Went to the federal boys to fill out the form. Had a nice visit, got the validation and never took the guns out of the car! Quick & easy.

The CF 4457 is used to register anything you are taking on your safari that has a serial number. The authorities overseas often ask for a copy of your stamped off CF4457 - never give original up. CBP may ask to see it when you return to make sure that you are returning with the items you left with.

Went to US Customs office today in Evansville, IN. I called ahead and talked to the officer there. He told me since the office is located inside the federal building, not to bring any weapons inside. He told me to run a copy of the 4457 off the internet site and have it filled out and he would come outside an verify the serial numbers of all items I wanted to list.
I must say he was very professional, friendly and helpful. We talked about my up coming bear hunt and he provided me with some information concerning CITIES, etc.
Could not have asked for any better service.

I had no trouble in Shreveport and I have been twice to get the forms. And neither time was asked by customs in ATL to see my 4457. I think If I lived in one of the big East Coast cities I might drive to a smaller customs office where they might be more firearm/hunting friendly.

David:
Where can you down load a copy of the 4457 form?
Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ:
David:
Where can you down load a copy of the 4457 form?
Thanks.

From the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

This is the direct link to the form -- right click and save.

Thanks, Charles.

The MORON who did mine in Las Vegas REFUSED TO ACCEPT a downloaded-from-their-website and typed-in form. His exact words were "What is this?"

He would ONLY accept the tear-off the pad small forms, filled in by hand on the spot.

quote:

The only reason you need the 4457 form for now is to prove you own the gun when in Africa as they ask that you prove it's yours and that form is accepted as proof

I could never figure out why the SA Customs/SAP people give a hoot whether you OWN the gun or not. None of their business imho. Could be your brother's, father's or buddy's gun. So what. And 4457 doesn't prove ownership, it just proves that you carted your buddy's gun to the nearest customs office. What a load of bureaucratic bs. They just like paper, it's an excuse to exercise their pissy little powers.

John the Greek:
Don't get me started on the TSA! I fly for a living and have to deal with these morons 10 times a week! Many are good people who are just trying to make a living. Some are incompetent idiots who are about as bright as a temporary parking lot security guard.