Importing Air Gun from S. Africa

[Banna]

Hi - I've just got back a Diana .177 460 Magnum from South Africa. I thought I'd share the experience: -

1) http://www.airgunfanatix.co.za/ is a very reliable company. However, they only accept bank transfers, not online payments. You can do it either from India, or when in S. Africa like I did. They need a lead time of 1 to 2 days to deliver the air gun. Its best to get in touch with them prior to your arrival with your specific requirement. http://www.iwarehouse.co.za has an online payment option, but their prices are exorbitant / http://www.gunsa.co.za, site has grammatical errors & they don't reply to emails. So its best to keep away from both.

2) Michael Forbes of Airgun Fanatix was more then helpful. He personally delivered the air gun to my hotel in Johannesburg when the courier had a road accident. Plus he advised me to get an airplane specific gun case. I got that from Dave Sheer Guns, 595 Louis Botha Ave, Corner of Forest Rd, Bramley, Johannesburg (Tel: +27 11 440 0345
Fax: +27 11 440 7470 Email: [email protected]).

3) Only South African Airways carries arms in and out of the country. So do remember to get a SA air ticket. Check in normally, declare your air gun, and they will direct you to the Firearms Check In office. I'd advice you to give a baksheesh of ZAR 100 (approx Rs. 600) to clerk at the counter, so that they handle you air gun properly.

4) I was not questioned at Bombay airport (the air gun will come out on the over size baggage belt). But if you are questioned, show them your NRAI or equivalent membership card & go through the routine, there is nothing illegal about importing a .177 air gun. If asked for an Import Export Code no., tell them you are covered under the exempt category for importing for personal use (IEC # 100000053).

To digress a bit, we had a wonderful time bush walking, the perfect way to experience nature, in the Sabi Sand Pvt.Reserve. The best lodge there is Dulini, you could check it out on Tripadvisor.

Warm regards