Bringing a gun into the UK

[Daryll]

Ok, hypothetical question time....

I'm going to the US to shoot in a competition in a couple of weeks time, and there is a substantial prize table...

Now the hypothetical bit.... in the very unlikely event I should get a sniff of anything on that table, (as long as its legal to own in the UK), how difficult will it be to bring a firearm home..?

E.g. I have a slot for a .223/5.56mm rifle on my FAC. If there is a .223 bolt action rifle on the prize table, would it be possible or easy to bring that back into the Uk as a personal possesion..?
My Google Fu is poor at the moment, and all I can find are references to "importing", which I take to mean for commercial reasons, but what about for personal use..?

About the only relevant reference I did find said that UK Customs should enter it onto your FAC as you enter the country, although apparently they're reluctant to do it..??
This reference also mentioned paying the VAT on it... but what if its a prize..??

Bearing in mind that I'm coming home 2 days after the comp, so won't have time to go through a complicated form filling / US export licence application process, in this (hypothetical) situation, would it even be worth considering..?

TIA

Daryll.

[Swamp Donkey]

Your open slot on your fac is your 'import licence', if customs won't write it in, do it yourself. As for the 'export' side, no idea im afraid.

Sent from my mobile using "An application"

[StanDeasy]

As a tourist to the US you are classified as an alien and as such, I don't think you can legally acquire possession of a firearm, let alone export it.

[breacher]

As a tourist to the US you are classified as an alien and as such, I don't think you can legally acquire possession of a firearm, let alone export it.

I have heard of a similar scenario. The US guy accompanied UK guy to airport. Uk guy checked in. Then US guy handed over rifle in case to outsize luggage dept check in. So, Uk guy was not in possession in US at any time.

[ovenpaa]

My FEO told me regarding FAC holder import they would prefer me not to write a rifle onto my own FAC and if Customs would not make the entry then advise the licensing department and they would make the entry. (Bedfordshire >5 years ago)

[Blackstuff]

Wouldn't the US guy need an export license to do it legally though?

[dodgyrog]

You'll never get it out of the US!

[MistAgain]

As a tourist to the US you are classified as an alien and as such, I don't think you can legally acquire possession of a firearm, let alone export it.

I have heard of a similar scenario. The US guy accompanied UK guy to airport. Uk guy checked in. Then US guy handed over rifle in case to outsize luggage dept check in. So, Uk guy was not in possession in US at any time.

The second that rifle goes on the scales at check in , it is in your possession .

That means both you and the FFL who came with you has committed an offence .

[Daryll]

Ok, thanks for the responses Guys... it sounds like its neither easy, or even possible...

If my some miracle I do get to the table, it sounds like I'll have to look at the Cleaning kit and packs of target end. :-(

[Mattnall]

Or let someone in the US have it and you borrow it at the next competition.

An exporter can ship it to you if they are willing to do the correct export paperwork.