African rifles that will never see Africa

[Rick Cox]

Did you go through J'burg?

After reading the stuff I assumed everything would be difficult.
I'm from Australia and will travel through to J'burg and then to Namibia

I transited through Jburg, but did not leave the airport. Had I done so, I don't think it would have been a big deal. Just more paperwork...

 

[TTundra]

Echoing what others have said, I had no issues bringing my rifles into SA other than airline negligence, but I love to shoot and shoot often. I like to know my load so that I can choose to holdover or dial if time permits. Knowing your rifle and load intimately allows you to be more comfortable if the need arises to be in a situation where a more challenging shot is presented.
My furthest shot on my first trip over was a cull blesbok a tad over 300 yards, and I had no hesitation because of my familiarity with my setup. If I had rented a rifle and had not had a good number of practice shots out to and over 300 yards, I would have opted to get closer and probably began the chase with those buggers again.

Just something comforting with truly knowing your rifle and load, let alone those "memory" marks left on it as well.

my .02

 

[edward]

I've been once, and am booked again this June. I don't know how many more times, if any I'll get to go. But I am fairly stubborn on some things. I'll hunt with my own guns or not at all. A few weeks ago I bought "Fluffy" a CZ in . 416 Rigby, with the intention of an elephant someday. If not she at least deserves a chance at Buffalo. As long as there are folks on the Africa side that can help, and I can afford it, I'll bring my guns. Even though it makes more financial and logistical sense to use the PH's guns. Another factor is that many "Africa" guns are far too beautiful and valuable to risk getting banged up on the bush or stolen in the city ( by cops or crooks).

whats the difference?a crook is a crook,even with the badge.

 

[ndumo HUNTING SAFARIS]

I have the opposite dillema... I am a total gun nut, who alos like to hunt. So every year when I fly to the US, i try and orginise some hunting that side. But for us to take a rifle there is virtually impossible. I am thinking of buying something over there and leaving it with a client. Sorry for possible highjack, but maybe it answers your question in a sort of roundabout way. I dont let the fact that its difficult or near impossible to take a gun from here to there stand in my way of hunting there. And if I become concerned enough about caliber choice, configuration etc, I will buy my "own" there. Your solution may be to get an outfitter that has simmilar guns than you would have brought anyway

 

[Rule 303]

Did you go through J'burg?

After reading the stuff I assumed everything would be difficult.
I'm from Australia and will travel through to J'burg and then to Namibia

Dr Ray, The only hassels I had going to Zim through Joberg was QANTAS did not place my rifle case on the trolley to go to the SAP section Took 2 hr to find it. No trouble with authorities in SA or Zim.

I stayed over night at African Sky and their person who came to pick me up helped sort that problem.

 

[AZDAVE]

Like many I will travel with my rifles and just endure the small hassles. My main problem is being a gun nut I have several that won't make just because something else will go in it's place. I will make sure that I have the insurance to cover others carelessness. But I would also chop wood with a gold plated axe.

 

[Hutch01]

I haul my Ruger rifles and its a hassle although I've never had any mishaps with the TSA other than them cutting off or spiking my locks which is just wrong. A big part of each hunt for me is taking my equipment, after all that's why I bought it. Used hunting guns have character. If the hassle of hauling guns becomes greater I would consider renting which, on a positive note, could be like trying out new tennis racquet model at the pro shop. Some outfitters have much nicer rifles than I probably will buy. So if an outfitter has a Blazer with aSwarovski, I might rent for the experience.

 

[BC.Pat]

I have a bit of a different view on this, the rifles I have used to hunt game in Africa ( and else where) are cherished. They are a physical connection to that hunt, that time , that place, and the game taken. When I pick them up to oil them and generally fondle them I reconnect with those memories, they are linked to my rifle(s)
They will stay in my collection forever, like the memories tied to them.
cheers
Pat

 

[James Cook]

I have a bit of a different view on this, the rifles I have used to hunt game in Africa ( and else where) are cherished. They are a physical connection to that hunt, that time , that place, and the game taken. When I pick them up to oil them and generally fondle them I reconnect with those memories, they are linked to my rifle(s)
They will stay in my collection forever, like the memories tied to them.
cheers
Pat

well said pat!

 

[BC.Pat]

Thanks James, I also agree with you, Buckdog & others as well , I own them they are going with me!

 

[enysse]

I use my own guns just because of the familiarity. I have used plenty of PH guns in Africa and they also shot straight and functioned flawlessly.