Firearms to Alaska
Well we have time right now, the new 4457 forms are out and customs is not that busy. So, planning for next year, why not get the 4457 done? Form fill and call up your local, or not so local, customs man/woman and make an appointment. Help me investigate the possibilities:
Long guns: Take them with you, US https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2019-Sep/CBP%20Form%204457.pdf and for Canada https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf , at $25 Canadian this is a great deal. The rules are on the form. Based on a 2019 moose hunt it is smooth and professional at the border. This is my favorite and the lowest cost option. You can also mail or ship from you to you with love, with or without the help of an FFL holder. However, it will cost you more. Take your time and do your research.
Pistols and revolvers: Now we have crossed the Rubicon. From what I can read, forget taking it with you. It’s legal, but unless you are a competitive shooter and can line up a match in Yukon, not likely. So you can ship it with the help of an FFL on the far end, find a pro on the net, and follow their directions exactly. You might save some money using an FFL on both ends and shipping US mail, however without the FFL on the lower 48 end you must use a private shipper and premium service. Fairly expensive, unless you get a discount!!
The last way, just to be contrary and save money. Buy an 80% frame, suitable for your needs. The 80% frame, jig, end mill, bits, slide, barrel, mags, (they will sell it all in a kit), bullets (not cartridges), brass, Lee hand press, dies, and all go into a medium, or large flat rate box. Mail it to yourself, or have a friend drop it in the mail. It is not a gun, until you touch the frame with a tool. The catch, you need a table top drill press and a cross slide vice and a rainy afternoon. However, since I have room in the basement and I am at 17% on my pin, this is a viable option. According to the Canadian border folks I spoke with and their website, you may import limited amounts of power and primers; I would expect a search however. You could also buy the ammo in Alaska. Before you leave Alaska, cut the frame up with the end mill in the press, or just burn it. You will pay for the flat rate box, both ways and $100 to $150 for the frame. The rest of the parts go back home by mail for reuse.
Whatever, you do, do not take the 80% frame into Canada, or any of the gun parts. I don’t know about Canadian law, but you will learn all about an acronym “ITAR” the hard way from the US. The window for this option may soon close, if “Ghost Guns” become forbidden. However, with the 2,000,000 Winchester 37 shotguns and all the other firearms made without serial numbers, I do not see them as a real problem.
As always, do your research, before you go. Plus my advice is worth what you paid for it. Now anyone have better ideas? Always remember, if your mind is too open, your brain will fall out.
Long guns: Take them with you, US https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2019-Sep/CBP%20Form%204457.pdf and for Canada https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/wam/media/2347/original/d369a605ac3363b569af5ea5dc40c88d.pdf , at $25 Canadian this is a great deal. The rules are on the form. Based on a 2019 moose hunt it is smooth and professional at the border. This is my favorite and the lowest cost option. You can also mail or ship from you to you with love, with or without the help of an FFL holder. However, it will cost you more. Take your time and do your research.
Pistols and revolvers: Now we have crossed the Rubicon. From what I can read, forget taking it with you. It’s legal, but unless you are a competitive shooter and can line up a match in Yukon, not likely. So you can ship it with the help of an FFL on the far end, find a pro on the net, and follow their directions exactly. You might save some money using an FFL on both ends and shipping US mail, however without the FFL on the lower 48 end you must use a private shipper and premium service. Fairly expensive, unless you get a discount!!
The last way, just to be contrary and save money. Buy an 80% frame, suitable for your needs. The 80% frame, jig, end mill, bits, slide, barrel, mags, (they will sell it all in a kit), bullets (not cartridges), brass, Lee hand press, dies, and all go into a medium, or large flat rate box. Mail it to yourself, or have a friend drop it in the mail. It is not a gun, until you touch the frame with a tool. The catch, you need a table top drill press and a cross slide vice and a rainy afternoon. However, since I have room in the basement and I am at 17% on my pin, this is a viable option. According to the Canadian border folks I spoke with and their website, you may import limited amounts of power and primers; I would expect a search however. You could also buy the ammo in Alaska. Before you leave Alaska, cut the frame up with the end mill in the press, or just burn it. You will pay for the flat rate box, both ways and $100 to $150 for the frame. The rest of the parts go back home by mail for reuse.
Whatever, you do, do not take the 80% frame into Canada, or any of the gun parts. I don’t know about Canadian law, but you will learn all about an acronym “ITAR” the hard way from the US. The window for this option may soon close, if “Ghost Guns” become forbidden. However, with the 2,000,000 Winchester 37 shotguns and all the other firearms made without serial numbers, I do not see them as a real problem.
As always, do your research, before you go. Plus my advice is worth what you paid for it. Now anyone have better ideas? Always remember, if your mind is too open, your brain will fall out.
