Switch barrel rifles and Form 4457

[skydiver386]

In the last few days I've started to think about scratch building a switch barrel 300 magnum/458 magnum.

My question is, when you travel to Africa or Europe, do you simply annotate the various calibers on the paperwork? Have you ever had trouble entering a Country with a switch barrel rifle and ammunition in several different calibers?

The Blazer, some switch barrel bolt actions and a few single shots seem like a good idea for the Worldwide Hunter, but I'd like to hear about your experiences.

 

[K-man]

Hello. I’ve taken an R8 multiple times into Africa and will continue to take it. You must have on your 4457 form the serial number on the action and every barrel you choose to take. Usually I put the scope serial numbers(s) also The ammunition must match the barrel caliber you have. But also beware that not every nation in Africa has the same rules so research for every trip. Also each airline has their own rules but generally that’s just a simple declaration of firearm and ammunition. Good luck and tell us how it goes.

 

[Muskox]

I don't hate myself enough to pack more than one R8 barrel or scope on any hunt.

But it works.

The odds are high that you will have the wrong barrel on the rifle.

So the 375 or 416 Rem is probably a better choice if you need a 458.

 

[deewayne2003]

I don't hate myself enough to pack more than one R8 barrel or scope on any hunt.

But it works.

The odds are high that you will have the wrong barrel on the rifle.

So the 375 or 416 Rem is probably a better choice if you need a 458.

I've always wondered about the caliber change, be it an R8 or other take downs with different barrels.

I understand the utility of being able to take multiple calibers with one rifle, but if the new world record impala presents at 250yds and you have the .458 barrel installed how much good does an extra .300win barrel back in camp or the truck help you?

I took my .470 & .300 and rather enjoyed being able to pull either of them out of the truck at a moments notice or have one of the crew carry the extra rifle as we stalked.

 

[Muskox]

The time in switching barrels is probably a minute or two on a Blaser.

The remain minute of angle even with taking apart and putting back together especially under 300 yards.

That being said you are talking about care and feeding of another scope and barrel system in the field or in the truck.

The problem is when you are not near the truck.

A Orth system take down CRF rifle like a Mauser (Johansson) or Martini isn't going to shoot the same point blank 1 MOA standard when you take it apart. Probably it might, but if you knock the threads it will throw you out by at least an MOA or two. Might be a good shooter, but it is more delicate than a Blaser R8, Mauser M03, Sauer 404/505.

 

[arniet]

I have a BLR takedown with 3 barrels. US customs was OK, they filled out one 4457 for the rifle, and one for each barrel, calling each a spare barrel for the referenced rifle. I did this at Lubec, Maine. Not to cross but while on vacation.

I should have taken it to Africa October, but did not since I didn't have the 375 barrel dialed in. It has only crossed the border into Canada once, but only with one barrel.

All African nations are different. Please take baksheesh money with you.

 

[skydiver386]

I think any system where the scope is mounted to a receiver and not directly to the barrel is going to need a re-zero session at the range before it should be trusted on a hunt. This was clearly a good move by the folks at Blazer.

I was considering a switch barrel gun as a gift for an old friend that's mostly into shotguns and wingshooting, but is interested in hunting Africa with me.

 

[K-man]

The few (twice) times I’ve taken more than one barrel it was for a DG hunt with plains game added. Used the .416 until the elephant and hippo were in the salt then changed to a .300 win mag for the duration. I have an extra Boyd canvas bag for the extra barrel, scope and ammo in the truck. Most hunts you prioritize one or two animals first and then chase the extras. Or simply take a .375 H&H and learn to shoot 250 yards. It’s still nice to pack a take-down rifle through the airports.

 

[Green Chile]

I do this regularly with Blasers and 2 barrels. I have the receiver serial and both barrel serials listed on the 4457. Some may not realize that in Africa, serials are often on the barrel and the permits are based on that. Just have both listed on the permit and the 4457 and all is well.