Is it possible to buy a barrel in Germany while on vacation and bring it back ?

C0untZer0 · August 9, 2011, 09:24 AM

I know someone who flys to Germany regularly.

I am wondering if it's possible for her to pick me up a 10" Glock barrel made by IGB.

I'm not sure what all is involved in getting it back into the states or if it's even possible.

PTK · August 9, 2011, 11:35 AM

Why not just call the BATFE and ask them directly? It tends to be a good idea to ask those who enforce the law if what you want to do is legal. For what it's worth, they've helped me repeatedly in the past, and are extremely friendly and helpful.

chack · August 9, 2011, 11:50 AM

My understanding is that in Germany, the barrel is the regulated item instead of the receiver like in the US. If that's the case I assume you won't be able to buy one there much less bring it into the US.

gyvel · August 18, 2011, 12:51 PM

I believe, as far as the U.S. is concerned, it's just a part that's not regulated by any laws here.

There is a distributor in Canada, but they sure are expensive.

I guess the plasma treatment allows you to shoot lead reloads safely in a Glock.

Getting it legally in Germany, however, is another matter. Don't know German laws regarding barrels.

T. O'Heir · August 18, 2011, 08:50 PM

All firearms and parts are heavily controlled anywhere in Europe. Your buddy wouldn't be allowed to buy anything without a German export permit and very likely a U.S. import permit.
The ATF doesn't have anything to do with import/export regulations.

Rifleman1776 · August 19, 2011, 08:25 AM

TO is right, buying it in Germany then trying to ship it will consume your vacation going through red tape.
Then to get it into the U.S. the Customs Service could get you embroiled in a whole 'nuther set of complications.
IMHO, not worth the bother.

mapsjanhere · August 19, 2011, 10:25 AM

In Germany, most gun parts are regulated as "vital parts", including all barrels. You can only buy the barrel when you have an entry for the gun in your gun ID card.

gyvel · August 20, 2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Then to get it into the U.S. the Customs Service could get you embroiled in a whole 'nuther set of complications.

I don't think the U.S. cares at all about barrels, do they?

PTK · August 20, 2011, 11:32 AM

What laws we have concerning items made and already imported and transferred inside this country are vastly different than those of importation and exportation themselves - getting items from overseas, even if they aren't regulated here, can prove to be frustrating.

Rifleman1776 · August 20, 2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

I don't think the U.S. cares at all about barrels, do they?

I don't think bureaucrats care about anything except proving they are bureaucrats and have the power to give good citizens a hard time. Not worth risking the possible hassle, IMHO.

Jim Watson · August 20, 2011, 08:43 PM

Quote:

My understanding is that in Germany, the barrel is the regulated item instead of the receiver like in the US. If that's the case I assume you won't be able to buy one there much less bring it into the US.

I heard an account by a US Army officer of a guy who took advantage of that to buy AR lowers in Germany and the rest of the gun in the US. His gray market caught up with him and got him a court martial.

August 9, 2011, 09:24 AM	#1
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	Is it possible to buy a barrel in Germany while on vacation and bring it back ? I know someone who flys to Germany regularly. I am wondering if it's possible for her to pick me up a 10" Glock barrel made by IGB. I'm not sure what all is involved in getting it back into the states or if it's even possible.

August 18, 2011, 12:51 PM	#4
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I believe, as far as the U.S. is concerned, it's just a part that's not regulated by any laws here. There is a distributor in Canada, but they sure are expensive. I guess the plasma treatment allows you to shoot lead reloads safely in a Glock. Getting it legally in Germany, however, is another matter. Don't know German laws regarding barrels. Last edited by gyvel; August 18, 2011 at 01:03 PM.

August 18, 2011, 08:50 PM	#5
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	All firearms and parts are heavily controlled anywhere in Europe. Your buddy wouldn't be allowed to buy anything without a German export permit and very likely a U.S. import permit. The ATF doesn't have anything to do with import/export regulations. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 19, 2011, 10:25 AM	#7
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	In Germany, most gun parts are regulated as "vital parts", including all barrels. You can only buy the barrel when you have an entry for the gun in your gun ID card. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

August 9, 2011, 11:35 AM	#2
PTK Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Posts: 442	Why not just call the BATFE and ask them directly? It tends to be a good idea to ask those who enforce the law if what you want to do is legal. For what it's worth, they've helped me repeatedly in the past, and are extremely friendly and helpful.

August 9, 2011, 11:50 AM	#3
chack Junior member Join Date: May 24, 2011 Location: dixie Posts: 477	My understanding is that in Germany, the barrel is the regulated item instead of the receiver like in the US. If that's the case I assume you won't be able to buy one there much less bring it into the US.

August 19, 2011, 08:25 AM	#6
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	TO is right, buying it in Germany then trying to ship it will consume your vacation going through red tape. Then to get it into the U.S. the Customs Service could get you embroiled in a whole 'nuther set of complications. IMHO, not worth the bother.

August 20, 2011, 11:32 AM	#9
PTK Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2008 Posts: 442	What laws we have concerning items made and already imported and transferred inside this country are vastly different than those of importation and exportation themselves - getting items from overseas, even if they aren't regulated here, can prove to be frustrating.