1911 pistol.

The sequence goes like this:
Register for the 4 day handgun course.
Receive confirmation of your enrolment.
Request the BATF form 6 and fill out all the info on it. Include your written confirmation of your registration. This process can be done by email or snail mail or fax. Two of us that went from Thunder Bay faxed the forms in together.
This form 6 requires that you enter the make, model, country of manufacturer, your underwear size (kidding there...). I stated the make, Norinco, model "two tone sport" 1911 45 ACP. Made in China.
Batf had no problem with me bringing the Norc into the US, so long as I made sure I took it back out with me. I never brought any ammo. I stated that I would purchase the ammo at the institute and it would all be expended there. Made things a lot easier.

Next you will need a special ATT to go through an international airport with your handgun. This is easy to obtain. A phone call to the Chief Provincial Firearms Officer, followed by a fax of your written confirmation of attendance at the course, copy of your BATF form 6, approved by the batf, and you're good to go. This additional ATT is good for one year. At the suggestion of the CPFO, I had several international airports added to this ATT. My original club ATT remains unchanged.

I carried a copy of all my paperwork on my person, all the time. Extra copies were carried in my range bag, suitcase, and in the lockable steel case I used to transport the pistol in my luggage. (Must be in checked luggage).

My experience in airports in both US and Canada customs was better than excellent. I identified that I had a handgun in my luggage, and that I had all the appropriate documentation right here in my hand. After all the bells and whistles went off, (kidding again...) the clerk went and found someone who knew what to do. I went off to a separate room where the customs folks wanted to see if the gun matched the documentation. (logical) Most of the conversation revolved around the four day shoot I was going to and what a blast it was going to be. I had the same experience in both Canadian and US customs. I kinda think the US customs guys just wanted to fondle a Norinco.

My advice is if you make a conscious effort to make the customs officer's job easier for him/her, the probability of having a smooth journey through customs increases dramatically.

I carried all that documentation around with me the whole time I was on US soil. The only time I ever needed it was at airport customs.

Would I go again? Hell yeah. They took this old senior from never drawing from a holster to drawing from concealed and putting two in the thoracic cavity in .9 secs. with a box stock norinco. I know you young bucks are probably a lot faster than that, but they sure taught this old dog a lot of new tricks in four days.

edit.. I'm not that smart to figure all this procedure on my own. The good friend I went with from Thunder Bay had been to Front Sight twice already and walked me through the process. If anyone has any questions about the process itself, I'd be happy to answer them. I'll check back a little more often.
 
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This form 6 requires that you enter the make, model, country of manufacturer, your underwear size (kidding there...). I stated the make, Norinco, model "two tone sport" 1911 45 ACP. Made in China.

Batf had no problem with me bringing the Norc into the US, so long as I made sure I took it back out with me. I nvere brought any ammo. I stated that I would purchase the ammo at the institute and it would all be expended there. Made things a lot easier.

thats interesting. They've been banned from import for a while now, but I suppose there's no reason to not allow temporary import.
 
OP - I've compared SAM's and Ruger's side by side - I'd give the nod to the SAM's. Tighter, smoother and better trigger. Ruger's warranty service is by all accounts excellent, but the SAM's are brought in by Wolverine so that's a draw. The money you save is better used on ammo. The Military Enhanced for $510 is a steal, as are the 2 Commander length guns for $525. Money left over will get you a case of ammo and a decent holster.

How does the SAM shoot " POA" ?? is it right on the money. After reading this, I am very tempted to get one. Are the COMMANDER versions as accurate ?? I have found that the full size 1911 is always more accurate. Thanks in advance.
 
There are a lot of choices. I am in the same boat, I shot my friends ruger 1911 the other day. It was nice and everything one could want in a $800 nice looking gun, but it rattled around like a can of marbles. I couldn't get over that. I won't be buying one because of that. Your price point is good lots to choose from. I think I'm going to pick up a sig either stainless or the scorpion.
 
That's it exactly. So long as you take it with you when you return to Canada, the fact it is made in China seems to be a non-issue.

We had a few laughs with some of the other shooters regarding gun laws. In Canada, we can have an AR15 with an 8" barrel. The practical rifle course at From Sight is often shot with an ar15 platform rifle. If a Canadian brought his rifle with an 8" barrel onto US soil, he'd be arrested. That 8" barrel in the US is classified the same as a full-auto.

More advice -find out what is legal in the US before you go. Contact the training centre you are attending and ask them. Don't get caught stupid.
 
A note to the OP regarding the Norinco. Some folks have mentioned that the norc finish is rough and the gun has sharp edges. It sure as heck does!! After four days of countless thousands of drills, my hands were pretty beat up.
 
Yep.

Also, 600 rounds is very light for a 4 day course (especially a Front Sight course).

And how many front sight courses have you attended? None? Thought so. You must attend and pass the four day defensive handgun course before you can take any of the skill builder courses. Want some mustard for your foot?
 
For a thousand bucks you can do way better than Norinco.

+1

Check out the offering from Ruger, STI or SIG in the 700-1000 range. Don't waste your time with Norinco...

If your buying a Ruger, handle it in person, the fit is hit or miss...

Check out EE, you might find a nice low mileage 1911 in your price range.
 
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