SUPREME COURT OF CANADA RULES THAT AIR GUNS ARE "FIREARMS" Date: Thursday, Novembe

Although to their credit NFA has lobbied for ME - a much more realistic measure than velocity - to be the parameter to define a firearm it is important to note that it only takes 20 ft-lb applied in the proper spot on a human body to take a life. Permanent maiming and intimidation happen at even lower thresholds and common wisdom is that far too many fatalities / injuries are the result of the misuse of the lowly 22, a firearm that few would choose to take to a gunfight.

Can't say I like the SCC decision, I really don't, but air guns are not "harmless" and have to be treated like any other firearm so now this is law and it is codified.

Like one poster said, follow the rules that you know are out there and you're good to go.
 
OhCanada said:
It is useless to talk about how airguns should not be classed as firearms, the fact is that they are when over 495fps or 500fps depending on where you read. Shouldn't be, but it is a done deal. They have now used just one case, after so many cases occuring before (many in decades btw) to toss in a new class of "medium power" airguns; this only after the Ottawa event.

On one hand the government calls one of their own with a gun a hero, yet seek out to make all others with guns as criminals by paper.

This is just another nail in the coffin on our rights, just another road to the UK.

PS: with this "medium power" ruling, are air pistols in the medium range going to be concidered a restricted firearm?
Click to expand...

Now that sir, amidst all of the noise and blather, is a really good question!!!!!!!

Firearm, concealable, not generally used for sport or hunting .............. hmmmm.

This opens up a huge can of worms for someone to get charged and have to work work through the courts to be resolved. That will be yummy.

Just don't do what the guy on the subway did in the concealed weapon case - joked that he was off on a shooting spree.
 
OhCanada said:
It is useless to talk about how airguns should not be classed as firearms, the fact is that they are when over 495fps or 500fps depending on where you read. Shouldn't be, but it is a done deal. They have now used just one case, after so many cases occuring before (many in decades btw) to toss in a new class of "medium power" airguns; this only after the Ottawa event.

On one hand the government calls one of their own with a gun a hero, yet seek out to make all others with guns as criminals by paper.

This is just another nail in the coffin on our rights, just another road to the UK.

PS: with this "medium power" ruling, are air pistols in the medium range going to be concidered a restricted firearm?
Click to expand...

Did some reading since you asked the question and it looks like air pistols are exempt from registration which I interpret as non restricted. I'm no expert though so you're on your own.
 
Linus said:
Under 500 fps airguns are still exempt from the regulatory provisions of the Criminal Code including licensing, registration and the safe storage regulations because they are exempted from those rules because Section 84(3) of the Criminal Code specifically exempts them.
Click to expand...

I thought this SCC ruling added safe storage & transportation to air guns, but not licensing and registration.
(just the "careless" criminal code versions of storage & transport, since the regulations are 'non-restricted, restricted and prohibited' and air guns are not yet 'non restricted')

Hence Bill C-637 to fix that.
http://www.robertsopuck.ca/news-rid...bill-to-amend-low-velocity-rifle-definitions/

Bill C-637 said:
1. Section 84 of the Criminal Code is amended by adding the following after subsection (3.1):

Transportation and storage

(3.2) For the purposes of section 86 and the provisions of the Firearms Act as they relate to the transportation and storage of firearms, a barrelled weapon is deemed not to be a firearm if it is proved that the weapon is not designed or adapted to discharge

(a) a shot, bullet or other projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second or at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules; or
(b) a shot, bullet or other projectile that is designed or adapted to attain a velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second or an energy exceeding 5.7 Joules.

-- http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6801717&File=4
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
oneguy said:
Oh. Well I don't want that.

But, is a sub 500fps air rifle ok to shoot at work? My work is in the city. I could set up cans etc....
Click to expand...

Sadly no, in most cities/towns. The local municipalities often have firearm discharge bylaws and airguns fall within the definitions of most of them.
 
44fordy said:
One day, these phucktard govt's will get their wish, and truly disarm their citizenry.

Approximately about the same time that Russia, China and every freedom-hating terrorist decide to unleash hell in North America.

And here will stand, strong and free with our pekkers in our hands.

I'll see all the freedom haters in hell!! Don't worry, I'll save some seats!
Click to expand...

It will cost too much money for that, especially without the registry. Plus, only the criminals would be armed then lol
 
So this is what I received from the CFP

"Thank you for your inquiry.

Attached, for your information, is the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) fact sheet titled Air Guns, as well as Replica Firearms, also available on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) web site at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/index-eng.htm.

Please note that there is no change to air guns for the purpose of the Firearms Act. Air guns with a maximum muzzle velocity of 152.4 meters or 500 feet per second and/or a maximum muzzle energy of 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot pounds are exempt from licensing, registration, and other requirements under the Firearms Act, and from penalties set out in the Criminal Code for possessing a firearm without a valid licence or registration certificate.

However, they are considered to be firearms under the Criminal Code if they are used to commit a crime. Anyone who uses such an air gun to commit a crime faces the same penalties as someone who uses a regular firearm.

The simple possession, acquisition and use of these air guns for lawful purposes are regulated more by provincial and municipal laws and by-laws than by federal law. For example, some provinces may have set a minimum age for acquiring such an air gun. For more information, please contact your local or provincial authorities.

These air guns are exempt from the specific safe storage, transportation and handling requirements set out in the regulations supporting the Firearms Act. However, the Criminal Code requires that reasonable precautions be taken to use, carry, handle, store, transport and ship them in a safe and secure manner."

Is it just me or are they saying something different than the SCC?

~C~
 
Yes, I think the problem arises when a person is waving them around in public, especially in an area where discharge would be illegal.
 
mephiskapheles6 said:
Sent an email to my MP about this...still waiting to hear back from him.
Click to expand...

The pen-ultimate law makers of this land have already spoken. Unfortunately not so good.

I suggest the best future strategy might include; user discretion, a grey area and a thick shroud of mystery.

Your favorite shooting sport=Rumors of the Loch Ness Monster
 
Jeepers, my Bug a Salt gun could be lethal....

Check the air gun forum for my tests today on the patterns of this salty gun, it is awesome, if you are a bug

I feel much more secure now I have this gun - NOT!
 
Last edited:
From the Corporation of Delta, BC:

https://delta.civicweb.net/document... .pdf?handle=47EFD85C5853482EAB7720F7E4C7369A

The Municipal Council of The Corporation of Delta, in open meeting assembled hereby ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. This Bylaw may be cited as the "DISCHARGE OF FIREARMS REGULATION BYLAW NO. 2155, 1974".
2. For the purposes of this Bylaw the word:
"Firearm" means a rifle, pistol, or shotgun and includes air guns, air rifles, air pistols spring guns but does not include weapons used for the discharge of blank ammunition in connection
with an athletic or sporting event.
3. "Public Highway" means highway as defined in the "Municipal Act".
4. The provisions of this Bylaw shall not apply to Peace Officers required to use firearms in the line of duty.
5. No person shall discharge a firearm within or into those areas prohibited to the discharge of firearms as shown on Schedule "A" attached hereto and as hereinafter provided.
6. No person shall discharge a firearm utilizing a single projectile within the Municipality except as specifically provided under Section 7(c) and Section 8 hereof.
7. A permit to allow the discharge of firearms within the Municipality shall be required:
(a) for the operation of a pistol, rifle, trap and/or skeet shooting range, and
(b) for an organized trap or skeet shooting event not located on a shooting range permitted to operate under this bylaw, and
(c) when the discharge of firearms is to be conducted by a person who is the holder of a valid resident trapping licence and a resident hunting or firearms licence issued by the Province of British Columbia who has produced written permission from the owner or the lessee of the lands upon which he proposes to operate his trap line.
A permit for the discharge of firearms may be issued providing the applicant is covered by an existing public liability and property damage insurance policy in the minimum amount of $100,000.00 validated for the duration of the permit.
Amend. BL 3074, 1980
8. Notwithstanding Sections 6 and 7 hereof, but subject to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Wildlife Act and regulations thereto, a person may discharge a firearm within the Municipality without first obtaining a permit therefor when:
(a) he is engaged in a farm operation and the firearm is discharged for the purpose of protecting his crops or livestock from birds or animals;
(b) he is engaged in the humane destruction or slaughter of domestic livestock, or
(c) he is engaged in a commercial slaughterhouse operation, or
(d) he is engaged in shooting on a pistol, rifle, trap or skeet shooting range duly authorized by a permit pursuant to Section 7 of this Bylaw.

and blah blah blah.

No distinction for under 500 ft/sec.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom