Is ti possible to post a gun from the USA to the UK?

Question

Hi, I have my eye on a deactivated WW2-era Colt 1911, presented in a cherrywood frame, that is on sale in a gunshop in the USA (a friend has told me about it and sent pictures).

My grandfather brought an identical model back from WW2 with him 9that was given to him by a USMC Officer) but it was destroyed in a house fire a few months back, so I'd like to get him this as a present as it is virtually identical and really well presented.

I stress it has been professionally deactivated in the US, so should I have any trouble if I get it mailed here in the UK?

Thanks

Answer 1

You should be ok. Customs and Excise might hang on to it until they can verify that it is a de-activated gun and cannot be re-activated. They may make you pay an additional import tax on top of what you pay the vendor for P&P.
Just a quick note. If you are going to get it. Make sure it will get here before the 1st October 2007 as that is when the VCR bill comes into operation (Violent Crime Reduction) and you will, as I understand it have to be over 18 and a member of a gun club if you want to own a RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm)
Even a de-activated one.
If in serious doubt, contact C & E and find out the situation regarding importing RIFs. If they arent convinced its inert and un re-activatable. They may well destroy it and send the police round for a quiet word. Better safe than sorry

Answer 2

You can do it, as a recent case showed you can even have it if it is not deactivatred so long as it is kept purely as a curiosity. Some things in UK law are just a bit strange. Personally I wouldn't try that though.

Anyway, the UK customs and excise office are completely up to speed on this sort of thing and will continue to enforce the law regardless of the current news and political situation. Go talk to them about how to do it. You might also talk to the firearms officer at your local police station, there's about a 50/50 chance he'll be a complete git, I think UK cops are considerably worse to UK citizens (me) than US cops to theirs.

It is likely that it will have to be shipped to a 'proof house', they are responsible for performing and certifying deactivation in the US. It used to be the Birmingham National Proof, but since the UK sold off the family jewels it's probably Securicore or whoever else paid Tony a backhander by now.

Good luck. Don't try any shortcuts. A simple firearms infraction could earn you two or more years inside in the UK.

Answer 3

Firstly when posting such things overseas the sender will have to fill out a customs form declaring the contents. You will also need to make sure that the sender attaches a copy of the deactivation certificate on the outside of the packaging.
If you use a big company like DHL, UPS or Fed-Ex to ship it you can give them contact numbers for the sender & reciever. If there are any problems they can then contact you. They will also give you a tracking number so you can follow it's progress.

Answer 4

Lots of paperwork there I think....
Uk having a bit of a thing about guns at the mo...you may want to wait 6 months before trying.

as long as its not a working model I dont see why not....I could be wrong...it did happen once!

Answer 5

I'd do like the rest said and check with customs at this end and the other end to.

Answer 6

i think you would be better asking postal services or maybe customs on this, as you may get in some serious trouble if it is classed as Dangerous!!
it would be a nice gesture though if you were able to get it!!

Answer 7

Yeah you may, but you may beable to to if a certificate is presented with it.

Answer 8

Don't bother, they have enough !