The Customs website makes it clear that the 4457 form is NOT a requirement. Instead it is only one form of acceptable proof that you acquired the property in the USA and took it out of the Country. A dated bill of sale or sales receipt serves the same purpose.
Ted is correct though about the Minneapolis airport customs. I tried once to use my Canadian gun registration card to show prior ownership and the officer informed me that they would not accept a document issued by a FOREIGN GOVERNMENT! I told him to either let me go or go ahead and confiscate my gun as I had a plane to catch. He let me through with my gun...Geo
Ted is correct about both points.
My reading of the original post led me to believe that he didn't acquire the gun here in the USA-he got it in Paris.
It will be considered an import.
I used to think it was just me that had problems with Port of Minneapolis.
It isn't.
Best,
Ted
