Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Two Hunters, one gun case

Gentlemen, I have been lurking in the shadows for many years, but now have a question I hope one of you African hunters can answer. My long time hunting buddy has ask me to go to South Africa with him next year for a short hunt for plains game. He and I both have .300 Win Mag rifles and will only take one rifle each. My question is can we share a gun case? As I understand the rules in SA a hunter may only bring one rifle for a cartridge, a second rifle must be a different cartridge. We want to use his gun case to transport both our rifles. We both will have our custom form 4457 with the info for respective rifles. Obviously, the rifle case will be checked baggage for only one of us. Will this be a problem for us?

If I was going to do this I would use the services of one of the permit services like Riflepermits.com. They should be able to answer your question and obtain the permits in advance. SAPS is notorious for making up and changing the rules at will on importing rifles and shaking people down for a bribe. If you give them the opportunity to screw with you they will. All in attempt to get some $$ from you. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance. Why not just take two cases with one rifle in each case? You're allowed two checked bags each so that shouldn't be a problem. With one case if your baggage gets lost or delayed you're both out of luck.

What Labman95 said^^^^^^^^

Here ya go. http://www.travelwithguns.com/ The Gun import/export laws change all the time. There are new Forms 4457, and you will also need Saps Forms.The U.S Government is currently working on an online computer reporting system. Use a service that is up to date or you won't have a gun in S.A. at all!!!

Go with 2 cases. You a seriously just asking for trouble. I can see at least one rifle being confiscated. Just buy a case. Can always sell it or will use it in the future. I for one would not want to sit in that damn airplane seat for 14 hours wondering is my rifle/vacation gonna turn ugly. And use that case to throw in a cheap 12ga. Pump shotgun to do an afternoon of bird shooting. You will go thru 4 boxes of high brass #6 in a night or 2 of sand grouse, guinna fowl, francolin shooting. That's my 2¢. And separate your ammo! No need to loose all your 300 win mag shells.

My son and I went to Zimbabwe via Johannesburg, in 2011. We used Steve Turner [travel with guns]. We took just one case, with both rifles in it, and had absolutely zero problems, in either Zim or RSA.

My wife and three sons traveled from San Antonio to J'burg in 2012 with one case holding three rifles and had zero issues. I second booking all hunting travel to Africa (and elsewhere) with Steve at Travel With Guns.

I don't think the issue is 2 rifles in 1 case...it is 2 rifles the same caliber in one case....even with separate 4457's I think SAPS might make an issue of this.....but just my opinion....and we all know what they say about opinions......a call to Steve at Travel with Guns just might get you an answer.

I have done what you are wanting to do multiple times with myself and a friend and many clients I took over there have done it. Always used TWG. 2 options if you want a smooth visit to police station in SA. Put both guns on same 4457 and 2 different calibers. Or each take your own gun. Usually most hunters going over there have plenty of options in guns taking different calibers is not that big of a deal. I'm not saying technically it can't be done I am no expert but not worth the time or extra cash it might cost you.

My son and I both had 375 H&H mags, in identical rifles, Ruger No. 1s and as stated no issues.

If you are family, one case will do. If you are hunting with your buddy, take 2 cases or you new asking for major headaches

Agree daughter and I carry one but 4457 and permits in one name I would think two guns two owners in one case would be a headache especially returning in Atlanta. JUSt my opinion.

When three of us were passing through Canada, the border person commented that the paper work fee of I believe $35 at the time was good for 3 arms. We all agreed that one of our party owned all three rifles and saved $70. A very helpful Canadian Customs agent. A much simpler process though than passing through multiple countries. KISS

I would take 2 cases.

Use Steve Turner "Travel with Guns" and African Sky to clear

What if the case was lost? At least the other would most likely show up. Then you could swap the rifle back and forth instead of both not having guns.

Have gun will travel. No gun no travel.