Camo Pattern Painted Rifle Stocks in Africa?

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Schüler Jumbo

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I am in the planning stages for a medium bore or large bore working rifle built specifically for harsh environment/inclement weather conditions. My question is regarding importing a camo painted synthetic stock to Africa in the event that rifle was used on safari. Are there regulatory/political problems associated with bringing a camo pattern synthetic stocked rifle to Africa?

Thanks in advance for your input.
 
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It varies country to country. Be sure to check with your ph or gun importer to be completely clear. South Africa was no problem but some of the other countries might be.
 
If you are dead set on a camo stock, the best solution I can think of is having two stocks bedded for the action. This will give you the option to use the optimal tool for the job without worry of being in violation while on safari.
 
If not. Buy the stock and colors of paint for the pattern you like and do it your self. Proper prep of the stock. Then a satin clear coat and it will last.


I did this accustock using various stencils and sponges. Sprayed the entire stock light tan first. Then Layered each darker color on top. Then clear satin. Added a dense foam to the cheek and covered it in elk leather for a comfortable repeatable cheek weld.

I made up a random pattern. But common, more known pattern stencils can be purchased.

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If you’re building from scratch why it just play it safe and go with a solid color like black or dark grey?

Laws change as well and inquiring want to wind up with a gun I couldn’t use where I wanted.
 
Thanks for everyone’s input. I don’t have experience with synthetic stocks so technically looking into them now. My concept is a rifle that can go into salt water, rain, snow, and freezing environments and require minimum metal and stock maintenance while in the field working. I’m thinking to build on a M70 Classic action in either .375 H&H, .416 Remington, or .458 Lott. I’m leaning to .458 so I think a stout robust simple stock is what I’m looking for. Not sure on stock painting or molded in color and finish so have to improve my understanding. Also, will investigate if laminated stock is as rugged as fiberglass stock.
 
Bell & Carlson make excellent stocks in a variety of colors and barrel contour options for the M70.

I had one in Kevlar on my CZ550 that was green with a spiderweb pattern. Perfect for hunting Africa
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Altitude sickness said:
If not. Buy the stock and colors of paint for the pattern you like and do it your self. Proper prep of the stock. Then a satin clear coat and it will last.


I did this accustock using various stencils and sponges. Sprayed the entire stock light tan first. Then Layered each darker color on top. Then clear satin. Added a dense foam to the cheek and covered it in elk leather for a comfortable repeatable cheek weld.

I made up a random pattern. But common, more known pattern stencils can be purchased.

View attachment 778835
Click to expand...
I did a Mossberg 500 using Krylon camo paint in a tiger stripe pattern. I just used ragged strips of blue masking tape for the stripes and redid it layer by layer.

The beauty of this approach is you can remove it later if you don't like it as it isn't molded in.
 
Schüler Jumbo said:
...... Are there regulatory/political problems associated with bringing a camo pattern synthetic stocked rifle to Africa?
Click to expand...
Which country? (laws differ by country)
 
You won’t have a problem in South Africa or Namibia, but other countries you potentially could. All it takes is one guy without much supervision in a regional airport to ruin your day. I’d choose a non-camo stock.
 
deewayne2003 said:
My .375H&H with B&C green & black stock
View attachment 778905

HonestLu thought I don’t think camo will give you any trouble, hell I had to explain to a Zim firearms inspector the difference between a live and fired round during the exit ammo inspection.
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You’d be surprised at the stupidity you can find. I had an argument with an “official” about the permit for pocket knives I brought as give aways. I’d never expect a problem with your stock but something obviously camo potentially could. My PH said most of their problems come from the regional airport because the guys want to identify “problems” to get promoted.
 
375Fox said:
You’d be surprised at the stupidity you can find. I had an argument with an “official” about the permit for pocket knives I brought as give aways. I’d never expect a problem with your stock but something obviously camo potentially could. My PH said most of their problems come from the regional airport because the guys want to identify “problems” to get promoted.
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If your interactions are anything like mine have been, $20 USD says you can have a stock any dang color you want. In Jo Burg, my buddy didn't even have the permit as there was an email mix up. X did some conversing and we were on our way. Didn't even need to open the case. (NOTE: Please don't plan on this kind of occurrence. I don't really know if my experience was a fluke or not. Just sharing a story amongst friends.)
I'd go with an HS style solid color with splatter webs.
 
Hedge774 said:
If your interactions are anything like mine have been, $20 USD says you can have a stock any dang color you want. In Jo Burg, my buddy didn't even have the permit as there was an email mix up. X did some conversing and we were on our way. Didn't even need to open the case. (NOTE: Please don't plan on this kind of occurrence. I don't really know if my experience was a fluke or not. Just sharing a story amongst friends.)
I'd go with an HS style solid color with splatter webs.
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Johannesburg airport is very civilized. Processes run they way they should for most part. The permit can be issued on arrival btw. It didn’t need issued in advance. Try somewhere they bring in 10 people to count your bullets and they can’t all count the same. It’s not so easy to bribe one person in a large group and opens the door to something a lot more than $20. I try not to give them a reason to ruin my day.
 
375Fox said:
Johannesburg airport is very civilized. Processes run they way they should for most part. The permit can be issued on arrival btw. It didn’t need issued in advance. Try somewhere they bring in 10 people to count your bullets and they can’t all count the same. It’s not so easy to bribe one person in a large group and opens the door to something a lot more than $20. I try not to give them a reason to ruin my day.
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Well said, and good advise.
 
Went in out of JNB on my first trip with a Savage 110 Timberline. Stock was factory camo. No issues, not even a second glance.
 
If not wanting to go with paint, hydro dip is another option. Did this one a few years ago finished with rattle can satin. It's held up well in the groundhog fields.

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