Exporting Milsurps from the US.

[tatou]

I have brought back a NO. 4 Mk 1 (T) LB and a Brit No. 4 Mk (T), and I am in the process of bringing back another No. 4 Mk 1 (T) LB and none have been marked with any US stampings.

I agree that less expensive guns do not make sense to bring across when exchange, duties, taxes and import fees come into effect. But for some guns/rifles, it does make good sense.

I totally agree. I imported a Sht L.E. Mk V last summer and after all the fees and exchange rate it ended up way cheaper than what they go for up here.

However, Not correct about import duties. If the broker takes the time to read your emails, he fills out the form correctly and there are no duties for importing a Canadian gun back into Canada. Have done this a few times now.

I admit only doing it once. I stand corrected. Good to know
Great customer service goes a long way and feedbacks are always good to have.

 

[tatou]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but i always believe that ''ENGLAND'' and the British Nitro Proof stamps ''BNP'' was a british thing to show it was approve for export, anywhere ??
And that US import markings were more like ''CAI'' ''IAC'' ''JJCO'' etc.

 

[Eaglelord17]

It was an import requirement to the US to state the country of origin. Most surplus firearms went thru or were intended for the US market.

Wrong it was a British private export marking, pre-1968. Nothing to do with the US, everything to do with the UK which is also why it is seen so much in Canada (even on things like Long Branch Lee Enfields).

Correct me if i'm wrong, but i always believe that ''ENGLAND'' and the British Nitro Proof stamps ''BNP'' was a british thing to show it was approve for export, anywhere ??
And that US import markings were more like ''CAI'' ''IAC'' ''JJCO'' etc.

Correct, 'ENGLAND' was a British private export marking pre-1968. 'BNP' (Birmingham Nitro Proof) was to show the rifle had been proofed after 1954 (British Law requires every firearm to re-proofed every time it is sold on the commercial market).

 

[tokguy]

Mine is stamped thus...
CAI ST. AB VT
M39 Finland 7.62 x 54R
That help any?
Prophet did mine and 2 were here in about 2-3 months, the 3rd languished for almost a year

 

[tatou]

CAI ST. AB VT = Century Arms International, St Albans, Vermont
US importer marking
Century used to have a warehouse in Montreal and i believe at one time was one of the biggest milsurp importer.
They moved south in the 90s... i think around the time the long gun registry came to be.

 

[Lee Enfield]

Wrong it was a British private export marking, pre-1968. Nothing to do with the US, everything to do with the UK which is also why it is seen so much in Canada (even on things like Long Branch Lee Enfields).

Correct, 'ENGLAND' was a British private export marking pre-1968. 'BNP' (Birmingham Nitro Proof) was to show the rifle had been proofed after 1954 (British Law requires every firearm to re-proofed every time it is sold on the commercial market).

Yes, I am aware that skennerton says this, and many others have repeated it, but skennerton is wrong in this case.

"England" is an American import marking, in use from the at least the 1920s until import of military firearms was banned in 1968.

I have/ have had surplus firearms marked "Canada", "Australia", "Germany" ect.

In 1986 when import of military surplus firearms was legal again, the import required marking changed in that the importer had to be identified as well.

If you search my previous posts on this subject I included links to the pertinent US government Web pages regarding historical import marking requirements.

 

[Rob]

Condition, Condition, Condition

The problem that I have with mail-ordering rifles from importers/dealers in the States or Canada is not the cost...it is the considerable risk of getting mediocre (or worse) quality rifles. As in real estate it is “location, location, location,” so with guns, it is “condition, condition, condition”. In the last few years I have twice been burned buying used rifles from an established Canadian importer. They were real junk; their condition way over rated in the importer's advertising descriptions. Unless a rifle has at least a very good (preferably excellent) bore, I lose interest quickly. After all, the barrel is the essence of the rifle. And that is just the barrel. Guns bought sight unseen can have all sorts of other issues not obvious in a small advertising photograph: cracked stocks, missing parts, rust pitting, and ruined screw heads, etc. It is another good reason to buy internet guns from trustworthy individuals who you can rely on to honestly describe condition, or personally shop at gun shows where you can examine the gun to your own satisfaction.

 

[brokenspokes1812]

While I have not imported firearms, I have imported many motorcycle engines from the USA, and although there was no import duty to be paid, the carrier used an "in house" ( read subsidiary of freight company ) broker ( broker was not even required ) whose minimum charges were very costly ( was documented as duty/broker fee ) . I soon learned other ways ways to ship , and avoided the excessive rates. Unfortunately we are rather restricted with who we can use for firearms imports though.

 

[Pblatzz]

These rifle have been reviewed by Iraqveteran8888 on youtube. According to them, these are a one time deal, No more after these are sold. They do look sweet, espoecially the new rifles...

ht tps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfUwHBsDTCU

 

[pcvando]

Not sure where you got this information but it's wrong. There are no import marks on guns coming into Canada. Many people here have imported without import marks -- maybe someday down the road though.

Regards,
-Steve

Steve, this is true, but the M39's in the USA already have import marks on them.

Some are worst than others.

The problem with exporting, as others have stated, is it will cost a lot more than the sticker price. That being said, it may be a good option as most people don't want to sell them up here.

But expect to pay around $1K Canadian for a run of the mill, and its a bit of the mystery for what you get.

The rarer ones they had, at about $699 US, expect to pay around $1400-1500 Canadian landed.

You also don't get to see what you are buying. I'm sure some are nice, but you have the chance to get a beater.

M39's are sweet rifles, and I am sure prices will continue to rise. Classic firearms bought one guys collection. They are selling it out. It's not like they are going to make more...

Plus, they are majestic.. they were used by elite reindeer units.