Bought nylon shooting accessories from the US, now Police want to talk

[Guest cookoff013]

I once had some shot withheld from Italy. Very embarrassing for all parties involved.

[fortune]

Let us all remind ourselves of what this is All about. Here is the link. It is a chest belt with a cloth box / bag and a couple of cloth / Velcro cartridge holders. The cartridges are just for display illustration purposes. You won't get a box of 10 bore cartridges to fill it up with.

https://www.originalsoegear.com/products/12ga-micro-rig

 

You won't need a solicitor to tell and show plod what you have bought. If you take a solicitor along it will cost you a chunk. Mine is £100+ an hour. Why should you? It's just a belt / bag. I would however take information on where you can buy over the counter the same or similar in this country if possible ie If this sort of thing is in xyz mag or website take it or show them. They might try to intimidate you as to why you have bought it but just remember that you can buy anything that you can afford and which isn't illegal or intended for a bad purpose. Would they moan at you for buying a pair of Wellington boots from China. I would even consider taking advice as to compensation for the harassment, stress and inconvenience due to the fact that this is a non event. It really focusses minds if they think that they will be held to account. Take a lot of notes about everything and everyone. Don't be rude or aggressive but be firm and solid. PS I'm sure that the guys that do,do this sort of shooting will be able to provide you with links as to where you can buy this stuff here.

Here for starters. http://www.ebay.com/sch/Chest-Rigs-and-Tactical-Vests/177891/bn_1852843/i.html

Edited December 11, 2016 by fortune

[mel b3]

On facebook group I belong to, I posed the same problem and asked for advice going forward - a lot of them are of the opinion I should get myself a solicitor. Does anyone here echo that?

 

It seems unnecessary to me at this stage, when they just want to ask a few questions and I have nothing to hide. What do you think?

youve done nothing wrong so you really dont need a brief.

 

the items that you bought would raise eyebrows as you would appear to have no use for them (yet).

 

as soon as the penny drops(with the authorities), itll just be a case of , carry on sir.

[Vince Green]

This is the same Customs people that pull random figures for import duty out of thin air and against which you have no right of appeal.

[SNS]

This is the same Customs people that pull random figures for import duty out of thin air and against which you have no right of appeal.

Well, except of course you can appeal (as well as ask for a review)

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports#appeals

[Vince Green]

Well, except of course you can appeal (as well as ask for a review)

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports#appeals

That's not about the amount of duty they charge you based on their assessment of the value. There is no appeal against that unless its over a certain amount. Its quite a big figure, more than I would ever be likely to be importing.

 

I guess they just don't want to get involved in endless small disputes but whatever they say that's what you pay.

 

You win some you lose some, package arrived this week nothing to pay, other times they charge far more than they should.

 

But they are fighting against people importing stuff with false values on all the time.

Edited December 11, 2016 by Vince Green

[McCloggie]

http://www.military1st.co.uk/search/military1st/page/1/?searchquery=shotgun

 

Completely legal to buy. It's a total non-story and Customs and Police have made total buffoons out of themselves by taking this so far.

In the end it's just load carrying stuff made out of cordura nylon. You don't have to explain where ,when or how you want to wear it. Just say it's for your packed lunch. ;-)

[fortune]

Jeez these red neck Ralphs done arf get rolled over on the price of this stuff. A bit of velcro stiched up to make a five round carrier. hurry now folks theres only two left. http://www.military1st.co.uk/56122-188-5.11-vtac-5-round-shotgun-bandolier-tac-od.html and there's me just chucking them in my pocket.

Edited December 12, 2016 by fortune

[ChrisPCarter]

Seeing as you again did nothing wrong and the item is not illegal and importable what grounds have they got for pocketing your knife. if it were me I would never have let it go. I would have bombarded everyone from my MP to the minister responsible to the chief constable and the Archbishop of Canterbury and the leader of the local boy scouts with letters demanding either the item or full compensation for every inconvenience. We get rolled over because people lay down and allow it to happen. It's a matter of principle.

 

Well apart from trying my MP and such like, I really did try and put a lot of time into it. I just didn't get one single reply to even give me a hint how to escalate things.

I run a small business and was just wasting time better spent on other things.

If it comes up at my license renewal then I will really kick off about it.

To have an apology from the police and confirmation Border Control had admitted they were in the wrong on the phone to them, it really did take the **** to have a letter from firearms licensing saying they had had the report of me trying to order an illegal weapon.

Because I wasn't cautioned or anything the police don't seem to have kept proper records of it so when I called back on a couple of occasions to try to get contact details of who at Border Control they had spoken to I just couldn't get anywhere. the police just dropped it and forgot about it as far as keeping records.

When you spend hours just wasting time at each stage after having no replies to numerous letters you eventually have to decide to drop it and I'm not normally one for doing so when I know I'm right.

Usually when the authorities are proved wrong they do the decent thing and back down but when faced with no response it's impossible to pursue it.

Even the official complaints procedure for HMRC/BC went nowhere.

[ChrisPCarter]

Let us all remind ourselves of what this is All about. Here is the link. It is a chest belt with a cloth box / bag and a couple of cloth / Velcro cartridge holders. The cartridges are just for display illustration purposes. You won't get a box of 10 bore cartridges to fill it up with.

https://www.originalsoegear.com/products/12ga-micro-rig

 

You won't need a solicitor to tell and show plod what you have bought. If you take a solicitor along it will cost you a chunk. Mine is £100+ an hour. Why should you? It's just a belt / bag. I would however take information on where you can buy over the counter the same or similar in this country if possible ie If this sort of thing is in xyz mag or website take it or show them. They might try to intimidate you as to why you have bought it but just remember that you can buy anything that you can afford and which isn't illegal or intended for a bad purpose. Would they moan at you for buying a pair of Wellington boots from China. I would even consider taking advice as to compensation for the harassment, stress and inconvenience due to the fact that this is a non event. It really focusses minds if they think that they will be held to account. Take a lot of notes about everything and everyone. Don't be rude or aggressive but be firm and solid. PS I'm sure that the guys that do,do this sort of shooting will be able to provide you with links as to where you can buy this stuff here.

Here for starters. http://www.ebay.com/sch/Chest-Rigs-and-Tactical-Vests/177891/bn_1852843/i.html

 

This is exactly what I did.

I had asked a solicitor to attend the interview under caution but when I got to the desk they told me it would no longer be under caution based on what the officers attending my house had said.

The solicitor said he wasn't needed with what I'd brought along and the fact they dropped the caution.

I was going to be charged with "attempted posession of an illegal weapon" had it gone ahead which is pretty damn serious really so I decided on having some advice with me.

He kindly didn't charge me for the callout.

I just showed them the knife I'd bought and where else was selling it - reputable companies.

It was all laughed off to be honest.

I still didn't get the knife back though.

In the case of the belt what is it they could charge you with? It's not a weapon but a prohibited item maybe?

[ChrisPCarter]

This is the same Customs people that pull random figures for import duty out of thin air and against which you have no right of appeal.

 

 

Well, except of course you can appeal (as well as ask for a review)

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports/notice-600-classifying-your-imports-or-exports#appeals

 

Except if they are the same people who dealt with my case you will be lucky to even get a response.

[ChrisPCarter]

I think some posters need to wake up and see the light.

 

Like it or not, with the current elevated terrorist threat level, I for one would be highly critical of the police, customs and security services if they did not investigate and follow up those who tried to import questionable articles.

 

I think it perfectly reasonable that customs would question anyone bringing such things into the country in their luggage and see no reason why someone who has something imported by post should not be subject to the same level of investigation.

 

Certainly those with a liking for paramilitary kit and such gizmos always flag red in my mind, as I'm sure they do with the security services.

 

I think everyone is all for imported items being checked, but to take high value items off people when they have clearly made a mistake, wasting the time and money of everyone involved and then not apologising or even following up on their own official procedures is shocking.

In my case, after Border Force confirming "they had made a c0ck up" to the police they should have just released the item, not ignored dozens of letters and calls, leaving me with a snotty letter from firearms licensing 6 months later.

This is the 3.3" knife, hardly a terrorist item or something I would go and buy if I was intending to murder someone! I could use a foot long kitchen knife for that, as most do.

It's a lock knife so wouldn't be legal to carry in the street, same as a fixed blade but perfectly acceptable with "good reason" such as camping, hunting etc.

They identified the lock type incorrectly but a 5 second search of google would show they are on sale at many dealers here. I have checked with dealers and they are approved for sale as a generic lock knife by the importers. How they failed to check this before sending armed police round I do not know.

 

Edited December 12, 2016 by ChrisPCarter

[TIGHTCHOKE]

What an interesting thread!

 

What I find really odd is that you joined "Pigeon Watch" to specifically ask this question ?!?!? Surely there must be far better places to get info on PSG if that is your intention? And the legalities of importing para military gear from the US!

I would too suggest that this incident may leave an unsightly mark on your record when you do come to apply in future, how you handle the interaction may well have long reaching consequences......

 

 

blackfriar, you really still don't understand? ?

 

 

If your comfortable with (or prepared to put up with) what is happening, go along with it!...........If you ain't get advice/representation from BASC or any other shooting organisation you are a member of, or if your not a member of one......get specialist legal advice...........
It seems to me those are your choices!

 

 

I'd imagine ordering anything from that site would attract attention from the authorities. All the testimonials are from "Navy Seals." I'm pretty sure special forces would be issued with decent kit anyway without the Walts having to order their own.

[hodge911]

Legal or not, quite why anyone other than a wannabe Rambo would want one is quite beyond me.

 

Thank goodness the police follow up and interview people who buy such things.

 

 

as above right on the button.

for the 2 above i.m.o why knock the guy with replies like that .......if he wants to get into tactical shotgun shooting that's up to him and if the equipment he has bought can be of help / use in that discipline then so be it I am sure everyone who shoots in whatever way has bought equipment to aid their shooting .........so as long as its legal to own / use no one has the right to slate the guy

 

I totally agree with the coment that this is a bit "wannabe Rambo" , kit like that has absolutely no purpose in the general shooting fraternity, I wouldn't turn up on my pheasant shoot with it strapped to my chest lol it was designed for military or pollice use !! And so the pollice have every wright to be suspicious !!! I would re-evaluate the shotgun application, as now you flagged up without a certificate, you might not find it so simple to gain one

and for comment " I wouldn't turn up on my pheasant shoot with it strapped to my chest lol " come on he has already said he bought with the intension of taking up tactical shotgun not pheasant shooting ...............have you bought any items for when you go pheasant shooting . i.e a cartridge bag or belt ..........all the same really..... give the lad a break he has not broke any laws nor bought anything that is illegal to own

Edited December 12, 2016 by hodge911

[LeadWasp]

The prejudice against 'black rifle' 'black anything' in shooting seems to run quite deep. The flip side of the coin is that sometimes I go to a range in the SW when I want to do load development which is predominantly attended by black rifle .22'ers. I'm seen as the dodgy wrongdoer because I shoot live quarry. Now I don't personally get the black tac thing, especially the idea of an MP5 in .22LR. However I know many who do like this and although I'm puzzled by it I support their right to like a different flavour - especially if the FELD and Special Branch have OK'ed them (just like the rest of us).

 

When is the line of questionable behaviour crossed? DPM jackets, practical rifle, a bit of paracord you kept from your CCF days, your childhood collection of Commando comics in the loo.............?

Edited December 12, 2016 by LeadWasp

[ordnance]

 

I totally agree with the coment that this is a bit "wannabe Rambo" , kit like that has absolutely no purpose in the general shooting fraternity, I wouldn't turn up on my pheasant shoot with it strapped to my chest lol it was designed for military or pollice use they could be used for tactical shotgun etc. What is the general shooting fraternity.?

They could be used for tactical shotgun etc. What is the general shooting fraternity.?

 

 

I would re-evaluate the shotgun application, as now you flagged up without a certificate, you might not find it so simple to gain one

Do you work for the police firearms firearms Applications. Who are you to tell someone to re-evaluate the shotgun application.

[sako751sg]

 

 

for the 2 above i.m.o why knock the guy with replies like that .......if he wants to get into tactical shotgun shooting that's up to him and if the equipment he has bought can be of help / use in that discipline then so be it I am sure everyone who shoots in whatever way has bought equipment to aid their shooting .........so as long as its legal to own / use no one has the right to slate the guy

 

and for comment " I wouldn't turn up on my pheasant shoot with it strapped to my chest lol " come on he has already said he bought with the intension of taking up tactical shotgun not pheasant shooting ...............have you bought any items for when you go pheasant shooting . i.e a cartridge bag or belt ..........all the same really..... give the lad a break he has not broke any laws nor bought anything that is illegal to own

 

Absolutely.

 

Some folk think its wrong just because its not their personal thing and make some comical judgements on others.

Not far removed from antis when you think about it.

[jam1e]

Legal or not, quite why anyone other than a wannabe Rambo would want one is quite beyond me.

 

Thank goodness the police follow up and interview people who buy such things.

+1......

[ordnance]

+1......

Why, when was the last time a terrorist attack took place in the UK by someone dressed up as rambo. ?

[keg]

The prejudice against 'black rifle' 'black anything' in shooting seems to run quite deep. The flip side of the coin is that sometimes I go to a range in the SW when I want to do load development which is predominantly attended by black rifle .22'ers. I'm seen as the dodgy wrongdoer because I shoot live quarry. Now I don't personally get the black tac thing, especially the idea of an MP5 in .22LR. However I know many who do like this and although I'm puzzled by it I support their right to like a different flavour - especially if the FELD and Special Branch have OK'ed them (just like the rest of us).

 

When is the line of questionable behaviour crossed? DPM jackets, practical rifle, a bit of paracord you kept from your CCF days, your childhood collection of Commando comics in the loo.............?

Very good post LW

 

I have a K & K 416 for rabbits & rats. Why that? I almost never have to reload, it's scoped and my 22LR is a dedicated NV rifle now. I didn't like the 10/22 Ruger and..It's legal. I'd have liked something a bit less military looking but it was the only rifle that did what i wanted

[Sco77w]

I think the only thing you're guilty of is buying the wrong kit. Quad loading is the way to go and if you decide to shoot UKPSA comps chest rigs are banned anyway.

[Flashman]

LeadWasp, on 12 Dec 2016 - 5:43 PM, said:

The prejudice against 'black rifle' 'black anything' in shooting seems to run quite deep. The flip side of the coin is that sometimes I go to a range in the SW when I want to do load development which is predominantly attended by black rifle .22'ers. I'm seen as the dodgy wrongdoer because I shoot live quarry. Now I don't personally get the black tac thing, especially the idea of an MP5 in .22LR. However I know many who do like this and although I'm puzzled by it I support their right to like a different flavour - especially if the FELD and Special Branch have OK'ed them (just like the rest of us).

 

When is the line of questionable behaviour crossed? DPM jackets, practical rifle, a bit of paracord you kept from your CCF days, your childhood collection of Commando comics in the loo.............?

 

OI - leave the Commando comics alone!

 

Going tactical on the bog reading them is beyond the pale, but a cheeky catch-up of the Hun or Jonny Jap getting chopped is absolutely fine.

[LeadWasp]

now that would be seriously 'wrong' - fully enthroned, chest rig and multicam on, reading Commando's "The Desperate Days" with your Warlord secret agent pass at the ready wondering when that button compass will re-appear.

 

I'm so going to rag the CSR lads I know with this...............ha ha

[blackfriar]

I received a bill for Duty and VAT plus "clearance fee" (well done, Parcelforce!) this morning. As of writing, the police have not been back in touch to confirm any appointments for questioning.

[fortune]

As above. I imported a bit of kit from the states and got a letter stating that there was about £18 duty to pay. OK that was expected, but they charged me £9 I think, standard admin charge to send me the letter about the duty of £18 so total of £27. Rip off again. Still in your case I expect that you had thought that the item was lost in the system like that knife.