It appears that transporting firearms and, perhaps, ammunition through intermediate countries' airports (and through intermediate countries) to hunt African game can be a bunch of major headaches waiting to happen.

While my ignorance may be showing, I've been thinking that a workaround that might be significantly more convenient as well as less expensive is to arrange to use a safari company's firearm(s), shipping - perhaps multiple shipments?? - ammunition to your safari's location several months before the hunt. You arrange to arrive a day or two ahead of hunt's start date having arranged to practice with the unfamiliar firearm. Were the hunter to select a firearm similar to what he routinely uses or the personal firearm he would have used for the hunt, transition practice would be quick and intuitive.

A slightly different perspective might be that the cost of safari drops significantly if the once-a-lifetime African hunter can avoid the expense of buying a specialty rifle.

Just some thoughts.

It is not as bad as it sounds here. I have flown thru Amsterdam 4 times and never had a problem. For that matter, never had a problem anywhere, including China.

I've been 3 times without any real problems.
I want to hunt with my rifles as long as I can.
IF it becomes a major pain, then & only then will I consider using a camp rifle, even if it was better than mine.

quote:

A slightly different perspective might be that the cost of safari drops significantly if the once-a-lifetime African hunter can avoid the expense of buying a specialty rifle.

For plains game, whatever rifle a hunter traditionally uses for large game in North America is likely to be sufficient, so I assume you are talking about a medium to large bore rifle for dangerous game. In my opinion, it would be a really bad idea for a hunter to pick up a large bore rifle for the first time a couple of days before a once-in-a-lifetime hunt for large game.

Like others, I've had few problems and prefer my own rifles. That said, I would use a borrowed rifle if my own did not arrive.

With very few exceptions, the "Once in a lifetime" hunt to Africa does not exist. You'll have your next hunt booked before you leave.

Traveling with a firearm isn't that bad. Once you learn the procedures, it just adds a little time on check in and clearing on arrival. Your outfitter will help you, assuming you do your homework and book with a reputable company. Using a travel agent that is familiar with firearms travel helps as well until you learn the ropes. Bottom line however, don't sweat it. I've never had a problem and that includes on overnight in Moscow!

This issue has been discussed here many times and you'll find a lot of guys who don't mind using camp rifles. For me, using my own rifles is a major part of the experience that I'll only give up if forced to do so. I also agree with the statement about PG hunting with a camp rifle being less of an issue than DG. For DG, I want to know my rifle and ammo thoroughly.

I have not ever had a single problem taking ammo or firearms Out of the country nor bringing them back in. I take that back. Customs was very perturbed with me when Turkish Air lost my rifles along with my bow case. When they came in 7 weeks later, they were as surprised as I was. 10 minutes of questioning later, they released them on to my final destination. Just have to follow the rules. I would much rather hunt with my own rifles than use someone else's.

That's an option, hopefully you're not left handed.

On my trip to Zim my rifle wasn't on the airplane when I arrived at Bulawayo and SAA could not tell us where it was. My PH Pierre, said no problem I'll get you a loaner. You should have seen his face when I told him that I was left handed.

(My rifle made it the next day).

quote:

Originally posted by Fjold:
You should have seen his face when I told him that I was left handed.

Frank, my wife and all 3 boys are left handed.

No worries, they have an operation to fix that.

They take your brain out and put it in the right way.

Best!

I'm a lefty, but grew up shooting RH rifles.
I think if my rifle did not show up I could still make do with one of those good for nothing right handed things.
It would beat throwing rocks.