Here is a piece from the ATF Form 6 handbook that shows that you do not need an expensive importer to get a gun into the USA, just an FFL ~ provided its occasional:
A Federally licensed firearms dealer, pawnbroker or manufacturer, other than manufacturer of ammunition only (Type 06 FFL) may obtain a permit to occasionally import a firearm for the FFLs personal use, or for the personal use of a customer (the customers name, address and purpose of importation should be shown in the item entitled 'Specific Purpose of Importation' on the Form 6 Part I), without becoming licensed and registered as an importer.

I also called ATF's Mike Cooney and he said my interpretaton is spot on...