Bringing a Scope into UK from USA

[soapywatson]

Hi all,

I am going over to the states with work and was looking at getting a Scope while over stateside as prices seem favourable compared to in the UK.

does anyone know if you can get away with fitting it in hand luggage or does it have to be checked in the hold (which i wouldn't plan on doing as I normally just travel light)

and, are there any hiccups when you get into the UK. flights is going to be from Houston to Schiphol or Heathrow then to Aberdeen

thanks in advance

 

[viking90]

I recently purchased a scope direct from Tract in the US and I was happy to find out they have done away with the need for export permits to get them shipped to the UK. With that in mind I dont think there would be any problems bringing one back in your luggage if they're happy to post them

 

[soapywatson]

where I was looking would be the 'local' gun shop to my works office so works out pretty convenient to pick it up rather than pay for shipping if they would even ship to the UK as its not a major brand just appears to be a small business

 

[kenbro]

where I was looking would be the 'local' gun shop to my works office so works out pretty convenient to pick it up rather than pay for shipping if they would even ship to the UK as its not a major brand just appears to be a small business

Hi,
I would be inclined to check whether it comes under ITAR regulations as I believe some (But not all) sights do.
Ken.

 

[HonestJohn]

If it’s got a tactical reticle or it’s military classified such as the sB PM2’s, they’ll be ITAR. I’m told…

Hand luggage is fine, but be aware that if searched by customs you’ll be charged vat and import duties…unless of course it was a gift from a friend there, and wrapped with a bday card ,,which, if not recommending of course

 

[soapywatson]

If it’s got a tactical reticle or it’s military classified such as the sB PM2’s, they’ll be ITAR. I’m told…

Hand luggage is fine, but be aware that if searched by customs you’ll be charged vat and import duties…unless of course it was a gift from a friend there, and wrapped with a bday card ,,which, if not recommending of course

Very conveniently, it would be my birthday (but who’s to tell the airport staff) fairly soon after the trip might have to wrap it up as my own gift

 

[yetidude69]

I was flying back from Miami last month and saw a passenger have an Arken scope removed from his carry on case at xray, the reason given was it was a military type scope and therefore ITAR regulated.
I brought back 2 scopes last year in my checked bags and had no issues.
So I guess you take your chance with carry on?

 

[castbullets.co.uk]

If it has military/tactical turrets and ret then you will be at risk of having it taken off you. It hasn't happened to me but it has happened to friends of mine. Even without those you should expect to be asked about it under the standard US airport staff presumption of guilty until proven innocent.

 

[secondtry]

Put it in your checked baggage. Scopes are specifically mentioned in the official stuff that I have seen as NOT being part of a firearm, and therefore should be no problem in carry on - BUT.

Where the problem arises is that pre flight security staff, who will see the scope on x-ray of your carryon, are frequently unaware of the rules and their mental capacity to resolve issues is limited. If they say "no", regardless of whether they are right or wrong, the answer is still "no"

Save yourself the potential aggravation and put it in your checked baggage.

 

[2Ll’s]

Yep, checked bags, if you dont have any to check buy a $30 suitcase whilst there and chuck some clothes in, no one will care then, in your hand luggage you leave yourself wide open to Mr TSA deciding wether he wants you to take it home or not. I have bought loads back from US all in suitcase, never an issue. Good luck.

 

[Dunwaters]

Checked luggage is scanned too…

 

[kenbro]

Put it in your checked baggage. Scopes are specifically mentioned in the official stuff that I have seen as NOT being part of a firearm, and therefore should be no problem in carry on - BUT.

Where the problem arises is that pre flight security staff, who will see the scope on x-ray of your carryon, are frequently unaware of the rules and their mental capacity to resolve issues is limited. If they say "no", regardless of whether they are right or wrong, the answer is still "no"

Save yourself the potential aggravation and put it in your checked baggage.

Do you have a link to this ‘Optical stuff’ you have seen?
KB.

 

[2Ll’s]

Checked luggage is scanned too…

Really, oh wow,,Yes I know but not individually checked by tsa agent stood there looking at it and wondering what it is.they can see it, they will scan, know what it is and let it go, I have done this numerous times with zero issues

 

[Heym SR20]

ITAR are US regulations and law controlling the export from the US of defence or military applicable arms and equipment.

As regards optics, the optic needs to be designed, manufactured and sold as a hunting or target shooting optic.

In other words for Leupold fir example

Open Country Long Range Hunting Riflescopes | Leupold

Or

Close Range Hunting Riflescope | Leupold

Leupold's close range riflescopes are known for legendary performance and extreme clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Our rifle scopes are the perfect workhorse for those hunts that demand close to mid-range shots.

www.leupold.com

Should be perfectly OK to export

But

Long Range Tactical Riflescopes | Leupold

You need a long range tactical riflescope that can test the limits of open terrain. Our tactical scopes will perform with the highest power beyond our competition by offering extra high end available magnification and more elevation travel.

www.leupold.com

Probably will cause you difficulties, especially if the box and paperwork talk all about tactical / military stuff.

Airport security staff will always err on the side of caution.

 

[Grannysmith]

Every time i go to africa i take my scope off and carry in hand luggage so the baggage handlers dont damage it.
Must have done it 30 times and never been questioned so i would crack on.

 

[soapywatson]

ITAR are US regulations and law controlling the export from the US of defence or military applicable arms and equipment.

As regards optics, the optic needs to be designed, manufactured and sold as a hunting or target shooting optic.

In other words for Leupold fir example

Open Country Long Range Hunting Riflescopes | Leupold

Or

Close Range Hunting Riflescope | Leupold

Leupold's close range riflescopes are known for legendary performance and extreme clarity in an incredibly tough, lightweight package. Our rifle scopes are the perfect workhorse for those hunts that demand close to mid-range shots.

www.leupold.com

Should be perfectly OK to export

But

Long Range Tactical Riflescopes | Leupold

You need a long range tactical riflescope that can test the limits of open terrain. Our tactical scopes will perform with the highest power beyond our competition by offering extra high end available magnification and more elevation travel.

www.leupold.com

Probably will cause you difficulties, especially if the box and paperwork talk all about tactical / military stuff.

Airport security staff will always err on the side of caution.

unfortunately I think it would fall into the latter category as it is a Nightforce nx8 2.5-20 so may be a checked bag deal. but wonder if its not in the original box you could justify it easier such as like @Grannysmith. could also go down the effort to wrap it or ultimately just speak with the gun shop and see what they suggest.

thanks all

 

[HonestJohn]

unfortunately I think it would fall into the latter category as it is a Nightforce nx8 2.5-20 so may be a checked bag deal. but wonder if its not in the original box you could justify it easier such as like @Grannysmith. could also go down the effort to wrap it or ultimately just speak with the gun shop and see what they suggest.

thanks all

They’re all Mil spec reticles i believe, so would be a ‘don’t buy’ job unless you are willing to risk engaging with us customs

Sn. Will also tell NF it’s US market bound, so if servicing required, they might refuse straight up as there’s no export documentation available

 

[Heym SR20]

unfortunately I think it would fall into the latter category as it is a Nightforce nx8 2.5-20 so may be a checked bag deal. but wonder if its not in the original box you could justify it easier such as like @Grannysmith. could also go down the effort to wrap it or ultimately just speak with the gun shop and see what they suggest.

thanks all

Just Googled it. This is what a baggage checking person would do.

NX8 - 2.5-20x50mm F1

Explore precision optics trusted by the world's best hunters and tactical shooters. Nightforce riflescopes offer unmatched clarity, durability, and accuracy.

www.nightforceoptics.com

It is sold as an all purpose scope for hunters, designated marksmen and competition.

Can you / will you have the ability and supporting documents to support that you exporting it for your own use and for hunting purposes. Will you be able to talk around a true Trump supporting immigration official especially if there is an ongoing spat with somebody from the UK (eg a certain member of the British establishment just provide chapter and verse on Trump’s involvement with a certain financier), who is bored and fancies causing you lots of grief, sweat and missing your flight just because he has decided he doesn’t like Brits, or whatever.

Is it worth the above risk when you legally buy it here in the UK with a full supportive warranty etc

NIghtforce Nx8 2.5-20x50 F1 ZeroStop Digillum Ptl Rifle Scopes

The Nightforce Nx8 2.5-20x50 F1 ZeroStop Digillum Ptl Rifle Scopes - A Riflescope That Can Rule Virtually Any Shooting Environment

www.sportsmanguncentre.co.uk

I appreciate they are a little cheaper in the US - online sellers seem to be charging in USD, what UK retailers are charging in £.

You may also at British customs have to cough up the VAT as the value is well above the threshold for personal imports.

It is very much a cost versus complete embuggerance factor type equation that only you can determine.

 

[MilesW]

They’re all Mil spec reticles i believe, so would be a ‘don’t buy’ job unless you are willing to risk engaging with us customs

d

What? MIL in the reticle description does not mean mil spec. It stands for milliradian.

There are also MOA reticles in the NX8 range.

 

[HonestJohn]

What? MIL in the reticle description does not mean mil spec. It stands for milliradian.

There are also MOA reticles in the NX8 range.

Mil spec, as in classified as mil spec equipment. Almost all tactical reticles are

I know it’s crazy

You can’t bring a Schmidt pm2, but you ca. being a Schmidt CM - same scope, they just changed the name on one range to allow imports