We'll be in from South Africa for a couple of weeks to visit my in-laws, and we'll be touring North and South Islands. Being a keen shooter, I'm always looking for bargains in the gunshops - stuff you can't get or find in SA.

Any recommendations?

Hi Pete

I visited one shop that was pretty nice in Auckland and not too far from the center of town. I am afraid I don't recall the name but someone will chime in- I think Top Predator was the one who told me about it-

In any event, not too much different than RSA shops, but you may want to look into the Swazi clothing line, I picked up a great wet weather calf length coat, light weight, and they have lots of other good stuff along these lines.

If you plan to hunt in NZ you really need a pair of gaiters - as in up to the knees gaiters, too much wet thick underbrush to try hunting without them.

Also, you may know this but you'll need boots with solid ankle support. I took my COurtneys and they were really bad- it is very hilly there and you need the extra support.

Hope you have a great trip!

Gunshops in Auckland (in order of personal pref)
Sportways gunshed - Mt Eden
Hamills Manukau
Reloaders Supply


Gunshops in CHC
Hamills
Wilhelms
Hunting & Fishing
Frontier Outfitters

There are a few others as well, we seem to have lots of pretty decent sport shops in NZ, but prices are not low.

as 404 said, check out Swazi. Not that you really need serious wet weather gear in SA

Cheers
H

Often you will find a bargain in the smaller town sports shops - the ones who dabble in everything.

I cant offer any assitance on Auckland gunshops , other than any dealings I have had via the internet with Sportsway have been very good , Reloaders Supplies have been pretty good and the rest of them are so seldom that I dont recall.

But - like Hendrik said - prices are not low compared to other places in the world. We are a very small market with a very small numbers of importers and we get screwed price-wise by every single one of them

If you happen to be in Christchurch , go into GunCity , the most widely revilled gundealer in the country. They have a lot of stock , and the occassional bargain. Just a shame the ethics and morality of the owners dont operate on a little higher plane..... 'nuff said .....

Shooters world in Gore if you get that far, normally a very good line up of higher end shotguns.

A lot of what were the better gunshops have been swallowed up by the chains

Gun City reloacted in the last couple of weeks to Cranford Street (Christchurch) They tell me it is now the largest Gun Shop in the world.
Dunno if that's true or not.
I had a look last week, plenty goodies.
Bargains I'm not sure, I didn't find any.
Worth a look if in Christchurch.

In Auckland I also suggest visiting Serious Shooters and almost right next door is SAI Guns, both good shops with good staff. I agree re Reloaders Supplies and Sportsways also.

SS has a walk in gun room as the building is an old bank (one of the owners was a bank teller there in days gone by!) and the gun room isnt obvious, you need to ask to go in and get locked in behind a gate and push a button to call someone to let you out!

Despite what others say the nationwide chain Hunting & Fishing have some good specials, pick up a free catalogue in the first one you come across.

Reloaders also have a free catalogue, be interesting to take them home as souvenirs

Cool, I've noted the names.

Next question, I'm aware Barnard actions are made in NZ, unavailable here in SA. Will it be possible to source one when I'm there, or do you need a licence or permit to obtain one? I'm looking to buy an SM and a P model. What do they go for?

2 current listing for Barnard actions:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sport...uction-255676078.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sport...uction-255136281.htm

Also check out their website, it may be easier to deal direct.

I suspect the normal tourist license should be fine for purchasing the action, export should also be relatively easy. Importing it back into SA may be more of a challenge

Cheers
H

What's a normal Tourist Licence? How does one come by one of these documents?

Get it at Airport Police office before you get to customs $25NZ just show your resident license

Or apply online at http://www.police.govt.nz/service/firearms/index.html

You only need a license to buy firearms or loaded ammunitions, almost anything else including reloading components doesnt need any license at all. Taking back to your end I cant comment on!

Barnard: http://www.barnard.co.nz/4519.html

There is another custom action manufacturer here, I will post a link when I find it back.

Other items of interest here may be custom knives, several craftsmen make them and our outdoor clothing and related products - at least 4 makers here who are also hunters. Swazi, Huntech, Ridgeline & Stoney Creek.

Brian Harre makes a custom action based on a Winchester Model 70 design. Website for the company is http://www.camex.co.nz/

I have no idea if they sell to the public but no harm in asking them!

I've been browsing through the NZ import/export rules for firearms and they are pretty relaxed about it. I can export up to 5 firearms that I have purchased there without a permit. Parts no problem at all.

I am thinking to import my Win M70, get it rebarrelled by trueflite (I hear good things about them) while I am there and re-export it. If you compare that option to doing it in SA it is miles faster. Any idea of their turnaround time on a rebarrel/chamber?

I've checked that CAMEX site - one little picture of what looks like some square bridge M70 clones - very interesting, I'll give 'em a buzz while I am there!

Thanks for all the help guys!

check out www.truefliteriflebarrels.co.nz and ask them by email re what you have in mind.

Might be a good idea to send your rifle to them ahead of your visit and it might be ready for when you arrive. They wont necessarily have the exact barrel you want in stock and with a bit of warning can make it up.

Gisborne where they are is out of the way and out to the side of the main routes through NZ but the whole area is worth a visit for hunting fishing and sight seeing, etc and has great beaches and surf if thats your thing. They could also freight it to a hotel or friends place wherever you will be in NZ. Our couriers can deliver anything overnight or 2 days to most of NZ for a small cost.

quote:

In Auckland I also suggest visiting Serious Shooters and almost right next door is SAI Guns, both good shops with good staff

Yes there are all good chaps there at both the stores I was there one month ago well worth the visit.

quote:

Originally posted by Pete Millan:
I am thinking to import my Win M70, get it rebarrelled by trueflite (I hear good things about them) while I am there and re-export it. If you compare that option to doing it in SA it is miles faster. Any idea of their turnaround time on a rebarrel/chamber?

Thanks for all the help guys!

I believe if you gave them PLENTY of notice as to what you want etc and when you would be there, then they SHOULD be able to do it in a day. But I'd be ringing for sure and having a good talk with them first.

SAI- Nice guys

Well, folks I am back and I came back a lot heavier.

Picked up my NZ licence on arrival, same day I picked up a new P action from Barnard Precision in Avondale.

During the course of the next couple of weeks I was in and out of gunshops up and down the North and South Islands - I bought a second hand 308 Remington 700 in Gun City Christchurch (what a shop!) and a new S/S 308 Rem 700 from a shop in Takanini. Had the barrels whipped off both, and I just imported the actions. For a South African it is really cool to be able to walk into a shop and emerge 30 minutes later with a rifle!!

On a more general note I'd just like to say the NZ mob were a very helpful and friendly bunch, we really loved our stay. Great country.

Thanks!!

Hi Pete

Good to hear you enjoyed it and found what you were after.

and yes, being able to walk out of a gunshop with you purchase is one of the main reasons I love it here in NZ.

Good luck with the licensing process on your side.

How did you find the prices in general compared to what you get charged in SAfrica?

Cheers
H

Hi Hendrik

Rifles across the board are 20 to 40% cheaper, Remington were by far the cheapest.
Scopes about 10% cheaper
Reloading items much of a muchness.

The big thing is you have the AVAILABILITY and CHOICE. In SA we are often forced into compromise because you don't want a 2 month wait for the importer to apply for the permit to ship the item in, then a 2-3 year wait for the licence. So you buy what is on the shelf.