On the issue of importing these fine old rifles, heres some stuff I placed on AR a while back...

I saw this a while back and enquired from your ATF what it was all about.

Here is the original e-mail and reply:

From: Stephen Palos [mailto:weldec@worldonline.co.za]
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:59 AM
To: EPS Directorate
Subject: Question re ruling on K98 Mauser Rifles.

Dear Sir

Whilst perusing the web site of a British Firearm auctioneer I came across the following statement:

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR U.S. BIDDERS. Please note that under current rulings enforced by BATF any Mauser 98 actioned sporting rifle REGARDLESS OF ORIGINAL APPLICATION that has a thumb recess in the sidewall and loading-clip cut-out in the rear bridge will be refused an import permit into the United States.

As I am considering placing some old sporting Mauser rifles with this company for sale, and as the United States is a critically important collectors market, I would be pleased if the rationale behind this ruling could be explained to me.

Kind Regards

Stephen Palos
2782 905 7400

Randfontein

South Africa
------------------------------------------

ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch has advised that Mauser rifle receivers with the receiver thumb cut out design feature were intended to be military receivers. 18 U.S.C. 925(d)(3) prohibits the importation of surplus military firearms. However, as ATF Ruling 85-10 describes, Title 18 was amended to allow licensed importers to import curios and relics, excluding handguns not generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. The amendment had the effect of allowing the importation of surplus military curio and relic firearms that were previously prohibited from importation under 18 U.S.C. 925(d)(3). In classifying firearms as curios and relics under this regulation, ATF has recognized only assembled firearms as curios and relics. Surplus military firearms will not be classified as curios and relics unless they are assembled in their original military configuration and applications for permits to import such firearms will not be approved.

Should you have any additional questions, please contact the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch at (304) 616-4550 and ask to speak with a Specialist.

From: EPS Directorate
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:48 AM
To: FES Division
Subject: FW: Question re ruling on K98 Mauser Rifles. -- IMP