Waki 1

[Waki 1]

Hello peeps,

Can anyone please tell me if it's possible/ legal, to import a Hinawaju from Japan into the UK?

It's a 51" matchlock, (not sure if it's able to fire; I wouldn't have thought so)?

I know the UK gov' and couriers are now frightened of their own shadows, but I would like to own one.

    If you're an owner in the UK, how did you go about importing it?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice, 

           Waki 1 (aka) Graham. 🙂

[Mikaveli]

When it's made would largely dictate whether it's legal to own or not (typically has to be 100 years old or more). Using an antiquated ignition system (matchlock) means you don't need to worry if the calibre is considered obsolete or not.

 

Whether it's capable of firing or not is largely irrelevant - it'd be legal to own as a curio. If you (ever) intend to shoot it, you'd need a firearms certificate (shotgun cert for smooth bores).

[Bugyotsuji]

If you simply want to own one, as you say, it's much easier to source one already in the UK.

 

 

[Waki 1]

Thanks both for your replies👍, it's nice to know that there shouldn't be too many hoops to jump through.

The item is definitely over 100 years old and I do have a shotgun cert' (if needed).

Not sure I'd want to shoot it anyway, it's probably out of proof and would take my face off. 🤣

Bugyotsuji, thanks for that, I'll have a look for ones being sold in the UK. 👍 I'll probably still go after the original one too.

       Best wishes.

[Mark C]

 

Hi,

 

I think you will need a black powder/muzzle loader slot on an FAC to shoot it in the UK.

 

Regards

[Mikaveli]

5 hours ago, Mark C said:

 

Hi,

 

I think you will need a black powder/muzzle loader slot on an FAC to shoot it in the UK.

 

Regards

 

With a smoothbore barrel longer than 24", that'd be on a shotgun cert. Shorter, or rifled, it'd be a firearms certificate.

 

To own black powder, you need an explosives licence - but instead modern black powder substitutes can be used (not normal smokeless/ nitro propellants).

[Bugyotsuji]

Word of warning re importing a... a... ssshhhhh....

 

For a dealer who is used to importing, there will surely be little tricks involved, but even so I reckon they take a gamble each time as you cannot know which customs officer you will get. Each officer will interpret the rules differently, none of them understanding the changing regulations completely, and as soon as someone objects an endless chain of bureaucracy can ensue, with no one wishing to take responsibility, all erring on the side of safety, consuming weeks and months of fruitless headbang, and in the worst scenario, confiscation of the article, regardless of how 'right' you may actually be on paper.

 

The word?

Oh, yes, even if you do everything correctly there is a definite element of risk, a gamble. And some things even get stolen, but I won't go into that here! Good luck with whatever you choose, and keep us updated!

[Waki 1]

Thanks again for the wise words guys. Sadly, I missed out on the one I was going for, but hey-ho, there'll be another one I'm sure. You know the saying, "As one door closes, another one opens".

      I did look at UK offerings, but they don't hang around for long and each ad' I saw for one had already been sold (sometimes years ago); good old 'world inter-webby thing' eh?

Anyway, I'll keep my eyes peeled (ouch) for a really nice matchlock and I'll be sure to update you all if and when I find one.

     Thanks again and keep your powder dry. 🙂

 

On 3/18/2025 at 5:51 PM, Waki 1 said:

Thanks both for your replies👍, it's nice to know that there shouldn't be too many hoops to jump through.

The item is definitely over 100 years old and I do have a shotgun cert' (if needed).

Not sure I'd want to shoot it anyway, it's probably out of proof and would take my face off. 🤣

Bugyotsuji, thanks for that, I'll have a look for ones being sold in the UK. 👍 I'll probably still go after the original one too.

       Best wishes.