Importing Antique Firearms?

Urban

Urban

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im curious about this to. i found a real nice snider for sale for a good price across the line. theoretically, should be able to just mail it, but.....
 
yeh... theres enuff people that said "yeh... i did that"
but you never know for sure... maybe they did that 50 years ago when no 1 cared.
 
As I understand it, as long as the gun is considered antique in both countries (and thus considered non-guns), you can bring them back and forth without any paperwork. They are only considered firearms when used in a crime, so you wouldn't be able to carry one, keep it loaded, etc.
 
mtallman,I hope you never try to buy a antique firearm in the states and drive back without paperwork,you may find yourself in a bad place.Ignorance is not a defence as they say.
 
pabirdman said:
mtallman,I hope you never try to buy a antique firearm in the states and drive back without paperwork,you may find yourself in a bad place.Ignorance is not a defence as they say.
Click to expand...
are you saying they do need export/import permits?
 
pabirdman,
Please do some research to back up your posts. Are you, in fact saying that you need import/export papers?

All I would bring would be some copies of the firearms act that state the definitions of antiques, and that you don't need to register them. It would probably be smarter just to mail them.
 
It might also help if you had a FaRT reference with you to help convince the good folks of the CBSA.
 
#########XX somedays it just aint worth getting out from under the newspaper and off the park bench###############XX
 
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Sorry,I have been away from my computer for a couple days.You do need papers to import.I guess they are only needed if the customs guys open your package,as I know a lot of people try to send them across and if the mail is not inspected they come through.You can talk to CFR and customs and then your provincial and they may tell you their stories on what you need,but not what all the other departments need.YOu may think you have done all your research and then it still gets taken away.I am not trying to hinder anyone trying,but I have been through it and it is a lot of hoops.Of course the last cvanadian law taht no one tells you about is if it looks like a gun,even if it is an old broomstick,it can be confiscated.
 
The US state department or in the case of shotguns the US Commerce department are the interested agencies if you are exporting. You can contact them for specific details WRT your proposed export. Generally if the guns are considered to be antiques in the US there is no export paperwork required. However the US antique status requirements are different than ours so it would be wise to double check your particular gun.
On the Canadian side, be prepared to make your case to customs in the event that an over zealous inspector decides to make your life miserable. If the gun is an antique, have proper documentation available. also ensure that the invoice is accurate and meets their requirements. You will not loose your gun if you do your homework, the worst they can do is delay shipping.
 
Yes there is paperwork required if you are taking a antique gun out of the U.S. and into canada.Again,I am unsure of what department handles it but in the case of what they would consider a "national treasure",something instrumental in their history,there is no amount of paperwork you could have to export.
 
Would it be better to bring it back with you if you buy it in person & drive it across the border or would it be better to ship it across?

Or does it matter?
 
Importing firearm from U.S.

Hi Urban'I purchased & imported a Spencer Carbine from a American antiques dealer in Washington state.Here's what happened
-Checked with U.S.customs,they said as long as the dealer was documented as such no problem.
-Checked with Canada customs,the person I spoke to said no problem,as long as the firearm was manufactured before 1898 & fired a cartridge no longer commercially available.No import duty other than PST & GST.
-Dealer agreed to meet me at border with the firearm
-Met dealer at border,American customs no problem
-The fun began at Canada customs to wit:
-magazine held more five rounds
-Firearm was not a muzzleloader,nor was it a percussion firearm
-Dealer & I spent two hours trying to explain that 50/60 rinfire was an antique cartridge not commercially available
-Finally the customs officer called the RCMP about the Spencer,the RCMP officer actually knew something about firearms antiques in particular
-RCMP officer talked to me, then the American dealer,finally the CDN custom officer
-After a brief talk between the RCMP & CDN customs I was allowed to bring the Spencer into Canada(had to pay PST & GST).-
-Trust this info will be of help:) Cody
 
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