The Clock is Ticking: Why Imported Rifles Deserve Your Attention Now

If you’re a firearms enthusiast or collector, you’ve likely noticed the buzz around imported firearms lately. With tariffs making headlines and driving a wave of interest in pre-tariff stock, it’s no surprise that people are snapping up imported guns before prices climb. While Polish and Bulgarian imports like WBP and Arsenal products are stealing some of the spotlight, other standout names—Belgian FN, Argentine Bersa, Swiss B&T, and even imported ammunition from across Europe—are also worth your attention. Many don’t realize that even domestic ammunitionmanufacturers often use imported components. These firearms and supplies are poised to feel the tariff impact just like other imports—yet many folks haven’t fully connected the dots. Let’s take a closer look at what each European Union country, plus a few others, brings to the U.S. firearms market and why now might be the moment to act.

Bulgaria, an EU member since 2007, has earned a solid reputation among shooters for its Arsenal SAM7 rifles. Built with a legacy of precision and durability, these AK-pattern rifles are a go-to for those who value quality without compromise. Poland, part of the EU since 2004, delivers meticulously crafted rifles like the WBP AKs, carrying a heritage of Eastern European excellence that’s hard to ignore. Belgium, an EU founding member since 1957, brings sophistication with FN Herstal’s iconic FN SCAR rifles and FN Five-seveN pistols, both battlefield-proven and collector favorites. But the EU’s contributions don’t stop there—let’s break it down by country.

Austria: Home to Glock, one of the most recognizable names in handguns. The Glock 17 and its variants are imported in droves to the U.S., prized for their reliability and simplicity. Austria’s been in the EU since 1995, and its firearms face the same tariff pressures.

Belgium: As mentioned, FN Herstal’s FN SCAR and FN FAL rifles are legendary, blending innovation with combat-ready performance. Belgium’s long-standing EU membership ties its exports to U.S. trade policies.

Bulgaria: Arsenal’s SAM7 and SAM5 series firearms are AK-pattern standouts, combining rugged durability with modern refinements, along with Arsenal’s Circle 10 magazines.

Croatia: An EU member since 2013, Croatia exports the XD series pistols, marketed in the U.S. as Springfield Armory Enhanced models. These handguns have a loyal following for their affordability and performance.

Cyprus: An EU member since 2004, Cyprus has no notable firearms exports to the U.S. Its small industrial base focuses elsewhere, but it’s still part of the EU tariff framework.

Czech Republic: Since joining the EU in 2004, the Czech Republic has made waves with CZ (Česká zbrojovka) firearms like the CZ Scorpion EVO 3 and CZ 75 pistols. These are staples for enthusiasts seeking precision and value.

Finland: An EU member since 1995, Finland exports Sako and Tikka rifles, known for their accuracy and craftsmanship. The Tikka T3x is a favorite among hunters and precision shooters.

France: French firearms like the Manurhin MR73 revolver have a niche U.S. following.

Germany: An EU founding member, Germany’s Heckler & Koch (HK) exports like the HK416 rifle and USP pistols are synonymous with quality. SIG Sauer’s German-designed P320, though often U.S.-assembled, also traces roots here.

Hungary: Since joining the EU in 2004, Hungary exports FEG handguns and some AK-pattern rifles.

Italy: An EU founder since 1957, Italy’s Beretta supplies the 92FS pistol and the M9 (U.S. military’s former sidearm) and high-end shotguns like the Beretta 694. Benelli shotguns have a very loyal following in the U.S.

Poland: WBP’s AK rifles and FB Radom’s Beryl rifles are Polish gems, blending tradition with modern reliability. Poland’s EU membership ties them to tariff risks.

Romania: Since joining the EU in 2007, Romania exports Cugir WASR-10 rifles, budget-friendly AKs popular among U.S. enthusiasts for their ruggedness.

Slovakia: An EU member since 2004, Slovakia’s Grand Power exports K100 pistols, though they’re a niche player in the U.S. market.

Slovenia: Part of the EU since 2004, Slovenia’s Arex pistol line has grown in popularity within the U.S. market.

Spain: An EU member since 1986, Spain exports Astra and Star pistols, though they’re less common today. Spanish ammunition from brands like GECO also reaches U.S. shelves.

Sweden: Since joining the EU in 1995, Sweden’s Carl Gustaf (now part of BAE Systems) exports recoilless rifles.

Outside the EU, Switzerland—while not a member—integrates tightly with EU trade networks. Its B&T APC9 submachine guns and GHM9 pistols are prized for their precision and modularity. Argentina, a non-EU country, offers Bersa’s Thunder 380 and TPR9 handguns, affordable yet reliable options with a loyal U.S. following. Imported ammunition, often sourced from Europe (e.g., Sellier & Bellot from the Czech Republic or Fiocchi from Italy), faces similar pressures—and shooters know quality ammo can make or break the experience.

All 27 EU countries operate under the EU Customs Union, meaning their exports—like those finely crafted rifles, pistols, and ammo—face the same tariff pressures when they hit American shores. With recent trade policies tightening, including potential reciprocal tariffs announced in early April 2025, the cost of importing these goods could soon reflect those changes. Argentina and Switzerland, while outside the EU, aren’t immune either—global imports are caught in the broader tariff net.

Meanwhile, the Chinese JTS shotgun line currently offers a budget-friendly option, featuring AR- and AK-patterned shotguns alongside some traditional pump-action models. However, the current 145% tariff on Chinese imports will significantly increase the cost of the JTS lineup.

Right now, the market is in a unique spot. Pre-tariff inventory is still out there, offering a window to snag items like WBP rifles, Arsenal SAM7s, FN SCARs, Glock 17s, CZ Scorpions, Bersa Thunders, B&T APC9s, or stockpiles of imported ammo at current prices.

We also cannot forget that firearm parts, accessories and magazines that are imported are subject to tariffs as well.

The latest 90-day pause leaves the future uncertain, but the base tariff remains at 10%, with an additional 3.1% applied to semi-automatic firearm imports under current U.S. policy—a rate more than four times higher than the previous tariff. This represents a significant increase for EU-sourced semi-automatics alone. While Argentina and Switzerland aren’t directly targeted, they remain part of the wider import ecosystem. Combined with baseline tariffs on all imports, the escalating duties on EU goods suggest a broader shift that could reverberate across the firearms industry. For niche markets like imported rifles, pistols, accessories, magazines, and ammunition—valued for their blend of quality and affordability—this could translate into noticeable price increases very soon.

The current 10% tariff on imports from Serbia, as part of a broader U.S. policy shift is likely to increase the price of Zastava rifles for American consumers. Zastava Arms, a prominent Serbian firearms manufacturer, exports popular models like the ZPAP M70 to the U.S. market. While Zastava Arms USA has indicated it may not immediately raise its MSRP, the added 10% duty on importers will likely push future import prices upward to maintain profit margins. This would possibly result in a noticeable cost increase for buyers.

If you’ve been eyeing an import—or even if you haven’t yet—it’s worth considering what’s at stake. Tariffs aren’t just numbers on a policy sheet; they’re a signal that the landscape for imported firearms is shifting. Whenever a market shift or significant change occurs, it creates an investment opportunity as the products increase in value that far surpasses the modest yields typically offered by banks.

We have confidence that President Trump’s strategy is beneficial to the U.S. and hopefully the Democrats won’t play effective interference, however trade dynamics are moving regardless. No one’s saying the sky is falling, but it’s hard to ignore that the days of snagging these firearms, magazines and ammo at today’s prices might be numbered. Whether you’re drawn to the legacy of an FN SCAR, the practicality of a Bersa pistol, the precision of a B&T, or the reliability of Polish and Bulgarian firearms, now’s a chance to act before the equation changes. After all, in a world of uncertainty, securing what matters to you—be it a firearm, some ammo, or a piece of history—feels like a smart move.