Is one able to bring a pistol to Zimbabwe. I'm also curious if I don't have a concealed license is it difficult to bring one checked on the airplane?

Jim

gal - your posession or lack of a CHL has no bearing on your ability to transport a handgun on a plane (checked & locked with luggage, obviously.)

As for taking a pistol to Zim, I assume you're talking about your favorite .44mag revolver... and not some specialized JDJ, scoped, Hand-Cannon set up for hunting. And the answer is yes, you can take a handgun in single-shot or revolver configuration, but I'm almost certain that you can't take an automatic. In either case, check the rules close to your departure, as robber bob has a way of making changes in law on short-notice as of late.

If that's the case (you want to take your .44 for "backup"), aside from one "thinking" they are safer with a pistol on their hip in Africa, there is no practical use for a handgun while hunting in Africa.

In any realistic situation, you are much better off with the velocity, bullet construction, accuracy and energy of a rifle.

Also don't forget to handle the hand gun just like your rifle as in hardsided locked case and declare it. Don't try to just throw it in your luggage. Two guys locally here just got turned away because they had pistols in their duffel bags. Luckily a friend was able to come and retrieve the guns.

Mark

quote:

aside from one "thinking" they are safer with a pistol on their hip in Africa, there is no practical use for a handgun while hunting in Africa.

Unless of course the handgun is your primary hunting weapon.

If it's not I'd leave it home.

In most cases leaving a hangun home is the best option but on a cat hunt (Leopard, lion) a handgun is a good safety measure and is commonly carried by PHs in Zimbabwe.

465H&H

Maybe I am wrong but it is my understanding that any handgun is strictly forbidden in Zim. I would make sure prior to bringing one. This is also the reason why people who wish to hunt with a revolver go to SA and not Zim. Once again dont take my word for the law...just my understanding after 3 trips to this unfortunate country!

I don't think you can bring a handgun into Zimbabwe. If you want to hunt with a handgun in Zimbabwe, then you need a special permit, acquired in advance.

Regards,

Terry

The only application where a handgun is usefull is, while traveling accross some parts of JOBERG, or other large cities anyplace in the world. The other is while hunting cats, to use to shoot a cat off someone else, or in fact, yourself. Lots of Zimbabwe, and RSA PHs carry revolvers while hunting. Not for hunting, but for emergences, like stopping a mauling, without shooting the guy you are trying to help! Tony, (NE 450 No2) carried a handgun in Africa, so he can give you a better take on this question than anyone I know.

I generally carry a 41 Mag Ruger Blackhawk, with a 4 5/8" barrel while hunting in Alaska, but have never even bothered to try it in Africa. NOW! If I go for Cats I may consider it, but not for the Buffalo hunts I usually attend!

No problem about bringing or carrying a handgun in Zimbabwe.

Yes a handgun hunt requires a special permit- until the end of the year when we should revert back to to no restriction. (in 1990 a minimum barrel length for hunting of 500mm-20" was introduced)

We have no problems about semi Autos either, rifles, shotguns or handguns. We can still own full auto with alot of restrictions- but you may not legally hunt with any firearm that can be made full auto.

If you hit the airport or border and somedodytries to get a bribe or is otherwise awkward

The controller of Firararms is Assistant Comissiner R. Chirinda
and the Registra of firearms is J,E Tavengwa
phone 04-708770

I always carry a handgun. Hyaena in camp- both thoese that worlk on two legs and thoese that walk on 4.

I don't think you will be able to "enter" South Africa with one however. If you planned to spend the night in Jo'burg - you might be out of luck if you brought a handgun with you!

Les

quote:

I generally carry a 41 Mag Ruger Blackhawk, with a 4 5/8" barrel while hunting in Alaska, but have never even bothered to try it in Africa. NOW! If I go for Cats I may consider it, but not for the Buffalo

Mac

Bad choice. A single action is not the pistol you want in any tussel with any animal that is on top of you. It is too easy to have your thumb immobilized thus rendering the pistol useless.

I thought it (GP100 -357) would be helpful if we run into a snake. I am going to Dande South 10/24 for a Buffalo hunt. I sometimes run into rattlers on our TX lease and that pistol loaded with snake shot comes in handy.

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by gal:
I thought it (GP100 -357) would be helpful if we run into a snake. I am going to Dande South 10/24 for a Buffalo hunt. I sometimes run into rattlers on our TX lease and that pistol loaded with snake shot comes in handy.

Jim

A 375 with 300gr bullets has a similar effect you don't even have to hit them... just hit "near" them.

I carried a 4" 44 Mag S&W on my trip to Zim.
I spent 2 days in Joberg and carried it there also.
Check with S. Africa as their rules tend to change.
I carried Garrets Hammerheads when in the bush. They will shoot through the skull of a buff from the front, they will also reach the brain of a cow elephant from the side.
These 2 tests were done on animals I had shot with a rifle.
When I return to zim in March 2006 if it is still legal I will take a FA 475.
If some of you do not want to carry a handgun, fine, just do not critize those who do.
Once an animal gets to you your rifle is useless, with a powerful revolver you stand a chance. And as Ganyana says there are always 2 legged varmints that could become a problem.
The mear fact that you are wearing a handgun, will many times create a situation that you do not have to use it.

gal, take some Speer shotshells for the snakes, good for birds to.
I did kill one snake with shotshels in ZIM.

We have had this discussion before. I note that N E 450 No2 and I are on the same page regarding pistols. Yes you can take pistols into Zim. I have taken glocks.

Do check on RSA rules. They confiscated my pistol last year as the rules had changed a week before I arrived. I did get everything to work out but it was a pain in the behind.

Regards, PG

NE450No2,

If that 475 Linebaugh hurts the buffalo as much as it hurt my wrist, then the buffalo will definitely steer clear of you.

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:
[Mac

Bad choice. A single action is not the pistol you want in any tussel with any animal that is on top of you. It is too easy to have your thumb immobilized thus rendering the pistol useless.

It may be a bad choice, but that is the only Handgun seen in the field in Alaska, chambered for 41 Mag,44 mag. Even teenagers, and women carry them all the time while going about their day.

I have just about any type handgun that you could want, and they are carried daily concieled
so I could adjust to what ever you would like! For my CHL carry I carry simi-autos exclusively, but few simi-autos pack the power of big revolvers. Most handguns are in action before the mauling starts, or is used to shoot something off someone else . You're right, however, a double action would be better if something is on you, but I don't plan on him getting that far before I start shooting. I only carry a handgun in Alaska so I'm not unarmed when I'm away from my rifle, like doing camp chores.

What would be really nice is a simi-auto that would reliably feed 41 mag cartridges, with a 10 round magazine, and still be small enough to carry easily, in a Tanker chest rig, like my Blackhawk.

I've been thinking about buying a 41 Mag TRACKER double action revolver, but I have little use for one, as My blackhawk has always served me well, while hunting with it! It has taken everything jackrabbit, to Moose. As I say the only reason I'd take one to Africa is for the legged Hyenas, in town, or to shoot a cat off someone. Since I don't hunt cats, I doubt I'll ever take a handgun to Africa.

Sounds like a glock 20 with 15 to 20 rounds, depending on your basepad, with hot rounds such as doubletap!

Regards, PG

I was told that yoiu need import permits to bring a handgun into Zim by the consulate...Only handguns with scopes are legal...This was after 450#2 was in Zim...


Mike

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mickey1:
[Mac

Bad choice. A single action is not the pistol you want in any tussel with any animal that is on top of you. It is too easy to have your thumb immobilized thus rendering the pistol useless.

quote:

It may be a bad choice, but that is the only Handgun seen in the field in Alaska, chambered for 41 Mag,44 mag. Even teenagers, and women carry them all the time while going about their day.

A pistol carried by women and children is not much of a recommendation. they have tem because they are a) Cheap and b) used as a primary source of protection, not as an emergency backup.

quote:

I have just about any type handgun that you could want, and they are carried daily concieled
so I could adjust to what ever you would like!

Glad you asked, I think a Smith or a Python would both be better but I do agree with the size and caliber. No use for a 6-8 inch barrell in a belly gun.

quote:

For my CHL carry I carry simi-autos exclusively, but few simi-autos pack the power of big revolvers. Most handguns are in action before the mauling starts, or is used to shoot something off someone else .

I disagree. While I have not been mauled, or ever needed a backup, I have some experiance with those who have. Invariably they are not prepared for the suddeness or the surprise. If the animal is farther away than within touching distance the rifle is the weapon. It is only when the rifle has been knocked about or the attack is from a direction that is unexpected that a pistol is mandatory. At that time a Double action is the one you must have.

Do you remember seeing the video of the clown in Zim that shot at the Leopard in the cave and then turned to pose for the Camera? The Leopard was on him and had bitten his thumb before he could even recock the pistol. A Double action would have saved him awild ride down the hill and some stiches.

As far as shooting an animal off someone else a Single action works. Until the animal jumps to you.

quote:

I've been thinking about buying a 41 Mag Backpacker double action revolver, but I have little use for one, as My blackhawk has always served me well, while hunting with it! It has taken everything jackrabbit, to Moose. As I say the only reason I'd take one to Africa is for the legged Hyenas, in town, or to shoot a cat off someone. Since I don't hunt cats, I doubt I'll ever take a handgun to Africa. You're right, however, a double action would be better if something is on you, but I don't plan on him getting that far before I start shooting. What would be really nice is a simi-auto that would reliably feed 41 mag cartridges, with a 10 round magazine, and still be small enough to carry easily.

Can't disagree with the thinking here.

quote:

Originally posted by Mickey1:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacD37:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mickey1:
[Mac

I disagree. While I have not been mauled, or ever needed a backup, I have some experiance with those who have. Invariably they are not prepared for the suddeness or the surprise. If the animal is farther away than within touching distance the rifle is the weapon. It is only when the rifle has been knocked about or the attack is from a direction that is unexpected that a pistol is mandatory. At that time a Double action is the one you must have.

[QUOTE]

You are correct of course, and I agree with you 100%. However, there are two reasons to carry a handgun while in the outback. They each definetly require certain things. #1 In Alaska the only reason I carry a handgun is I must sometimes lay my rifle down while doing camp chores, or gutting a caribou. This is simply so I'll be armed when my rifle is out of reach. We have Brown bears walk into camp, a lot, where we hunt, though they seldom suprise us,on the open tundra, hence my statement of shooting long before the mauling takes place. This is a different sittuation than #2 where one would need a handgun in a Leopard chase, where one crawls into the rocks with a Leopard being harrassed by a pack of dogs. Not a very smart move in my view! In this case, the pistol is the primary defence weapon, and you're quite right, the single action is not the best choice, regardless of chambering, but then nither is the choice to crawl in there in the first place. I saw that film, and the type of handgun he had didn't make the difference, but it was Mr. Butcher's idea that he should go into that hole, that got him bit. He would have been in trouble no matter what handgun he was holding.

Make no mistake, you will not see ME going into the weeds, or crawling into a hole in the rocks with a leopard, with ANY handgun,and a leopard isn't likely to come into camp, and jump on me, or try to take my Caribou. The bear in Alaska are a different story in the willows,or around meat poles, but I never go into the willows, or around meat poles, without my rifle, so the handgun is only for when the rifle runs dry, in that case. moveing about camp is where my handgun is of use. Like you, if a BITE BACK is in a charge, then nothing beats a rifle with a large hole in the front end! I don't have much faith in handguns for self defence with anything bigger than a human, unless that is all that is available! In fact, I hunt caribou with a bolt action FN Mauser 375 H&H with 300 gr Nosler Partitions. The reason is, the bears where we hunt are very agressive, because they spend all summer in the Katmai park with the shutter bugs, and are used to people, and in September they are migrateing back to the hills west of Katmai to den up for winter, and will walk right into camp, with you standing right in the open. A Volkswaggen with hair, that is not intimidated at all by a hunter in his camp, or in his tent at night for that matter.

I think, after this string, I'll buy a large double action 41 mag handgun before I go back to Alaska, and for Africa, my double rifles will do anything I need a defensive weapon to do.

I had one of the TAURUS Mod 415 revolvers with a 2 1/2" barrel chambered for 41 Mag that was a nice pistol, but too large for carry in the city, so I sold it, I wish I had not,now!

I take a S&W 329PD .44MAG With me in Zim. 300Gr heat treated CBT's. Have not needed it yet, but my motto is 'better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!' Good hunting!

DON'T DO IT!

Jeff

Jeff!

Saying "DON"T DO IT!" won't work. Give us your reason.

465H&H