MP40 Kit Is it cheaper to buy from Japan ?

Hi All.
I am thinking about buying a Marushin MP40 and I was told that it would be cheaper to buy it in kit from from Japan as they are a lot cheaper than buying from the UK. can anybody please confirm this, and how much do they usually go for
Thanks
Lee

Hi Lee

you can pick a Marushin mp40 (kit) up for around 22,000-24,000 yen ( £124-£130 ) but you will find it will cost around another £50-60 postage if your lucky plus you are likely to get clobbered with import tax, and if you do not have the correct defence to purchase it, it will be confiscated by customs :-(

so in all honesty if you have a defence to purchase one, you'll be better off getting one at a good price in the UK.

Just my pennies worth

Kickback

Cerwyn wrote:

I'd agree with Kickback on this one. A few years ago it would have worked out cheaper buying from Japan but since Customs over here are actively charging VAT etc on more and more goods coming into the UK nowadays you're better off buying from a dealer over here.

PFCGUK usually have them in stock in both ABS and HWABS.
There's on for sale now on Facebook's Blank Firing Pistls For Sale/Swap UK page now...

Someone gave me the URL of buyee.jp Yahoo's Japanese "Items for sale" forum. Prices for second-user gunmodels seem amazingly good value - £30-£50 seems not uncommon. (About what they sold for here, back in the 1980's!) Most seem to be "sold as seen" items, and none of the sellers seems geared towards shipping out of Japan. I'm sorely tempted - I've wanted a S&W Centennial replica since I saw one in the window of a (closed) shop in Hannover, 40+ years ago; when I returned, they'd sold it! Buyee.jp has one for sale right now - bidding is currently at 4,700 yen (a few pence over £25) Of course, it could be that the Japs go in for "sniping" in a big way, meaning that there will be a plethora of significantly higher bids a few seconds before the auction ends... but if not, then I suspect that I'm going to be expanding my collection substantially. What I really need is a Japanese contact, who is prepared to buy on my behalf (pre-paid with PayPal?) then ship the goods to me. IS there still a courier who is willing to ship model guns from Japan to the UK?

Cerwyn wrote:

Hi Ron,


The critical factor here is having the correct legal status to import replica guns into the UK. As long as you're a registered Re-enactor, Airsoft skirmisher etc you are OK to import, or buy from anyone in the UK come to that.


Shipping from Japan isn't a problem. EMS will carry replicas. UK couriers, including Royal Mail, will not knowingly carry them however. As we've little choice but to use Royal Mail all we can do is ensure that package documents don't use the words "Gun" or "Replica Gun" anywhere. It IS a gamble and a risk unfortunately. These Couriers have the right to sieze items on they're prohibited items lists.


Importing Parts isn't as big a problem. 


Japanese Forum member shazhib is extremely helpful when it comes to bidding on our behalf for items on Japan's Yahoo Auctions. It would be worth contacting him by PM through the Forum to introduce yourself and set up a rapport with him. I'm sure he will try to help if he can.


    

Thanks for that Cerwyn! The next part is going to be interesting, as I live somewhere "odd" - i.e. almost, but not quite in the UK. Manx laws are often the same as UK laws, but by no means always. I'd not, for example, want to get caught smoking a joint here on the island, as the penalties are Draconian compared to the tap on the wrist you'd get back in the UK. (I moved here from Weston-super-Mare, which held until recently 11% of the UK's entire stock of rehab clinics. Quite a difference!) It's a great place to live - we joke about the Isle of Man Steam Packet (as the ferry is called) incorporating a time machine; life here is in many ways like life in the UK used to be back in the 1970's. Mums leave their toddlers in buggies outside shops while they go inside. Dads drive to the paper shop, and leave the car unlocked with the engine running, while they pop inside to get a paper. People DON'T habitually wind the windows up of their cars when they park

We have our own - 100% independant - postal service, with our own stamps. Post offices here keep a stock of UK stamps for the occaision where you might want to supply return postage from the mainland (except we don't call it "the mainland" - that would be continental Europe! - we call it "across".) The Question (at this time, a rhetorical one) is "Did the Manx post office slavishly - and lazily - copy the regulations of their British neighbours?"  Given that our parliament didn't ban the ownership of real firearms... But we're talking about beaurocracy, and consistency here... it's practically a law of nature that how the peaked cap brigade interpret the regulations will vary according to how much power they think they have. I lived longest in Bristol, where the constabulary made it known to the city's traders that they'd much prefer it if replica firearms were NOT displayed in their windows. No law against them doing so, but the cops have the ability to make life "difficult", and they have VERY deep pockets when it comes to litigation. You can beat them in court, if you're being bullied by them, but you'd need to be ready to spend a fortune!

Back in Weston, there's a clone of "Dark they were and Golden Eyed", and "Forever People" called "MT Games". They stock a reasonable range of airsoft, airguns, and knives; ALL legal, but nudging the line between what's allowed and what's not. That they continue to do so is a tribute to their refusal NOT to give way to being bullied - even the local newspaper has demanded to know why they're allowed to stock such items. (Because it's perfectly LEGAL to do so, you idiots!) MT must have some way of getting stuff into the UK. There's a similar shop here in the Isle of Man (It's in Douglas, but that's  only a few miles away - the whole ISLAND is only 30 miles long!) maybe the proprietor is the best person to ask....

Back in Bristol, I acted as "advisor" to the Bristol Old Vic theatre school, and provided appropriate hardware for any shows they put on. I seem to have blagged my way into a similar role here on the Island, but it would probably simplify life if I formalised that.

STOP PRESS!!!

Have just downloaded and examined the relevant regulations regarding posting things to/from the Isle of Man, and found it essentially unhelpful - but they DID provide a phone number where you could ask for clarification. I rang it, asked for clarification, and the bottom line... NO PROBLEM! If I can employ someone in Japan to buy replicas on my behalf, and then re-post them to me, the worst that will happen is a delay as the package is checked by customs. The lady suggested that things would go very much more smoothly if the package was clearly marked as being a "toy". IoM has just the one airport, at the excellently named "Ronaldsway", and the sorting office is right across the road from it- in other words, about ten miles from my front door! It COULD be possible, with help from a third party in Japan, to arrange importation assistance for fellow forum members in the UK. Manx authorities are rather more interested in stuff being IMPORTED than EXPORTED from the Island, particularly if it travels by boat... THE high point of the Manx year is the annual TT races - a week when many of the roads are closed, and used as a race track. It's pretty dangerous, with racers reaching speeds well in excess on 150 MPH on our winding country lanes. Two or three riders die most years; but as a result, the Manx people are very enthusiastic about motorcycles, and engineering generally.

Cerwyn wrote:

Hi Ron,


It sounds like it would be very worthwhile enquiring about Import regulations of Realistic Imitation firearms into the IoM ... IF the VCRA doesn't apply as it does here "across" then things could be easier for you.
On the other hand, if the VCRA does apply, then formalising your role as part of a Theatrical Company could well be your defence against possible prosecution. Film and TV companies have concessions here when buying or Importing replica firearms.
If you typed in "VCRA" into the Search facility here you'll get to all the discussions and details concerning that Law and its effect on us here. 


I've not been over to the Island since 1978 (TT week). I've many happy memories of the Island  

Good advice, and I immediately looked up "VCRA Isle of Man" on Gooogle, which led me to...

"5
Imitation firearms
The importation, sale etc of certain realistic imit
ation firearms has been made illegal in the UK.
However, similar legislation has not been enacted in the Isle of Man.
It is an offence to possess such an object with intent
to cause fear of violence, or to carry it in public
without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
There is no general import prohibition on toy or
replica guns, or on “airsoft” or BB-type guns. "

Also


"Importing firearms
The import of all types of weapons is subject to
import licensing and control. The controls on
imports from EU Member States differs from those
for non-EU countries. Licences for the import of
a firearm into the UK also cover imports into the Is
le of Man (and the UK and Island are regarded as
one for this purpose). However, a local certificate or
visitor’s permit would also be required, and any
handgun or other prohibited weapon transiting the UK
must be carried by an authorised carrier. "


Well, that sems to have settled the matter. I CAN legally
import - and own - replicas to the Island from Japan.

Phase 2 is to watch prices on Buyee.jp, to confirm that second-hand items are as reasonably priced as they appear to be... and to contact our resident Japanese forum member, to seek out his assistance!

Ron Walker wrote:

Cerwyn wrote:

Hi Ron,


It sounds like it would be very worthwhile enquiring about Import regulations of Realistic Imitation firearms into the IoM ... IF the VCRA doesn't apply as it does here "across" then things could be easier for you.
On the other hand, if the VCRA does apply, then formalising your role as part of a Theatrical Company could well be your defence against possible prosecution. Film and TV companies have concessions here when buying or Importing replica firearms.
If you typed in "VCRA" into the Search facility here you'll get to all the discussions and details concerning that Law and its effect on us here. 


I've not been over to the Island since 1978 (TT week). I've many happy memories of the Island  

Good advice, and I immediately looked up "VCRA Isle of Man" on Gooogle, which led me to...

"5
Imitation firearms
The importation, sale etc of certain realistic imit
ation firearms has been made illegal in the UK.  
However, similar legislation has not been enacted in the Isle of Man.
It is an offence to possess such an object with intent
to cause fear of violence, or to carry it in public
without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
There is no general import prohibition on toy or
replica guns, or on “airsoft” or BB-type guns. "

Also


"Importing firearms
The import of all types of weapons is subject to
import licensing and control.  The controls on
imports from EU Member States differs from those
for non-EU countries.  Licences for the import of
a firearm into the UK also cover imports into the Is
le of Man (and the UK and Island are regarded as
one for this purpose).  However, a local certificate or
visitor’s permit would also be required, and any
handgun or other prohibited weapon transiting the UK
must be carried by an authorised carrier. "


Well, that sems to have settled the matter. I CAN legally
import - and own - replicas to the Island from Japan.

Phase 2 is to watch prices on Buyee.jp, to confirm that second-hand items are as reasonably priced as they appear to be... and to contact our resident Japanese forum member, to seek out his assistance!

That's good news for you!

As has been mentioned, Shazib is an excellent source, trustworthy, and an excellent communicator.

Hop on yahoo and have him bid til you're broke, it's what I do!

I am with Cerwyn, think i will retire to the isle of man, obviously got more sense than in mainland UK. Also get to ride around the TT course

To my considerable surprise, Buyee.jp takes PayPal! To my considerable ANNOYANCE, Buyee.jp doesn't distinguish between Replica models and magazines ABOUT Replica Guns... which complicates browsing through pages and pages of items for sale.

Interesting.... I've been studying "Buyee.jp" for around a week. Initially (given that each auction screen features a "sniper" button) to find out if people actually USED the sniper button - because that would have resulted in a sudden rise in the value of bids in the last few seconds of each auction. Looks like they (by and large) DON'T use the sniper button. So for most items on offer,prices are surprisingly reasonable. The range of goods on offer was a bit disappointing; remove the Walther P38 and PPK, the Colt SAA and M1911, VietNam era M16's (and variants thereof) and a small range of S&W revolvers... and there's not a lot left. A few Nambus, a couple of M1 carbines, a few MP40's and Lugers...One sale of a cardboard box that USED to contain a mark 2 Sten. LOTS of sales of elderly magazines, a surprising range of random "bits".

My own collection includes (amongst much else) a SIG/Sauer bolt-action rifle, an SA80A1, a Steyr AUG, an SPAS riot gun... all noticeable by their (interesting!) absence on Buyee.jp - where ONLY Japanese-made items seem to be on offer. (Mine includes Korean and Chinese items as well) Most of the auctions are remarkably parochial - Japan, being as it is a collection of Islands, demands different delivery charges for delivery to different Islands, and most of the sellers seem remarkably uninterested in shipping items out of Japan at all. One would DEFINITELY need an associate in Japan to take delivery, and then re-pack the item and ship it onwards, clearly marked "TOYS". Even then, I'd probably find receiving such items easier than those of you based in the "mainland" UK. The Yen is currently running at around 200 to the pound. The items I've bookmarked as "Interesting" seem to be selling at prices between 1500 and 8,000 Yen (£8 and £43)

Ron,

Please send me PM if you are looking for somebody to help out your shopping in Japan.
Regards,

S

Just look at these two. Cheap as chips.
http://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/r135151633
http://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/m145704323

The Mini 14 is in 'junk' condiiton, rusty etc, it is also quite rare so I imagine it will go for a lot more than the price you see now in the next 5 days, I had my eyes on it but I get the feeling it won't be cost effective when considering the damage it has...

You should message Shazib.

The Mini 14 is in 'junk' condiiton, rusty etc, it is also quite rare so I imagine it will go for a lot more than the price you see now in the next 5 days, I had my eyes on it but I get the feeling it won't be cost effective when considering the damage it has...

You should message Shazib.

Agree that these are appealing INITIAL prices... remains to be seen how much it would cost to arrrange onward transport from Japan back to Blighty. As always, somewhat puzzling rubric at the end of the auction screen : "whole as you can see has rust badly.
Bolt was confirmed operation. You can not Haisaya because extractor is corrupted.
Cartridge comes with two, but it could not be decomposed been fixed.
Since the stock of the spring and the stopper is corrupted lost, it can not be fixed to the body when it is folded. "

I already have an M2 carbine, with wooden stock, and the receiver seems to be composed maily of ABS, with some spelter parts - like the cocking handle. Just HOW do you get ABS to "rust badly?!"

From this following bit, it looks like Buyee.jp does NOT work like Ebay.co.uk. Or maybe it does, but there are major cultural differences leading to people treating them as if they worked differently.

" I hope in a no claim no return. We're sorry, in order to avoid the auction trading trouble, bad evaluation, bad often one of evaluation, bad evaluation at the end with a bad evaluation for malicious content be less, by being engaged in a fierce battle in the field of evaluation If you there is a case where I am allowed to cancel a bid you are Please note. Bad appraisal that there is 3 or more, please do not bid. Because we eye naughty person, new bid please refrain. - Those who have been to just "canceled by the highest bidder convenience" please do not bid. · In this way I wrote those applicable regardless of the fact that will make sure "cancellation by the highest bidder convenience" If you are a bid and a successful bid. · Business navigation from here thank you to contact us within 24 hours. Complete the "cancellation by the highest bidder convenience" if there is no contact. Once the no mischief successful bid buy intention, it is very annoying if there was a runner-up successful bidder. "Successful bidder canceled by the circumstances" and the like, bad appraisal. Many, such as not returning the contact can not be any credit because it was seen several times painful eye. Bid I will definitely canceled.
The payment deadline is will be considered as one week after a successful bid, I will carry out "cancellation by the highest bidder convenience" If you have past it.
This is true even if the contact is lost on the way.

It will be a new person who bid refuse.
The first dealings Navi here address etc. for ,, mischief prevention case that there is a new direction and the trailing edge will not be described at all. We will consider it as the description of the after receiving your reply.
In addition to the dealings Navi from here after a successful bid, please reply within 24 hours.
Even if you are tendering, regard what you think in those and anxiety that have received the warning, there is a possibility that I am allowed to delete by the judgment here."

It is the classic 'buyer beware' throwaway line.

The "typical example" of what has fascinated me about Buyee.jp has just (within the last few hours) failed to sell, and so has automatically been re-auctioned. Someone who stepped in with a "sniper bid" at just 501 yen would now be the proud new owner of a Glock Glock backup 500 yen is roughly £2.50... Not, by any means the best replica ever made, but for £2.50, a real BARGAIN. Question then arises... how much would it cost to ship it half way around the world back to the UK? Or, more specifically back to the Isle of Man, where it WOULDN'T immediately be pounced upon by customs and pronounced "contraband" and confiscated/destroyed.

I run a small jewellery business as a sideline, and I import items that I've bought on Ebay from China ALL THE TIME. I make a habit of ONLY bidding on lots where Post and packaging are included in the price. My auction strategy with Chinese sellers is to place a LOT of absurdly low bids... and then stick to my guns. Someone else outbids me? Good luck to them! 90% of the time somebody DOES outbid me... and pays way more than I did on the 10% of sales where I won. Bottom line, if there are fifty identical lots on offer, I really do 't give a damn which lot it is that I win... all that interests me is "How much?" Over time you stop feeling guilty that you've paid 50p (including postage and packaging!) for something that your rivals have paid £2 - £3. Sadly, I don't think that's going to happen much with Buyee.But there WILL be bargains to be found: jut study the various categories sorted by "Time: ending soonest" Thereby avoid drooling over items that are going to rocket in price in the remaining five or six days.What you want to see are items with just hours left for the auction to run.