I was wondering, are handguns legal to own in Canada? I thought I heard that Canada doesn't allow guns to be used for self-defense. I wasn't sure what that meant. Hunters sometimes use handguns, but seems like non-hunters are not very aware of that.
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State of handguns in Canada?
- Thread starter Riverblue
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Oh, Brother...
Handguns in Canada? Yes, you can own them, BUT:
-NO hunting
-NO plinking or other informal shooting
-NO self defense, which also means
-NO concealed carry
-NO loading of a "restricted weapon" (handgun) except in a place where it can be legally fired, which is ONLY...
-at a government approved range, for the purpose of "target practice". (Having a loaded handgun in your house is an OFFENSE). You can't even legally take the gun out of your house ON YOUR OWN LAND.
-NO transport of the handgun without a permit to go to the range.
-NO transport of the handgun unless trigger-locked inside a locked box.
-NO buying of ammunition for the handgun unless you prove you own the gun legally.
There's more, a LOT more, but that should give you an idea. Gaining legal possession of your first handgun typically takes a year or more to jump through all the hoops (including VERY INVASIVE questions about your relationship with your significant other, interrogation of neighbors, mental health, etc. plus character references from clergy, legal profession, law enforcement or whatever.)
I escaped that country 10 years ago, after living under the increasingly stupid and obstructionist regulations for fifty years (and not just gun regs, either). I've been grateful for that escape every day since I crossed the border.
Handguns in Canada? Yes, you can own them, BUT:
-NO hunting
-NO plinking or other informal shooting
-NO self defense, which also means
-NO concealed carry
-NO loading of a "restricted weapon" (handgun) except in a place where it can be legally fired, which is ONLY...
-at a government approved range, for the purpose of "target practice". (Having a loaded handgun in your house is an OFFENSE). You can't even legally take the gun out of your house ON YOUR OWN LAND.
-NO transport of the handgun without a permit to go to the range.
-NO transport of the handgun unless trigger-locked inside a locked box.
-NO buying of ammunition for the handgun unless you prove you own the gun legally.
There's more, a LOT more, but that should give you an idea. Gaining legal possession of your first handgun typically takes a year or more to jump through all the hoops (including VERY INVASIVE questions about your relationship with your significant other, interrogation of neighbors, mental health, etc. plus character references from clergy, legal profession, law enforcement or whatever.)
I escaped that country 10 years ago, after living under the increasingly stupid and obstructionist regulations for fifty years (and not just gun regs, either). I've been grateful for that escape every day since I crossed the border.
(and not just gun regs, either). I've been grateful for that escape every day since I crossed the border.
Amen.
How I know the feeling.
damien
Member
Handgun laws:
Go to Toronto. Buy one cheap.
Go to Toronto. Buy one cheap.
MD_Willington
Member
PM Thad here, he just picked up an XD... he can give you an idea on the subject... Not sure what the rules are now, but last time I shot a pistol in Canada was in 97/98... on private property.
Thad
Member
Quote:Gaining legal possession of your first handgun typically takes a year or more.
Not true, as soon as you take your restricted firearms test and pass you will receive your PAL (possession aquistion licence) Once you have that go buy how many handguns you want. Once you buy it they call Canada Firearms, to register it. Now this can take up to seven days, it has not taken more than three and as little time as one day. I have sixteen handguns all new from the dealer, my Kimber took six hours to register. So it is a pain to do but hey we can get them.
Quote: NO transport of the handgun without a permit to go to the range.
Yes you must also aquire a ATT(authorization to transport) this allows you to take it to the range, gunsmith, or move it. This licence costs nothing and is good for all you firearms.
Barrel length is another point of contention, it must be 4 1/4 inches long or it is considered a prohibited firearm.
Yes there is more as I have posted before, all this info is here:
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Not true, as soon as you take your restricted firearms test and pass you will receive your PAL (possession aquistion licence) Once you have that go buy how many handguns you want. Once you buy it they call Canada Firearms, to register it. Now this can take up to seven days, it has not taken more than three and as little time as one day. I have sixteen handguns all new from the dealer, my Kimber took six hours to register. So it is a pain to do but hey we can get them.
Quote: NO transport of the handgun without a permit to go to the range.
Yes you must also aquire a ATT(authorization to transport) this allows you to take it to the range, gunsmith, or move it. This licence costs nothing and is good for all you firearms.
Barrel length is another point of contention, it must be 4 1/4 inches long or it is considered a prohibited firearm.
Yes there is more as I have posted before, all this info is here:
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca
Let me copy a rant I had recently about gun ownership in Canada:
Those are the laws regarding "unrestricted" firearms (haha) for restricted and prohibted classes such as all handguns the laws are even more strict.
So self defense with a firearm unless you are LEO will usualy result in prosecution in Canada.
The main difference, which unconstitutional laws within the USA have clouded in understanding for US citizens is that the USA has the second amendment and a system where unconstitutional rulings can be overturned. In Canada it is majority rule, and a right or law in regards to firearms can readily be taken away at a moment's notice if the parliment decides.
This is the difference between absolute democracy, as in Canada, and representative democracy with absolute rights provided by the constitution, and specificly the first 10 amendments in the USA. A mere majority of over 50% is not supposed to be able to remove any right in the US. In Canada anything 50%+ of officials vote on can become law. Technicaly the Bill of Rights is supposed to be sacred and unchanging, but through interpretation the SCOTUS can change it even though they took and oath to adhere to it and are supposed to make decisions based on thier real understanding of it, not on what they feel it should mean.
Now in practice the US has been allowing itself to slip away from the constitution (because congress and states are passing laws contrary to the constitution), but legaly that is the primary difference, and because of that passage of restrictions is much harder in the USA because they know that if they do too much the SCOTUS can overturn and set a precedence to undo gun laws. However the opposite side is that if such restrictions are passed and the SCOTUS rules in favor of them, gun rights are permanently tarnished, so both sides are very cautious in the passage of legislation that could set a precedence in favor of the other side unless the bench is currently held by people they are confident will interprete in thier favor.
http://panda.com/canadaguns/ was a good reference I found for general understanding of firearm laws for Canada.
In law Canadians have no RIGHT to firearm ownership, merely the privelidge of what the government decides is allowed through majority rule. In America it is an obsolute right that shall not be infringed and so is not legaly supposed to be capable of being legislated away. In practice though the right has been turned into a privelidge even in the USA through the necessity of compliance of regulations unconstitutionaly imposed on ownership.
So there is in most educated people's understanding a major difference, as there is supposed to be via the second, but in practice the difference is not as great.
In practical terms though many firearms are far easier to own and use in the united states with the exception of a few. Capacity limitations for example are also much more restrictive in canada and there is more laws pertaining to the firing mechanism. Just browse the long list of restrictions in the link I provided.
I think the most important difference is that the right to self defense with a firearm in Canada is all but null and void through the intricate details of the law. So in America the second was specificly created for the right pertaining to personal and community self defense by individuals, and the entire purpose for firearm ownership protection through the 2nd amendment is to that end. While sport use of them in recreation, and in hunting is just an additional bonus. In Canada the privelidge is granted for hunting and sport use, and never is intended for defense against other human beings.
There is many intricate details that would take a long time to go over, but in general canadians have less rights in ownership, more restrictions, and usualy in practice far less rights to self defense even with ownership. Firearm storage laws are strict and All firearms must be stored unloaded which means defending yourself means you took time to load the firearm which can be used to show you may have been able to escape or do something else. If the firearm was loaded when you picked it up and defended yourself then you were illegaly storing the firearm. They must also be rendered incapable of being fired:im sorry but i thought you could nt owen firearms in canada
The only exception listed is :Non-restricted firearms must be rendered unable to be fired by one of the following measures:
using a secure locking device
removing the bolt or bolt carrier
locking in a sturdy, secure container or room that cannot be easily broken open or into
In addition, the non-restricted firearms must be in a place where ammunition for the firearm is not easy to obtain. Ammunition may be stored with the firearm if it is securely locked in a sturdy container that cannot be easily broken open or into (the firarms can also be stored in such a container with the ammunition).
Notice if discharging the firearm would not be breaking the law in that location. That means technicaly the right to self defense with a firearm in all but the most remote locations is an impracticality under the law. To be readily available for self defense one must be breaking the law in storage.An exception is made for non-restricted firearms being used for predator control in areas where it is legal to discharge a firearm. An unloaded firearm used for predator control can be temporarily stored unlocked and out in the open if the firearms can be discharged at that location without breaking a law.
Those are the laws regarding "unrestricted" firearms (haha) for restricted and prohibted classes such as all handguns the laws are even more strict.
So self defense with a firearm unless you are LEO will usualy result in prosecution in Canada.
The main difference, which unconstitutional laws within the USA have clouded in understanding for US citizens is that the USA has the second amendment and a system where unconstitutional rulings can be overturned. In Canada it is majority rule, and a right or law in regards to firearms can readily be taken away at a moment's notice if the parliment decides.
This is the difference between absolute democracy, as in Canada, and representative democracy with absolute rights provided by the constitution, and specificly the first 10 amendments in the USA. A mere majority of over 50% is not supposed to be able to remove any right in the US. In Canada anything 50%+ of officials vote on can become law. Technicaly the Bill of Rights is supposed to be sacred and unchanging, but through interpretation the SCOTUS can change it even though they took and oath to adhere to it and are supposed to make decisions based on thier real understanding of it, not on what they feel it should mean.
Now in practice the US has been allowing itself to slip away from the constitution (because congress and states are passing laws contrary to the constitution), but legaly that is the primary difference, and because of that passage of restrictions is much harder in the USA because they know that if they do too much the SCOTUS can overturn and set a precedence to undo gun laws. However the opposite side is that if such restrictions are passed and the SCOTUS rules in favor of them, gun rights are permanently tarnished, so both sides are very cautious in the passage of legislation that could set a precedence in favor of the other side unless the bench is currently held by people they are confident will interprete in thier favor.
http://panda.com/canadaguns/ was a good reference I found for general understanding of firearm laws for Canada.
In law Canadians have no RIGHT to firearm ownership, merely the privelidge of what the government decides is allowed through majority rule. In America it is an obsolute right that shall not be infringed and so is not legaly supposed to be capable of being legislated away. In practice though the right has been turned into a privelidge even in the USA through the necessity of compliance of regulations unconstitutionaly imposed on ownership.
So there is in most educated people's understanding a major difference, as there is supposed to be via the second, but in practice the difference is not as great.
In practical terms though many firearms are far easier to own and use in the united states with the exception of a few. Capacity limitations for example are also much more restrictive in canada and there is more laws pertaining to the firing mechanism. Just browse the long list of restrictions in the link I provided.
I think the most important difference is that the right to self defense with a firearm in Canada is all but null and void through the intricate details of the law. So in America the second was specificly created for the right pertaining to personal and community self defense by individuals, and the entire purpose for firearm ownership protection through the 2nd amendment is to that end. While sport use of them in recreation, and in hunting is just an additional bonus. In Canada the privelidge is granted for hunting and sport use, and never is intended for defense against other human beings.
Bottom line is they can get them, but they have no right to self defense with a firearm. The laws and the storage regulations reflect this. The only purpose of a firearm in Canada is against animal predators, to hunt, and to take to a designated area to shoot as a sport.
Now Canadian citizens may choose to do otherwise, but they are adopting an outlaw mentality if they view a firearm as an item to be used defensively against predatory people. They will also have to break laws to turn this mentality into reality. Gun storage laws, ammo storage laws, etc.
They cannot have more than 5 rounds in a rifle, or 10 rounds in a handgun.
The list of prohibitive items is massive, making almost all US states appear very favorable.
Ironicly they are less restrictive on factory short barrels than the US on long guns (however considering just applying for permission to have a firearm is more effort than the whole NFA process, its not really less intrusive.
Now Canadian citizens may choose to do otherwise, but they are adopting an outlaw mentality if they view a firearm as an item to be used defensively against predatory people. They will also have to break laws to turn this mentality into reality. Gun storage laws, ammo storage laws, etc.
They cannot have more than 5 rounds in a rifle, or 10 rounds in a handgun.
The list of prohibitive items is massive, making almost all US states appear very favorable.
Ironicly they are less restrictive on factory short barrels than the US on long guns (however considering just applying for permission to have a firearm is more effort than the whole NFA process, its not really less intrusive.
Prince Yamato
Member
Here's a flowery tale about Canadian gun history planted be me. (may contain slight inaccuracies)
Once upon a time, all Canadians were laid back and cool. They're were a hodge podge of French Trappers, English Gentleman, and Cowboys (or Caribou boys as it were). In fact, they were a lot like Americans, until they started spelling the endings of ER words with RE, but we forgave them from the centre...er... center, of our hearts.
Guns were free flowing until 1923ish, when you had to register Handguns with the gov't. Oh well, said the Canadians, we still have our Long guns and heck, we can even own unregulated machineguns!
The 1960s rolled around and Canada became increasingly liberal and with that came a socialist government.
1975/78 rolls around and the government decides to classify full-autos as prohibited weapons. No more full autos except for the elite "collectors".
1996 rolls around, Canada is fully controlled by the socialists of the Liberal and NDP parties. Some looney (not currency) goes and shoots up a bunch of kids in Montreal. A country of relatively low violence has absolutely no concept of how to react to this. The liberals decide, "we need to ban AWs and we need to register all guns".
2006/2007. Stephen Harper, a member of the New Conservative Party takes power and abolishes the need to register new Long Guns. Prince Yamato, a former resident of Canada, calls his office and congratulates him on political victory. The liberals and NDP scream that this will lead to new violence. Soon after, a student at the same montreal school where the FIRST shooting took place, uses a REGISTERED long gun (a beretta cx4 carbine) and shoots at MORE people, proving that the registry failed.
Current day: Liberals and NDP consistently complain about lax gun laws and blame the US and stolen guns from Canadian collectors for the proliferation of handguns in Canada. Gov't controlled media (CP24, CBC, MuchMusic) feed the Canadian public lies that their country is unsafe because of law abiding citizens and their neighbors to the south (US). Torontonians buy this garbage. Toronto = Canada. Ottawa, where Parliament is = Torontonian mentality with gov't power.
And they all lived Crappily ever after...
Once upon a time, all Canadians were laid back and cool. They're were a hodge podge of French Trappers, English Gentleman, and Cowboys (or Caribou boys as it were). In fact, they were a lot like Americans, until they started spelling the endings of ER words with RE, but we forgave them from the centre...er... center, of our hearts.
Guns were free flowing until 1923ish, when you had to register Handguns with the gov't. Oh well, said the Canadians, we still have our Long guns and heck, we can even own unregulated machineguns!
The 1960s rolled around and Canada became increasingly liberal and with that came a socialist government.
1975/78 rolls around and the government decides to classify full-autos as prohibited weapons. No more full autos except for the elite "collectors".
1996 rolls around, Canada is fully controlled by the socialists of the Liberal and NDP parties. Some looney (not currency) goes and shoots up a bunch of kids in Montreal. A country of relatively low violence has absolutely no concept of how to react to this. The liberals decide, "we need to ban AWs and we need to register all guns".
2006/2007. Stephen Harper, a member of the New Conservative Party takes power and abolishes the need to register new Long Guns. Prince Yamato, a former resident of Canada, calls his office and congratulates him on political victory. The liberals and NDP scream that this will lead to new violence. Soon after, a student at the same montreal school where the FIRST shooting took place, uses a REGISTERED long gun (a beretta cx4 carbine) and shoots at MORE people, proving that the registry failed.
Current day: Liberals and NDP consistently complain about lax gun laws and blame the US and stolen guns from Canadian collectors for the proliferation of handguns in Canada. Gov't controlled media (CP24, CBC, MuchMusic) feed the Canadian public lies that their country is unsafe because of law abiding citizens and their neighbors to the south (US). Torontonians buy this garbage. Toronto = Canada. Ottawa, where Parliament is = Torontonian mentality with gov't power.
And they all lived Crappily ever after...
Thad
Member
Quote:2006/2007. Stephen Harper, a member of the New Conservative Party takes power and abolishes the need to register new Long Guns.
He made it so we no longer pay to register, but we still do register long guns and handguns.
He made it so we no longer pay to register, but we still do register long guns and handguns.
Nomad101bc
Member
Glad gun control is working out for them. If but one person in the crowd had concealed carry then on that day there would be only one casaulty....
From what you're all describing, Canada sounds like a horrendous place to be a gun owner. (Although apparently Britain would be worse, with no guns allowed at all.) Not allowing the use of guns for self-defense, especially in one's own home, is the most idiotic thing. I live in a US state where concealed carry is "limited issue" rather than "shall issue", and I thought it was bad enough that in my state I wasn't allowed concealed carry, something I consider should be an essential part of the basic human right to self-defense. I checked the Canada laws that Thad from Victoria BC shared a link to, and one can't even own a J-frame in Canada. No handguns with less than a 4" barrel are allowed. No wonder BruceB is in Nevada now! Remind me not to get too enthused about the beautiful Canadian wilderness!
romma
Member
There is one big plus. We can freely import and export arms without any part origin counts.
And then stare at them...
island
Member
ServiceSoon
Member
Quote:There is one big plus. We can freely import and export arms without any part origin counts.
And then stare at them...
Foul! Game on.
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