Since I just returned from Argentina yesterday, and have gone there many times, I think I’m qualified to respond. I took my own guns until about 6 years ago and have rented since then. Currently only break open guns should be considered. The rules on semi autos and pumps have changed. You must have them approved by an Argentine consulate. Don’t even bother. Over the years I encountered various degrees of difficulty while traveling with my own guns. Some minor annoyances and some serious situations. Many are precipitated by airline personnel who flat out don’t know the rules. It’s hard to argue with stupid! I took SxS’s numerous times, always Model 21’s, and they stood up to heavy shooting. On the last 3 trips where I took a gun, I used a single LH Browning Citori 20ga with 32 inch barrels and those guns are bulletproof and it’s still in service today for Sporting clays. Here’s some simple observations culled from experience.
1–Use a first class outfitter. I’ve generally used Trek and they are great in all aspects and understand the realities of the situation and know how to deal with them.
2-Make sure they have an experienced person meet you when you come through customs. They know who to see and how to navigate the system with or without guns. If you don’t speak fluent Spanish, you’ll undoubtedly encounter people who are weak on understanding and speaking English.
3-Allow plenty of time between flight transfers and as has been suggested, get the gun booked to the final destination. Avoid Santiago Chile if you’re going to Córdoba. American now flies directly to Córdoba from Miami.
4-be aware that upon returning to the states, you must have your U.S. customs declaration form which describes the shotgun with serial number. You can’t get the gun back in the country without it.
5-This should actually have been #1. You have to take your gun to your closest Customs office for inspection and issuance of a customs form detailing the gun. Since they are generally at airports, I always went very early on a Sunday morning with the gun broken down to avoid a panic. Always check to make sure the serial number is correct. They once transposed two numbers on one of my guns and only my insistence on seeing a supervisor kept my gun from being confiscated. I was always polite and common sense prevailed along with my promise to get it corrected.
Renting guns costs 50-65 a day. You can generally get Beretta Silver Pigeons O/U’s and they are quite serviceable. Gun permits run several hundred so costs are a wash.
I shot pigeons and doves with a little fishing thrown in. Shells were $12 a box in any gauge. I used a Benelli 20 Montefeltro with a slip on pad I brought along for some length. The birds were plentiful, the food, wine and accommodations were superb.
If anyone needs anything further, please let me know. BD
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