TargetTalk

Hi all,

I have a slight issue. I'll be in France for most of my summer, but I want to keep on practicing with my air pistol. What do I need to do in order to bring it there. Are there any special forms/customs regulations? Do I need a separate case or can I put it with the rest of my checked luggage?

Thanks!

I only did this twice, once in each direction. And it was done in 2005 and 2007. Your red tape may vary.

Leaving the USA

I drained the gas tank of my FWB C-20 of gas, down to the point that no hiss could be heard if the purge nipple was rotated on or off. I screwed the empty cylinder back on the pistol and placed it into a padlocked gun case. That went into a lockable suitcase. I filled out a firearms chit and dropped copy in the suitcase, and as required wired a declaration form available at the check-in desk for United to the outside handle of the suitcase and kept the back copy with my passport. Then I checked the unlocked suitcase. I didn't give a key to the locks to TSA, but rather to the check-in agent who made it available (I don't know where he put it, but when I got to London the key was inside the suitcase.)

Arriving in the UK:

I picked up the bag at the special cargo counter in the baggage area. There was no paperwork as the gun was marked with the F in Pentagon free pistol stamp and my departure paperwork was in order. I did exit customs using the Red Line.

Leaving the UK

I prepped the gas tank, gun, cases, etc., in exactly the way I did before. Then I asked for the declaration forms at Heathrow. They told me it wasn't a firearm and with my explanatory note was good to go. It went.

Arriving home:

The gun was in the case which was in the suitcase. Nothing unlocked. It was delivered with the suitcase in the normal manner.

I don't know how this works going into France. I urge you to call the consular affairs office at the French Embassy and get their instructions, and when returning to call the US Embassy for instructions on getting home. It helped that the boyfriend of my closest colleague was a homicide squad detective for the London Metropolitan Police, and he got much of the info for me.

I assume France will be similar, esp since they have not outlawed all firearm pistols.

Scott Pilkington should also have some thoughts.

--pz

Generally speaking, the most important thing to do is to let the carrier know in advance (after checking they will carry firearms). They will then do the paperwork at the airport, arrive early ! France will have slightly different rules and it may be prudent to find somewhere you intend shooting beforehand. I've only driven into France with firearms, via the ferry from UK, so I don't have specific experience of the French airports, but all Eurpoean airports tend to work in a very similar manner.

Rob.

Better check with the airline and the French Consulate here. I don't know if an airgun is a firearm in France, but the last time I went to France there was a flat prohibition on firearms on airplanes.