Can I get a gun into the US from Mexico?

[Sam Adams]

A relative of mine who lived in Mexico recently died. I know for a fact that this person owned a handgun, and that no one in this person's immediate family objects to me getting it. I would like it for sentimental reasons, and also to get a gun "off paper" (which is quite legal where I live). But, of course, getting it is exactly my problem.

Questions:

1) Is it possible to legally get a gun from Mexico to the US?

2) If yes, is it possible to do so in such a way that said gun would NOT be registered?

3) Any "creative" suggestions are welcome and, NO, I am not soliciting any advice on illegal activities (as defined by the governing document of our nation, the US Constititution)...there, that ought to satisfy the authorities.

 

[TarpleyG]

Sure, just come in though California. Hell, they'll probably give you a permit for it if you happen to be an illegal alien. No waiting or fees either. Tell 'em Ahnold sent ya.

GT

 

[DigMe]

Just be careful man. I hear that there is more than one American sitting in the Mexican jails right now because of getting caught with a gun in Mexico. One guy even just got caught with ammo!

brad cook

 

[MuzzleBlast]

I'm about 80% certain there is a way to get the gun into the US legally, but it would be registered in the same way any other gun imported in is registered. There are a lot of restrictions on what kinds of guns can be imported. Contact the ATF for details. They should be listed in the blue pages.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/index.htm

 

[WilderBill]

Well, there have been millions of Mexicans and tons of controlled substances imported without any paperwork at all, so I would think it is possible.
Just be carefull. Whatever it is, it isn't worth rotting forever in a Mexican jail over.

 

[saddenedcitizen]

It's probably not worth your effort

Unless it's some kind of collector/valuble piece.
In which case, go through 'legal' channels'. I know
you don't want to, however -
Mexico is a country that absolutely runs on corruption.
If you are a 'gringo' and get caught with a firearm
AND/OR ammunition in Mexico, it will probably cost your
family/friends everything they have/can beg barrow/steal
to POSSIBLY get you out of prison.(Depending on how many/
how large your bribes are !!!!!!!!!) After all,
you are one of those filthy rich Americanos who
is trying to exploit Mexico by stealing a firearm that
is a national artifact/treasure.
Keep in mind, there are MANY ways to get 'caught'.
Traffic accident (they can search your car/luggage
and ANYTHING else they want WITHOUT your
permission (remember, what's left of the Constitution
you left behind at the boarder)
Illness - again, the 'authorities' can go through everything
you have (some of it will end up 'missing' in almost
EVERY case.
Strictly my opinion but it just ain't worth the risk.
There are other ways, depending on where you buy,
of getting firearms 'off paper' that offer FAR FEWER
risks.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

On the US side....

Question #1: Yes
Question #2: No

To do it legally....

You would have to line up an FFL in your state of residence (Importer not required) to receive the firearm and complete ATF FORM 6 - Part I (5330.3A). That is then sent to ATF for approval. The FFL then presents the approved ATF FORM 6 - Part 1 and a completed ATF FORM 6A to the US Customs Service.

One way to be creative and keep the gun from being "registered" to you by the government is to have someone else buy the gun and do the import. Then you do a private party purchase from that individual.

You would still need to obey Mexican laws for exporting the firearm.

 

[10-Ring]

I would think that crossing an international border would require some kind of importation paperwork & registration. Maybe ask Customs???

 

[jimpeel]

There's a guy who is prohibited from ever owning a firearm because he left some shotshells in his trunk when he crossed into Mexico. Is this firearm worth that to you?

 

[Sisco]

Don't know about getting one out of Mexico, but it must not be much trouble to get one into the country.
Mexican nationals around here buy up as many as they can and haul them back across the border for what I understand is a pretty tidy profit.

 

[keederdag]

I have a friend that owns a ranch in southern AZ; his property line run's right along the boder (Gov. Lease). Anyhow most of his help, live in mexico and walk across to work eatch day. There is no customs there, just desert. These guy's just want to work, and their good people. One time my friend saw a garbadge bag out by his mailbox, in the middle of the road. He figured it fell off some neighbors truck, on the way to the dump. It was full of wackytobacky. It took the Border patrol 4 day's to come pick it up. I cant imagine the borders are very hard to get through with anything. Ive never been searched once, by either side. Course I was'nt smuggleing anything, so I didnt have huge beads of sweat runnin down my face, and a slight stammer in my voice either!

 

[BigG]

This guy I know, a US National *cough* used to cross over all the time between Agua Prieta/Nogales and AZ and he was heeled. He was using his considered judgment and figured it was worth the risk. YMMV

 

[MaterDei]

Have somebody in Mexico break it down and mail it to you, dude. Of course, if this was in violation of the Constitution I wouldn't do it.

 

[kentucky bucky]

You could probably give some dude five bucks and have him walk it across and deliver it to your house in two days, then have him do your yard for two bucks extra. Doubt if he would get caught!!!

 

[Standing Wolf]

Have somebody in Mexico break it down and mail it to you, dude.

Personally, I wouldn't bother; if I were to bother, however, that's how I'd do it. I've never seen anything hecho en Mexico that was worth having.

 

[MuzzleBlast]

He didn't say it was hecho in Mexico, just that it esta in Mexico.

 

[RustyHammer]

Yes, can be done. Is it worth the trouble, probably not.