Indiana Jones revolver

I may learn more when I get the letter in the mail. Though I'm not sure they would disclose why my items were inspected because they want to give the impression that every single package is inspected.
 
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I bet it was just a random search to fill quota.

I mean I can't complain totally as I own several other replicas of this pistol but I wanted to add these to my collection too. It's more the fact that I will be out the money that makes me mad.



If your order already processed I'm not sure if there is anything you can do about it. Though there is a really good chance your order will process with no issue because everyone else got theirs without a problem. Plus I got my Hi Power with no problem either. I really think it got flagged because I bought two at the same time.

Maybe, it hasn't shipped yet though.

That's a strange claim for a copyright infringement. I understand (like everyone on here), how small the reason for defending a copyright can be, but did they think you were trying to sell them or something? It isn't like you tried to buy a whole bunch of them. Man, I hope it works out for you. have you tried contacting the seller yet? I understand where they can claim not liable due to customs via laws, but you might have a case over destroyed due to copyright infringement.
 
The woman I spoke with told me that the letter should have contact information for Smith and Wesson and I can try appealing to them which I will try doing in some capacity. I mean I did tell everyone I spoke with that I am simply a movie prop collector and they are only going to be used for display. Maybe if I explain my situation to Smith and Wesson they will release these to me. I hope that letter shows up soon.
 
The woman I spoke with told me that the letter should have contact information for Smith and Wesson and I can try appealing to them which I will try doing in some capacity. I mean I did tell everyone I spoke with that I am simply a movie prop collector and they are only going to be used for display. Maybe if I explain my situation to Smith and Wesson they will release these to me. I hope that letter shows up soon.

Good luck man, I really hope this works out for you.


Although....perhaps this may persuade S&W to make a modern firing replica (yea, probably not. Talk about niche of a niche market).
 
It does make me wonder how Todd Coyle was able to get his made without getting stopped by Smith and Wesson. I'd imagine he had some sort of permissions to go ahead with production. Maybe it was limited run or something. Though his version had a blaze orange tip so perhaps that was part of the compromise along with being in compliance with U.S. law.
 
The woman I spoke with told me that the letter should have contact information for Smith and Wesson and I can try appealing to them which I will try doing in some capacity. I mean I did tell everyone I spoke with that I am simply a movie prop collector and they are only going to be used for display. Maybe if I explain my situation to Smith and Wesson they will release these to me. I hope that letter shows up soon.
I was going to say it's worth a shot. You never know.
 
So my replicas got seized by customs because Smith and Wesson is making claim to copyright violation. So unless I get written permission from Smith and Wesson (which is HIGHLY unlikely) then my items are due to be destroyed and I am out that money. Plus I had to dig and make numerous phone calls before I was able to get two different people, both of whom were thankfully very polite and helpful so I am grateful for that.

Apparently I should be expecting a letter from customs officially informing me of the matter with my possible options going forward.
Damn, that's a shame. Really hoping you can work something out so that you can either get your revolvers or a refund.
 
That is what has happened when I've ordered model and airsoft guns from overseas, they putty over all trademarks and usually put orange tape over the end of the barrel along with turning the box inside out and so far, over about 15 years, I have never had a problem. I'm really surprised they don't do this automatically.
 
I'm torn. I reached out to the retailer and they apologized but told me Tanaka does have the permissions to make replicas but they don't have access to that info because they are just a retailer. I may have to just initiate a refund through PayPal as it may fall under buyer protection but I'd hate to do that because it's not the retailers fault they were seized. I also don't want to lose my money if that is my only option either. I'd much rather have the pistols but if it's a choice between the money or nothing I'd want my money back at least.

I wonder why my items got flagged and everyone else here got theirs with no problems. Don't mistake me I am super happy you all got yours I'm just confused. Perhaps purchasing two raised some red flags? Idk. Still no letter yet. I hope that thing shows up soon. About 10 years ago I bought a PFC Enfield Revolver replica from overseas and had no issue whatsoever. I also got my Browning from Airsoft Japan without a hiccup too.

I'll try pleading my case to Smith and Wesson I suppose. If Tanaka truly is in violation I don't see why I have to forfeit my money for their crime.
 
I'm torn. I reached out to the retailer and they apologized but told me Tanaka does have the permissions to make replicas but they don't have access to that info because they are just a retailer. I may have to just initiate a refund through PayPal as it may fall under buyer protection but I'd hate to do that because it's not the retailers fault they were seized. I also don't want to lose my money if that is my only option either. I'd much rather have the pistols but if it's a choice between the money or nothing I'd want my money back at least.

I wonder why my items got flagged and everyone else here got theirs with no problems. Don't mistake me I am super happy you all got yours I'm just confused. Perhaps purchasing two raised some red flags? Idk. Still no letter yet. I hope that thing shows up soon. About 10 years ago I bought a PFC Enfield Revolver replica from overseas and had no issue whatsoever. I also got my Browning from Airsoft Japan without a hiccup too.

I'll try pleading my case to Smith and Wesson I suppose. If Tanaka truly is in violation I don't see why I have to forfeit my money for their crime.

That makes even less sense now. I thought the original complaint was a copyright violation? That doesn’t appear to be the case if Tanaka has permission.
 
I mean they very well could be telling me the truth and as far as they are aware Tanaka does have the rights to make replicas. I mean I have no way of getting in touch with Tanaka and even if I did I already would have to plead my case with Smith and Wesson and then when they give me a formal letter to send to customs, customs would need to clear it and then allow FedEx to deliver it.

I'll just have to see what my options are when the letter arrives.
 
So I ordered the s&w off the airsoft site and received the replica, although they didn’t do any modifications. However, after reading psab’s story, I researched online and it seems like seizure by US customs is not uncommon.
I ordered another s&w through KIC, the Taiwanese airgun store, and they’re still preparing the package by gluing an orange flash hider and applying black hot glue on all markings. I’ll update if there are any issues receiving this other s&w from KIC.
 
My gun not only came with the orange tip attached but also yellow tape around the grip and black tape covering the roll markings. Usually most overseas companies do this standard but after now reading about Psab's ordeal, it would be good idea to contact them ahead of time and remind them just in case.
 
My gun not only came with the orange tip attached but also yellow tape around the grip and black tape covering the roll markings. Usually most overseas companies do this standard but after now reading about Psab's ordeal, it would be good idea to contact them ahead of time and remind them just in case.

That's good to hear. Can the orange tip be removed without damage, and I apologize if I missed it, but which store did you order it from?
 
Best way I've found, and have done on several occasions is to take a Pyrex measuring cup, put about two inches of water in it, microwave it until the water is sufficiently hot and place the barrel with the orange tip in the water.

Leave it sit for about 5-10 minutes, the hot water softens the glue and the orange tip should pop or screw right off. I would be mindful of the heat if the barrel is plastic, the ones I've done have all been metal outer barrels.

Keep in mind if it's screwed on, most are threaded opposite of righty tighty, lefty loosey.
 
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