How to bring a suppressor to South Africa?

[Technologist]

Hello,

I've got a hunting trip to south africa planned and booked for this june. We're looking forward to going! All tickets are booked and the police have sent me a confirmation on the rifle I am bringing.

I thought the sa police didn't care at all about suppressors, so I did not send them any information (serial number) about my suppressor. Is it okay to bring a suppressor in my luggage, without notifyong sa police? I'm not notifying the sa police about the my nikon scope or my gun sling either.

I will bring documentation showing that I am the licensed and registered owner of the suppressor.

Should I just bring it, or should I apply for some kind of import permission for it, or should I leave it? I'm very fond of my hearing and I'd rather skip fiddling with ear plugs.

 

[JHN]

Hi Technologist,
We use suppressors on rifles for hunting in South Africa, it is legal and it is not a controlled item. You may buy and use them at will.

 

[Technologist]

I see, thank you for your reply. Our contact said "as long as it's registered, it's ok". But he's not from SA, and I didn'treally push him for an answer. I think he either gave me a conservative answer, or he just meant that the airline wanted to have it registered beforehand.

I think I'm going to contact the airline about the suppressor, and simply not talk to SA Police/customs about it,

 

[sestoppelman]

If there is too much question or doubt about the various legalities, you could always do like many do now and buy some electronic muffs, that allow amplified hearing but shut off gun shot noise. Plugs are a poor option, I agree.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Congrats on your upcoming hunt.

The airlines are not going to care about registration of guns or anything else.

Suppressors are legal in RSA.

As long as you fly direct you are not going to have an issue with intermediary countries.

You are authorized in your own country.
I think the "registration" reference may be referring to "Proof of Ownership". Bring your license etc.

Typically, SAPS520's are routinely filled out in black pen the day you arrive. The firearms are verified upon arrival with the information on the forms. Perhaps, a little editing the day of your arrival, if required, would address the issue.

Good luck.

 

[hunting4sanity]

Technologist, when you get back from your hunt please update this thread and tell us if there were any issues with your suppressor. I really like shooting with a suppressor and would like to take one with me to RSA next trip. Good luck and looking forward to the complete report in June.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Any update on that suppressor idea? Were there any problems on one end or the other?

 

[Bushman10]

As said before - suppressors are not a controlled item in South Africa. Pack it in your bag with your rifle and there will not be a problem.

 

[Technologist]

Here's how it all played out in the end: My outfitter/travel agent thought it best to register the suppressor, so I handed in the serial number and perhaps British Airways kept a record of the suppressor. When filling out the forms I just wrote down "bolt action sako rifle with suppressor Serial No XXXX". In Sweden, suppressors are about as regulated as hunting rifles. In SA, nobody cares. In the home airports of British Airways, our airline for the trip, the suppressor is a "weapon of war" and it's probably a good idea to play with open cards.

 

[Mr Free Market]

I have flown UK - RSA twice with BA & they couldn't care about moderators even though in the UK they are a controlled item but don't have serial numbers

 

[ArmyGrunt]

That's curious that there aren't serial numbers. How are they regulated without one? Is the purchase a real pain in the butt?

 

[Mr Free Market]

In the UK you need a slot on your Firearms Certificate to acquire a moderator, but they are readily available from registered dealers who tend to carry a good stock as they are very popular. Currently I own 4; 308, 6.5, 243 & 22. Just about to order my fifth, a custom built titanium model for 300 WM

 

[ArmyGrunt]

I'm a bit jealous. The one I bought was almost 800 usd, then another 200 for the government to make sure I'm ok to possess it, and yet another 100 for the gun store to do their part. The waiting might be the most annoying part, but in close running with the ridiculous fees. I bought mine in 30 caliber so I can use it on most of my rifles.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

It's been a while since I have been on the forums, but I'm thrilled to give a brief report on the suppressor. I have a 30-06 and a .308 in my collection that have the right threads on the barrel for the mount. Shooting suppressed is so much fun. The noise is obviously reduced, but I still prefer to wear hearing protection when shooting a lot. The best part comes in the form of felt recoil. I would estimate the impulse from either rifle to feel just like shooting a .223 with a buffer spring. I can happily shoot all afternoon and not have my shoulder screaming at me.

If you can get a suppressor, I'd suggest doing it. I've got some small-framed friends that even enjoyed shooting my toys.

 

[sestoppelman]

Surely you are aware that larger, heavier shooters take a bigger whack from recoil than do smaller, lighter shooters. More resistance.

 

[ArmyGrunt]

Surely you are aware that larger, heavier shooters take a bigger whack from recoil than do smaller, lighter shooters. More resistance.

I honestly hadn't thought of it that way. It does makes sense though, thinking of smaller people rocking back when the recoil comes.

 

[sestoppelman]

Yes, it can move them around more, that's why actual felt recoil is less. The perception of the smaller person is no doubt that because they get shoved around more, they are being hit harder. But the reverse is actually true.