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Expert: Doug Little - 3/8/2008


Question
My father is in italy and we want to bring a shotgun home to New York.We don't
know how to do it . Can he bring it back home on the plane?

Answer
Mark,

Bringing a firearm back to the US from a foreign country is a VERY complicated process.  First, you must understand that he CANNOT just bring it back with him on the plane.  It will go over badly with Customs.

The shotgun will need to be legally imported into the US. Any Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder can import a firearm for personal use or on behalf of an unlicensed person by filling out the proper paperwork. According to the ATF:

"May a licensed dealer who does not have an importer's license make an occasional importation?"

"Yes. A licensee may make an occasional importation of a firearm for a nonlicensee or for the licensee's personal use (not for resale). The licensee must first submit a ATF Form 6, Part I to the Imports Branch for approval. The licensee may then present the approved Form 6 and completed ATF Form 6A to the U.S. Customs Service. Contact the Bureau of ATF, Imports Branch, Washington, DC 20226, (202) 927-8320 for forms."

In essence, what this is saying is that the arrangements must be made with a licensed gun dealer where you live.  They will 'import' the gun from Italy by filling out the proper paperwork and submitting it to the ATF and Customs.  Then the shotgun will have to be shipped directly to the FFL from Italy.

I've got to tell you that this is a very complicated process, plus there may be some costs involved in addition to the shipping.  The FFL may charge you a fee for the trouble of going through all the paperwork and transferal of the firearm.

You can also find additional information on the following website:  http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/index.htm

Hope this helps...good luck!

Doug  

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Doug Little

Expertise

I can answer questions relating to Legal Concealed Carry in most of the Western US, with detailed knowledge of Concealed Carry laws in Arizona. I have an in-depth understanding of tactical and defensive handgun skills including Close Range Gunfighting, Armed Vehicle Operations, Low Light Gunfighting and Advanced Concealed Carry techniques. I can answer detailed questions regarding Firearms Safety, Gun Handling and Marksmanship techniques. I can also answer detailed questions in the area of Crime Prevention and Victim Avoidance. ***PLEASE NOTE: Despite having done so in the past, I cannot continue to answer questions about valuation of firearms of any kind or questions regarding when a gun was made or what the impact of age or condition might be on the value of any firearm, either contemporary or antique.***

Experience

NRA Training Counselor, NRA instructor for Personal Protection in the Home, Home Firearms Safety, Basic Pistol and Refuse to be a Victim disciplines. Certified by the AZ Dept. of Public Safety as a Firearms Safety Instructor for AZ Concealed Weapons Permit Classes and AZ Unarmed and Armed Security Guard Training. Instructor in both Low Light Gunfighting and Close Range Gunfighting. Staff instructor for Suarez International. I am a multiple graduate of Gunsite Academy and hold a certificate of Armed Vehicle Operations from them. I have been instructing in Arizona professionally for the past 5 years and have over 20 years shooting experience. Certified by the International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners as a Crime Prevention Specialist.

Organizations
National Rifle Association, Life Member; International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners; International Defensive Pistol Association; Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association; Association of Police Marksman; President, US Marshals Posse - District of Arizona

Education/Credentials
BS, Political Science, Appalachian State University; Suarez International - Low Light Instructor, Suarez International - Close Range Gunfighting Instructor, Gunsite Academy - Armed Vehicle Operations, Arizona Department of Public Safety - Firearms Safety Instructor, NRA Instructor Ratings in Personal Protection in Home, Home Firearms Safety and Basic Pistol, ASP Tactical Baton Instructor, ASP Tactical Handcuff Instructor.

Past/Present Clients
Please visit my website for testimonials at http://www.armedpersonaldefense.com

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