When coming back into the US through customs with a double, does customs require the double to be disassembled to look at the serial number on the flats? (assuming the gun is cased assembled) Seems like a real pain if they do.

Hello,

I just returned from SA.
I had to remove my DR from the case and remove the forearm to reveal the serial # on the underside of the barrel.

I did not have to remove the barrels from the action, so it depends where your serial is.

The customs officer was only interested in verifying the serial #, I showed him the esiest one to find, My gun has 3 ( action, barrels, forearm ).

Nitro

My doubles have a serial number on the trigger tang.

Regards

I would think that it would have to be if the serial number is not found on the side of the barrel or somewhere on the underside of the double.

I had forms for both the action and the barrels. Ounce of prevention.

I don't understand why anyone would want to keep his double assembled when traveling.

It seems much less likely to get damage if one attaches the forearm to the barrels and keeps the rest of the rifle separate from them.

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
I don't understand why anyone would want to keep his double assembled when traveling.

It seems much less likely to get damage if one attaches the forearm to the barrels and keeps the rest of the rifle separate from them.

+1

Agree in principle with Palmer and Rusty and, in fact, I've got an aluminum case that takes two doubles (rifles or rifle and shotgun) broken down. But I have traveled with a double and a bolt and used the long aluminum case for both...

Regards

My Gibbs' has two different serial numbers, one from Webley and one from Gibbs. I guess I'ld give them the one one the bottom tang

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
My Gibbs' has two different serial numbers, one from Webley and one from Gibbs. I guess I'ld give them the one one the bottom tang

I think the guns serial number is normally repeated whereas the Webley number
is normally only in one place.

It really depends on the officer welcoming you home!! Be sure you have your 4457...ORIGINAL with STAMP, which of course you have to have to get your permits in South Africa, Holland even if transiting, etc...have it accessible.
I just came back from SA and Namibia on SAA via WA DC. Interestingly, SAA had put the bag tag around the straps on my case cover and I would have had to remove it to open the case...officer said "no worries I am not here to cause any trouble!" No inspection, on I went, and he also told AG that my boots were clean too...on I went.
That said, as I entered the section where the guns and boots were to be inspected, the officer directing the show seemed QUITE concerned if the guns had the bolt installed or out or doubles assembled?? "If bolts are installed or doubles assembled, DO NOT touch the rifles when you open your case." Of course, concern of an accidental discharge if they happened to be loaded?? Perhpas something to think about for the next trip??
With all of the new TSA requirements and IATA rules on ammo being shipped in your luggage in a locked metal box, I found it interesting that within South Africa traveling on SAA, they required the ammo to be shipped/checked spearately or put in your gun case!! Not true inbound or outbound from SA, only internal?? Something new on every trip!!