Canadian Gun Law Questions

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InkEd

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This thread is a bit of a spin-off from the "imported ammo" thread. I am doing this to keep that thread on-topic and explore a subject of interesting discussion.

Obviously, the feedback from our Canadian members answers are appreciated along with their insight/viewpoint on our US gun laws.

(Perhaps somebody could post a short list FAQ's in this thread even.)

I would like to start of with all the basic stuff like age requirements for purchase, process for doing so, types of allowed and not-allowed firearms. Any import bans (like our Norinco ban), private sale regulations, rules for storage etc...

As you guys already know, we (US citizens) often know surprisingly little about your country despite sharing one of the longest borders in North America.

Thank you for any information provided and answering our questions.
 
One of the things not mentioned in is...

Can you just walk into a store (like Walmart) and buy as much ammo as you want? What kind of records are kept for ammo purchases? How great is it to be able to buy Norinco products still?
 
Ill start with a few basics.

To possess or acquire a firearm in Canada you must first obtain a PAL or Possession and Acquisition License.

There are 2 basic types of licenses non restricted and restricted.
A non restricted license allows you to purchase most long guns such as rifles and shotguns. A restricted license also slows you to purchase restricted firearms such as AR's, handguns, and short barreled rifles.

Some firearms such as AR's are classified as restricted along with handguns, and short barreled rifles.
Restricted firearms can only be used at approved ranges.
You require a permit to transport the firearm from your home to the range and it must be transported unloaded and trigger locked in an opaque locked container.

Non restricted firearms can be purchased over the counter.
Walk into the store, show your permit, walk out with firearm.
You can also purchase a non restricted firearm online or from another private party. You simply fax them or send them a photo of your PAL and they send you the firearm via Canada Post.

Restricted firearms require Government approval of transfer and can take quite long, as long as 4-6 weeks or more.
Even restricted firearms can be shipped directly to your home once approval is given.
 
One of the things not mentioned in is...

Can you just walk into a store (like Walmart) and buy as much ammo as you want? What kind of records are kept for ammo purchases? How great is it to be able to buy Norinco products still?
You can buy as much ammo as you wish.
You need to show your PAL.
There is no requirement for them to record the info on your PAL although some places do record your information. It is your business if you want to deal with these places.
I lack paranoia so I couldn't care less who takes down my info.
 
I'd say that joy derived from the purchase of slave labor manufactured firearms is counterbalanced by the 5 round rifle and 10 round handgun magazine limits.
Yes however it is legal to use a pistol mag in a rifle.
Example LAR 10 round pistol mag in AR-15 is legal.

Ps it is only semi auto rifles and shotguns that are limited to 5 rounds.

Yes we hate the fact that we can't use standard capacity mags which is why I am a member at a Vermont rod and gun club.
 
As you know we have a (stupid) ban on Norinco/Polytech products.
Many people want this overturned because they see how goofy it is to import everything from boxer-shorts to computer chips but not firearms and ammo. (We don't have any of their cars either, do you?) The Norinco stuff that was imported before the ban goes for a slight premium on the used market.

I was wondering if you could give some example of what brand new Norinco stuff sells for up there. Stuff like ARs, AKs, M-14s and ammunition.

Also, What happens if you let you gun/ammo purchasing license expire? Is it like a driver's license were you just get a ticket a d have to renew it or is more serious? (could they make you turn in your guns since they are registered? Or bring you up on illegal possession charges?)
 
I guess Sam Cade doesn't have anything else "made in china" in his home. :rolleyes:

A box of ammo is no different than a pair of Nike shoes. :scrutiny:
 
Since non restricted firearms are no longer registered who knows what would happen.
As far as restricted firearms they will give you a call then they will come to take them if you let the license lapse.
For $80.00/5 years I won't be letting it lapse.
We must also maintain a valid club membership or the club is required to report your lapsed membership.
Club membership requirements are provincial and not federal.
 
Can you sell a "non-registered" firearm privately like we can?

Gun:Cash:Swap. End of Transaction.

If not how do you sell your used firearms?
 
I use Magpul Pmags. I purchase them in Canada where they are riveted to 5 rounds.
When I go to The club in Vermont I drill out the rivet and shoot.
Before going back over the border I install a new rivet and head home.
 
I've never seen a riveted PMAG. Pics?

Norinco Prices?

Face to face sales?
For non restricted firearms you can sell them any way you want as long as you see the buyers PAL.
For restricted firearms you must hold on to the firearm till you are given notice that the transfer has been approved.
My Noveske was a private sale. It took 3 weeks for the transfer to be approved.
I saw it announced on a Canadian gun forum.
I contacted the seller with my PAL info and sent him the money. He began the transfer and gave me the reference number.
I called in and completed the transfer and waited for approval.
When the transfer was approved the seller packed up the rifle and shipped it to my home.

Norinco M305 (m14) $499
Norinco CQ-A (AR-15) M4 carbine style with removable handle 14.5" chrome lined barrel $650.00
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Norinco 5.56/223 Rem 55gr FMJ Case of 1600. This is brass cased, reloadable, non corrosive ammo. It comes in two 800 round cans in packs of 40 .

$C449 plus shipping and taxes. (vendor is SFRC) No export to US sales
 
Isn't it true that you will get hassled big time over a loaded handgun at your own house for self defense in Canada? Of course who is to know what in your house, but that is pretty strict and leaves you defenseless.

If that is true, that doesn't sound too good to me.
 
Wow! $499 for an M-14 variant! Are they as good as a Springfield Armory M1A? (Heck for the money who'd complain?)

How would you compare their AR quality to some of the brands we have here. Bushmaster? Colt? S&W? Rock River? Olympic?

I ask because I have NEVER seen a Norinco AR or M-14 (personally), their AKs I've seen were pretty decent. Is it the same?

Who do you contact with the info to do a transfer on a restricted firearm transfer?

What are the prices like on the US firearms? (Just give any example you like)
 
Some of the more positive attributes of the Canadian system:

With universal licensing, dealers can ship a non-restricted firearm directly to a firearm licensee in Canada via common carrier. Great for online sales. No waiting periods for purchases of non-restricted firearms. Only "official" waiting period is for your first license, not renewals.
 
Pardon my ignorance, has the US crisis affected availability of guns and ammo in Canada?
Guns not so much. A perfect example is my Stag 3G.
There is a 1 year wait in the USA.
The Canadian distributor has received 10 of them every couple of months.

Powder is beginning to be a bit of a problem.
55gr .224" projectiles are hard to find too.
I can still find primers for reasonable prices.
Remington UMC .223 for $8.99/20 still available.
.22lr still available at regular prices.
 
That ammo price is awesome!

It looks like there is pretty much no concealed carry for regular people? What about keeping one in your car? (Handgun.)
 
Wow! $499 for an M-14 variant! Are they as good as a Springfield Armory M1A? (Heck for the money who'd complain?)

How would you compare their AR quality to some of the brands we have here. Bushmaster? Colt? S&W? Rock River? Olympic?

I ask because I have NEVER seen a Norinco AR or M-14 (personally), their AKs I've seen were pretty decent. Is it the same?

Who do you contact with the info to do a transfer on a restricted firearm transfer?

What are the prices like on the US firearms? (Just give any example you like)
Quality on the M-14 is quite good.
The AR's shoot quite well but the finish isn't up to par with most quality AR's
I don't know about the latest batch which some are saying are better.

Daniel Defense M4 V5 $1639.00
 
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