Firearms Importing From the USA to Australia

Black Range Firearms imports Category A, B, C, D and H firearms from the USA to Australia.

Have you found something second hand and unique online that you just have to have? Maybe you’re after a firearm or part that isn’t available in Australia? I can import those firearms and parts into Australia for you.

The process is pretty straight-forward. Let me know what you want, and that under Australian law you are entitled to have it. Once I’ve confirmed availability, we can finalise costs. From there, I’ll handle the purchase in the USA and import into Australia. I’ll do the worrying, and you do the waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs of firearms importing from the USA?

Firearms importation is not straight-forward. There are significant administration costs involved in the US 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 – but it won’t be worth importing that bargain Gamo from Pyramid Air. Importing is to get exactly what you want, not to save a dollar.

How long does it take to import a firearm?

That depends on the category of firearm and where we’re up to with building shipments. Import paperwork in Australia can be very complex, particularly with Cat C and D firearms. In the USA there are export permits to contend with. Add getting freighted around the USA, customs processing at both ends and you’re starting to get the idea.

Consequently, you can expect a wait of around 6 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.

What details do I need to provide to import a firearm?

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?

Export regulations in the USA are pretty strict. More often than not if you approach a seller in the USA they will probably ignore you or refuse to deal with you, as the penalties can be very severe for them, or the export just too hard to deal with.

If you do manage to purchase the firearm, let me know and I can absolutely organise the import for you.  My first preference is that you allow me to handle the entire sale, as it makes the whole process a lot easier.

How do I buy off Gun Broker, Guns America or Guns International?

The best bet with these sites is to let us handle it.  If you can send me a link to the auction I’ll be able to quote and organise the entire process for you. Here’s a tip; make sure to not leave contacting me to the last minute, as it can take time to organise the process in the USA. In general, I’d make sure that we have around three days to make sure that the seller is reliable, and all of our bids and contingencies are in place.

Where Can I Look For Firearms in the US?

There are two main places to start looking in the USA. 

The first is www.gunbroker.com. If it’s for sale in the USA, new or second hand, it’s most likely for sale on GunBroker. There are some great reasons to check here. Firstly, the photos are excellent, so you’ll likely have a good idea of condition prior to purchase. Secondly, sellers have a rating, so you can check on their prior form. With purchasing, usually we have the option of ‘buying it now’, or there may be an auction format. We can work with either. 

The second is www.gunsinternational.com. Guns International tends to be more dealer focused, but it often attracts collectors and rarities. It’s well worth a look.

Finally, you may find big box retailers and small gun shops. Feel free to send us links for these also. We’ll do our best to work with all vendors in the USA. 

Firearms Auctions

.There are some really interesting firearms to be had at auctions. Specialised auction houses like https://www.rockislandauction.com hold regular auctions, which tend to attract the cream of the collectible crop.

Regional auctions are very interesting too, as they tend to catch the firearms that don’t get collector attention, or the gems that the vendors just want to clear. They’re more of an unvarnished representation of the US gun market. Proxibid and Invaluable are an excellent place to spend some time in a quiet moment reviewing the regional auctions.

It’s always easier if we bid on your behalf at these auctions, som please reach out if you see anything that catches your eye. 

Also, make sure to keep those auction fees and freight costs in mind; auction houses publish their fees, but shipping fees are often a $100.00 USD surprise at the end.

TESTIMONIALS

“I had been looking for a specific model of firearm not imported into Australia. James was able to source and deliver the exact model I was after with the least amount of hassle. This was my first Cat C Firearm and James explained the process with reference to AG Approval and everything went through smoothly. Delivery to my home state was very quick and I am extremely happy with the firearm and highly recommend James and Black Range Firearms.”

Andrew

Queensland

“James made the whole process easy and quick”

Agron

NSW

“Hi James. Got to the gunshop and got to check out the rifle. Very pleased! Your service was great throughout. I will recommend you to any mates I know who want to import.”

Pat

SA

“I’m not particularly keen on some of the “innovations” found on modern firearms, including cheap plastic stocks, so when I found that the Australian distributor of a shotgun I wanted to buy only imported the plastic version I was disappointed … until I got in touch with James at Black Range Firearms.  He assured me there’d be no problems importing a walnut version from the United States.  He was true to his word.  The process ran like clockwork.  James kept me in the loop throughout, right up to the delivery of the gun to my local dealer.    And a very nice bit of walnut it is!  Couldn’t be happier with the gun, the price and the process.  Would have no hesitation in recommending his services.  Thanks James….”

Nik

VIC

“As any person purchasing a firearm in a foreign land and attempting to import to Australia will know, it is not for anyone that thrives a rapid pace lifestyle or mentally agonises over continually hitting solid walls of bureaucracy.
I have purchased 2 Ruger number 1’s from the same dealer in America that specialises in No 1 Rifles, particularly the hard to find and obscure calibres. The first was a Boddington 450 Nitro Express (only 250 produced & in a set of 5) and the second was a 458 WIN Magnum (I think finished production around 2006 some time) and carries a D weight barrel. The 2 rifles were purchased approximately 1 year apart. Now….How do I get it to Geelong? There are importers that do this service but I knew not any. With my first import, the 450 NE, there was a problem with paperwork and to cut a long story short I needed someone that knew the ropes and could deal with the matter and sort it out for me. Pronto.
Enter James Craig, owner of Blackrange Firearms in Horsham. James was recommended to me so I give him a call and within a couple of months I held my 450 NE for the first time. Almost a year since I purchased it from the dealer in Texas. Well that wasn’t so bad, I thought. Given the Police, Customs and paperwork stuff up, I will buy another that I have craved for. A Number 1 again, this time in 458WM. Rang the dealer in Texas, bought the rifle at auction, and then starts the paperwork and the WAITING. This time I rang James and had him handle the entire import process and within 4 months (with Xmas in the middle slowing things down both here and in America) I picked up my 458 from Black Range Firearms.
During the waiting for the 458 to clear customs, I purchased a Savage 223 for my son to use (and me of course) from James.
I thoroughly recommend James Craig of Black Range Firearms to assist you in whatever your needs. Whether it is a locally produced firearm you’re looking to buy or to import from another Country, James is your man.”

Murray

VIC