Stop for lunch on the way to the range?
- Thread starter Snagproof
- Start date
This sort of question comes up frequently. Honestly, this can sometimes be a bit of a grey area so you might want to consult a legal professional with any serious questions about the law.
The general consensus seems to be that you can stop for food or stay at a hotel if the range is a long way from home; this would appear to still satisfy the "reasonably direct" route condition on your LTATT. However, you could not stop for any appreciable period on your way to the range if it is relatively close to your place... I've checked and the powers that be don't care if you have to backtrack for an hour or two to pick up your guns to shoot after work so stopping for lunch and a movie on your way would likely be frowned upon. This said, I don't think anyone would find it unreasonable for you to stop for gas or pick up some fast food on your way. A two-hour sit down meal might be another question.
Anyway, the laws / regs are purposely ambiguous so if you ever ask yourself "would *blank* be okay," always assume it is not okay until you have the written word of the law telling you so. It's always better to err on the side of caution with the Firearms Act which gives overzealous beurocrats the power to go after you with the full force of criminal law for "paperwork" infractions.
WestIslandRifle
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- QUEBEKISTAN, Canada
you shouldn't but i do sometimes i just make sure its lock in a locked case in a locked trunk within sight of me
Don't give legal advise like this. It is useless. "reasonably direct'' is how it is written. You are giving YOUR interpretation of this.
There is NO wording on length of time in the act, ie "a two hour sit down meal might be another question"
My ATT says "reasonably direct" route, without any kind of time restrictions. It doesn't say that I can't stop, and reasonable isn't defined. I consider stopping for gas, food, etc at locations that are on a "reasonably direct" route to be in compliance with my ATT. Doesn't mean that they won't try to nail you though. I think a judge in Alberta would dismiss a charge but I can almost guarantee it would be a hassle.
You are correct that I have merely provided my informed interpretation of this (based on my own interactions with the CFC / BC-CFO regarding something very similar... see this thread: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?832130-Getting-clarification-from-CFC-CFO ). With regard to giving "legal advice," had you read my entire post carefully, you would have found that this was specifically addressed in the very first paragraph (quoted below in case you missed it).
