Here is a piece from the ATF Form 6 handbook that shows that you do not need an expensive importer to get a gun into the USA, just an FFL ~ provided its occasional:
A Federally licensed firearms dealer, pawnbroker or manufacturer, other than manufacturer of ammunition only (Type 06 FFL) may obtain a permit to occasionally import a firearm for the FFLs personal use, or for the personal use of a customer (the customers name, address and purpose of importation should be shown in the item entitled 'Specific Purpose of Importation' on the Form 6 Part I), without becoming licensed and registered as an importer.
I also called ATF's Mike Cooney and he said my interpretaton is spot on...
But that still means you have to pay customs broker and freight, which will probably be well in excess of $500. The only thing you wouldn't have to pay would be the importer's fee which, in SKB's case, is $300. I'm not sure how you were misled. It's not really a problem to get it shipped here as the auction agent told you, and I think one could have well anticipated that freight and import duties and customs broker would cost extra. How did you anticipate getting it here and clearing customs?
