Gents:
In June I fly from Alaska to LAX via Salt Lake. A ten hour lay over in LAX and I board QANTAS for a buffalo hunt to Darwin. Anything I need to know about taking my rifle with me through LAX? I have an SKB hard case. (I know this is Africa travel but lots more folks read here).
Thanks,
Cal

Cal;

Are you checking all the way through from Alaska to Darwin? If so, there shouldn't be any particular problem in LAX.

If you have to claim you luggage in LAX and re-check it, just be sure you have a 4457 for your return. I'm sure you'll have to undergo all the normal firearms check in.

When we flew from LAX to New Zealand (hunted in NZ) then flew to Darwin to hunt also, we didn't have anything but the normal protocol.

We did go through Australian Customs and Immigration in Sidney, so when we arrived in Darwin there was no big deal. Our outfitter was waiting for us at the gate. I also seem to remember we had to pre-arrange our firearms permit for Australia.

Patience.......always required.

Best regards, D. Nelson

Thanks for the reply. I want to be sure I don't run into problems after claiming my gun case at the domestic terminal and going to the international terminal.
Cal

Just the normal 4457 for coming in and out of the country and a bit of discretion should do it for flying with guns in CA. It's not a pro-gun state by far, but I've never had too much trouble at the CA airports. Definitely better than NY!


Craig Boddington originates a lot of his flights from LAX by the way, it can't be that bad!

I've checked rifles and cases at LAX a half dozen times. Not a big deal really.

On the other hand having a bag of meat defrosting and bleeding on the conveyer belt - well, THAT got some attention.

Cal
Let me guess?!! You are taking a bolt rifle to Oz??? Right?

Mominer:
Is there another Cal on the forums?
Actually I'm taking a double .600 from 1914. HOWEVER I did purchase another .600--a single shot Jeffery from 1916. While it is accurate, I strongly feel this single barrel thing is a fad that will soon pass and be forgotten--just like disco.
Cheers,
Cal

Disco will never die.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Mominer:
Is there another Cal on the forums?
Actually I'm taking a double .600 from 1914. HOWEVER I did purchase another .600--a single shot Jeffery from 1916. While it is accurate, I strongly feel this single barrel thing is a fad that will soon pass and be forgotten--just like disco.
Cheers,
Cal

The DRSS applauds you, sir!

Thanks, Rusty,a and tell me about your organization, please.
Cal

The DRSS, Double Rifle Shooters Society is an eclectic diverse group of people who own, like and advocate the use of, double rifles.

We do not have meetings, there are no dues. There is no rank or privilege within the DRSS, we are all as equals. Brothers. Ownership of a double rifle is not required to be a member of the DRSS.

Our requirements are as follows-

We expect our members to conduct themselves in a manner befitting his brothers in the DRSS.

When joining in a DRSS sponsored hunt, everyone pays their own way/share. There are no specials for the person(s) organizing the hunt.
At these events we expect you to be of good humor and enjoy the hunt and fellowship!

Only other thing you can do and this is not a requirement, is to add DRSS to your Signature on AR.

I hope this answers your question about the DRSS.

Kindest regards,

Rusty:
Sign me up!
Cal

Welcome sir! We are glad to have you among us!

quote:

.600--a single shot Jeffery from 1916. While it is accurate, I strongly feel this single barrel thing is a fad that will soon pass and be forgotten--just like disco.

Maybe --- In another hundred years.

Cal - sent you a PM

G:
Did not receive the PM.
Cal

Cal, the problem is not LAX, but the Aussie customs. They stopped me on a Sunday with my .585 AHR rifle and ammo. I had all the proper Northern Territory licenses and approval of the 8 page notarized customs form. The Brisbane customs held me for up to 2.5 hrs, threatened to hold me, threatened to confiscate my rifle and ammo, and finally my appeal for a supervisor paid off as they only confiscated my ammo and let me catch my plane for Darwin. Now Darwin may be more friendly
toward hunter, but I would check with my PH.

I was not the only stopped on the east coast, but many Europeans with large doubles were stopped.

Supposedly, the custom res read any thing larger than a .500 cal is a weapon of war. No I am not kidding. The regs also state that the offending weapon is mounted on aircraft, vehicle, or small sea craft. Really a reach especially when the Aussies travel in and out of the country with big bores.

Your 600 may not be a problem in Darwin, but it will be in Sydney and Brisbane.

Hope this helps!

Dak

Dakota:
Thanks for the heads up. I just emailed a mate in Aust, the police in Sydney and Darwin, customs and my hunter. One of the gents I am to hunt with had a friend who went last year with a .577 with no problems. But I will check every step.
Again my thanks,
Cal

Have freshly printed out copies of the regulations in your carry on.
For each airline, in case they need their memory refreshed and for whatever you can find on line for Australian laws.

Another point to be aware of, when flying Qantas, is that their system is to require a permission letter from their Dangerous Goods Manager. This essentially covers carrying ammo.

It has the advantage that if you run across a cretin at check-in, you have written approval from much higher up the food chain...

Info is on this webpage: http://www.qantas.com.au/trave...rous-goods/global/en

They are very prompt with e-mailing/faxing these letters, which are usually valid for 12 months. Carry a hard copy or two with you, of course.

Gadge:
Thanks for the heads up. I applied for the letter and got it within 10 minutes!
One less hurdle to cross.
Again my thanks.
Cal

Cal
I think I am going to get a letter from this dept as well, just in case.

This Aussie gun stuff is a bit of a pain in the ass.
They have made it a VERY beurocratic process to get the guns & ammo over.
Nonetheless, I think the worst is over. Now we just need to all get on the plane & go buffalo hunting!

Steve & I will see ya in 5 weeks at LAX!

The Hell with all this nonsense, I'm just not goin . So many big guns and soooo little time.

See you guys in Darwin. Whoops, I guess LAX.

Nganga:
Not going? The rest of us will make a nice donation to PETA in your name.
Cheers,
Cal

Cal,
The proverbial "wild horses" couldn't keep me away. Just what a damn hassle huh? I've hauled guns all over the planet and never have I seen such theatrics.

I made copies of the Schedule 13 showing that "anything larger than .50" I should be fine. All I need is the Qantas form you got and I'm done.

This is what Amerika will look like in 25 years.