Firearm Imports on the Rise while Exports Decline Substantially

Posted on by Joshua Prince, Esq.

By Joshua Prince, Esq.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) issued a report depicting the importation and exportation data for December of 2011. Their report for both importation and exportation is broken down into six categories:

  1. Handgun;
  2. Rifle;
  3. Shotgun;
  4. Muzzle Loader;
  5. Other Cartridges; and
  6. Shotgun Cartridges;

Importation: The importation statistics showed that imports increased 3.2% in comparison to December 2010. Handgun imports increased 42.9%; (48.5% increase in pistols and 22.1% increase in revolvers); Rifle imports increased 22.4%; Shotgun imports increased  11.3%; Muzzle Loaders increased 113.2%; Other Cartridges decreased 1.1%; and Shotgun Cartridges increased 164.7%.

Exportation: The exportation statistic, however, showed that exports decreased 41.3%. in comparison to December 2010. Handgun imports decreased 8.4% (8.1% decrease in pistols and 11/2% decrease in revolvers); Rifle exports increased 24%; Shotgun exports decreased 52.6%; Muzzle Loaders decreased 47%; Other Cartridges decreased 46.2%; and Shotgun Cartridges decreased 164.7%.

These statistics would seem to reflect the raising competitive nature of the international firearms industry. While importing firearms can be time-consuming and frustrating, the cost-benefit of doing such seems to clearly be in favor of importation, over the cost of American products being exported; however, just because an item is imported does not mean that it was sold. Nevertheless, given the economic times that we find ourselves in, I believe more individuals are looking to purchase cheaper firearms. Since foreign made firearms tend to be cheaper than domestically made firearms, this may be the underlying reason for the jump in imports and the decline in exports.

If you have questions about obtaining a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to import firearms, dealing with the Directorate of Defense Trade Control and the International Firearms in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or simply importing/exporting firearms related products, do not hesitate to contact me.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Joshua Prince, Esq.

With our 2nd Amendment rights being attacked at both the Federal and State level, and the ATF (Burea of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) trying to close down FFLs (Federal Firearms Licensees) for minor infractions while making FFLs the scapegoat when the ATF's records are inaccurate, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am one of only a handful of attorneys across the US that practices in the niche area of law known as firearms law. I decided to concentrate my legal practice on firearms law not only because I am a shooter and firearms enthusiast, but also to ensure that our inalienable Right to Keep and Bear Arms is never encroached upon. I handle cases at the Federal and State level for both FFLs and individuals. At the federal and state levels for individuals, I actively defend the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution and Section 21 of the PA Constitution, as well as, help individuals with: - License to Carry Firearms Denials; - Challenges to Erroneous PICS Denials; - Relief from Firearms Disabilities; - Estate Planning Advice; - Gun/NFA Trusts; and - 42 USC 1983 Actions for Deprivation of Civil Rights At both the state and federal levels, I represent FFLs and SOTs throughout Pennsylvania and the US regarding: - ATF Compliance Inspections; - Warning Letters and Hearings; - FFL Revocations; - Corporate Structure Advice - Indoor/Outdoor Range Implementation; and - Forfeiture Proceedings In following my love for firearms and firearms law, I have taught several Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars on Firearms in Estates and Trusts and Firearms Law 101 for several Bar Associations, including Berks, Cumberland, and Dauphin Counties. I also planned and taught several Firearms in Estates CLE classes for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI). While at Widener Law School, I was a member of the Widener Law Journal. I wrote an article on the Inaccuracy of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR). I also had an article published on Fee Disputes in Workers Compensation cases in the Widener Law Journal, Volume 18, No. 2. You can often find me posting on several internet forums, including Subguns, Uzitalk, AR15, and PAFOA. I also hold PA Firearms Law classes for local ranges to inform the public on the firearm laws of the Commonwealth. Following in my father's footsteps, I am also a Board member for the Pottstown Police Athletic League (PAL).

Leave a comment