I just read that SAA limits gun cases to 2 guns. Anyone know if this is true?

I'm traveling to Lusaka, Zambia with my 17 year old son on July 4, and we'd like to take 3 rifles in our Tuffpak.

But if SAA is seriously limiting us to 2 guns per case, then either I need 2 cases (which is unacceptable since we're already taking two SCI "Blue Bags" with us plus our other gear, and which is unacceptable because I'm not sure whether a gun case can be checked by a 17 year old passenger) or I need to leave one of our rifles at home.

This is a serious issue. Too much so as to use any internet answer as fact. What you need to do is phone SAA, get to someone in management and ask them directly for a waiver. Then have them email the reply to you, including their name and title, so that you can print it and carry it with you in your travel documents.

The two gun rule is a relatively new twist for SAA. Most airlines allow 3 and so did SAA in the past. Unless you are willing to have a gun seized, you need to ask nicely for permission ahead of time.

You can always check two gun cases under your name and check the other checked baggage under your sons.

Also I do not know how old you have to be to get guns into some African countries, but I was present when a fella and his son were in J'berg, and the son was too young to bring a rifle in.

Well, no problem the dad could just bring in all the rifles... Except 2 of the rifles were 30/06, ie the same calibre, which is a No,No for South Africa...

With a "little" conversion it was all worked out.

I'm really torn. I hate the idea of dragging two cases with us - I prefer to limit the number of bags and I'm already looking at 4 duffels (including the two blue bags) plus a carry on Pelican case with cameras, etc.

This is primarily a buffalo hunt, and my plan was to bring:

1.) Ruger No. 1 in .450-400 3"
2.) Ruger M77 Magnum in .375H&H
3.) Ruger M77 Hawkeye in 7mm Rem. Mag.

I want to shoot my buff with my .450-400, but figure my son will shoot the .375 for his. And the 7mm for plainsgame. But we can make do without the .450-400 and I can just use the .375. But that's not as much fun as using my No. 1 for my buff.

Have you thought about using a couple of TufPaks for your "gun" cases.

With them you can carry other stuff in them besides guns.

On my last trip to Zim the Wife and I took 3 Tuffpaks, containing a total of 3 doubles, a bolt rifle, 2 drillings and a handgun.

No problems.

If it were me, I would leave the 7mag home and use 250gr to 270 gr bullets in the 375HH for the plains game. It shoots the same drop as the 7mag as far as you want to shoot african game anyway. Take some 375 solids for the little critters and the really big critter. I've used my 375HH on the last 2 plains game hunts, the 2nd last month using Barnes 250gr ttsx which have a high BC. Everything was dead right there!!. That would solve your problem and you won't have to worry about SAA. Good luck with your hunt, regards, JS

PS, Don't leave that ruger #1 450/400 home as you will really regret that!! It is a sweet rifle!! JS

I overnighted in Joberg last month and flew over to Zim on SAA. I had three rifles in a tuffpak with a fourth in a another case. No issues 30 days ago.

I hadn't thought about another Tuffpak. I only have one at the moment, but always look for excuses to buy more stuff!

I agree that the .375 is just as useful as the 7mm. The first time I was over (in Namibia) I took a .30-06 and a .375 and shot only the .375. On my second trip over I also shot only the .375 - everything from duiker to warthog and on up. I was over in April last year and took a buffalo and an nyala with the .450/400. I took the .375 on that trip but exclusively shot the .450/400.

The only reason I need to take the 7mm is my son. That's his rifle, and he's a one rifle dude. He shoots that gun weekly and has hunted extensively with it. He'll shoot the .375 for his buff, but the 7mm is a death ray in his hands. And we have Kafue Lechwe on the menu, so a 300+ yard shot on the flats is not out of the question. But the point is well made, and I wholeheartedly agree. If you take a .375 you don't really need anything else.

Gracy Travel swears SAA will let me put three guns in the Tuffpak no problem. . . .