Replies to post #22348 on GUNS/BARMS (GUNS)

[gp100357]

I don't either. PMS knows though and can tell you for sure. She went through the drill and bought a couple of handguns and joined shooting clubs, which I think she had to do to buy the handguns.

I'd go nuts. My last handgun took about 7 minutes to buy, from entering the store to leaving with it. That's the way it should be.

[PMS Witch]

Moving to a new address in Canada. . .

Currently, owners of restricted firearms need a one-time license to transport their guns from their old residence to their new. This license can be acquired over the telephone. A reference number is given, and for the extra cautious, they'll also send a FAX if you request it.

This license to transport to a new residence is needed even if one already has a license to transport to shooting ranges. (When I moved, my new home was located on the road I took to get to the range. Still needed the paperwork for the move though!)

Years ago, one needed to appear in person at the nearest police station and they'd do the paperwork while you waited. They'd use "White Out" and a pen on your permit to transport. You'd receive new registration certificates about a month later.

To my knowledge, Canadians have never been required to have the police ship their guns when they moved to a new address. (They DID need to bring guns they purchased to the police station for them to complete the registration, but the police did not keep the gun; only verify the information was correct.)

Decades ago, local police could issue a "temporary" handgun registration. The "permanent" registration would arrive in a few months. Some police departments stopped this practice and began storing the gun until the permanent registration was issued. Trouble was, a few guns became rusty.

There was a "Grey" area here. People were never sure if they were allowed to use their guns while they were waiting for their permanent registration to arrive. Some authorities claimed the temporary registration was only partially valid: others disagreed. Common sense would see the ridiculousness. Holders of temporary registrations are demonstrating a desire to follow the law.

The "new" Canadian gun laws from 1995 cleared up much of the uncertainties. One cannot take possession until the gun is registered to them completely.

In a few ways, the "new" laws are a bit easier for shooters. Transactions that required a visit to the police can now be done by telephone. They can also be done evenings and weekends. Much of the confusion is gone too: You either have the paperwork or you don't.

Although I'm pleased about the changes coming our way, they have no impact on me because I do not own a rifle or shotgun.

Cheers, PW.

P.S. The old registration certificates were in the form of a plastic card. They changed to paper a few years ago. The paper disintegrates when it gets wet. This causes some grief for hunters.