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What's the US Customs procedure to register guns to take from the US so they can be returned?

Specifically, does one have to take them to a Customs office to do this?

yep, take it to coustoms and they issue the form to you. i would suggest taking anything that isn't made in the usa that's high dollar with you and have them put those serial # on the form for you. It just proves ownership so taxes aren't collected.
Regards,
Paul

It's a bit of a pain, but if you take the same stuff overseas again you can use the form over and over. I have my "Africa" rifles, cameras, binos etc on one form, and have it laminated for reuse.

Thanks for the answer, Paul.

So I'm entirely clear, must each gun to be taken out of the US and returned be hauled down to a Customs Office for inspection and registery? Is this also required of US manufactured pieces?

Yes, you have to physically take the gun, camera, watch or whatever it is down to the customs office. Otherwise they have no way to verify that you had it in the states before you left. I saw some guys coming in through Kennedy a few years ago who lacked the form for their US made rifles and were getting a ration of grief from an obviously gun-hating customs witch---they may still be at the airport.
Do it once, laminate it, and don't worry about it again.

You can do it on your flight out, but can be a major time delay, and could cause you to miss a connection. Better to do it ahead of time

Definately do it ahead of time. If you don't know what you will take then just bring them all! only takes a couple of minutes and it saves some serious hassle! I, of course got the gun hater and with form in hand waited 1 hour at the counter for the guy to give me the all clear! The guy returning from dove huning in argentina without the form made it through in 15 minutes. I timed it while we stood next to each other.
It is deffinatly a must do. They'll mess with you if they can. just best not to give em a reason.
Regards,
Paul

almost forgot. Be sure to leave plenty of time on both sides to clear customs! better to wait an hour or two at the terminal then to miss the flight. JMO.
Regards,
Paul