[Fudgie Ghost]

I know this has been discussed here (or on one of these boards) many times--I tried doing a search, but I guess I don't know the right way to word it--came up with nothing, so at the risk of incurring ad nauseum, here is my question:

Have a friend who is a local (small suburban town) LEO. Is traveling to New England, and then into Canada. Mentioned to me about bringing handgun with him. I had remembered horror stories on TFL about American hunters having beaucoup troubles with Canadian authorities over LONG GUNS, much less the gun of the hand. So I told him emphatically, NO GOOD. "Canada is another country, literally, so don't even try it" I told him. He was then wondering if he could leave his piece with customs (US) before crossing over. This I don't know anything about. So if it's feasible, please let me know.

Is this accurate info, and would a LEO (local municip, not state or Federal) have an easier time of it? Told him I'd research this for him--I know there are some knowledgable LEO's on this board, so if you can confirm what I've told him, or enlighten me as to anything that may be different for him--sound off!

[suvdrvr]

I live on the border with BC and a part of WA state, point roberts, is accessable only by water or you have to drive through BC to get their. Since its a part of the US, we have a county deputy stationed their 24/7. When ever their is a reason for the deputy to travel to the US or if a deputy has to go there to pick up a prisoner, They have to stop at the border and put their weapons in the trunk, sealed by the mounty. While they are in Canada, they can't have their weapon on them, I guess that when they are transporting a murdering rapist they have to hope that they won't need a weapon!

[Preacherman]

Basically, fahgeddabahdit! The Canadians have tightened up tremendously on what they'll allow, and handguns will only be allowed upon PRIOR issue of a permit. You can't get this at the border - it must be applied for weeks (probably months, given bureaucratic delays) in advance. The handguns must conform to certain requirements (e.g. barrels no shorter than 5"), and there must be a good reason for bringing them in (e.g. hunting - in which case, you'll have to send the hunting license in with your application for a handgun permit). Even with all these red tape measures dealt with, I know of several folks who had their handguns confiscated at the border because the local customs people weren't happy about something or other.

Also, whether you take in handguns or long guns, be advised that the Canadians will record the serial numbers of the weapons, and your own identification, and advise the BATFE of the fact that you own or were carrying these weapons.

[SDC]

Don't even TRY to bring a handgun into Canada unless you've got your paperwork done 6 ways from Sunday, or it will be confiscated by the shaved apes at Customs, and you will be refused entry (that's IF they find it, of course, and they pay particular attention to LEOs, because "everyone knows American cops always have a gun".) The only way that handguns have been allowed in in the past is for "sporting purposes", ie. Olympics, IPSC competition, etc., and carry for self-defence is not allowed regardless, unless you happen to be on the security detail of someone with a lot of pull. It's an ignorant situation, and I'd change it if I could, but it's really not worth the potential hassle. HTH

[falconer]

We shoot against the Canadian military academy (RMC) pistol team a couple times a year, and we always have them come down here instead of us trying to get into Canada with our guns. The Westpoint (USMA) team crossed the border to shoot against them and STILL had all sorts of problems and they had the US Military make the arrangements with the Canadian .gov ahead of time.

[Fudgie Ghost]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful. Have e-mailed your responses to my friend. Will save him large amount of aggravation---or worse.

[Standing Wolf]

You couldn't pay me to visit our socialist neighbor to the north.

[redbone]

For those with experience, another question along the same line -

Does it matter if an American citizen is traveling through Canada to go to Alaska? Say, for example, I am moving to Alaska. Can I move my rifles, pistols, and shotguns thru Canada?

Thanks.

RBH

[Preacherman]

Redbone - Not without all the rigmarole described above. If they're coming into Canada for any reason, they have to fully comply with Canadian law. There are no exceptions for "guns in transit".