Some general questions on competing from foreigner coming to the USA

[uirapuru]

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since I last posted here, but I’m hoping to get some advice from the community. My colleague and I are traveling to the U.S. from Europe to compete in the Mammoth Sniper Challenge at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, from March 27th to March 30th.

We’re planning to bring two rifles chambered in .308 Winchester, two pistols chambered in 9mm, and ammunition for both. We’ve already submitted ATF Form 6N and are in the process of securing export permits from Poland.

I wanted to reach out to ask for help with the following questions:

1. Are there any additional permits or documentation we need beyond the ATF Form 6N to import firearms and ammunition into the U.S. and Arkansas specifically?
2. What documents should we carry with us during travel and while staying in Arkansas?
3. Are there any specific rules for storing or transporting firearms and ammunition during our stay?
4. Are there additional Arkansas state regulations we should be aware of?

Also, we’re considering the possibility of purchasing additional .308 ammunition locally once we’re in the U.S. Would it be possible to buy ammo in Arkansas with just the ATF authorization and the paperwork we bring from Europe?

Any guidance or tips would be greatly appreciated. We want to make sure everything is done by the book and avoid any surprises.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[HMRamateur]

Check to see what the allowance from the airline for ammo is also. I believe in north America it's 11 pounds total of ammunition.
No other info from your questions though as I am unaware.

 

[giumau1]

Following, as I am planning something similar, for a PRS match. I ve heard horror stories about accessories missing being stolen while in transit so I would remove scope and such and keep valuable stuff in the carry on bag.

 

[slowworm]

I would also ask which airport you plan to arrive at? Some states are much better than others when it comes to firearms.

I would probably look to fly into Atlanta or Florida (Orlando, Miami etc.) and drive. Flying into Boston or New York and getting a connecting flight might be cause for problems, even if strictly speaking it should be legal.

 

[Oldloser]

Do not fly into or out of any Port Authority Airport with a pistol. These are the the ones in New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. If you are diverted to one of those airports, do not recheck your bags if they make you pick them up. Get a rental car and drive out of the states. DC is not bad but best to stay away from those as well.

Atlanta or Dallas would probably be best as your port of entry. Then any place between there and Arkansas and adjoining states are very pro gun with no regulations at all whether in the car or on your person.

As far as ammo goes. Find a Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas on your route and buy the ammo you want ahead of time and have it there for you to pick up. Federal Gold Medal Match 308 would be your best bet as far as availability and consistency goes.

Ft Chafee will have its own regs. The match organizers can fill you in. The US Army is very picky about some things and not so picky about others when it comes to rifle and pistol handling. Don't leave your weapons unattended, don't drop your weapons, keep them on safe, and follow the rules on loaded vs unloaded.

As for ranges in Arkansas. I have shot here for a small fee. They have a field style range 2.5 hours from Chaffee. And may be able to recommend others closer to the Fort. I would reach out to them to see if you can shoot there. They may also be able to arrange ammo.

https://www.twistedbarrelprecision.com/

I have apple air tags hidden in all my gear. If your stuff gets lost, you will know where it is.

Edit to add Caylen's excellent video on Flying with a Firearm.

 

[mjh30]

uirapuru, have 4 friends from Ireland coming to the match in March, since I live in the States they wrangled me into going as well. Since they can't have centerfire pistols in Ireland I am providing them. As mentioned above I would careful what airport I fly into, NYC Boston etc especially with pistols, there intention is Dallas and drive up. As for ammo they have been over here for matches before so I can ask, as for 308 ammo, I'm sure someone can sort you out.

 

[Jeff Karrels]

I will be attending Mammoth II again this year. I am local to the states. I don't have much in terms of answers to your questions, but if there is anything I can help with let me know. In terms of picking up ammo or anything. I also have a FFL if there is anything that you need that comes to that.

In terms of foreigners and answers to your questions, I am not a great source but I can look around. I will answer your questions as if you were US nationals just so you know what the rest of us do.

1. Are there any additional permits or documentation. (No.)
2. What documents should we carry with us during travel and while staying in Arkansas? (ID, it wouldn't hurt to carry the details of the event with you. The mammoth paperwork you sign or should have signed. I am not sure I saw it yet but I thought there was base paperwork last year that came later in the process after the initial paperwork was done)
3. Are there any specific rules for storing or transporting firearms and ammunition during our stay? (keep your ammo separate from your rifle. if you want, throw a lock or two on your gun case if you are in a SUV. I honestly don't think either of those are laws but if you wanted to be on the conservative side of the rules...)
4. Are there additional Arkansas state regulations we should be aware of? (don't speed. that goes for Oklahoma too. We drove from Texas last year and definitely got pulled over in OK with a truck full of gear. The officer was nice as could be but no reason to be getting pulled over)
5. Depending on airline, there are TSA policies and there are air carrier policies. If you wanted the "worst" case scenario for airline policy, you will want a lock on every available lockable hole on your hard gun case. Historically SouthWest is the only one that requires that, but you never know. I also had a united agent give me grief about my long gun not being in a soft case inside of my hard case. That just took some education though.
6. I would ask Chris (the MD) this question. I am assuming you are not the first team coming in from out of country. I am also assuming he has a letter/invite he can provide you.

 

[uirapuru]

Thank you all for your good advices! I hope nothing will stop us from coming to this year's Mammoth and we gonna meet you at the place, thank you all again!