Firearms Importing From the UK
The UK have some really unique and interesting firearms that are rare in the Australian market place. It’s the home of interesting historical rifles and collectibles, along with a selection of incredible shotguns.
Alternately, you may have just moved here and are looking for advice on how to move your firearms to Australia.
We have established and reliable contacts in the United Kingdom and Australia that make this process straight forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs?
Firearms importation is not as straight-forward. There are significant administration costs involved in the UK and Australia, transit costs, as well as the necessity of cutting a path through the bureaucratic tangle on both continents. The upshot is that it can be worth importing rare firearms, Cat C or D, or ones that are just not imported.
How long does it take?
That depends on the category of firearm and where we’re up to with building shipments. I hold an open import permit into Australia; export permits from the UK can take two to three months. Add getting freighted around the UK, customs processing at both ends and you’re starting to get the idea. Consequently, you can expect a wait or around 4 – 5 months until the firearm is landed in Australia and ready for release. If we get lucky it can be sooner, but be prepared for a longer rather than a shorter wait.
Where Can I Source Firearms in the UK?
Much like Australia, the UK has a few main websites where firearms are listed for sale. You could try https://www.gunstar.co.uk, which will give you a sense of the general market place. I really like the feature where you can set alerts for guns you’re tracking.
There are many excellent and helpful retailer too. Most are not averse to export, and I’m more than happy to reassure any that you are talking with there is a pathway out the UK.
Otherwise, it’s always worth keeping track of the auction houses.
Holts are renowned for regular auctions of high quality modern and antique firearms. The lot images are excellent too; well worth a quiet look of an evening.
Wilson 55 has some fascinating catalogues for antiques.
You’ll find many more regional auction houses too, which are well worth staying on the mailing lists for.
What details do I need to provide?
I’ll need to know at minimum that you have the appropriate license for your State, and can obtain a valid Permit to Acquire. Category C has some additional requirements depending on if your license is for a sports shooter or primary production; please call on 0400 172 464 or email me on james@blackrangefirearms.com.au to discuss.
Can I buy the firearm myself and have you import it?
Absolutely. Often UK dealers will want to know that you have a means of exporting the firearm – I am more than happy to be a part of this discussion.
It is much easier if I’m able to purchase the firearm for you though.
Can you help with relocations?
Absolutely. Please get in touch and we can discuss pathways to importing your personal firearms with you when you immigrate. We can store while your Australian license is pending also.