Can I buy a Weihrauch AG in Germany? And, bring back to US?

[CaptGeorge]

I'm planning a trip to Europe this year. Is it possible to buy a HW-30S in Germany and bring back into US?  Anyone done this?

[SAADE]

Bring it back how? As checked baggage/personal freight or...?

My guess is.. this will get complicated when it goes thru x-ray and US Customs when (if) it get's here.

Why not just buy one here?  http://www.airgundepot.com/weihrauch-hw30s-4099.html

[RedFeather]

I would guess so but you might want to check prices first.  Some of the guns we think are expensive here are even more so in the EU.  And you will have to be sure it is an export-rated gun.  German law says they can't have over 16 Joules which comes to around 6 foot pounds.  Worse than the Brit restrictions.  Then there's packing it up to make it through baggage miss-handling.  I do know there are one or two fellows importing guns from Germany.  Not sure if they go over and buy a bunch or have someone there working with them.  These are older club type target guns which are now out-classed in competition.

[ac12]

Yes you can, but be prepared for a lot of work.
I brought back a FWB300 many years ago.

- Have all the paperwork for the sale, and make sure the serial number and description is on the paperwork
- It will be inspected in several places, so use a container that can be resealed, and bring a LOT of duct tape with you.
- Pack it VERY well.  You know the reputation for handling that the airlines have. 
- - A common damage on match rifles is at the pistol grip.  This is when the box/case is dropped on its end and the heavy barrel and receiver cracks the softer wood stock at its weakest point, the pistol grip. 
- - If you don't have the factory box, separating the receiver from the stock would reduce the damage, just pack it well.
- - Some rifle boxes are adequate for shipping as baggage, others have almost no padding and will provide little to no protection.  You may want to consider bringing a locking rifle case with you, then put the rifle into the case to ship back.
- Declare the rifle when you check in.  Tell them it is a "luft-gaveir" (AIR rifle).
- Give yourself a LOT of extra time, as you will have to do a lot of running around at the departing airport; separate airline inspection and police inspection.  I think it took me about an hour or more of extra time.
- You will also have an inspection when you enter the US by US customs.  Again receipt w description and serial number is important.  This will also backup your customs declaration amount.
- Get to baggage claim FAST.  Some airlines just put the rifles out on the carousel with all the other luggage...dumb procedure.  Others will keep the rifles separated.


One more thing.  I think the VAT in Germany is 16%.  You "may" be able to get some of that back by working with the store.  You need a form that you attach a receipt to, then at the airport you present the form+receipt to get a partial tax refund.  How this works depends also on the store and if they affiliate with that program.  Otherwise you may have to apply for the tax refund on your own.  Do some research here.

Is this all worth it? 
I don't know how much money you will save, if any. 
And that is a LOT of work to do.

gud luk

[CaptGeorge]

Thanks for replies.  I think I'll just buy it here and avoid all the problems.

[ac12]

I would do it only for air guns that you cannot get here in the US.
Example guns that the US importer does not import (like Slavia 631) or that are long out of production.