Importing a Luger

Rbrooks45 · 04-23-2011, 08:17 AM

Anyone know what the rules are for importing Lugers are? I am living in Germany at the moment and am starting to get a good collection going of both Lugers and other German handguns.

I was told that I could go through an importer but he would have to stamp his business name on the frame. Somehow I don't think having "Bob's Importing" stamped on the side og my gun will improve its value.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Edward Tinker · 04-23-2011, 08:29 AM

yes, that is true

We need more info, are you military or with the military? If so, you can request to bring back a few, I doubt a collection.

There is also a way that a collector can bring in a few each year, no stamps, but yes, if you 'import' them all, they will have to be stamped.

Your status would help, but I think you'll have to research the ATF regulations.

ed

Rbrooks45 · 04-23-2011, 01:39 PM

I'm a contractor so I will not be eligible for any of the military exceptions. I travel back to the states about twice a year so I can bring back a few of the better pieces as I travel.

I have tried reading the ATF website but I get lost, just too much info.

George Anderson · 04-23-2011, 02:39 PM

send me a PM. I may be able to put you in touch with someone who can help.

Aaron · 04-23-2011, 04:09 PM

I don't think there is any legal way to bring them back in your luggage, but that will have to be researched. As for buying collectible military firearms, I think prices in the U.S are more reasonable than in the EU.

Michael Zeleny · 04-23-2011, 04:35 PM

Aaron is right on both counts. All guns imported into the U.S. must be delivered directly to a bonded customs agent. The only guns worth importing from Germany are "shooters" marketed in response to the hassle of maintaining Waffenbesitzkarten. Collectors consider such legalities as costs of doing business.

I maintain a guide to importing guns. Feel free to contact me for further assistance via email or phone.

Rbrooks45 · 04-23-2011, 06:38 PM

I have imported several handguns and hunting rifles with a minimum of aggravation. You just have to do an ATF form 6 and it goes in your checked baggage. Last May I brought 4 handguns back (all modern) and no problems.

The ATF does not like Lugers or P38's for some reason . Walther PP they are ok with and I have brought back some interesting semi auto rifles but K-98s are another issue. I have the chance to get some original 1870's Colts but am not sure how they would treat them. I just need to break the code.

04-23-2011, 08:17 AM	#1
Rbrooks45 User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Germany Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Importing a Luger Anyone know what the rules are for importing Lugers are? I am living in Germany at the moment and am starting to get a good collection going of both Lugers and other German handguns. I was told that I could go through an importer but he would have to stamp his business name on the frame. Somehow I don't think having "Bob's Importing" stamped on the side og my gun will improve its value. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

04-23-2011, 08:29 AM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	yes, that is true We need more info, are you military or with the military? If so, you can request to bring back a few, I doubt a collection. There is also a way that a collector can bring in a few each year, no stamps, but yes, if you 'import' them all, they will have to be stamped. Your status would help, but I think you'll have to research the ATF regulations. ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-23-2011, 04:35 PM	#6
Michael Zeleny Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 525 Thanks: 129 Thanked 139 Times in 76 Posts	Aaron is right on both counts. All guns imported into the U.S. must be delivered directly to a bonded customs agent. The only guns worth importing from Germany are "shooters" marketed in response to the hassle of maintaining Waffenbesitzkarten. Collectors consider such legalities as costs of doing business. I maintain a guide to importing guns. Feel free to contact me for further assistance via email or phone. __________________ Michael Zeleny@post.harvard.edu -- http://larvatus.livejournal.com/ -- 7576 Willow Glen Road, Los Angeles, CA 90046 -- 323.363.1860 All of old. Nothing else ever. Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. -- Samuel Beckett

04-23-2011, 01:39 PM	#3
Rbrooks45 User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Germany Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I'm a contractor so I will not be eligible for any of the military exceptions. I travel back to the states about twice a year so I can bring back a few of the better pieces as I travel. I have tried reading the ATF website but I get lost, just too much info.

04-23-2011, 02:39 PM	#4
George Anderson Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: VA Posts: 3,592 Thanks: 1,773 Thanked 2,531 Times in 788 Posts	send me a PM. I may be able to put you in touch with someone who can help.

04-23-2011, 04:09 PM	#5
Aaron Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vista, CA Posts: 1,008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	I don't think there is any legal way to bring them back in your luggage, but that will have to be researched. As for buying collectible military firearms, I think prices in the U.S are more reasonable than in the EU.

04-23-2011, 06:38 PM	#7
Rbrooks45 User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Germany Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have imported several handguns and hunting rifles with a minimum of aggravation. You just have to do an ATF form 6 and it goes in your checked baggage. Last May I brought 4 handguns back (all modern) and no problems. The ATF does not like Lugers or P38's for some reason . Walther PP they are ok with and I have brought back some interesting semi auto rifles but K-98s are another issue. I have the chance to get some original 1870's Colts but am not sure how they would treat them. I just need to break the code.