Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Africa Handgun barrel length in SA

I keep reading on some forums that to take a pistol to South Africa it must have an 8 inch barrel and be scoped. The only regs I can find say that the barrel must be 100 mm. Some people are extremely adamant that you are a fool for questioning them on this. I have asked people that have been there, outfitters and PHs and most have said 4 inches is the minimum (100 mm is 3.9”). So is this an old regulation or is there some areas in SA that it is required or maybe a rule for a certain PH?

A handgun can be imported for a sporting use, hunting or competition, but not for self defence.

If I took one, it would be my 4.25" S&W 69 44 Mag. I would carry it with 44 Special in the chamber, but have some magnum if I had a chance on an impala or something.