For those of you who love the 16 gauge. Here is 1909 type 1 complete in very nice shape, serial 438. I would love to own it but too expensive for my low currency.
To get this one, would be a long shot. You most like to suffer. 2500€, let me know if you decide to go ahead. https://www.naturabuy.fr/FN-Collection-item-6950516.html
Unfortunately, it is in France and yes it will test your patience if you were to import this nice first year 16 gauge.
That is my dream gun. But damn that’s a lot of money. Not sure I want it engraved with the importers information
I’d like to have a 1909 16 also. But they weren’t imported to the US, and to me no gun is worth that bureaucratic nightmare. It might be easier to bring one in from Canada.
Yes it is expensive, everything is expensive in continental Europe. They have to pay for their free education system, their very comprehensive health care system and many other social services. By experience, if you don’t a friend out there that can help you importing this nice 16 gauge, it will cost you delivered to your door at least 3500,00 US Dollars. But still cheaper than buying from Steve Barnett fine gun. BTW what do you mean by "Not sure I want it engraved with the importers information"
I need to do some more research but I thought the ATF required the importer to engrave their business name on the gun. With that said I am finding conflicting info on that. It looks like a C&R FFL can occasionally import guns for their collection. I am still waiting for the feds to approve my C&R application. My best friend has his FFL so I might get together with him and see if we can make it happen. It’s a lot of money but it will be hard to find another first year 16 like that
I am not familiar with the American laws regarding import, but I will be very surprised that the importer or the exporter have to engraved anything on the firearms. That will destroy the value of the firearm. I have imported from Europe and the U.S. and no engraving was done on my imported gun. I guess this 16 gauge was a good teaser!