Buying a high powered air rifle in the USA

bushpilotmexico

bushpilotmexico

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I apologize if this question has been asked before....I live 2 miles north of the Washington State line and just had a good experience buying and importing a black powder pistol. The ATF considers muzzle loaders as non-guns. I bought it online, had it shipped to a receiver in WA, registered the firearm online with the CFC, drove into the USA and picked it up, drove back to Canada and declared it at the border showing my PAL and registration certificate. No hassle nice smooth process.

I am considering an Airforce Texan combo package:




I assume that ATF also considers air rifles non guns. I have a few American $'s under the mattress so thought I might buy the combo, have it sent to the receiver in WA, drive across the border and pick it up, declare it upon my entry into Canada showing my PAL.

Has anyone done this or is there a reason why it wouldn't work, at least I wouldn't have to register it beforehand as I did with the pistol?
 
I assume that ATF also considers air rifles non guns.
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.. I would certainly contact the ATF before operating on that assumption -- and - if they say they have no issue with it - get a name
 
As far as I know the air rifle is not considered a firearm in the US. However, you cannot legally bring back a scope. Canadian border doesn't care but if you get caught with it in the US that could be a different story.
 
gunsaholic said:
As far as I know the air rifle is not considered a firearm in the US. However, you cannot legally bring back a scope. Canadian border doesn't care but if you get caught with it in the US that could be a different story.
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Did some research some years ago. Even called a Washington DC office. As a foreigner, you cannot be in possession of a scope (among other firearms related items) in the US. Companies need to go through extensive documentation to export items like this. I heard of rumors of ATF agents staking out gun stores near Canadian borders for vehicles with Canadian plates, then searching them later. Easy for them to alert other agents near the border and do "spot check". Scope is a no-no for sure.

If caught, consequences can be extremely inconvenient to say the least and totally life changing at worst.
 
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In the photo that I posted the scope isn't included in the purchase price. I know a scope is a no no. I have to go across tomorrow to WA to buy gas so I will ask US Customs when I cross into the USA. I did this with my black powder pistol and was given the green light.

I will let you know what answer I get.
 
BATF and the idiots at "Homeland Security " are not on the same page and airguns rules vary State to State whether they are a firearm or not.Like waltzing through a minefield wearing snowshoes............Harold
 
I brought a 1200fps over from Michigan including scope, no problem.

It came with a scope. I knew scopes were a no no, so I opened the box and mounted it to the rifle before crossing the border. That way the scope just became part of the "toy" I bought, just as though I'd bought a nerf gun with a scope. It looked as depicted on the box.

The border guy looked at it and said "hmm. Cool." And that was it. Ymmv
 
I brought back a PAL rated airgun from NY state. No problem. I told the border guard that I had a PAL rated airgun, and handed her the PAL. She asked if it was registered and I told her no, and that it wouldn't be. She just shrugged her shoulders, handed my PAL back and told me to have a good day. My Son brought one back a year ago. Same thing. No problem.
 
There is no registry so the Feds claim.You just need a PAL if over 500fps...I recall Michigan had some odd laws about caliber size and velocity restrictions unlike most of the US..........Harold
 
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The problem is not with Canadian laws. The issue is can it be legally exported from the USA. Checking with US officials at the crossing is your best bet.
 
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