GeneFrenkle

Wait...what? Since when? In my state a CCW permit does not allow a bypass of the NICS check. I thought this was the case everywhere. Nope. In NC, if you have a CHL, you can walk in, sign a few papers and walk out with any handgun, rifle, or shotgun in about 10 minutes. No additional background check is done since the sheriff's office physically confiscates your CHL should you become ineligible to own/purchase a firearm. Thus, if you can produce a CHL, you are showing that LE has nothing on you preventing the purchase of a firearm. This is allowed under the NCIS guidelines.

It is unclear to me how this could reasonably be used as a disciminant for imports. Plenty of non-imports were "based on military/tactical applications" like garands, mini's, etc. Why would it be applied to imports? I think I'm missing something. Could someone help me understand, please?

Are you more interested in getting to your goal more quickly or enjoying the tour? I'd be more inclined to go the saiga route and enjoy the overall process.

Ruger magazines seem to be most reliable. Depending upon where you go, they can be a tad expensive. Look around. I bought some from hoffman's (http://www.hoffgun.com) not too long ago. They're still listed at about $20/ea (just looked).

From a Saturday Night Live skit about Blue Oyster Cult. More cowbell.