Prior to taking my handgun to Africa (Zimbabwa and SA). I ask for information and help here on AH and received a response that lead me to South Africa's handgun regulations. I read the complicated regulations and requirements South Africa has for the various handgun calibers and velocities legal to use for hunting the various animal sizes/types, contacted the respective country outfitters for clarity, then went straight to Henry Rifle Permits for thier help.
One other response to my post said they had zip tied a scope to thier handgun to get it through SAPS then the poster simply cut the zip ties and removed the scope when they arrived at thier outfitters.
Since I had neglected to do the fore mentioned, on my return to Jo'berg from Zimbabwa, having already been through SAPS, received my (by SAPS) pre approved permits for my firearms to re enter SA to continue trip to my SA outfitter, The SAPS officers on my return through Jo'berg asked me "Where is the scope?" (referencing to my handgun). I simply said, "It was for back up in Zimbabwa on my cape buffalo hunt". Henry and his wife were present to help me through by showing that my permits had been previously approved by SAPS the first time I came through. The SAPS officer handed me my revolver back so I could place it in my gun case. No real problem.
SAPS at PE just wanted to verify the serial numbers on my revolver and rifle.
The 4-9/16th inch revolver barrel length wasn't even measured or questioned. The "....big bullets..." were enough to suggest the handgun was legal for hunting all plains game. When I reflect back on our conversation, I still find humor in the SAPS officer's comment, as this may have been his first time seeing/handling a large handgun bullet.
