Proof of ownership (handgun)

**Joebdog** · February 9th, 2010, 02:06 PM

I am going on a hunting trip to South Africa and I need paperwork to prove that I own the Pistol I am Taking.I have owned it for approx. 28 years.What do I need to do? Thankyou Joe, I would like to thank everyone for their responses I tried to send to each person but it would not go thru.I have very little computer skills,so maybe this will work.

**Steve_NEPhila** · February 9th, 2010, 02:10 PM

You should contact the South African authorities and ask them to clarify what it is exactly that you need to show proof of ownership. If it is too onerous, go buy a new one to take on the trip. (If you can afford a safari, I am sure you can afford a new handgun)

**smitty56** · February 9th, 2010, 02:18 PM

How about a certified letter by a notary that it is your property?

**Russell** · February 9th, 2010, 03:06 PM

For your own benefit, fill out a US Customs form 4457 before you go. It will save you time and grief and possibly your firearm.

**photoshooter** · February 9th, 2010, 09:33 PM

^^^^^^^
This.
I do it for photo equipment. You bring the items with you to customs and fill out the form listing serial numbers. A customs officer verifies and then notarizes/stamps the form proving that you brought it with you from the US. Proving that you own the gun as opposed to having borrowed it is a slightly different animal.

**mrnyman** · February 10th, 2010, 01:44 AM

Most Sherrifs will do that for you, take it to them and they'll give you a letter stating that it belongs to you just like giving a Child a Gun.

However dont take that Gun to SA with you, its been with you for 28 years it must have some sentiments to it , buy a new gun preferably a cheap but good gun such as a Glock or Taurus that you have no attachments to , airlines have a way of "loosing" your guns sometimes, even though SA airlines is very good because they do guns hundreds of times a day.

Good luck and have fun in SA one of the last frontiers where men can be men.

Nyman

**brian** · February 10th, 2010, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by mrnyman

However dont take that Gun to SA with you, its been with you for 28 years it must have some sentiments to it , Good luck and have fun in SA one of the last frontiers where men can be men.

Nyman

on one hand i agree with this. why take a chance losing something like that.

on the other hand it's a gun he already likes, and this trip might be a once in life time thing.....and i would certainly want one of my most treasured pieces on a trip like that.