Backup Handgun

[Neophyte]

Having been in Alaska I’m in the habit of carrying a handgun when I’m hunting for last ditch self defense from bears.

Having said this I’m wondering if I can bring a handgun to South Africa for the same purpose? I usually carry my Glock 20 with a red dot optic and an aftermarket 6 1/2” barrel loaded with hardcast lead bullets but I could also bring a 4” or 6” .41 Magnum.

I’ve legally carried a handgun for over forty years so it’s not something new to me.

 

[Letzhunt]

special hunting permit needed to bring it to RSA. Not sure how tuff but there are certain requirements. Look up on the SAPS website...I think that is where I read the info. Its listed on the permit info I believe.

 

[dailordasailor]

Not an expert at all, but the Glock I’m confident would be a problem. Revolver should just be paperwork. Every “handgun hunter” I’ve seen pics of has a Thompson center long barrel so I’m curious to see results of this

 

[BeeMaa]

Either way you decide, take a look at the Kenai Chest Holster as a carry option.

 

[Ravensview]

I do not know the answer, but I believe a few years ago that Ted Nugent hunted with his Glock 20 on a hunting show, could be a special exemption, just don’t know for sure, good luck

 

[Ross Reamy]

I'm sure riflepermits.com can give you the exact requirements, but being a Glock 10MM fan myself, was talking with a PH in camp about this last month, and he said if it had any kind of optic, it was no big deal to get them into RSA.

 

[Doubleplay]

As far as I know you need an invitation for a shooting match from a club to bring semi automatic handguns to RSA.
It can be arranged...

 

[BeeMaa]

The PH's I've seen in SA all carry some manner of semi-auto pistol as a last ditch backup to their rifle.

That said, your best protection from harm is a well placed first shot with your rifle. You backup IS your rifle and when it goes really sideways it becomes a job for the PH. If that does happen, please listen to them because they are responsible for the safety of the entire hunting party. Your trophy may take a back seat until everyone is safe.

As far as an unprovoked attack...I won't say it can't happen, but the trackers who will be with you are on another level. They can hear a mouse fart three miles away and track it across a field of rock with little more than their wits and the gifts God gave them. Leave the pistol at home and practice more off sticks.

 

[Neophyte]

The PH's I've seen in SA all carry some manner of semi-auto pistol as a last ditch backup to their rifle.

That said, your best protection from harm is a well placed first shot with your rifle. You backup IS your rifle and when it goes really sideways it becomes a job for the PH. If that does happen, please listen to them because they are responsible for the safety of the entire hunting party. Your trophy may take a back seat until everyone is safe.

As far as an unprovoked attack...I won't say it can't happen, but the trackers who will be with you are on another level. They can hear a mouse fart three miles away and track it across a field of rock with little more than their wits and the gifts God gave them. Leave the pistol at home and practice more off sticks.

I don’t disagree with you.
It’s just that after forty years of carrying a handgun I’m sort of used to it. Also thinking I’d like to use it for some of the smaller antelope species in a blind.

 

[Neophyte]

Either way you decide, take a look at the Kenai Chest Holster as a carry option.
View attachment 628755

Already have one but it’s from Diamond D.
GMTA!
I love the chest holster except when I go prone.

 

[Datchew]

Either way you decide, take a look at the Kenai Chest Holster as a carry option.
View attachment 628755

Ditto this comment.

I tried several and attached holsters to my packs, etc. This one is the one.

 

[Hunter4752001]

I have hunted in South Africa with a 454 Casull revolver. One of the requirements is that the handgun must be designed for hunting not self defense. No big deal for a large revolver or single shot. All the paperwork I've seen indicates that semi-autos are prohibited for visiting international hunters.

Being South Africa, anything may be possible. Best to consult with one of the specialist permit services.

I suspect the various gun writers such as Nugent, Dobbs etc., had special business permits not available to ordinary hunters.

 

[Red Leg]

I don’t disagree with you.
It’s just that after forty years of carrying a handgun I’m sort of used to it. Also thinking I’d like to use it for some of the smaller antelope species in a blind.

I think you are going to find it very difficult to bring a practical carry gun into the country. A buffalo, elephant, or lion are the only critters with four legs that would remotely present a threat (unless you are actually hunting a leopard) and only in areas where they exist (leaves out most plains game destinations in South Africa). None of the three would be impressed with a self-defense carry handgun.

I would love to carry one there for potential biped issues in Johannesburg, Lusaka, Beira, and the like. That is not be an option. I have had a bit of training over the years, so I do carry a blade with me for those sorts of situations. For something wanting to stomp you, your best defense is already in your hands.

 

[matt85]

Not sure about the legality, but a 10mm or 41 magnum will likely not help much if an angry buffalo decides to end someone. Short of a brain shot with a non-expanding bullet at close range... The buffalo will kill you or someone else before you kill it.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Already have one but it’s from Diamond D.
GMTA!
I love the chest holster except when I go prone.

I took love my chest holsters. I run the Gunfighters Inc, but chest holsters are awful if you're using a pack, at least on my frame.

 

[RayAtkinson]

I wouldn't advise anyone to take a pistol too Africa, thats just asking for trouble..In the hunting business for over 40 years, things like that can change overnight with a sad ("it wont happen to me attitude)

 

[sureshot375]

It’s a headache you don’t need. Handguns are useless for dangerous game defense in Africa.

I have a video, not sure how to post, of some idiot with a revolver on an archery buff follow up. It was a total cluster.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

It’s a headache you don’t need. Handguns are useless for dangerous game defense in Africa.

I have a video, not sure how to post, of some idiot with a revolver on an archery buff follow up. It was a total cluster.

…..?

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I know it's not the same, but on my first moose hunt we were in grizz country. My buddy/mentor and I were gearing up to go out after we set up camp.

I grabbed my rifle and handgun and he looked at me and asked "you planning on losing your rifle"?

I kinda laughed, but I stick to that now. I'd rather have extra rifle ammo on my belt than a sidearm.

Pistol is for the tent or for the butchering now. But that's just me, I'd say it's 50/50 from my groups.

 

[freefall]

I carry a pistol out hunting, but it's a small .22 revolver. Mostly useful for signaling lost companions. Beats the heck out of $4/rd rifle ammo.