Number of rifles allowed when traveling to hunt? Do multi barrel take down rifles count as...?

[gprippers]

So discussion popped up recently down at the shop about the number of rifles you can take with you on a hunt. The main thing was that do they count take down multi barreled rifles as individual rifles per barrel? Did that make sense? LOL! So would an HSP 3 barrel set be 3 rifles or one? It was said that with new rules/laws that "they" have cut down on the number of rifles you can take with you, but that would be by individual country, correct?

Im starting to get my mind around what im taking on this next trip. Was going to do a 9.3 and a 375 HH but i have a couple of the multi barrel HSP sets id like to take. I thought about using a couple different calibers on PG for the sake of comparison for myself.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Zimbabwe has a strange. law any part of a firearm that is essential to the firing of a firearm is a firearm? That said that law is more for firearms registered in the country. Where you might run into a problem is when entering the country you will have to declare your ammunition. You have one rifle, but 3 kinds of ammunition. If I was entering the country I would list the caliber as 9.3/.375H&H. Then produce your ammunition in there original ammunition box. Just depends "who" you get at customs. I am only commenting on Zimbabwe.

 

[gprippers]

so they are not worried so much about the ammo and wont check the barrels/front ends themselves for caliber print? So that is just Zim then or are there others with different regs?

PM sent on another matter as well. thanks

 

[shark_za]

Each country has different rules as to what constitutes a firearm.
Each barrel is a different firearm in SA, if you have say a F8 with interchangable barrels.
The exception...
In SA there are caliber codes and this makes allowance for some of the more common combos when they are attached to each other in side by sides. o/U and drilling.
12ga/.303 is one I have seen, .22/.410 is another common one on Savage combo guns.

I would suggest you limit this to the number of calibers, the average border policeman is barely literate and they have attitudes.

 

[Desperatezulu]

If it's not a drilling - i.e. clearly multiple calibres in a single, complete firearm with licence showing the same, the additional barrels are considered as additional firearms.

As has been mentioned, the airport firearm 'authority' is highly unlikely to be conversant in the latest barrel switch technology, nor will they be overly concerned about your customer experience. My 2c is to try not to give them any reason to make the start of your hunt more complicated.

 

[gprippers]

If it's not a drilling - i.e. clearly multiple calibres in a single, complete firearm with licence showing the same, the additional barrels are considered as additional firearms.

As has been mentioned, the airport firearm 'authority' is highly unlikely to be conversant in the latest barrel switch technology, nor will they be overly concerned about your customer experience. My 2c is to try not to give them any reason to make the start of your hunt more complicated.

"My 2c is to try not to give them any reason to make the start of your hunt more complicated." Meaning what exactly....???

So dont take a three barrel switch rifle or just list it as two calibers and check my 3 types of ammo in factory boxes as suggested above?

 

[gprippers]

Lon got me lined out on Zim...which is no big deal on the multi barrels just make sure your ammo matches your rifles and in factory boxes. They dont want you bringing ammo in for someone else. So thats Zim and ill check with Trevor about SA as i cant remember what was what as it was 9 years ago and thought it has changed since then. ???

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

its simple in SA
each barrel is counted as a weapon, because each barrel generally has sepreate serial numbers
they guys in SAPS at or tambo are very literate, knowledgable and pleasant to work with, long as your paperwork is in order. they will check each serial number on each barrel is corresponding to that on the permit, they very seldom check your ammo.
if you are coming to SA, work through rifle permits.com and all will be a breeze.

 

[PeteG]

In Zambia, each barrel will be counted as an individual caliber and will require the appropriate paperwork.
Match the paperwork and ammo to the barrels and calibers coming in and you will be fine. If that doesnt match up, it could bring up a challenging situation.

 

[gprippers]

The rifles are serial numbered on the receivers and not the barrels, but i think i get the idea. I found another posting on this that basically says every serial number is counted as a barrel. Obviously Ill need to check current regs and ill double check just prior to leaving as every country has their own regs and ever changing from what ive gathered reading other posts.

Appreciate the info gents!!!

 

[Kenneth McMillan]

I would say that it's 3 different rifles but it depends on the country you are entering and the customs office

 

[Troubleshooter]

its simple in SA
each barrel is counted as a weapon, because each barrel generally has sepreate serial numbers

Interesting. What happens if the barrels do not have separate serial numbers? For example, a take-down rifle where the only difference between the barrels is the caliber designation. The same serial number is marked on the receiver and each of the two barrels which are fitted to it.

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Prob still seen as 2 guns because 2 different calibres so will take up 2 lines of the app form SAP580

Nobody needs more than 2 rifles on a safari ….. really

 

[geoff rath]

I'm sure it's different in the 21st century to what applied back in the 19th. How long will we be "in country" to allow us time to chop and change? Back then, Hunters would spend weeks out bush, pursuing game, with multiple rifles/calibers; now a days, I doubt it. Back to the old adage: Beware the man with just one gun...

 

[Troubleshooter]

Nobody needs more than 2 rifles on a safari ….. really

While I don't disagree with you, I can see instances where two barrels would be useful and not overlap in purpose. For example, a rifle with spare shotgun barrels, or a rifle with barrels in larger and small bores.

But regarding the question asked, I guess your answer would be to list them both separately, and hope to explain to the Customs folks that both barrels are fitted to a common receiver.

 

[geoff rath]

A further point: what happens to your second/subsequent rifle if it is denied entry? Who "takes it into care" pending your exit?