Big Al:
Glad to hear that you are getting your gun.
I will say someone really dropped the ball on this transaction. From what you are saying is that you started down this road almost a year ago. If you and the exporting dealer had the info on the gun which I am sure you and the dealer did, since you knew what you purchased I think the problem was with the import agent. You said they had an importer had an ffl. Once you have the specs of the gun then the ffl dealer (class 1 or licensed importer class 8) can apply. That form 6 is valid for 2 years. I would probably ask to see the copy of the from 6 and see the date it was applied for. I would say this as only if you feel that some of the charges for the fees were out of order and maybe they can give you a slight adjustment. I know I would. If you are happy with the outcome and the fees than ok, no need.
Here is my other two cents:
I think you said that you were thinking about getting your own license. You did not say a general ffl, class 1 or import license class 8. If you are only planning to import a few guns a year, I would not advise it, same with a class 1 license. Just pay the ffl fees to another dealer or licensed importer.
It may seem great at the front end for just a few guns but in the long run, not worth it.
John Boyd
John, did you read the reply I posted earlier specifically addressing Big_Al's concerns? Doesn't seem so from your post here suggesting the blame is on us as the import agent. From our experience of moving thousands of guns across the US-Canada border annually, we quote 2-3 months average expected wait time, and always are glad if we can get it approved and across any faster. That said, this one was just over 3 months on our end, a bit longer than usual. (Details in my earlier post).
Nonetheless we're glad to have this approved, imported, and on the way to Big_Al, who has posted here that he's satisfied with our involvement (as have a couple of other past customers of Borderview). Not sure what happened in the many months between Big_Al's original purchase and when we received the gun at our Canada office, but that seems to be the primary driver of the nearly year-long delay since his original purchase. Thanks, Joel
