How does this work?
Import to the US is done by a Type 8 FFL, such as Smart Shot Firearms LLC possesses. Please note that per ATF rules, your firearm must be engraved with our name and location within a short period after import. You can complete the engraving yourself beforehand if you prefer. Contact us for the engraving requirements.
Not all firearms can be imported. There is an unusual quirk in US Gun Law from legislation back in the 60’s that only allows imports of firearms that have a sporting purpose or can be easily modified to a sporting purpose. In other words – too many characteristics that resemble those on military firearms cannot be imported privately – even if these firearms are made in the US and are otherwise for sale in the US. We can tell by looking at the model and if we are not sure we can always file the paperwork and await a response. Below is a list that of fireartms that will likely be denied an import request by the ATF:
- Firearms from Certain Countries – as amended from time to time by the US Government. Find a current list here.
- NFA regulated firearms and accessories.
- Most firearms that do not have a sporting purpose, or that can be easily modified to a sporting purpose, as defined in the regulations – this includes anything on the AR platform.
- Handguns where the barrel is less than 3 inches.
- United States Military Firearms.
Special requirements will exist for the following
- Anything the ATF does not have in their database. These may require shipping to the ATF for testing prior to an import decision being made.
- Military Surplus firearms over 50 years old.
Selling Your Firearms
If you have firearms that the Canadian Government now says you can’t use or sell, we can help with firearm sales in the United States. We will import your handguns or long guns to the United States and sell them at fair market value. Our cost will be an agreed-upon commission plus any brokerage and shipping fees. Use the Contact Us form or email us at info@smartshotfirearms.com or by phone at 716.232.0595, and we will review the guns you have to sell and the price we think they will command.
Moving to the US with Your Guns
Important Note: Before moving your firearms to the US, please check to ensure you can legally own them in the US and, specifically, in the State to which you are moving. You can check the ATF website for Federal requirements, and most States will have their requirements posted online as well. Importing firearms you cannot own will incur additional fees. Smart Shot will store the firearms after they have crossed the border for 180 days at no charge while you arrange for any permits required in your State. After 180 days, there may be additional fees.
A background check will be required before you take possession of the firearms. Smart Shot will be able to complete this background check if you are moving to New York State. If you are relocating to any other State, then, depending on the type of firearms, this check may need to be done by an FFL in your new State. In this case, we will ship the firearms to an FFL of your choosing.
The steps to complete the import of firearms are listed below:
- Email us at info@smartshotfirearms.com or by phone at 716.232.0595 to start the process.
- An exporter from the country you are moving from will be in touch to gather some information from you.
- We will complete the required paperwork and submit it to the ATF for approval. Please be patient as the ATF process can take several weeks – periodically they will want to inspect firearms prior to import.
- Once the firearms are approved for import, we will bring them across the border and store them in our facility in Western New York. The firearms will be engraved by this time if you have not elected to do so beforehand.
- When you are ready to take possession of the firearms, we will either arrange to meet at our facility and complete the background check, or we will ship them to the FFL of your choosing.
Check out our FAQ section for more information on Canadians moving guns to the US and other related topics.
