Importing 2 guns of the SAME caliber into South Africa???

[Chuckw]

I am planning to take my two sons (12 and 14) to SA this summer to hunt plains game. I have already built the older boy a .308 and intend to build the younger one a .308 prior to the trip. I want them to take their own rifles as i think it will enhance the experience and the memories will follow that rifle for as long as they live! While reading about the importation of firearms, it says initially that you can only have one of each caliber. Later in the text it says you can have more than one of same with "good cause shown". Am i going to have any issues getting the boys rifles into SA? Thanks.

Chuck

 

[Nyati]

Welcome to AH Chuck.

As far as I know, an individual cannot import two guns of the same caliber in SA.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I am planning to take my two sons (12 and 14) to SA this summer to hunt plains game. I have already built the older boy a .308 and intend to build the younger one a .308 prior to the trip. I want them to take their own rifles as i think it will enhance the experience and the memories will follow that rifle for as long as they live! While reading about the importation of firearms, it says initially that you can only have one of each caliber. Later in the text it says you can have more than one of same with "good cause shown". Am i going to have any issues getting the boys rifles into SA? Thanks.

Chuck

I'd agree with Nyati here. But if you've seen something like that, it would be confusing. I'd lean towards building the younger boy a rifle in a different caliber. But if you're set on a .308, I'd contact Henry at riflepermits.com by email and ask him. Henry will know for certain, that's his job.

 

[Blue Skies Hunting Adventures]

If each boy has his own saps 520 form filled out individual you should have 0 problems. Hope you and your boys enjoy Africa.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

If each boy has his own saps 520 form filled out individual you should have 0 problems. Hope you and your boys enjoy Africa.

A person must be 21 years of age to import firearm(s) and ammunition. It is possible for someone under the age of 21 to do a hunting safari in South Africa, however another hunter over the age limit must import a firearm for their use or they can rent/borrow one from the hunting outfitter.

As far as I know, an individual cannot import two guns of the same caliber in SA.

Correct, there is a limit of two firearms per hunter that may be imported into South Africa for trophy hunting purposes, however hunters cannot bring in more than one firearm per caliber. An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting. The client must provide an acceptable written motivation as to why they require more than one shotgun to the SAPS office upon declaration of firearms. You could try to get an authorization for your boys rifles and should a fourth person over 21 be traveling with you, that firearm could be traveling with him/her.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Correct, there is a limit of two firearms per hunter that may be imported into South Africa for trophy hunting purposes, however hunters cannot bring in more than one firearm per caliber. An exception to this may apply for shotguns where more than one of the same caliber may be allowed for bird hunting. The client must provide an acceptable written motivation as to why they require more than one shotgun to the SAPS office upon declaration of firearms. You could try to get an authorization for your boys rifles and should a fourth person over 21 be traveling with you, that firearm could be traveling with him/her.

Jerome,

That confuses me. When I went to RSA in May, I took 3 rifles. All 3 were on my permit. One was being used by my son who was 15 at the time, but I didn't do anything special in order to justify 3 rifles on my permit.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Jerome,

That confuses me. When I went to RSA in May, I took 3 rifles. All 3 were on my permit. One was being used by my son who was 15 at the time, but I didn't do anything special in order to justify 3 rifles on my permit.

I may need to revise the information that I have posted as it may have changed as I read now that there is a maximum of four (4) firearms or shotguns per applicant. Not more than one of the same caliber or gauge is correct.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Just jumped onto the SAPS site and found circumstances under which they will allow more than one firearm of the same caliber.
"Good Cause shown."

Crime Prevention - Firearms - Importation

"An application for more than one firearm of the same calibre

The Registrar may in good cause shown, issue a permit in respect of more than one firearm per calibre to a person who will be using the firearms for the under mentioned purpose:

to a foreign visitor for the purpose of hunting

to a foreign visitor to display the firearm and ammunition at a trade show or collectors show or to display firearms or ammunition at a sport of hunting trade show.

To a foreign visitor to participate in a competitive sport shooting event organised by recognised business, hunting, sport-shooting or collectors organisation."

 

[Chuckw]

brickburn,

that is exactly the passage I was referring to. I hope someone who has done/tried it recently will chime in. also, being from the U.S, what do I do exactly to show "proof" that the firearms are mine?

chuck

 

[enysse]

Well you are going to have the 4457 form from Customs to get easily out of the USA and back in too.

 

[Cliffy]

As mentioned your 4457 form from Customs is what you will need to show ownership.

 

[BRICKBURN]

brickburn,

that is exactly the passage I was referring to. I hope someone who has done/tried it recently will chime in. also, being from the U.S, what do I do exactly to show "proof" that the firearms are mine?

chuck

As E & C said. The 4457 proves the "listed property" is from inside the USA for sure.


One distinction you have to make when reading the SAPS site.
The Central Firearms Registry is not processing your application when you arrive at a Port of Entry into RSA, as a hunter.
The Officers at the Port of Entry are authorized to process your application and issue the Temporary Permit. Specified purpose: Hunting.

So, Phil taking in 3 firearms was no issue.

Since they have identified the possibility that more than one Firearm of the same calibre can be imported my bet is someone has done it and they do allow it.

If someone can chime in great.

 

[Cliffy]

I would think the exception has more to do with the trafficking of firearms on a larger scale than it does for hunting. I would also think that the laws were written with the international co-operations that are in place around the world especially on the African continent and that hunting imports are a very small item in the big scheme of things worldwide on the subject of "small arms".