Bringing a 5.56-marked AR in the US for a training course - possible?

Ok, so would they allow a temporary import of a Norc M4 with a different upper that has a 16" barrel on it? Has anyone done this?

Cheers,

MarkT
As far as I know, because I know two people who have been denied Form 6NIAs as a result of this, Chinese guns are not allowed.
 
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Toxic,

What did you list that you expect to be denied? Norc?

A Russian SKS made in 194?. It might get accepted but I'm not too optimistic. There is a list of firearms that are acceptable for import (not temporary import mind you) and the Russian rifles and pistols listed does not include the SKS. Anything Chinese is a no go on that list so I didn't bother listing any Norc stuff. From what I can tell...and it's a quagmire...that list for permanant import is what they go off for country of origin for temporary imports.

I will post here when I get my form6NIA application back. In fact I might do up a how to post and see if it can get stickied. I wish I had that going in to this process...
 
Ok, so would they allow a temporary import of a Norc M4 with a different upper that has a 16" barrel on it? Has anyone done this?

Cheers,

MarkT

Nope because it's Chinese made. The problem with the Norc is that they royally pissed off the U.S. several years ago. Basically Norc was inapropriately (some would say illegally) importing arms into the U.S. From what I can tell some may have even been FA. That seems to have been the catalyst for China being a banned country for firearms imports.
 
Nope because it's Chinese made. The problem with the Norc is that they royally pissed off the U.S. several years ago. Basically Norc was inapropriately (some would say illegally) importing arms into the U.S. From what I can tell some may have even been FA. That seems to have been the catalyst for China being a banned country for firearms imports.

I suppose that if I really want to take a course in the US, I'd better get a gun that's made in North America, eh?

I just don't want to go to the trouble of paying more for a US-made AR and then have it denied over something as trivial as having 5.56 stamped on it somewhere. Sounds like that's not going to be the issue though.

My other confusion lies with the justification that must be made to allow me to attend the course in the first place. I guess it depends on the provider as to how closely they're trying to comply with ITAR.

Cheers,

MarkT
 
I suppose that if I really want to take a course in the US, I'd better get a gun that's made in North America, eh?

I just don't want to go to the trouble of paying more for a US-made AR and then have it denied over something as trivial as having 5.56 stamped on it somewhere. Sounds like that's not going to be the issue though.

I submitted my form6 with both AR's (RRA pistol and RRA rifle) as 5.56mm. I don't expect a problem but again I'll know for sure in a couple weeks.

My other confusion lies with the justification that must be made to allow me to attend the course in the first place. I guess it depends on the provider as to how closely they're trying to comply with ITAR.

Cheers,

MarkT

All I can tell you is that if you have a valid hunting license for any state and an authorized form6 you are legal to be in possession of a firearm in the U.S. As for attending the actual course I don't know...
 
Interesting thread. I was not aware of the training issue at all. I sent my form6 in a few weeks ago with my invitation to a competition, but also an invite to a two day competition class with Phil strader. Now i'm worried it's going to be a no go for the class.
I'm going to guess it will fall under the "training" issue also?
 
ATF is fair with the NIA issue .. just follow their rules and avoid Norinco Chinese made guns. Also make sure and get a US hunting licence. as low as $20. Usually a fast turnaround with a FAX number .. they can always ammend your existing permit if required.

If anyone has a link on the training courses being limited to US citizens only .. please elaborate? Thanks
 
]If anyone has a link on the training courses being limited to US citizens only .. please elaborate? Thanks

From another site;

ITAR is an acronym that stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR §§120-130) that are administered by the U.S. Department of State through the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under authority of the Arms Export Control Act (22 USC §2778). ITAR places strict controls on the export of "defense articles" and "defense services." Defense articles include any item, software, or technical data on the United States Munitions List (USML). Defense services include the furnishing of assistance (including training) to foreign persons, whether or not in the United States, with respect to defense articles, and the furnishing of any technical data associated with a defense article. Any defense article, service, or related technical data found to be on the USML requires an export license to be exported; i.e., given to a foreign person, whether or not in the United States.

Defense Service:

1. The furnishing of assistance (including training) to foreign persons, whether in the United
States or abroad in the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarization, destruction, processing or use of defense articles;
2. The furnishing to foreign persons of any technical data controlled on the USML (see 22 CFR §120.10), whether in the United States or abroad; or
3. Military training of foreign units and forces, regular and irregular, including formal or
informal instruction of foreign persons in the United States or abroad or by correspondence courses, technical, educational, or information publications and media of all kinds, training aid, orientation, training exercise, and military advice. (See also 22 CFR §124.1.)


From the US Training Center (former Blackwater);

If you're a US citizen with clean background, you can train at the facility on most of the open enrollment courses. LE and Military can take other specific courses (Sniper, SWAT 1) with credentials. We have had some foreign nationals take open enrollment courses after there was approval granted from on high. Contact Angela at 252 435 2035 for further. Hope that helps.
 
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So mildot, from what i am reading from your post^^^^ it almost sounds like you wouldn't be able to take training if it is considered "defensive" or has a military background. A "competition class" would not fall under this. Correct?
 
Yes, the same grey area in which Guy Savage will shortly be renting property for several years while wearing an orange boiler suit.

As I've said about a million times, check with the State Dept. We are not psychic and cannot know what they consider ITAR to apply to. Just call up the PMDDTC and ask them, or write them a letter, etc. You cannot infer that because person A was okay that you will be okay, some of the decisions the State Dept. make are based on very fine interpretations of US law, and those regulations change quite frequently.

There is no "grey area" - the State Dept defines that area. If they want you to submit a DSP-83 or whatever you have to do it.

and how.

Good post.
 
So mildot, from what i am reading from your post^^^^ it almost sounds like you wouldn't be able to take training if it is considered "defensive" or has a military background. A "competition class" would not fall under this. Correct?


Well that can be a "subjective" question, in the case of the "Blackwater" course they made reference to for instance the Beretta M9, as this is a US service pistol and any knowledge on it or info would fall under ITAR.

So "training" that requires you to use cover and concealment may not be seen as purely educational.Can you see where the course material and the instructors are up for interpretation.

I can only speak from my own personal experience with Blackwater and Glock.

In the case of Blackwater they required a TTA (Technical Training Agreement) they have one in place with the CF, so CF members can train.No agreement, no training even for MIL/LE.

In the case of Glock, they require approval of the DSP-83 end user certificate.

Like most laws ITAR is written for the benefit of the US DOS and has lots of leeway and interpretation. Would a US CCW course be considered training? or attending the SIG Academy? I don't know.

I talked to LAV at SHOT last year about a course at Silverdale, and we couldn't come to the conclusion if a simple 1911 pistol course would constitute a infraction under ITAR? or would the addition of the DSP-83($250 fee)make it viable for students?

LAV's schedule is booked from Jan-Dec, not much of an incentive for him to come up for a 1-day or a 3-day.

Moreover its just too complicated to attend the kind of course in the US that would make the effort worthwhile. Most accomplished IPSC and IDPA shooters IMO would not get much from a basic one day pistol course.

For me the real advantage would the range facilities like at Blackwater and the training staff. I've done a couple of HK courses and that really made the difference.
 
Well i guess the fact that there is "leeway" and "interpetation" involved, i will just have to sit back and see what the fax machine spits out when the form6 comes back.
Thanks for your information.
 
I don't know how "short" or "long" your memory is but remember when the Magpul DVD series came out.This was an ITAR restricted item, its not until recently that they have made it up north for sale. If a DVD can constitute training through the mere act of watching it?, what does that tell you about any other type of "hands on training" ?, furthermore the scope and reach of the ITAR regulations?

I'm no SME buy any stretch of the imagination, I have just related some of my own personal experiences. I suppose if you can get the trainer to submit the DSP-83 (about 6 weeks) then you may very well be able to attend any course you choose? Let us know how it ends.
Cheers
 
I don't know how "short" or "long" your memory is but remember when the Magpul DVD series came out.This was an ITAR restricted item, its not until recently that they have made it up north for sale. If a DVD can constitute training through the mere act of watching it?, what does that tell you about any other type of "hands on training" ?, furthermore the scope and reach of the ITAR regulations?

I'm no SME buy any stretch of the imagination, I have just related some of my own personal experiences. I suppose if you can get the trainer to submit the DSP-83 (about 6 weeks) then you may very well be able to attend any course you choose? Let us know how it ends.
Cheers

Will do. Form was sent in around three weeks ago now so could see it back anytime now.
 
So basically you cant enter the US with a firearm unless youve spend 2 grand or more on it... i see , thats peachy :rolleyes:

what if you made a chinese firearm 922R compliant and had the minimum amount of Us made parts , has anyone considered this , considering their are norinco and poly technologies rifles in the united states already.
 
I don't know how "short" or "long" your memory is but remember when the Magpul DVD series came out.This was an ITAR restricted item, its not until recently that they have made it up north for sale. If a DVD can constitute training through the mere act of watching it?, what does that tell you about any other type of "hands on training" ?, furthermore the scope and reach of the ITAR regulations?

I'm no SME buy any stretch of the imagination, I have just related some of my own personal experiences. I suppose if you can get the trainer to submit the DSP-83 (about 6 weeks) then you may very well be able to attend any course you choose? Let us know how it ends.
Cheers

So low and behold,i get to work this morning and my form 6 is back. Look at the second page to see approved! With the competition training class on and with the 2300rnds i need. I asked for 600rnds for matches and then the extra for course, with an invitation. I don't know what makes the difference for approval or not, regarding what the batf considers "training".

If you want to take a look at what is posted regarding this course go to alaska gunner website as i'm sure the batf did.
Anyways i'm really happy i get to go!!:D
 
So basically you cant enter the US with a firearm unless youve spend 2 grand or more on it... i see , thats peachy :rolleyes:

what if you made a chinese firearm 922R compliant and had the minimum amount of Us made parts , has anyone considered this , considering their are norinco and poly technologies rifles in the united states already.

Nope...

Chinese is Chinese... No matter how much 922r foolery you attempt.

also... No lend-lease guns are permitted for temp import.

That said... There's no mystery to getting an approved F6NIA.
All the info is on the BATFE website... You can put as many guns on the app you want... They'll just scratch off the ones they don't want you bringing in.

My comrades and I have many guns each on multiple F6NIA's.. All makes except Norinco... Everything from snub nosed . 38's to AR's to Shotguns to evil "sniper" rifles... All approved year after year no questions.
Fill it out.. Fax it in and enjoy:D
 
I don't know what makes the difference for approval or not, regarding what the batf considers "training".

If you want to take a look at what is posted regarding this course go to alaska gunner website as i'm sure the batf did.
Anyways i'm really happy i get to go!!

Just playing "devils advocate" here and I don't want to "rain on your parade" however the DOS (Department of State) is the regulatory body for the administration of ITAR.The BATF simply regulates the NFA (National Firearms Act) and the temporary importation of firearms. I don't believe the scope of there mandate covers training.The course invitation was merely a condition to be inside the US as a non-resident with firearms and ammunition.

Good Luck on the course.
 
Ditto to Mildot -- BATFE paperwork has no standing for ITAR.

However its not you who gets in trouble (other than being potentially not allowed back in the US and your weapons seized) but the training entity down here can face major fines and prison terms.

Filling out a DSP-83 and getting approved is not a major issue -- yes its $250 (if its approved), but in the grand scheme of things, its better to be safe, than be sorry.
 
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