28 replies to this topic

[Norm]

Chris, Mike, and everyone else,

I leave tommorow for Ukraine. I'm going to try to get my hands on one of these Soviet era Thompson "de-acts" to see exactly how they deactivate them and to see if the receivers are actually still in tact. I'll try to get pictures of one if I can.

It is sad that I can not bring one back, but I wonder if customs would allow a certain amount of parts back in the USA other than the receiver? Such as trigger frame or Lyman sight. From what I understand, the bolt and barrels are cut to make them useless.

I'll be back in on Jan 10 if I dont go down in the Atlantic!

Norm

[hawksnest]

Norm: Have a safe trip. Perhaps you can acquire a WWII thompson shipping crate.

[full auto 45]

A crate of drums would be nice. Or a batch of wood with all the metal would be helpful. Be very careful and have a good time. Take lots of pictures for us to ponder over. An original Thompson crate would be nice also.

[Walter63a]

Have a safe and enjoyable adventure Norm! Remember, we are hoping for some nice photos. Regards, Walter

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Hardrede,
That is sound advice. Since there are an abundance of surplus items already in the U.S., why tempt fate for some Ruskie WWII TSMG parts?

[Norm]

Hardrede and others,

No flaming here. It was just wishful thinking. Pictures will be the only thing I bring back.

Unfortunantly there is no room left in this country for more original Thompson parts (at least the governement says so.) It really sucks that all of that stuff is out there floating around the rest of the world and Americans can't have any of it.

Maybe I will come across one of the WW2 crates that was used to ship them over there, but I doubt it.

As for the extra attention, I have already been told to have an official copy of my birth certificate to leave the country.

With the terrorist alert on "high", it will probably be a game of 20 questions at the airport followed by "empty your bag."

What is just as bad, is that there are probably tons of AK-47s floating around over there also.

I have been told that I can bring back up to one case (6 bottles) of vodka!

I just hope they don't break out the latex gloves!

Norm

[First Sergeant]

Uh........Norm;

LATEX GLOVES?

Just where do plan on putting those bottles????

[Bisley45]

Is it anything like the US Mexican border where you sit on the mexican side getting tanked to the point you don't mind paying the duty on Taquila ?

BB

[billie32]

QUOTE (hawksnest @ Dec 28 2003, 07:17 PM)

Norm: Have a safe trip. Perhaps you can acquire a WWII thompson shipping crate.

Speaking of WWII Thompson shipping crates, I do have a few available. I am asking $500 apiece for them. Each one holds 10 1928A1 Thompsons. Please let me know. Thank you.
Sincerely,
George R.
OBI

[TommyGunner]

It is too bad that we cannot bring thompson parts in from other countries. I called the ATFE on this a couple of months ago and they said that the only way to do this was to file for a permit itemizing each item to be imported. I also got the impression that getting the papers in order was a hassle.

It makes me wonder how it continues to go on ebay. Sellers like brullen in canada are making many sales within the us on a regular basis. The one guy from sweden seems to have an ulimited supply of 21 actuators constantly for sale. I have seen much worse infractions on ebay however.

One thing that really confuses me...on the back page of the Thompson Collectors Newsletter...lists a european source for such 21 actuators. There is no mention on how they must be imported however, Just seems odd that they would be there if we cannot obtain them.

Too bad really...I would love to bring in a truckload!

Damon

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Damon,
Those actuators sold by the Swedish seller were made in England, not the U.S., so they do not fall under the 1992 restrictions. These actuators were patterned after the original 1921 actuators with the divit in the front. So they were based on commercial blueprints.

[TommyGunner]

Arthur...at rist of setting off another rant! I was told by an ATFE agent that no part or component of a us millitary weapon, weather orginal or built on the designs of such us made military weapon, could be imported without the appropriate permit. Period. I could have been missinformed...agents are people and can make mistakes. Take it easy now killer...just repeating what the agent told me! Don't make me get my doll out!



Damon

PS. If this is incorrect in any way...let me know. Like I said...a truckload!

[Mike45]

On subject of small parts coming to US, I was told by someone who should know, that anything under 1 lb. shipped in overnite envelope & not insured does not get ANY attention by customs. If any of you have info.to the contrary please post reply

[Arthur Fliegenheimer]

Damon,
Hold off on the doll for a minute. I have heard of that directive also. And yet this Swede has managed to consistently advertise and ship to the U.S. without fear of retribution. Maybe he has the proper paperwork? I know this question has arisen before on this board. Perhaps regulations are more lax on mailings, as opposed to transporting by a passenger on planes????

[hawksnest]

Perhaps the loophole is his acutuators are for a Colt 21 and therefore not a military part.

[TommyGunner]

Mike 45,

"anything under 1 lb. shipped in overnite envelope & not insured does not get ANY attention by customs"

This may be the case for all I know. However, does not get any attention does not mean it is legal. Also...Could be some serious ignorance on my part but I have not heard of international overnight delivery. I would assume this to be impossible? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Arthur, I knew you would bitch up! (just kidding...I put my doll down!) I do not think that the swede in question having the proper paperwork on his end would help the buyer on this end comply with our laws. Again, Please correct me if I am wrong.

Hawksnest, That is the best possible explanation I have heard yet! However, as I mentioned before, the ban was on all parts based on millitary design. A matter of interpretation i guess. It still does work in the military 28's. Additionally, were not some early military actuators built the same as the Colt? Perhaps this would constitute a military part by design? I must admit that I am venturing into an area beyond my personal knowledge. Would love to get the real skinny here. Perhaps Mr Alvarez (Tman) would be willing to clear this up for us?

BTW...Norm...Have a great trip and come back safely with some great stories on what you found!

Thanks everyone for all your imput!

Damon

[TSMG28]

The Thompson 21 actuators being sold by the gentleman in Sweden were manufacturered to original spec by Enfield in Britain (spec was one used only on early Colts according to Tracie). Therefore, they are not U.S. goods being re-imported. I suspect that is why he is not having much trouble getting them into the country.

As to U.S. parts coming in, who knows. I have still not heard where all of the wonderful 1928 parts sets came from that IMA is selling. Conjecture is they may be the Russian Thompsons. Again, who knows.....

Roger

[Waffen Und Bier]

Maybe Brullen can ship from Canada to US without restriction because of NAFTA.

[Ltcboy]

Norm--

Have a good trip.

MIke

Edited by Ltcboy, 29 January 2004 - 01:27 PM.

[Norm]

Hello all,

Well I made it back from Ukraine. Man, what a trip- 21,000 kilometers round trip!

Unfortunantly, I could not locate any of the Thompson dewats or any Thompson items.

I will say this......if you live in America, be glad- be VERY GLAD!

Flag burners and America bashers should visit a former Soviet country durring winter before passing judgement on our standard of living. One example- the toilet paper.

The people there are friendly.

Norm