Shotgun Stock import via personal baggage?

[munawers]

Dear Fellow Enthusiasts,
Can anybody tell me if I can bring along a stock (wood only) for a shotgun. I have been unfortunate to discover that the stock on the gun(BSA single barrel) I purchased in India has a crack running through the stock. I have been able to locate a suitable stock on a trip to the UK but have been unsuccessful in finding any information (customs/import) related to import of a stock (wood only) via personal baggage.
Any help or advise would be most appreciated.
Kind regards and happy shooting
munawers

[veeveeaar]

AFAIK , sandal wood and red sanders alone are prohibited to be transited without passes. It will not be a problem to bring such blanks or even a pattern stock .The argument is they can be also used as a toy .But there will be some wise cracks( customs) who will try to show that they are doing their duty.

[munawers]

Veeveear,

Thank you for your kind reply. I have the same apprehension regarding the customs.

Any other members who may have any experience importing a shotgun stock even through courier could kindly shed some light on this issue, please.

regards
munawers

[to_saptarshi]

I dont see any reason , why you cant import a blank . Its just a mere piece of wood, and you can make a nice decoration item, an art piece or just can use it as a simple paper weight or a shotgun stock. Under this logic no one can import a piece of steel either, as any gun parts can be made out of it . Better you import a blank , just dont call it shotgun blank , gun stock etc etc , once you have it , made you own custom fit stock out of it. Giving it a basic gun stock shape may create unnecessary complicacy which could be easily avoided in case of a blank wood.

BTW, I had imported two air rifles along with their stock and one 357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Revolver (Full Metal) without being asked a single question. But all of times my baggage was opened and inspected by TSA for security reasons , but nothing else. So I hope it wont be a much issue even if you import a wood stock in your personal baggage , just make sure its inside your checked in luggage and not in handbag. Just my 2 cents

[The Doc]

BTW, I had imported two air rifles along with their stock and one 357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Revolver (Full Metal) without being asked a single question. But all of times my baggage was opened and inspected by TSA for security reasons , but nothing else.

Was it on TR ?

I have been able to locate a suitable stock on a trip to the UK but have been unsuccessful in finding any information (customs/import) related to import of a stock (wood only) via personal baggage.

The OP clearly states that he wants to import a wooden stock for his shotgun which he has found in the UK. He does not say anything about the blank. Recently a friend got a stock for his BRNO .22LR by mail and he had to fight teeth and nails with the custom guys to get it released. Another friend was not so lucky , his mail order synthetic stock got confiscated by the customs - no arguments entertained . I do not know anyone who imported a wooden stock in his luggage . On a lucky day, you just might be able to walk away with it but be prepared to get it confiscated - no plea / logic entertained .People have tried to import wooden stocks claiming them to be for .177 air rifles but they are always looked at with a lot of suspicion and the results have not been positive. Are you a member of the NRAI or any shooting club/association ? Cracked stocks can be repaired well, you know, unless you have set eyes on the new one. .

best,
Rp.

[winnie_the_pooh]

Recently a friend got a stock for his BRNO .22LR by mail and he had to fight teeth and nails with the custom guys to get it released. Another friend was not so lucky , his mail order synthetic stock got confiscated by the customs - no arguments entertained .

Perhaps your friends can share their experiences with us?

[munawers]

Saptarshi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Guess, I will give it a "shot" anyways.

Doc, yes I have set my eyes on the stock and very tempted to have it on my gun. Any idea what other prosecution measures may be taken by customs (in addition to confiscation of the stock)?

I had the existing stock checked by a gun smith in Bengaluru, he did say that the crack may not deteriorate but no guarantees.....

I am not a member of any shooting clubs in India, I am looking forward to applying for a membership in Bengaluru (wish I had one... just seeking/thinking about a membership does not help me in any way with my current stock import issue.. ) and I am ardently hoping to seek the help of fellow enthusiasts from this forum for references/introductions in Bengaluru (for a membership application).

Thanks again for the replies... does any member have any relevant experience (gun spares/stock import) with Bengaluru airport customs officials???

happy and safe shooting

regards
Munawers

[to_saptarshi]

BTW, I had imported two air rifles along with their stock and one 357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Revolver (Full Metal) without being asked a single question. But all of times my baggage was opened and inspected by TSA for security reasons , but nothing else.

Was it on TR ?


Sorry Doc , It was a non firing replica manfactured by MGC , I missed mentioning that . Speed typing i guess

[grewal]

For all those people who want make their stocks of the following timber such as # Walnut, Oak, Teak, Elm, Sycamore, Maple, Cedar ,an importer in Ludhiana and Maharashtra had imported logs of these varieties and the grains in walnut are of ultimate quality. I personally had a chat with this guy and he will be more than happy to help. http://www.gilltimbers.com/index.html

Sorry this was a bit OT

[The Doc]

For all those people who want make their stocks of the following timber such as # Walnut, Oak, Teak, Elm, Sycamore, Maple, Cedar ,an importer in Ludhiana and Maharashtra had imported logs of these varieties and the grains in walnut are of ultimate quality. http://www.gilltimbers.com/index.html

Excellent news, thanks.

best,
Rp.

[goodboy_mentor]

Any idea what other prosecution measures may be taken by customs (in addition to confiscation of the stock)?

What prosecution measures beyond confiscation can be done? I do not think importing of a stock would cause violation of Arms Act 1959. As already explained by saptarshi, wooden stock can be put to various uses including decoration pieces, toys, imitation firearms etc.

If the piece of wood is not given the shape of a gun stock, as well as documents do not mention that the piece of wood is for a gun stock, then Chapter 44 -46 - "Section IX-Wood and Articles of Wood; Wood Charcoal; cork and articles or cork; Manufactures of Straw, of Esparto or of other Plaiting Materials; Basketware and Wickerwork" would be applicable.

If the piece of wood is given the shape of a gun stock or the documents mention that the piece of wood is for a gun stock, then the Customs Chapter 93 - "Section XIX-Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories thereof" under Harmonized Code List will be applicable. It would probably then fall under HS Code 9305. For details you may refer http://www.infodriveindia.com/Hs-Codes/Default.aspx For queries related to Customs, you may contact them via email at http://www.cbec.gov.in/helpmail.htm or do RTI for the same. If you decide to query Customs via email or RTI, please do share the response of Customs in this forum so that everyone may know.

Also the option mentioned by grewal, to buy the imported wood within India seems to be a good and easier one.

[munawers]

Goodboy_Mentor,

Thank you for the kind advice. Your kind references to the relevant laws has been most helpful. I believe that it is in the interest of this sport and all of us Indians who cherish the right to bear arms that we avoid the slightest of skirmishes with the authorities. Your advice to seek suitable raw material for the stock from suppliers in India is most sensible and I have decided to do that once I return home.

Thanks again to all members for their valuable advice.

Best regards and happy shooting
munawers