Bringing a rifle to spain help

[LonghairDontcare]

Hi all - Going on a 2 day hunt for chamois I won at a banquet. 2 days in the Pyrenese and then 2 in Barcelona. Bringing the wife and daughter. What is it like bringing the rifle there? I would prefer to bring my own as I have some funky eyesight going on and would prefer my own optics. IF it's a mega pain I could skip bringing and use the outfitters. Let me know. Thanks everyone.

 

[Antares]

What did the outfitter say when you asked?

 

[LonghairDontcare]

What did the outfitter say when you asked?

Either way was fine with him. Flying direct so that's not a concern of mine either.

 

[idig4au]

Ensure you have Customs Form 4457 filled out and signed off for rifle and scope PRIOR to flying internationally. Bring multiple copies with you when you travel as this will often become your “permit” with airlines and host country.

Your outfitter should help and take care of customs clearing upon arrival in Spain. May need a copy of Spain rifle permit to show airline when checking in. Some airlines request this, some don’t……

 

[CLP]

There is a special form that you will fill out approximately 60 days before your arrival in Spain. It will also have paperwork for your rifle. One that’s all signed and the additional information you have to include, you will send the hard copies to the Spanish Consulate that covers your area. About two weeks later they’ll send it back with permission to bring your rifle. Send that to your outfitter and they’ll help you clear it when you land in Spain. It’s a painful process but simple in nature and little to no hassle once you get to Spain. Hope that helps!

 

[LonghairDontcare]

Thank you @CLP - I will be staying an extra couple of days with my wife in Barcelona. Will it be a problem checking the rifle in to fly home without the outfitter present?

 

[Suera]

In Spain 90% of the outffiters have very good hunting equipment with reputable rifles and quality optics. I don't know what is your eye problem. But I think is easier to use the Spanish outfitter rifle, specially if you are going to tourism later. Flying with the rifle is always little hard

 

[406life]

If you're going to play tourist while there, which I highly recommend, then I'd suggest saving the hassle and using the outfitters gun. It should go without saying, but check the zero before going afield.

If you can find one, take in a bull fight. Catalonia banned it, but it wouldn't be far to go to get to one nearby. Your outfitter can help.

 

[LonghairDontcare]

Thanks gents. @Suera I had lasik surgery about a decade ago and my near sighted vision is degenerating. Some scopes just won’t “focus” for me as my eyes are trying to reconcile short distance objects with long ones. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. One model of vortex might work for me while a zeiss of the same magnification just looks blurry. It’s just a gamble of if his setup will agree with my weird eyes. I would much prefer to not have to bring my own. I’m leaning towards that and taking the chance. Thanks for everyone’s input.

 

[Suera]

Thanks gents. @Suera I had lasik surgery about a decade ago and my near sighted vision is degenerating. Some scopes just won’t “focus” for me as my eyes are trying to reconcile short distance objects with long ones. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. One model of vortex might work for me while a zeiss of the same magnification just looks blurry. It’s just a gamble of if his setup will agree with my weird eyes. I would much prefer to not have to bring my own. I’m leaning towards that and taking the chance. Thanks for everyone’s input.

Understand, your other option is bring your scope , talk with the outffiter to put it in his gun and zeroed it, then you will be sure that it will work.

 

[Short Track]

I hunted Spain, and then toured around for 2 weeks afterwards. So glad I left my rifle home. If your gun is stolen in Spain, you are 100% responsible for anything & everything that happens with your rifle. It's a serious crime.

Having said that, I could have easily chained it down to the rental car back seat, and drove around for 2 weeks, and no one would have known the difference. Just like here in the USA when I hunt, my rifle is chained down in the back of my truck with a literal lock and key. I have a steel cable lock. I heard too many sob stories. I take it 1 step further and cover it with a black sheet.

all in all, if I ever hunt Spain again, I will use the outfitters rifle again. He had all magnum ridiculous calibers. I told him no.. so he prepared a .270 with a Leupold. I made these arrangements in advance.

 

[Short Track]

and lastly, do you want to be worrying about a rifle for 2 weeks in a foreign country, and all the hassle involved. It's not worth it.