I see the occasional auctions over in Europe that feature some really nice older Sigs, in addition to many other firearms that are rarely seen in the US. I assume if you follow all the import regulations, you could bring one here. Have any of you ever done it? My question is really about the process you followed, and whether it was worth it in the end. It seems like it could be cost prohibitive unless it was just the perfect match for your collection. I wouldn't be thrilled about the micro engraving either but for the right gun it might be tolerable. What was your experience?

I’ve never done it but this guy is local to me and imports: https://txmgo.com/

https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...940092374#3940092374

I should say that, Tim Rothe is also an exporter. So, he shipped directly to the US, and that saved me an extra headache step.

But, not all vendors overseas are exporters. So, if you buy something from one of them, you still have to find and exporter to do the shipping to the US. KRICO is one such exporter.

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whether it was worth it in the end. It seems like it could be cost prohibitive unless it was just the perfect match for your collection. I wouldn't be thrilled about the micro engraving either but for the right gun it might be tolerable.

You are right. For the right gun (rare, hard to find, odd characteristics), it's worth it. The German SL SO P226 was worth it.

I want to do this. A good buddy in eastern Germany is a state cop, and I'd like to get his P225/P6. Another buddy in Bavaria has a brother who's a state cop and he swears it'll be "no problem" for me to buy his HK P7 PSP real cheap. LOL. Another close friend in Austria has a Glock that was a personal gift from Gaston Glock. So I'd jump through some hoops to get that. My buddy is 80 yrs old and doesn't care about it anymore.

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My question is really about the process you followed

1- Find gun. Contact seller/vendor.

2- He sends (emails) you the invoice.

3- You wire money. Let him know who your importer is.

4- Give your importer a heads up. He/she will be in contact with the seller/exporter.

5- Your importer will send you an invoice detailing various fees.
I used MMBI, who are extremely fine folks to deal with, and these are their various fees: Import Service Fee (ISF), US Customs Duty & Fees, US Airport Handling & Delivery Fee, Ship-to-your-FFL Fee. Pay the ISF up front, so they can start the application process with the ATF for the import permit. Other fees are paid when they receive your gun, get the importer marking engraved and prepare to ship gun to your FFL.

6- You receive the End User Certificate (EUC). Sign it and send it back to seller. You can email it, but seller must have the original hard copy, so you need to mail it, also.

7- Sit back and chill until your importer contacts you that gun is here. Pay the remaining fees and wait for your gun to show up at your FFL.

I know the folks at MMBI thru the gunshow circuit,
great folks,

I have transferred some stuff to them, and from them (I am a Va based FFL, they are in Maryland)

nothing but professional

MMBI is who I went through.

They can work with individuals selling overseas (Italy) and help them get it through Customs. Their fees are understandable considering the amount of work involved. Their import engraving is very discreet also.

---> Keep in mind that it may take eight months for your firearm to get to you. <---

If you want something that can be found over here with a little time, it may be better to be patient. When MMBI tells you that the ATF said 'we currently do not recognize this firearm in this caliber' it means you have the first one to reach North America.

Good Times.

Great information, thanks to everyone for your advice. Now just to decide what to do...