What about packing an antique with a police letter. From what I'm reading, it appears that it is legal to do so. Can anyone confirm this?
Yes a pre 1898 handgun, holstered in plain view(not concelealed) in centerfire or rimfire calibers not on the no go list(ie not 45colt, 44-40, 22rf see the regulations for the rest)would technically be legal from a firearms act perspective. Despite the presence of an antique status letter a conservation officer or any other LEO may have some other interpretation of the laws such as as hunting with a handgun or whatever.
This is fresh ground for most LEOs/prosecutors and the frequent default position is when in doubt confiscate and arrest. I once had a conversation with a crown attorney who was completely convinced that such a scenario had some fault, he even thought my antique handgun would be considered concealed because my holster had a flap. His contention was that if his intent was to truely prosecute he would find a way to do it. He is probably wrong but it would take quite abit of my money to prove him wrong.
The other problem with most handguns in general is unless your are packing something like a modern 454 casull you best not be looking for trouble with a determined grizzly. Yes, better than a pointy stick but marginally. If you really expect trouble in the wilderness stick with 12 gauge slugs or decent rifle caliber. If you just want to carry a holstered antique in the bush and plink, go for it.



















































