Shipping my 9mm pistol

Start here: http://www.vipd.gov.vi/Departments/Office_of_the_Police_Commissioner/Firearms_Unit.aspx

Then here: http://cd.textfiles.com/group42/WEAPONS/LAWS/VISL.HTM

THATS GREAT I JUST SAVED THOSE FILES TO MY FAVORITES. I have only heard rumors do you know if there is a charge for the license. I think it said yellow home protection? Also is there a requirement for some type of gun safety course. I'm retired military and have an extensive weapons back ground.

you have to ship your gun to a licensed dealer. i think there are two on stx. you then have to take a class and go through a bunch of stuff and a long time wait to be able to have one in your home. if you want carry/conceal-good luck

I'd say: do what you want. The criminals do. They don't adhere to laws, and they get guns here all the time. Heck, you could probably google how to get them here with no hassle...

Contact John Canegata at D&J Shooting Gallery 340.713.9058 or 340.719.1996.

You can have your firearm shipped by a licensed firearm dealer to D&J, and have them store it while you obtain your license.
You can also bring your unloaded firearm in your luggage, you'll need to advise the TSA during check-in.

I second calling John. He's a good friend and a good man with excellent advice on all things gun related. I'll probably be seeing him tomorrow if you'd like me to mention you'll call him.

Yes, you definitely need to talk to someone down here who can explain the process. As you suspected, you will have to take a safety course, and there's an application that requires some notarized affidavits from others that will vouch for your good character, ID photos, etc. It's not so much complicated as it is tedious, but it's what you gotta do to have it here.

And you're correct about a statement. Your permit will say you have the weapon for home protection, going to/from the gun range, and/or for business purposes. But if you try to do the business statement that's another affair...

And don't forget you'll be required to indicate how you will be securing the weapon.

Just as an added note you need to renew your permit every five years and the process isn't much easier for a renewal.

I'd say: do what you want. The criminals do. They don't adhere to laws, and they get guns here all the time. Heck, you could probably google how to get them here with no hassle...

You will simply be an owner of an unlicensed gun until you are caught - then you are a criminal, and if convicted graduate to a felon.
I don't think 'poodle' represents the general opinion of the forum which is usually helpful.

you also now need a home safe to store it in.

now in poodles defense i have heard about others who have shipped unloaded guns in with tools through moving services

I tend to think that having it "known" you have a gun makes you more of a target here.

I'd say: do what you want. The criminals do. They don't adhere to laws, and they get guns here all the time. Heck, you could probably google how to get them here with no hassle...

You will simply be an owner of an unlicensed gun until you are caught - then you are a criminal, and if convicted graduate to a felon.
I don't think 'poodle' represents the general opinion of the forum which is usually helpful.

Yep and the VI prison is not a place you want to be for a visit or a lengthy stay. So I for one will say BAD IDEA!

JulieKay, Then I guess my wife should bring her AR-15. LOL

Were not going to violate any laws. In fact I hope to develop a good relationship with the VI PD.

Just remember that the police dept down there does not like to see any new guns on the island, registered or not. I believe the penalty for having a non-registered firearm is five years time, even if you didn't use it.

JulieKay, Then I guess my wife should bring her AR-15. LOL

That would make you more of a target. You need to understand how things work here.

Were not going to violate any laws. In fact I hope to develop a good relationship with the VI PD.

Good luck with that.

i have heard stories about when you register a new gun it gets stolen shortly thereafter, but i do not know of that happening to any one i know

Were not going to violate any laws. In fact I hope to develop a good relationship with the VI PD.

Good luck with that.

X2... no outsiders allowed.

I strongly advise AGAINST shipping a firearm (especially a pistol) to yourself by USPS or any other mail or cargo service. Unless you want customs and ATF all over you that is.....

Now shipping it to an FFL, that's a different story.

If you have all of your paperwork in order, the process to get the firearms permit here is not all that difficult. I do recommend leaving the firearm in the States with a friend until your permit comes through, then having it shipped to a local FFL holder or bringing it on the plane. I have seen the paperwork take longer if the firearm is already here. It is a case where if you act like you assume you will get the permit (ie: bring the gun early), then someone might decide to sit on it for a while, versus if you ask permission (apply) without acting like you already made the decision for them, things tend to go smoother in my experience. Either way, the process isn't impossible, and to my knowledge it has been over ten years since registered firearms were specifically being specifically targeted for theft, because the rumor was the same then but I don't remember that being the case in recent history. Follow the rules and you can have your gun here legally. It takes time but it is a pretty simple process, really.