Importing Blaser (custom) barrels

[Hobbit]

Hi

I am looking to get a couple of barrels for my Blaser R8 - one for stalking in 6.5CM and one match profile in 308

The issue is that the factory sporter profile 6.5CM is a 1/10 twist which will not stabilise the heavier 120gr-140+gr bullets I want to use to get the most out of the calibre and the wait on the factory match barrel is long. Given reports that the custom house is both unresponsive and expensive even for blaser (I suspect that their pricing person was taught to charge in Africa by a particularly misanthropic and recently wounded Rhino) I have looked at custom options.

In the UK I understand that brock and Norris will rebarrel your existing barrel and 'stub' but my only R8 barrel, in 308, is still going strong. I am not aware of other local options.

Looking abroad I found bix n'Andy who have an excellent reputation for triggers and I have them in my R8 GRS stock and a carbon stock - http://bixn-andy.at/en/laeufe/

This looks good and I am getting in touch - I wondered what the import process would look like given the barrel will need to be proofed etcany thoughts on this and wider r8 barrel question?

Thank you

 

 

[Safeshot]

Paddy Dane might do it but you will need a stub. I have not seen the Bob&  N option. There are some stories of dodgy R93 jobs from New Zealand. 

[Hobbit]

Thank you - issue is I still need the stub

Andy Atzl builds his own by the looks of things - and in future you could rebarrel it!

 

[pengo]

Have a word with Big Al, on this forum.

He is a very able gun smith/engineer, who may be able to help and is always "up for a challenge".

 

[gazzarM1]

I would like a medium varmint 308 barrel for my R93 . Has anybody an idea of cost from Bix n Andy?

[Hobbit]

I have sent a few emails just now to Andy and I will ask about the prices for the R93 as well

Questions still stand on import and proofing - any ideas out there?

[gazzarM1]

I would imagine that most dealers could import a barrel, send it to the proof house  and then put on an individual FAC?

[Cumbrian 1]

I might be talking drivel but if it was proofed in Germany it would be valid here, isn't CIP recognised here in the UK?

[Hobbit]

Cumbrian - Yes - they are proofed in Austria - Is this definitely acceptable in the UK? Apologies for my ignorance here.

Gazzar - Base price for a semiweight/match profile R93 barrel in 308 or similar standard caliber is Euro1125 - 1050 for standard barrel and +75 for the nonstandard profile. Threading, coating etc is extra

I will be looking to get 2 barrels from him - will let you know how it goes

Best

James

[gazzarM1]

Thanks for the info James ...did he volunteer a timeline ? How does he want paying .....up front ?

[baldie]

CIP proofed items are perfectly legal here. The UK conforms to CIP. All sako's , Tikka's etc are cip proofed only. Never see our proof houses.

I fully expect that to change after Brexit however.

[DW58]

56 minutes ago, baldie said:

CIP proofed items are perfectly legal here. The UK conforms to CIP. All sako's , Tikka's etc are cip proofed only. Never see our proof houses.

I fully expect that to change after Brexit however.

There certainly shouldn't be any changes post-Brexit as CIP is not related to Europe, there are CIP member nations outside the EU.

[Hobbit]

Thanks Baldie/CW

thar means I can just have sent to a dealer I think

 

Gazzar - I am waiting on Andy’a latest reply on timings etc

Will keep you updated

james

 

 

 

 

 

[Hobbit]

Quick follow up - Andy has a price list and list of possible contours etc

One thing that he said was that "I would need your import license to get the export permit"

Is this just my UK FAC with relevant slots? or do I need an import licence, could I ask a dealer here to receive the barrels?

He is based in Austria

Best

James

[Catch-22]

1 hour ago, Hobbit said:

Quick follow up - Andy has a price list and list of possible contours etc

One thing that he said was that "I would need your import license to get the export permit"

Is this just my UK FAC with relevant slots? or do I need an import licence, could I ask a dealer here to receive the barrels?

He is based in Austria

Best

James

I'm not an expert but did speak with the Department for International Trade about acquiring an import lisence (for bits from the US).

As I understand it, for individuals acquiring non restricted firearm components (e.g. not Section 5) - so that's chambered barrels, triggers, actions and bolts - as long as each item is clearly stated on your FAC you don't need an import. You simply show customs your FAC with the specified items listed on your FAC under 'authorised to acquire' and you are all good - you can simply pick them up and drive away. No need to involve a dealer.

i quote a licensing manager;

"Please see 17 to 20 of the attached Notice for guidance on the HMRC personal import concession for personal non-commercial imports of privately owned firearms, component parts and ammunition.  The advice that the Home Office firearms section have given is that you will need to have slots listed on your Firearms Certificate for the items that are classed as component parts, i.e. the receiver, bolts and trigger in order to be able to acquire and possess them."

<I then replied, then got the following response>

"That is correct, you do not need an import licence for the component parts providing that you hold the relevant authority to acquire and possess them at the time of import and that they are freely declared to UK customs."

I found them to be most helpful enquiries.ilb@trade.gsi.gov.uk

As an aside, I spoke to head of BASC firearms licinsing/legal (i'm a paid up member) and asked about import lisencing. I was given completely inaccurate & duff info - quite the opposite of what the Gov department who issues imports had to say. Got the impression he thought he knew it all but clearly he needs to go back to school.