Risky to try and take folding stock w/vertical grip R8 to South Africa?

[xbr897]

I worked through an FFL to import an Akila Excelsior chassis for my R8. I like that its lighter weight than profession stock, has more of a vertical grip like my target rifles, and it has integrated ARCA rail/picatinny rail/Javelin bipod mounts all smoothly integrated in the fore-end. Being a folding stock, it would allow more space in my case for other items like a second suppressor to now fit in there. I have a GunFoam custom case to hold stock + 3 scopes + 3 barrels + 1 suppressor right now. With now having a 375 cal suppressor, I'd like to travel with both a 30 cal and 375 cal suppressor but I don't have space in the case for both.

My worry is that I've read that scary looking guns aren't allowed. Also not sure if SAPS would be familiar with Akila as a rifle manufacturer (its engraved both with Akila as manufacturer and the FFL as importer). Would a folding stock with a pistol grip be a risk to try and take to S.A.? Have others taken folding stock rifles with vertical grip in without issue?

 

[SRvet]

Surely Akila don’t make the rifle and the barrel will remain stamped as a Blaser. I would just direct them to the appropriate engraving. The other tip I have is if you are flying into JNB to get your import permits arranged by Africa Sky. Their man in the airport seemed to have a way to make administrative steps go away !!

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

just use riflepermits.com

 

[Philip Glass]

I worked through an FFL to import an Akila Excelsior chassis for my R8. I like that its lighter weight than profession stock, has more of a vertical grip like my target rifles, and it has integrated ARCA rail/picatinny rail/Javelin bipod mounts all smoothly integrated in the fore-end. Being a folding stock, it would allow more space in my case for other items like a second suppressor to now fit in there. I have a GunFoam custom case to hold stock + 3 scopes + 3 barrels + 1 suppressor right now. With now having a 375 cal suppressor, I'd like to travel with both a 30 cal and 375 cal suppressor but I don't have space in the case for both.

My worry is that I've read that scary looking guns aren't allowed. Also not sure if SAPS would be familiar with Akila as a rifle manufacturer (its engraved both with Akila as manufacturer and the FFL as importer). Would a folding stock with a pistol grip be a risk to try and take to S.A.? Have others taken folding stock rifles with vertical grip in without issue?

View attachment 724372

I really doubt that you will find anyone here who has taken a folding stock to Africa. I think it's cool and I want one! I don't think that you would encounter any trouble with this folding stock but you may get some scrutiny due to taking 3 barrels and two suppressors. Too much in my mind unless you were doing a very long and diverse safari.

 

[CBH Australia]

Are folding stocks legal in South Africa?

They are illegal in some states of Australia and legal in others and as for appearance laws that is also another issue.

The first thing is to determine if it is legal before considering if it might just be an appearance issue

 

[Philip Glass]

Surely Akila don’t make the rifle and the barrel will remain stamped as a Blaser. I would just direct them to the appropriate engraving. The other tip I have is if you are flying into JNB to get your import permits arranged by Africa Sky. Their man in the airport seemed to have a way to make administrative steps go away !!

Yes as does riflepermits.com folks. Last time we didn't even open our gun cases!

 

[xbr897]

I really doubt that you will find anyone here who has taken a folding stock to Africa. I think it's cool and I want one! I don't think that you would encounter any trouble with this folding stock but you may get some scrutiny due to taking 3 barrels and two suppressors. Too much in my mind unless you were doing a very long and diverse safari.

You're right that I wouldn't use it all on every trip, its more of being able to if I wanted or the trip justified it. I've taken 3 barrels on two previous trips - 6.5 PRC, 300WM, and 375 H&H. 6.5 PRC for greater distance, 300WM for larger like Eland, and 375 for buff. I don't take all 3 on all hunts, but I do like having a case capable of it if.

Surely Akila don’t make the rifle and the barrel will remain stamped as a Blaser. I would just direct them to the appropriate engraving. The other tip I have is if you are flying into JNB to get your import permits arranged by Africa Sky. Their man in the airport seemed to have a way to make administrative steps go away !!

Akila does actually make the receiver in this chassis. Unlike other setups where you have to transfer the receiver from your Blaser stock to a 3rd party chassis, this one has the receiver machined in to it. As Akila makes the receiver, the ATF sees them as the manufacturer of the firearm. Grabbed this part of the pic from someone's old for sale ad. It shows Akila as manufacturer and EuroOptic as importer

You are correct on barrels though, they are Blaser stamped.

 

[crackerman]

I really doubt that you will find anyone here who has taken a folding stock to Africa. I think it's cool and I want one! I don't think that you would encounter any trouble with this folding stock but you may get some scrutiny due to taking 3 barrels and two suppressors. Too much in my mind unless you were doing a very long and diverse safari.

I beg to differ Phil,
I asked the same question here last year being worried and riflepermits.com didn't even bat an eye when I sent a picture. I think SAPS must be getting better about seeing them and not being scared.

The officer in Joburg didn't even look at the gun, just had me pick it up and read the serial.

@xbr897 Take the gun, make a story, and hire riflepermits.com they are the GOATS.