Gun storage near Canada/Montana border??

[BruceB]

By virtue of my concealed-carry permit, I can carry my handguns in many areas of the western USA.

However, I'm planning a hunting trip to Alberta this fall, and was wondering if anyone might know of a place near the Montana/Alberta border where firearms can be left for safekeeping, and later pick-up on the way home?

It's not a big deal, but I AM used to having one of my little friends along whenever possible. In Canada, that's good for time in the Graybar Hotel, so a USA-side storage facility would be very nice to find.

Any information would be much appreciated.

 

[mnrivrat]

Perhaps the local law inforcement near the border would stash one for you if you asked ? It might be a bit unusual for them but most western states have a more friendly attitude toward these things. If not, they may know of a local gun shop that woul be up to the task.

Then there may be someone on the high road here that lives in the area and would kep your buddy warm for ya !

 

[brighamr]

Look up an FFL near the border. Call him/her, explain situation and leave your guns with him/her.

OR, get something new for your carry piece and have it installed by a gunsmith in MT during your time in canada

 

[MMCSRET]

Check with Big Bear Sports in Great Falls or Capitol Sports in Helena

 

[Bob R]

Whatever you do, do not leave it in Browning!!! Depending on the gun, you may want to pay your fees and take it with you. I would check the regs to see if that is a possibility.

bob

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Gun Cleaning

I recently took one of my rifles to a local shop (North Idaho) and asked the resident gunsmith if he would clean it up for me, and when I came for in in a couple of weeks would he please show me the proper technique for field stripping and detail clean.

Cost me $40 for the cleaning, and no charge for the lesson in proper field strip and detail cleaning.

And during that time, the rifle was -- as the Brits say -- safe as houses.

I'm sure there are local shoppes in North Montana that have a resident gunsmith who can provide a cleaning service for a gun or two while you're out on business for a week or two.

Now all you need to do is find one of them.

 

[BruceB]

Thanks, y'all.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely do some follow-up, and I particularly like the idea of leaving it with a gunsmith.

Just yesterday, I looked at a "reciprocity map", and realized that I can now carry my concealed handgun LEGALLY from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. That is a nice feeling. I expect to see that "legal corridor" for Nevada CC permits to widen, but after fifty years' living in Canada, it's really a breath of freedom, and a real contrast to the insane laws north (and south) of the US .border.

Under no circumstances would I try to get a handgun into Canada. Even if it was legally accomplished, the restrictions are so incredibly severe that the gun would literally be useless.

 

[Ancient Mariner]

In an off the beaten path for a Canadian crossing in the town of Sumas, WA there is a sign as you approach the crossing that offers safe keeping of your weapon while you are in Canada. Don't know if this a common practice or not for other crossings. I do know that at the crossing in Glacier National Park this service was not available. But, this could have been because of the National Park. Hope this is of some help.

 

[upnorth]

I've used leroy's big valley gun works to import rifles to me here in canada... they may be able to store it for you. Also, have you contacted the supervisor at the canadian port you are crossing at? Generally, if you declare the handgun when you cross, they will hold it at the port until you pick it up on your way back out of the country. Perhaps you could contact the chief of the port and explain the situation. Canada customs may store it at the border for you.

 

[Bob R]

A lot depends on where you plan on crossing the border at also. If using I15 you may want to try a FFL in Shelby.

If crossing at one of the smaller crossings you may have to opt for storage in a town further away from the border.

bob

 

[Bear Tracker]

I like the gun cleaning deal. There is a great place in Libby called Libby Sports Center. Very friendly. Great selection of gear, clothes, guns, ammo, fishing and some great game mounts. They have one of the largest Toms (cougar), I have ever seen mounted anywhere. Worth the trip just to see them. Take a ride up alone the Yaak and do some flyfish for rare Red Banded Trout.

Libby Sports Center
204 West 9th Street, Libby, MT 59923
phone: (406) 293-4641

BTW: Pickup a can of bear spray while you are there, especially if you are going fishing. With the stream noise you will never hear a bear until he is on top of you or you are on top of him. Never had any trouble with them yet, but you can always come across one that is a bit cranky (broken tooth, shot before, with cubs, hungry, too old to chase down something faster that you to eat, etc.)

 

[upnorth]

You can buy bear spray here, after signing a declaration stating you will only use it on 4 legged animals.