Taking a re-barreled rifled to South Africa

Docbar

New member
Joined
Sep 7, 2026
Messages
8
Reaction score
5
I have a Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM that has been re-barreled. The receiver retains all original stamping (the name “Winchester” and the serial number). However, the only marking on the barrel is “300 WSM.” Will I have a problem entering South Africa with this rifle?
 
I have a Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM that has been re-barreled. The receiver retains all original stamping (the name “Winchester” and the serial number). However, the only marking on the barrel is “300 WSM.” Will I have a problem entering South Africa with this rifle?
Not at all. Have a good time.
 
I did it in August 2025. Remington 700 Chambered 300 RUM. Lilja Competition Barrel. Jewell Trigger. Custom Mussel Brake. As long as the Serial Number on the receiver matches all the paperwork you will be fine.
 
I hunt Africa with two ex-military rifles: a Springfield 03A3 and Czech 98 Mauser re-barreled as 404 Jeffery. The Springfield's original military barrel had no markings (all polished off when the gun was sporterized) and it made it through South African police check when I arrived at Joberg for my first safari in 2019. I re-barreled it in 2021 with a used barrel that was hand stamped only "30-06." The 404 barrel was made by Lilja and their name and caliber are very lightly engraved on left side next to the receiver.

I should add the Springfield model and maker names are stamped into top of forward ring on receiver and covered with scope base. The serial number is still visible on side of the ring. That's all they look for in the police station.
 
On the SAPS 520 form there is a section for barrel serial number and action serial number. Just fill in the action serial number and leave the barrel serial number blank. I have a rifle with only a serial number on the barrel so have done this several times
 
On the SAPS 520 form there is a section for barrel serial number and action serial number. Just fill in the action serial number and leave the barrel serial number blank. I have a rifle with only a serial number on the barrel so have done this several times
Correct. The form 520 has boxes for firearm serial number, barrel serial number, frame serial number, and receiver serial number. Just fill out the firearm serial number box and that will suffice. I see my gun handling "assistant" this last time put the same number for my 404 in both firearm and barrel boxes by mistake (I emailed him photos of both guns). Both rifles have serial numbers on receiver only and he left that category blank on the form.
 
Thank you all for answering my question. It sounds like I will be fine taking my 300 WSM, although a 30/06 may get the final nod.
 
Thank you all for answering my question. It sounds like I will be fine taking my 300 WSM, although a 30/06 may get the final nod.
Oh oh! Now you've thrown gas on a whole different fire! I hunt plains game with my 30-06 and it has done the job just fine. A few animals have been taken out beyond 200 yards but that's rare. Springbuck and black wildebeest often require long shots and may test my WWII Springfield but the rest can usually be had under 200. In the mountains of Eastern Cape hunting kudu can sometimes be like hunting elk and involve distance shooting. I shot my second bull at 430 yards but used my PH's 270 WSM. Ordinarily I would have opted for a stalk to shorter range but the bull saw us and there was no chance of getting closer. He was a dandy. My Springfield won't reach that far but PH said his gun would do it so we swapped rifles. I unfolded the bipod, laid down, and shot the bull. Next safari I shot my third bull with 30-06 at <100 yards after a very long and difficult stalk.
20230813_102935.jpg
 
I have a Winchester Model 70 in .300 WSM that has been re-barreled. The receiver retains all original stamping (the name “Winchester” and the serial number). However, the only marking on the barrel is “300 WSM.” Will I have a problem entering South Africa with this rifle?
No. Serial number matching your paperwork is everything regardless of SA or the return to USA.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
70,343
Messages
1,573,555
Members
169,760
Latest member
hb88gdn
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

K_P wrote on Buckleyguy12's profile.
Good morning from Montana.

I'm looking at a post from 2018 where you were looking for a lefty Winchester in .375 H&H Magnum. I'm selling mine. My email is [redacted] in the event that you're still searching for a unicorn.

Best,

Kelly Palmer
Gents, if you book and pay your deposit before the end of this year , you can have the bigger cull package for the 2026 price! https://www.africahunting.com/threa...griffiths-safaris-starting-at-us-2-560.96285/
I am currently in Northern Cape scouting a hunting area, we will have lots of amazing hunting opportunities for 2027! I will post updated available dates soon!
Azklmsr wrote on MANKAZANA SAFARIS's profile.
Good Evening. I am very interested in you hunt for the spiral slam. March in 2028 would be fine for me

Couple of quick questions:

1) Can we add some additional species on
2) what do you want for a deposit?
3) how do you want me to sign up

I'm on whats app or email

Kurt [redacted]

have a great evening
MHYOUNG 375 wrote on Marley7x57's profile.
If you really are interested I 'll send some pix. I have quiet a few.
 
Top