CSSA Bulletin
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 14:11
Canadian Shooting Sports Association
SPECIAL BULLETIN
APRIL 25, 2005
Text Box: Walther G22 -
- -Fire control and magazine integrated into the rear of the stock
- -This gives an extremely short overall length of 720 mm in spite of the
optimal 508 mm barrel length
- -The first small-bore rifle in this class available in a genuine left-hand
version
- -Variable-length stock for a custom fit to the shooter. A 20 mm extension is
included.
- -Adjustable sliding sights
- -Weaver-style universal rail at the sight mount to accept optics
- -Weaver-style universal rail at the front sight mount to accept the Walther
laser
- -Weaver-style universal rail at the forearm for a bipod or other accessories
- -WALTHER "Safety package" consisting of a slide safety, cocking indicator,
magazine safety and integral lock to protect against unauthorized use
Government Determines Stock is Prohibited - But Not The Gun!!
We have received information that the RCMP has decided that the synthetic
"bullpup" stock attached to the Walter G22 Rifle is a prohibited device, but
the gun (minus stock) is non-restricted.
Say What???
That is correct. According to the Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC), "The
Walther G22 is, by definition, a non-restricted rifle. However, the stock
with which it is marketed is a bullpup stock and as such, a prohibited
device as defined at section 2 of Part 4 of the Schedule of the Regulations
Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of
Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as
Prohibited or Restricted. Those regulations were made under Part III of the
Criminal Code in 1998. Previously, bullpup stocks were prohibited by Order
in Council.
"The firearm itself has not been declared prohibited."
Confused? So are we. Originally, the Firearms Reference Table (FRT) stated
that the G22 is of "a bullpup design as opposed to being equipped with a
bullpup stock. As such it is correctly assigned a legal classification of
non-restricted."
Someone at the RCMP recently determined that the G22 has a bullpup stock
that is not integral to the rifle and that the rifle can be fired without
the stock attached. Therefore, the stock has been declared prohibited but
not the rifle. This could mean that any guns in dealer stock will have to be
stripped of their stocks or returned to sender and those who purchased one
will have to dismantle the rifle and destroy or surrender the offending
attachment - not very appealing alternatives.
And who will pay for this about face at CFC - you will. There may be no
compensation and the dealers and owners will lose their property -
confiscation.
It is interesting that this decision comes on the heels of a meeting we had
just a couple of weeks ago with senior officials from the CFC on the threat
to the Ruger Min-14. The statement was made that the CFC knew of no plans
whatsoever to prohibit the Mini-14 or any other gun. Is this what they mean
by keeping their word?
This situation is totally ridiculous and shows the stupidity of this Liberal
legislation. How could a 1 pound piece of plastic possibly be such a menace
to society that it must be declared a prohibited device and you could go to
jail for up to 10 years.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. If this ruling is allowed to stand, it
will give the bureaucrats at the CFC the power to ban any gun on a whim
without recourse or parliamentary scrutiny - a totally unacceptable
situation.