2 weeks later, both of us contacted the US Custom that exercise the seasure and explain that we export nothing, the smith just return my parts after performing some work.... they want to hear nothing... export license is required, and to apply for the license the fees is US$ 2250.
Finally almost 3 mths later and many calls to Department of State,
the license was granted (finally we found one knowledgeble employe that advise us for situation as our once in a life time there is exemption of the $ 2250 fees. )
The canadian International Import Certificate only guarantee the end user to the country exporting the weapon or parts of it, but if the part came from US the export license is mandatory for any weapons or part of it.
_______
roberto
Thanks for sharing your experience. I played it safe and went with a licensed importer/exporter and that was Questar International. With their help, I had no issues getting the replacement barrel and parts across the border. CBSA had even opened the box for inspection despite it being clearly marked. For those who want to run the gauntlet, cavet emptor!
Good news with regards to the sporter. The rifle and barrel replacement are currently at the gun smith and are awaiting work. I have also been able to locate a proper German style bayonet lug to replace the South American short one on the replacement foreend piece for the stock.
I have also decided to go forward with restoring the stock to full military length as it is the original matching one to the rifle. I have checked around and recieved some very interesting ideas as to how to splice the replacement foreend on.
The bolt handle will be the most tricky of them all as I am going to attempt to re-straighten the bolt handle again. I was informed by my gun smith that a process known as "tag welding" (hope I got that right from memory) would be the best way. For restoring the bolt handle, I would simply cut right at the part where it is bent down, file both ends smooth and square, and re-attach perhaps with the tag welding method. The bolt is the matching one to the rifle so I want to do my absolute best to save and restore it.
At the moment, the biggest issue is whether or not the replacement barrel will properly head space with the bolt and fit in the receiver. Fingers are crossed.
Presently, I have decided to hold back on turning the rifle into a reproduction Gewehr 98 sniper due to the lack of a proper scope mount and scope. My main effort will be restoring the rifle back to full military configuration and primarily using it as a display and re-enactment piece.
As for the restoration progress, I will post some images for those interested.
Good news with regards to the sporter. The rifle and barrel replacement are currently at the gun smith and are awaiting work. I have also been able to locate a proper German style bayonet lug to replace the South American short one on the replacement foreend piece for the stock.
I have also decided to go forward with restoring the stock to full military length as it is the original matching one to the rifle. I have checked around and recieved some very interesting ideas as to how to splice the replacement foreend on.
The bolt handle will be the most tricky of them all as I am going to attempt to re-straighten the bolt handle again. I was informed by my gun smith that a process known as "tag welding" (hope I got that right from memory) would be the best way. For restoring the bolt handle, I would simply cut right at the part where it is bent down, file both ends smooth and square, and re-attach perhaps with the tag welding method. The bolt is the matching one to the rifle so I want to do my absolute best to save and restore it.
At the moment, the biggest issue is whether or not the replacement barrel will properly head space with the bolt and fit in the receiver. Fingers are crossed.
Presently, I have decided to hold back on turning the rifle into a reproduction Gewehr 98 sniper due to the lack of a proper scope mount and scope. My main effort will be restoring the rifle back to full military configuration and primarily using it as a display and re-enactment piece.
As for the restoration progress, I will post some images for those interested.
Alright, here are some photos to showcase the project so far.
First, an overview of the parts that will be used in the restoration project:
Some pictures of the replacement fore-end piece I will be using to restore the stock to full length again. These pictures show the original bayonet lug mounted but it has been replaced with the long "H" style German one.
The fore-end needs some re-finishing work but that isn't a worry at this time and will be one of the last things on my project list.
With the help of a key, I am highlighting the area where the splice will occur. This is just forward of where the rear sight base will be sitting.
Now for some pictures of the Sporter and her condition as of today. At the moment, I am not planning on re-bluing any of the metal parts that originally had it.
This sporter has came a long way. When I got her, you could not operate the bolt. The action was rusted shut as was the floor plate to bottom of the trigger guard. All metal surfaces were covered in a very thick layer of rust. The bore was also filled with cobwebs, dust and dirt, and was certainly not safe to shoot. With some love and care, the sporter has been brought back to safe operating conditions. I also took her out to the range before turning her in to my gun smith and she shot quite well. Except for the rear trigger guard screw and the bolt internals (which match themselves), every part matches the receiver.
The bayonet lug replacement is unmarked and, most important, fits the stock perfectly without being loose or off center. The lug also successfully mounts the proper period bayonets without issue and, after cleaning the cleaning rod channel of debris, accepts a standard 15 inch cleaning rod. Any one got any idea what rifle this bayonet lug would have come off ? I got it as part of a Mauser parts grab bag.
I do have some questions for those who have traveled a similar path, as I am right now, in the past. Any thoughts on filling the hole in the bolt knob ? The gun smith suggested welding and adding some materials that, with the help of the weld, would solidify. I know the visual appearance won't match but that is fine.
As for the bayonet lug, any thoughts on how to remove the bluing on there without polishing it to a highly reflective and/or scratchy shine ? My preference would be to put a look that is similar to the bayonet lugs on Gewehr 98s of the period with a dull polished finish.
Finally, any additional thoughts on splicing the new fore end on ? I am approaching the issue as collector with a duffel cut rifle would in mind.
Thank you all, hope your enjoy the progress pictures. I will post on whether or not the barrel replacement was a success (fingers crossed).
First, an overview of the parts that will be used in the restoration project:
Some pictures of the replacement fore-end piece I will be using to restore the stock to full length again. These pictures show the original bayonet lug mounted but it has been replaced with the long "H" style German one.
The fore-end needs some re-finishing work but that isn't a worry at this time and will be one of the last things on my project list.
With the help of a key, I am highlighting the area where the splice will occur. This is just forward of where the rear sight base will be sitting.
Now for some pictures of the Sporter and her condition as of today. At the moment, I am not planning on re-bluing any of the metal parts that originally had it.
This sporter has came a long way. When I got her, you could not operate the bolt. The action was rusted shut as was the floor plate to bottom of the trigger guard. All metal surfaces were covered in a very thick layer of rust. The bore was also filled with cobwebs, dust and dirt, and was certainly not safe to shoot. With some love and care, the sporter has been brought back to safe operating conditions. I also took her out to the range before turning her in to my gun smith and she shot quite well. Except for the rear trigger guard screw and the bolt internals (which match themselves), every part matches the receiver.
The bayonet lug replacement is unmarked and, most important, fits the stock perfectly without being loose or off center. The lug also successfully mounts the proper period bayonets without issue and, after cleaning the cleaning rod channel of debris, accepts a standard 15 inch cleaning rod. Any one got any idea what rifle this bayonet lug would have come off ? I got it as part of a Mauser parts grab bag.
I do have some questions for those who have traveled a similar path, as I am right now, in the past. Any thoughts on filling the hole in the bolt knob ? The gun smith suggested welding and adding some materials that, with the help of the weld, would solidify. I know the visual appearance won't match but that is fine.
As for the bayonet lug, any thoughts on how to remove the bluing on there without polishing it to a highly reflective and/or scratchy shine ? My preference would be to put a look that is similar to the bayonet lugs on Gewehr 98s of the period with a dull polished finish.
Finally, any additional thoughts on splicing the new fore end on ? I am approaching the issue as collector with a duffel cut rifle would in mind.
Thank you all, hope your enjoy the progress pictures. I will post on whether or not the barrel replacement was a success (fingers crossed).
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Here is an update for those that have been waiting and watching quietly in the shadows, this is where my project for re-creating a Gewehr 98 sniper project is sitting as of today, June 1st 2011.
I have received the period telescopic sight from a private seller in the U.S. today. The lower ring is missing but the private seller, who is working on a similar Gewehr 98 sniper project, has some very good leads for acquiring a proper reproduction lower ring and mounting bases. The book, "Rifle and Carbine 98 by Dieter Storz, has some great close up shots of the proper mounting bases that would be required to use this scope.
A few weeks ago, I finished most of the restoration work on the 1905 Danzig. Presently, she has been restocked in a late war trim stock and a barrel replacement from a parted out 1917 dated rifle. She was gun smith inspected and test fired with the replacement barrel but not with the current stock set. I plan on taking her up to the Borden milsurp shoot this coming Saturday for trials.
The beech stock has some big cracks in the wood but they have been stabilized.
I will be contacting my gun smith to discuss bending the bolt down, recessing the stock, and scope mounting procedure so please stay tuned.
For now, here are some pictures. She has come a long way from the rusty, dirty, cut down and forgotten sporter I picked up two years ago.
Included also is a concept picture showcasing what the scope setup would possibly look like when completed.
Thoughts, comments, questions are welcomed and encouraged.
I have received the period telescopic sight from a private seller in the U.S. today. The lower ring is missing but the private seller, who is working on a similar Gewehr 98 sniper project, has some very good leads for acquiring a proper reproduction lower ring and mounting bases. The book, "Rifle and Carbine 98 by Dieter Storz, has some great close up shots of the proper mounting bases that would be required to use this scope.
A few weeks ago, I finished most of the restoration work on the 1905 Danzig. Presently, she has been restocked in a late war trim stock and a barrel replacement from a parted out 1917 dated rifle. She was gun smith inspected and test fired with the replacement barrel but not with the current stock set. I plan on taking her up to the Borden milsurp shoot this coming Saturday for trials.
The beech stock has some big cracks in the wood but they have been stabilized.
I will be contacting my gun smith to discuss bending the bolt down, recessing the stock, and scope mounting procedure so please stay tuned.
For now, here are some pictures. She has come a long way from the rusty, dirty, cut down and forgotten sporter I picked up two years ago.
Included also is a concept picture showcasing what the scope setup would possibly look like when completed.
Thoughts, comments, questions are welcomed and encouraged.
Nice work on the restoration. I would be inclined to leave it as is though. I think what you've got on the receiver ring is the base for some kind of sporter sight, not a scope. The work is not of the German style or known types, nor is it strong enough to mount a scope.
If you really want a sniper replica, find a correct scope with rings and that will dictate what bases etc. to use.
There are ten WWI era German scopes for every genuine WWI SSG scope. The originals will have "Gew. Nr. ..... " engraved on the tube, and the knob marked 1 - 10. Without at least one of those features it's just seller hype to call it a "sniper scope".
What are the details of the scope in your photo?
If the bolt handle is turned down you will have to mill out the clearance relief in the stock and stain it to match the rest. Possible but not easy.
If you really want a sniper replica, find a correct scope with rings and that will dictate what bases etc. to use.
There are ten WWI era German scopes for every genuine WWI SSG scope. The originals will have "Gew. Nr. ..... " engraved on the tube, and the knob marked 1 - 10. Without at least one of those features it's just seller hype to call it a "sniper scope".
What are the details of the scope in your photo?
If the bolt handle is turned down you will have to mill out the clearance relief in the stock and stain it to match the rest. Possible but not easy.
The cut out on the receiver was from the previous owner who had a dove tail slot cut out and a base put on, I have since removed that hideous thing.
Presently, there are no mounting bases on the rifle, I must measure the diameter of the scope tube to see what mm rings would fit. The seller I purchased the scope from has some very good leads in this area as he is presently completing a very similar gewehr 98 sniper clone project of his own. He pointed me to a French company that makes reproduction WW1 German ring bases and scope rings for this style of scope.
The scope present in the photo is one of those scopes made from 1915-1918. The rifle's serial number is still present on the top "Gewehr Nr. 9470". It was made in Berlin by the C.P. Goerz company. It is a 3 fold scope with adjustments from 100m to 1000m in 100m increments. The sight picture is still crisp and clear.
The tough part I can see is what you mentioned in regards to the stock recess. The beech wood is quite light in colour so making any sort of recess below the surface will reveal it. Ideas in this area would be greatly appreciated.
I have not taken my own pictures of the scope but here are some images that the seller provided me. The lower claw mount is separate from the base at this time as it is the one that needs to be replaced with the proper reproduction scope ring, the upper claw mount appears to be original to the scope. For those who have already seen the scope photos in the related "Scope from the U.S." thread, I apologize for re-posting:
As for that hideous dove tail base on the receiver, I think she looks a lot better with it removed:
Original period images and WW1 war movies, like "Beneath Hill 60" and "Lost Battalion", have been quite inspirational in the completion of this project.
Presently, there are no mounting bases on the rifle, I must measure the diameter of the scope tube to see what mm rings would fit. The seller I purchased the scope from has some very good leads in this area as he is presently completing a very similar gewehr 98 sniper clone project of his own. He pointed me to a French company that makes reproduction WW1 German ring bases and scope rings for this style of scope.
The scope present in the photo is one of those scopes made from 1915-1918. The rifle's serial number is still present on the top "Gewehr Nr. 9470". It was made in Berlin by the C.P. Goerz company. It is a 3 fold scope with adjustments from 100m to 1000m in 100m increments. The sight picture is still crisp and clear.
The tough part I can see is what you mentioned in regards to the stock recess. The beech wood is quite light in colour so making any sort of recess below the surface will reveal it. Ideas in this area would be greatly appreciated.
I have not taken my own pictures of the scope but here are some images that the seller provided me. The lower claw mount is separate from the base at this time as it is the one that needs to be replaced with the proper reproduction scope ring, the upper claw mount appears to be original to the scope. For those who have already seen the scope photos in the related "Scope from the U.S." thread, I apologize for re-posting:
As for that hideous dove tail base on the receiver, I think she looks a lot better with it removed:
Original period images and WW1 war movies, like "Beneath Hill 60" and "Lost Battalion", have been quite inspirational in the completion of this project.
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OK, Goerz 3x that's been reworked post war. I'm not sure what that fugly thing on the objective is but it's not original and should come off. Probably put on because wiping condensation off the recessed lens was too difficult. Not a WWI military modification because a little mirror like that on the end of your scope would get you a .303 slug between the eyes pronto.
The range dial has been polished down. You could have the markings re-engraved, but they were filled with solder originally and painted over. You've probably seen the photos of that.
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2736/imgp1221d.jpg
And I guess you've seen the rest of the photos there: http://tirmilitaria.heberg-forum.net/ftopic6876-0-asc-80.html Since your scope is in them!
The original rings: http://didare.de/zfrgoertz3.jpg
The front base was adjustable with a key for windage in the same way a lot of the rear rings were in other mount systems. The base shown in that thread is missing the windage screw.
If someone is making repros of those rings and bases you're all set.
The range dial has been polished down. You could have the markings re-engraved, but they were filled with solder originally and painted over. You've probably seen the photos of that.
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2736/imgp1221d.jpg
And I guess you've seen the rest of the photos there: http://tirmilitaria.heberg-forum.net/ftopic6876-0-asc-80.html Since your scope is in them!
The original rings: http://didare.de/zfrgoertz3.jpg
The front base was adjustable with a key for windage in the same way a lot of the rear rings were in other mount systems. The base shown in that thread is missing the windage screw.
If someone is making repros of those rings and bases you're all set.
Coyote Ugly
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
What was the average life of a WW1 or WW2 German Sniper? Days, Weeks?
I worked with a Canadian Vet from WW2 and they got a German Sniper that was shooting at them that was high up in a tree, they turned the turret on the Sherman Tank and they got him with the 75mm Gun. Boom. No more Sniper shots after that.
The Tank Commander just caught the rifle flash by looking in the right direction at the right time and took action.
Needless to say, A BIG SMILE on the Tank Commanders face right after he said "Watch This" and then fired the Cannon!
I worked with a Canadian Vet from WW2 and they got a German Sniper that was shooting at them that was high up in a tree, they turned the turret on the Sherman Tank and they got him with the 75mm Gun. Boom. No more Sniper shots after that.
The Tank Commander just caught the rifle flash by looking in the right direction at the right time and took action.
Needless to say, A BIG SMILE on the Tank Commanders face right after he said "Watch This" and then fired the Cannon!
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Wow, that is my scope too! The original post was from October, 2009 and in the Europe. Nice to see who had it before the seller in the U.S. and I got a hold of it.
The seller mentioned the scope more than likely saw some post WW1 service. That doesn't bother me though.
It is a shame the range dial graduations were almost polished off. Luckily, I have been able to identify the increments of 100m up to 800m.
I do agree that the objective lens may have been replaced at one point as I can find no matches for this style in my book. It may be, however, a manufacturer difference, as there appears to be a large variety in how the scopes are made and appear and the mounting bases on which they sit.
I will post some up to date photos of the scope later on tonight as the wear and tear isn't as bad as it looks in the photos.
The seller mentioned the scope more than likely saw some post WW1 service. That doesn't bother me though.
It is a shame the range dial graduations were almost polished off. Luckily, I have been able to identify the increments of 100m up to 800m.
I do agree that the objective lens may have been replaced at one point as I can find no matches for this style in my book. It may be, however, a manufacturer difference, as there appears to be a large variety in how the scopes are made and appear and the mounting bases on which they sit.
I will post some up to date photos of the scope later on tonight as the wear and tear isn't as bad as it looks in the photos.
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