I will be overnighting in Johannisberg and then spending a few days in Vic Falls on my way to Botswana this year. There will be two hunters but each of us plans to bring one gun. In the interests of simplicity I thought that I would bring both guns in thereby having to do only one set of paperwork. The question: I seem to recall that South Africa is not allowing you to bring in two rifles of the same caliber. Is this true? If so one of us will have to choose a different rifle.
Thanks
TerryR

Terry,

That is true the last I heard and I believe it still is true. No two reifles of the same caliber for the same person.

BUT, if two of you have the same kind of rifle that is OK, and if your son is under age and you have two rifles of the same caliber it is allowable according to my latest request to Africa...

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
BUT, if two of you have the same kind of rifle that is OK, and if your son is under age and you have two rifles of the same caliber it is allowable according to my latest request to Africa...

Ray, I'm not sure about that. I believe the 2nd rifle, of the same caliber would need to be listed on a seperate U.S. Customs Registration form in the son's name. Since the son is under age, I don't think that would fly. I could be wrong though.

Mike, I think you are correct. If the son is underage, I doubt he is allowed to bring in any firearms. Maybe someone could clarify this for us. I do know that 1 person is not allowed to bring in 2 rifles of the same caliber.

If you both have a seperate Customs form 4457,
that has to have the serial number on it. Even in the same case, this is legal we did it in 2003. The form says that the rifle belongs to
that indivual.

I have always thought it would be more convenient to have 2 rifles of the same caliber on a trip. So I wanted to get a 2nd rifle to accompany my .500 NE double. A .500 NE Heym bolt action express rifle was for sale, and I was seriously tempted to purchase it to use as a plains game rifle and as a backup for my double in case something happened. But then I had to ask myself just one question:

Am I insane?

I am just extending what I was told last week by an official with the RSA Government when asked to check on it by a prospective client.

It may not matter what is legal in RSA. It may matter more what the rascal that is there to greet you in RSA SAYS is legal.

I've just checked on this and nothing has changed.....You won't be allowed to import 2 rifles of the same calibre under one persons name. The only way you can do it is to import each rifle under seperate names......if you have to bring in two rifles under one name they must be different calibres.

quote:

Originally posted by shakari:
I've just checked on this and nothing has changed.....You won't be allowed to import 2 rifles of the same calibre under one persons name. The only way you can do it is to import each rifle under seperate names......if you have to bring in two rifles under one name they must be different calibres.

How about if one is marked "30-06" and the other is marked "30 Government", but they both chamber the same ammo?

I asked the same question and they seem to adopt the attitude that a 308 & 3006 are two seperate calibres......despite the fact that both fire the same calibre bullet.....their attitude seems to be that if two rifles take the same bullet/case combination then it's the same calibre but if it's the same bullet with a different case then that's OK.

BUT when I read the act it says "of the same calibre" which to my interpretation means a 308 & a 30.06 is the same calibre barrel.

On first trip to South Africa umpteen years ago, took two identical 30/06 rifles with identical scopes and ammo. The second one was just in case there was a failure with the first one.

Did not have any failures with my primary rifle, but other hunters on the trip did have failures with their equipment -- rifles and scopes.

Hammer

A guy could solve this problem with a jeweler's engraver.....

Wouldn't the brass have to match?

Ted,
The brass must match the calibre. This is true for all African countries.

In SA yes and they're now even getting antsy about headstamps.....so anyone with a wildcat needs to be cautious about this. If in doubt I would recommend you have cases made with the correct headstamps.

More importantly they don't allow you to import ammo if you don't have a rifle of the same calibre.

The best thing anyone can do is take the advice of their individual outfitter.

Guests

Please BIN all information about what you or other hunters DID last year or some time back, the RULES have changed and dont use the excuse it depends whom you get in authority when you arrive because that is tempting fate ..

Please LISTEN to an OLD burnt out SOB ex: Rhodesisn .... Follow the latest laws and regulation and dont try to be a hero ..

No the KID cant bring a rifle in in his name if he is under 21`..

General relavent information / read it carefully

Firearms will be physically inspected to ensure the serial number(s) match those of the licenses (proof of ownership) and the application form. Ammunition will also be inspected.



Firearm / Ammunition Allowances and Specifications

1. No more than one firearm per caliber and 200 rounds per firearm will be permitted. No ammunition for other rifle calibers will be permitted.

An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting purposes if the client produces on arrival at the SAPS Gun Office an acceptable written motivation as to why more than one is required.

2. Firearms must bear the manufacturer’s serial number or any other mark by which the firearm can be identified. The identification number must be stamped and the mark affixed in the prescribed manner on the barrel or the frame or the receiver of the firearm.

3. Handguns will be allowed into the country, but only for hunting purposes. Any visitor wanting to bring in a handgun in this regard needs to have a letter from an association in the country of origin, stating the handgun will be used for hunting purposes.

4. Prohibited firearms which may NOT be imported into South Africa include:
· a. Any fully automatic weapon
· b. Any semi-automatic weapon
· c. Handgun/s for self-defense
· d. Weapons which fall under military categories

5. A semi-automatic shotgun for hunting purposes may be allowed if an application is made at least 21 days before arrival through the Central Firearms Register with a motivation letter as to why this type of firearm is required.

General Provisions:

1. Temporary Import Permits:

· a. May only be issued to a foreign visitor for the purpose of hunting

· b. Will be issued subject to the requirements of the Act with regard to the carrying, storage, safe custody and transport of a firearm and ammunition

· c. Subject to the use of the firearm only for the purpose set out in the permit

· d. Subject to the fact that no person who holds a temporary import permit is allowed to transfer the firearm to another person in South Africa without prior written permission having been obtained from the Central Firearm Register.

· e. Whenever the holder of a temporary import permit leaves the Republic of South Africa, the firearm in respect of which the permit is issued must accompany the holder of the permit

· f. Possession of no more than the quantity of cartridges determined by the Registrar and specified on the permit for each firearm in respect of which the temporary import permit applies

· g. A Temporary Import Permit shall not be issued for a period exceeding six months at a time

· h. Applicant must be 21 or over

i. Should a firearm not be declared on arrival and a temporary import permit not issued, you will face severe penalties and possible arrest on departure from South Africa.

Have a wonderful safari

Peter / lost somewhere downunder in the antipopdies