1. You don't have to look for a fight if you don't want to. It's a matter with potentially grave consequences for the end user and hence, it would be in the best interest of the buyers to know where they stand legally. I'm on your side - I like the rifle and wish to buy it - but am not sure if legally this passes the sniff test.
2. " I have stated that the WK180-C meets all the criteria for a non restricted firearm." - It MEETS but IT IS NOT - because the RCMP is the ONLY authority in this land who can proclaim the rifle to the Non Restricted. Seems to me that in the absence of a classification from the RCMP the responsibility for purchasing and using this rifle is being transferred to the buyer.
3. Bolt Actions are not the issue here - semi automatic firearms with unclear lineage that do not have an FRT are.
Now that I REALLY start thinking about this over my Whisky, I cannot help but ask myself one question: "Why ?". Why would a well respected firearm retailer be willing to circumvent the existing classification process and rush a rifle to the market knowing full well that may very well be challenged ? I don't doubt your well intentioned motivations, but I cannot help but wonder. Why not just submit it for verification and wait for the ruling prior to putting it for sale ? What do you know that we don't ?
I fear the answer to these questions will be the difference between all of us enjoying the rifle to it's fullest extent and some unlucky WK180C owners playing Bingo behind bars while the rifle is being debated.
What?? Go read the law's definition of the classification of firearms... you don't need an FRT entry.
The fact that the RCMP hasn't 'declared' this as non-restricted CERTAINLY doesn't invalidate that it is a non-restricted firearm, by definition.
Again, as of now:
Given that there are three classes of firearms in Canada: Prohibited, Restricted, and Non-Restricted;
Is the WK180C a firearm (as per definition)? -> Yes
Is the WK180C named as prohibited or restricted firearm? -> No
Does the WK180C have physical dimensions/features that make it prohibited or restricted firearm? -> No
If the WK180C is a firearm, and it is not a prohibited or restricted firearm, then the WK180C is a non-restricted firearm.
After 'now', the only saving grace the RCMP has left is the "easily converted to fire automatic" clause to POSSIBLY classify the WK180C anything else than 'non-restricted'.
Wolverine did mention that the WK180C doesn't have an FRT entry at the moment. The buyer now knows this, and purchases the WK180C, and assumes ANY and ALL 'consequences' of this current FACT. Whoever doesn't feel comfortable buying it now, well don't buy it!