crossing the border with guns

[skeeter@ccia.com]

In June, a canadian bear hunt is in order. Any information on how hard it would be to take a custom made 06 over the border? The only written thing on it is the year it was made stamped on the barrel. No Remington, winchester or other manufacture name is on it. I figured the word Custom on the paper work where calls for the brand of rifle would be suffice.. Would you take a 7mm mag instead of an o6? What grain shell would you use? The cost to cross border is only going to be for one rifle. I can only use one at a time anyhow and if needed, will be others with me to borrow one if needed. Thanks

[Gil Martin]

When I went to Canada with a rifle, I contacted the BATF and did some paperwork and showed it and the gun at the border. You could contact the Canadian folks and get their input. Should not be too difficult once you pay the required fee.

What caliber you use depends on which you prefer, handles well and you can use effectively. My preference regarding bullets would be 160 or 175 in the 7mm Magnum and the 165 or 180 in the .30-06. Again, whichever shot better. All the best...
Gil

[bigbrother]

I'm not sure how custom guns work when crossing the border. I would definately make a call and find out how to specify that on your paperwork. We have never had any problems at the border traveling to and/or from but have always had our forms filled out and ready when we got there. The border people have always been helpful.

I'm pretty sure that you can not take a gun chambered in a modified case. (ie. ackley improved) The case must bear the headstamp of the cartridge you're shooting. For example, you can take a 7mm stw but your brass has to have 7mm stw on it. You couldn't make your rounds from 8mm rem mag brass. If discovered, you could have some problems.

Either way, have fun on the trip and good luck.

[PJgunner]

I don't know the form number, but take a gun that has a serial number. Customs has a form you fill out that will make it simple to bring the gun back into the U.S., but it has to have a serial number. Prior to the 1968 Gun Control Law, rifles were not required to have a serial number, so your gun is not illegal.
I would contact your nearest customs agent for the forms. They have to verify that the numbers are correct, but from what I understand, there's no big hassle. Basically, all the form is for is to prove you didn't buy the gun in Canada. Could save you from having it confiscated.
Paul B.

[ol_spark]

Click on this link. It'll tell you what you need to do.


http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/info_for-renseignement/non-residents/default_e.asp

[ol_spark]

We haven't had problems with guns at the border. I know some have . They do have an instant check program for non-supportive fathers and others that are no so kind to society. We have our forms made out prior to gettting to the customs. They sort of like that, no one like to do paperwork so if you have it filled out then they just review it and stamp it.

Another good idea is to have Canadian money to pay for it. As a rule you will not get a good exchange rate for your money at the customs station.
Hope this helps.

[skeeter@ccia.com]

thanks all ....I do have the paper work and intend to have it filled out prior to the visit...and spark.....website great...tks...





born to be outdoors....thanks dad...