Can we discuss mercury recoil reducers?

T

Teampowpow

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I finally got my new stock on my 505 Gibbs, glass bedded properly this time. I have my load development looking good and here in a few weeks off for my first ele hunt, super nervous super excited. Well my smith did what I told him and now I’m questioning my decision. He put a lead fill on the bottom and a mercury recoil reducer on the top, both in the rear of the stock. I’m going/ have removed the mercury reducer simply for air travel and replace it with just a steel weight made to same specs. I know there are old discussions but nothing recent and everyone doesn’t seem to really know the correct answer it seems or it’s at least a grey area, I know it’s all dependent on the particular agent. I’m curious if it’s as big a deal as many make it out to be? Can they really pic it up through the wood stock and metal tube to see the liquid mercury? It’s a consumer item, sealed, I don’t see how it could leak. Surely the trap shooter guys travel with them? I’m just curious, for one I don’t want to get hung up in the off chance, so I’ll have it swapped for travel, it’s easy enough to do and not worth the fret. But is it that big of a deal???
 
Mark Biggerstaff said:
I have done 7 safaris, as many as 3 rifles in one case. All had reducers in them, never an issue or questions. They are commercial sealed tubes from C&H. Flown Delta, United and Qatar.
Click to expand...
This will be my second, first with 2 rifles.
What case were you using? Was it increased complication taking 3? I’m kinda worried taking 2, at least for Mozambique, they seem to want to hussle you up there…
 
I also would like to know what you are using for a 3 gun case. I am contemplating taking my 257 Weatherby with a thermal scope for night hunting.
 
I usually take 3 in a SKB 4 gun case.
I'm not that impressed with the recoil reducers. I have a 470 and a 500 each with 2 reducers (12 &16oz)
I do it to change the balance and add weight, I like the balance right at the hinge. If you add them in a double rifle you may need to adjust your load to reregulate. I've traveled all over with at least one gun with a reducer and never an issue!
 
I'll register at the other end of the bell curve--I put one in a shotgun and could perceive no lightening of recoil at all. There are other things you can do, of course. Horses for courses!
 
Teampowpow said:
This will be my second, first with 2 rifles.
What case were you using? Was it increased complication taking 3? I’m kinda worried taking 2, at least for Mozambique, they seem to want to hussle you up there…
Click to expand...

Just came back from Mozambique, a friend of mine took 3 rifles and I took 2

No problems at all!!
 
Teampowpow said:
This will be my second, first with 2 rifles.
What case were you using? Was it increased complication taking 3? I’m kinda worried taking 2, at least for Mozambique, they seem to want to hussle you up there…
Click to expand...

I use a TuffPac. Weight will get you with 3 (over 50lbs) and costs me extra. No extra complications on taking 3 to South Africa. Riflepermits handles my pre approval.
I took two into Mozambique this year, we crossed the border by car and was no more hassle than one gun. It does take those guys a while to count the ammo one round at a time. Cost extra also for second gun permit.
 
@Teampowpow - My wife and my traveled several times with mercury recoil reducers in the stocks of firearms, both foreign and domestic. No issues.

At the end of 2019, I switched to tungsten beads in a stainless steel tube as a result of getting on the Blaser bandwagon. They call it a kickstop, but it does essentially the same thing. Albeit without the dangers mercury.
 
Spartan5 said:
I also would like to know what you are using for a 3 gun case. I am contemplating taking my 257 Weatherby with a thermal scope for night hunting.
Click to expand...
TuffPac. Each in their own zipper case. Two go in butt down, third goes in the middle muzzle down.
I added 1inch thick foam to bottom of case. Cut piece for top also after loaded. And riveted on a hasp and use big master combo lock along with the factory key lock.
For extra security
 

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My 458 Lott has a mercury-filled recoil reducer. I took it to Zimbabwe for a buffalo hunt in 2022. Flew United and Emirates. No issues at all.
 
It would seem that neither the airlines nor the authorities are even interested in looking for them.
 
Mark Biggerstaff said:
I use a TuffPac. Weight will get you with 3 (over 50lbs) and costs me extra. No extra complications on taking 3 to South Africa. Riflepermits handles my pre approval.
I took two into Mozambique this year, we crossed the border by car and was no more hassle than one gun. It does take those guys a while to count the ammo one round at a time. Cost extra also for second gun permit.
Click to expand...
Ye I know what you mean about counting the ammo, also we drove 8 hours from Tete and went through a few “road blocks”, looking for cool drinks and whatever they could get off ya. No problems though and part of the experience.
 
Spartan5 said:
I also would like to know what you are using for a 3 gun case. I am contemplating taking my 257 Weatherby with a thermal scope for night hunting.
Click to expand...
Taking a thermal scope internationally is starting to skate on thin ice.
 
what about a Day/Night scope? I am aware of the thermal imaging restrictions around things like scopes, cameras, and what capabilities they can have internationally from my line of work. I don’t think my thermal scope would be out of line based on its capability, but I can understand those (especially in other countries) who don’t understand it may make an issue out of it.
 
Sika98k said:
Taking a thermal scope internationally is starting to skate on thin ice.
Click to expand...
Why is that? I’ve thought about taking one as well, as long as it’s on a 4457, surely many have done it especially with photographic safaris??? Can’t stand having cool gear and yet it’s so hard to use it….
 
I doubt anyone will ever pick it up, but you just need one clever customs agent and you will be in trouble. Or a leak which would be worse. The mercury is just a gimmick anyway, you are equally served by a lead or tungsten fixed weight. Not to mention that you are actually breaking the law travelling with mercury and no permits. All for smart marketing tool that does nothing more than a lead weight, doesn't make sense to me to even take a chance.
 
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