importing antique firearms

[wd113]

Can I import antique firearms (specifically antique revolver) from the United states? Or any other countries?
Anything I should know before doing so?

(I apologize for posting a question that's had to have been asked before. For some reason I rarely get hits for anything I try to search) Thanks,

 

[Moe]

I have not done it but as I understand it is quite easy. Just mailed I understand. Not a firearm here or the USA for the most part.

Cheers
Moe

 

[mooncoon]

amongst other things, you need to be sure what you are importing is an antique in Canada and email the relevant sections of law and provenance to the shipper to be included with the antique being imported. I also suspect that importing an antique handgun will be give a great deal of scrutiny by Canada Customs

cheers mooncoon

 

[appleorangefish]

I have not done it but as I understand it is quite easy. Just mailed I understand. Not a firearm here or the USA for the most part.

Cheers
Moe

On the canadian side you'd need documentation (FRT, antique letter) satisfying the CBSA that it's an antique

On the American side:
USPS won't ship cartridge handguns (even antiques) anymore, you'll have to use UPS/Fedex Air Mail, so prices can add up real quick.

You can read their definitions for antiques here, which specifically exempts handguns. Apparently there have been some people in the states who have lost insurance claims on replica antique BP revolvers because of this new rule. (down south, replicas muzzleloading handguns also count as antiques under the american NFA, but not the USPS mailing rules)
https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_008.htm?q=handgun&h=handgun&t=H&s=R&p=1&c=Pub52
https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/pub52c4_009.htm?q=handgun&h=Handguns&t=H&s=R&p=1&c=Pub52

Firearm means any device, including a starter gun, which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include antique firearms (except antique firearms meeting the description of a handgun or of a firearm capable of being concealed on a person).

Read this thread about an american getting their USPS insurance claim denied for shipping an (NFA antique) replica, you probably wouldn't want that happening on a geuine $1000+ antique: https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/threads/burned-by-usps.129219/



Also ITAR defines antiques as pre-1890, NOT 1898 like the american NFA. While it falls under 0A501.y, meaning there's no license attached to the individual shipment for shipments to Canada, you still need someone with an export license to claim a license exemption to export a between 1890-1897 antique.

y. Specific “parts,” “components,” “accessories” and “attachments” “specially designed” for a commodity subject to control in this ECCN or common to a defense article in USML Category I and not elsewhere specified in the USML or CCL as follows, and “parts,” “components,” “accessories,” and “attachments” “specially designed” therefor.
y.1. Stocks or grips, that do not contain any fire control “parts” or “components” (e.g., triggers, hammers, sears, disconnectors);”
y.2. Scope mounts or accessory rails;
y.3. Iron sights;
y.4. Sling swivels;
y.5. Butt plates or recoil pads;
y.6. Bayonets; and
y.7. Firearms manufactured from 1890 to 1898 and reproductions thereof.

So there's a few more hoops than you would expect. Hope you can find an accomodating seller...

 

[jmcgee]

if you can get it for a good price...... use Irunguns third party import system.... pretty easy.... purchased off Gunbroker a few times

 

[serg777]

With the current political situation I would not be surprised if the next bill will bring antiques into Restricted or Prohib class and would require registering. Then it will loose 80% of its value. Thats because higher price of antique is just about the attached paperwork, while the gun itself might not have such a collector value. Also I guess muni handgun ban will also affect antique pistols. But if you want it badly - go for it. I would.

 

[bush1]

Quote[Also ITAR defines antiques as pre-1890, NOT 1898 like the american NFA. While it falls under 0A501.y, meaning there's no license attached to the individual shipment for shipments to Canada, you still need someone with an export license to claim a license exemption to export a between 1890-1897 antique.]Quote

That’s something I’ve not heard before, thanks for pointing that out.

 

[scianna54]

I imported a few but that was years ago. Canada customs always opened the package, charged tax and shipped it to me. Not many Americans want to send them today and prices have gone up and volume dried out. Not sure I would do it again.

 

[Sir Plus]

Used to be easier. With the new export restrictions some stopped exporting and some will only go through an exporter.

 

[apu]

if you can get it for a good price...... use Irunguns third party import system.... pretty easy.... purchased off Gunbroker a few times

Last time I did this Ironguns registered the handgun prior to shipping to me. I had clearly spelled out its status. Nonetheless I had to deal with the firearm lab techs to try and get it deregistered as a restricted. Took several months and there is always the risk they might get dodgy on deregistration especially if its Colt SA, just sayin, your mileage may vary.