Firearms in Mexico

Question
I'm planning to travel with my RV to Mexico and want to carry a 12 gauge shotgun in my RV (hidden and locked.) I may possibly do a bit of bird hunting while in Neuvo Laredo state with in-laws, but most likely I just want some kind of protection and security while traveling there. We often stop at gas stations and truck stops for the night, or dry camp on lonely stretches of beaches along the way. I know the penalties are very harsh for anyone caught with illegal firearms, and/or ammunition, so I want to try and do everything legally if possible. If it is impossible to get a permit, is there a way to conceal a long firearm in the RV so that it wouldn't be found, but still be available quickly if needed?
Do you have any experience, or knowledge of carrying firearms in Mexico? What do you suggest?
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Bob

Answer
Bob,

If you are interested in bringing your shotgun with you to Mexico you should first contact the Mexican consulate in your home country.  They can give you details on what you need to do to get a temporary gun licenses for sporting purposes which may be issued to tourists.

Mexican law provides penalties of at least five to as many as 30 years in prison for tourists who attempt to bring a firearm, or even a single round of ammunition, into Mexico without prior permission. In the past, the law was enforced stringently, even in cases where the violation was accidental.

In December 1998, however, the Mexican Congress enacted legislation relaxing the law for first-time, unintentional violations involving only a single gun. Now, first-timers will be fined $1,000, but not imprisoned. The exemption does not apply for military weapons or calibers - which by Mexican law means any handgun above .380 in caliber, as well as a wide variety of rifles.

You would be placing yourself and/or your family members at significant risk of arrest and imprisonment by taking an unauthorized firearm and/or ammunition across the border.  

As far as concealing a firearm in an RV, I would not care to comment on that as it would be an illegal act that could place you at risk of imprisonment.

Regards,

Doug