Bringing a rifle overseas

Lenny762

Hi Guys,

My first post thanks for any advice in advance, I'm looking for some solid information on how to permanently bring my rifle from Ireland to another country.

Cheers

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058389959/bringing-a-rifle-overseas

What is the country you are intending on bringing it to?

By "bring" do you mean bring personally with you like on a plane or ferry, or do you mean sending it to the country to collect it when you arrive?

And since you said permanently I'm presuming you would be leaving it there when you return to Ireland, or would you be permanently leaving Ireland also?

SVI40

All depends on where you are going to. Have you reached out to the relevant authorities in the country you are going to?

Mellor

As others have said, it depends on where you are going. Leaving is pretty easy. Declare it at check in. Check case. Get on plane.

The issue is landing with what is an unlicensed firearm at your destination.

freddieot

You need to check in advance with any airline. Don't just turn up. Ryanair for example will not take firearms.

Lenny762

Hi yes I've checked everything I'll be leaving Ireland for good just making sure Garda are properly informed I'm not 100% on wondering will it be a simple letter/email or verbal information.

Cheeky

Lenny762

Sorry that was a cheers

Lenny762

Hey man thanks for that attached information much appreciated 👏 I will be bringing it down under i will be declaring it to the airline and checking it in also declaring it on the other side where it will be seized and tested to make sure it passes then send to a dealer where I'll finally get it, we'll that's the plan anyway could go south.

Cheers

otmmyboy2

So if you and the firearm are leaving permanently you would need to inform AGS to cancel your licence at the end of it's term, with the reason being permanent export and you leaving too.

You would also need either a removal order from AGS(ask your super's office) or an export permit(from the DoJ, since you are not temporarily exporting but permanently), or potentially both.

I would reach out to your super's office and the DoJ Firearms section to see what they say.

Then obviously the airline(s) would have to accept firearms, and you would will likely need an import permit on the Oz side ensuring that they don't think you aretrying to illegally import the firearm(your dealer there should be able to advise on that).

Given all of the above I would be more inclined to see could a dealer send it separately for you, rather than trying to bring it yourself through potentially multiple airports/countries/airlines, all with different rules and red tape.

tonysopprano

Unless this rifle is made of gold or belonged to Vasile Zaitsev or the like, then the cost and hassle is not worth it. Just get licenced in Oz ( agreed, not easy) but they have a track record of retrospectively banning firearms (and legally imported ones)

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123077584#Comment_123077584

Export permits aside. I’m not sure if that process is correct. Are you licensed in Australia? If not I don’t think they’ll they will take possession pass it to a dealer.

Typically a dealer would import it for you.

What type of rifle? Ie calibre and action? Would be a factor too

freddieot

Have you contacted the Australian authorities and told them you intend to bring it with you, on the understanding their customs would seize it and hold it pending a licence ? Customs are not usually a planned storage or drop off point for prohibited or restricted items, while paperwork is organised. I doubt they would also forward it to any third party, like a dealer.

Make sure you're totally on side with the local laws. Australia is strict on firearms these days, there won't be a grey area. If you don't tick all the boxes it could turn into a sour way to start your new life down under.

Lenny762

You're 100% right they are very strict and zero grey areas, I've done research on the documents needed for importing a firearm, they also go on looks so it may not even get in on the look and style of it but it's a risk I'm willing to take I'll definitely keep you posted won't be for a couple of months

Lenny762

Again your comments hold weight, it's an AUG steyr pull back action so they may reject it and destroy it and send me a bill but I've had it a long time and also did time in the Irish defence force so it had alot of history with me, I'm a Australia citizen and will be licensed in Australia or at least in the process. Again appreciated your input and advice on this i could be missing and missed cheers

Lenny762

Yes you're 100% right I've battled with the idea, but like I've mentioned in the other comment I purchased it many years ago to practice shooting for comps in the Irish army it holds some fond memories and the likes so I'm willing to give it a crack, don't quote me on this but I think it may be the one or at least one of a small handful of rifles in Ireland i don't even know how much it's worth these days, black medium barrel AUG steyr, very little use

Lenny762

Hey man very much appreciated thanks for you reply such good information, yes I agree it would be try to make a face to face meeting with my super to discuss and show trust in what I plan to do, i chatted to a dealer in Australia but I could only fine on in Queensland will to do it and the cost and hassle seemed crazy as importing one off firearms it's not really a done thing, also with all the restrictions in Australia they prefer making in-country firearms except pistols, but again it's something im willing to try and give it a crack, in fairness provided i declare everything at customs and if they reject it and seized it im all clear, trying to sneak anything in they through the book at you.

Cheers

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079933#Comment_123079933

Assume pull back refers to the straight pull version made for the UK market.

The laws will depend on the state. Each will have different restrictions. A variant, the Austeyr, is manufactured under license in Aus, so they will be familiar with it.

What state are you moving to? And what license have you applied for?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079977#Comment_123079977

Most rifles will be imported. But it is more profitable for a distributor to import a container full from Ruger, Tikka, Howa etc.
Paper work for a one off. The paper work is the same. Some states will allow "imports" as personal luggage. Which will be easier if you have a license when you land.

otmmyboy2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079933#Comment_123079933

A lot if Aus states have rules that put rifles that look like military rifles into more restricted categories, I know of one instance when they brought in that rule of an Ozzie who had an M1A (semiauto civilian rifle, but resembles an M14), who had to give it up when the rule changed because the category it moved to was one normal people essentially cannot get.

I'd look into selling it here to fund getting one in Oz tbh.

They are rare enough here and in the UK so would fetch a good price, even as a restricted firearm(bullpup).

It just seems like an awful gamble which could end up with the gun being destroyed.

You might reach out to the police firearms licencing section in the state your flying into and see what they'd make of it license wise, to ensure you could possess it(and the license category is possible for you to attain).

And also customs for the same reason.

Grizzly 45

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079933#Comment_123079933

You are in for a hiding there.

The whole continent seems to have very iffy laws about anything resembling semi auto or full auto rifles.Even when they aren't or never were. The Gel blasters story was one such story,where basically Aussie police were confiscating Kids toys that fired gelatine pellets filled with paint because of their looks and possible full auto function.

I would seriously get your research and and facts done about the laws on this type of gun in whatever state you intend to move and live in,and get it in writing from the revelant liscensing and police force that this is liscenseable in their particular patch.As the police can shift goalposts at a whim apprently as what is legal,and not on any given day. See the Adler lever action shotgun controversy in Aus a few years ago. From what I understand is,the Aussies did loosen up a bit on Semis a few years ago.But only to commercial liscensed operations of Roo and bush bull hunters.So your gun would proably be in that category,and as useful as a chocolate fire gaurd to a crew engaged in pro culling

This is a group down under that could proably give you a straight answer quicker than the police or govt depts. Might be worth giving them an email or call?

https://www.firearmownersunited.com/australias-dumbest-gun-laws-firearm-appearance-laws/

As for exporting it permantly from the state. Get an export liscense [free] from the Dept of Justice,and drop a copy and note into your Super stating you are leaving Ireland and permantly exporting this firearm and you give notice to terminate your liscense 24/48 hours after your expected arrival down under.If the liscense is out,you will need the super to issue you with a removal order for the date of your travel from whatever airport you are leaving from.

FWIW,and I can understand fully your reasons sentimental and otherwise for wanting to hold onto a military service keepsake.But there are plenty of lads current serving and ex IDF who would pay a good chip of change,not to mind civvies who would pay to get a straight pull AUG here.It's pretty much a unicorn here.Would you not consider selling it off and using the cash to get yourself sorted with an easily available Aussie gun?They do allow,state depending[?],some straight pull designs like the Southern Cross Small Arms Taipan.

Best of luck in whatever you do.

NASRPC

Ask these guys

They'll tell ya

https://www.facebook.com/ssaainc

Havenowt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123079955#Comment_123079955

How did you purchase it and where from?

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123082542#Comment_123082542

Would only be iffy it it was a converted converted former full auto.
But dedicated Semi-autos are legal, but as you said licensing is limited to pest control. But be no issue for a bolt gun to resemble a semi auto. Good example of that here with straight pulls, semi autos, (and a full auto for law enforcement) that all have the same look and many parts. Fantastic rifles.
They've just released a 9mm lever release PCC. https://www.oceaniaprecision.com.au/

As his gun is not a semi. So 100% not in in bolt action action category. Will be fine in most states, one or two states do not allow military firearm for civilians. Ironically the AUG is made in that state.

The Gel blaster situation is similar to airsoft in ireland. Where an airsoft over 1j is a firearm

Lenny762

I've had it maybe 15 years bought it off a mate who was a restricted firearms dealer brought it in, you'd be very surprised what's out there in Ireland i definitely was

Lenny762

Hey thanks man for taking the time to write you're advice 👍 🙏 much appreciated

Grizzly 45

Yes you're 100% right I've battled with the idea, but like I've mentioned in the other comment I purchased it many years ago to practice shooting for comps in the Irish army it holds some fond memories and the likes so I'm willing to give it a crack, don't quote me on this but I think it may be the one or at least one of a small handful of rifles in Ireland i don't even know how much it's worth these days, black medium barrel AUG steyr, very little use.

You are looking at in STG 2,395 with some custom bits in the UK as the below example so around 2,500 ish Euros is a good asking price.

https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/rifles/steyr/straight-pull/223/aug-230627131120002

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123084147#Comment_123084147

Can you confirm the state you are moving and license you've applied for. That is essentially what it boils down to. The laws differ slightly.