- Location
- Petawawa, Ontario
Let me answer the original question.
There are two logical reasons as to why would you carry a loaded handgun in a bush: self-defense or hunting. Both of which are not legit. Hence from the law prospective it becomes firearm-related offense.
The only legit reason would be target shooting on crown land. So you would be carrying the gun to the shooting spot - obviously it must be unloaded and not concealed whatever that means. As a peace of mind, I would print out FRT for the model, or better yet - obtain RCMP letter tied to this specific gun and serial, as a proof of A status.
But if you walk in a park or any other area where discharging firearm is not allowed and there is no no any spot you can legally discharge it nearby - you have no good reason to carry it even unloaded. It is still legal officially, like you can open carry your non-restricted rifle in a town right now - but that rather would be public disturbance, nuisance etc, and you still would have troubles with LE after they receive many calls about the weird person wondering around with a gun.
Bottom line: If the only reason you got an antique as a sort of permit to carry around a loaded gun, because it's not a gun - you will be disappointed
With that being said, I shoot my antiques only on a range without looking behind my shoulder. And it is not good range toy, tbh. Underpowered, inaccurate and expensive gun, which can brake down any moment.
The only good use of antique handgun - is a collectible display piece you can exhibit outside of a gun safe. Once in a while it becomes a talking point when new friend comes to my house for a beer.
I agree with you whole heartedly. I think this "antique" loop hole was initially for collectors because from my reading if you have a pistol manufactured prior to 1898 chambered in .22 rimfire it is not classified as an antique but as a restricted firearm.
The "antique" classification was made for basically handguns that would never or could never be fired because there is no commercial or over the counter ammo that can be purchased for it.
I just saw an 1873 Colt chambered in .44 special sell on CGN along with its antique letter. The post claimed new replacement cylinder and barrel. What the pistol was initially chambered in is the mystery but obviously not .44 special.
I am not a lawyer but I still feel in my gut that even if, and lets use the S&W Old Army .32 rimfire as an example, you loaded up some ammo with your H&L and you had it in a lock box and transported it onto crown land for target practice. Lets suppose, for the sake of argument, a CO or RCMP officer approaches you as you are firing away. I think, personally, that you would be screwed because that firearm in that instance belching black smoke is no longer classified as an "antique" as per the regulations.
I think people are being mislead when you see pistols advertised such as a Webley saying the cylinder was reamed to take .45 ACP using moon clips or a S&W chambered in .44 Russian when you can buy ammo over the counter.