Clarification for a Young Gunsmith

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DogFoodFactory

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Hello everybody, I would first like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Tyler, born and raised in Amherst Nova Scotia. Being born to a sporting family, hunting has been one of my greatest passions. Because of that, firearms were brought into my life practically at day one, and it didn't take long for me to take extreme interest in them.
Currently at the ripe ol' age of 17 (turning 18 in less than two weeks), I am what I can say as the youngest gunsmith I know. I may not be as skilled or experienced as some of you older guys (no offence intended), but I'm getting there. If you give me a firearm, I can figure out how it works pretty quickly. Online and some of the older generations have been my greatest source of knowledge. My dad, especially, is the one person who has helped me along with my gunsmithing dream. With that being said, there are a few things I could use some clarification with. Sometimes looking through old archives or asking a close elder just doesn't give enough information. I've been looking through these forums for a while now, trying to see if my questions can be answered without putting myself out there. But finding something a year old that only half explains what I need to know just doesn't cut it anymore, so I'm going straight to all of you, the more knowledgeable, for the help I need.

Most of my questions will be pertaining to barrel lengths, as well as some questions about laws regarding the AR-15.
First off, I've worked on AR-15s before--and by before, I mean I completed a lower once. I find working on ARs really fun and super easy. But I want to know more particularly about the legalities of 80% lowers here in Canada. I know you can buy them, but are they legal to complete, and if so, do you have to register the lower after completion? Since I believe the existing law is that all restricted firearms must be registered. And has anybody had any experiences with 80% lowers, good or bad?
Besides the lower questions, I've also got some inquiries about barrel lengths. So 18.5" and above is legal for non-restricted firearms, but how can a firearm with a barrel less than 18.5" still remain non-restricted? Also, I know of the wide variety of barrels you can acquire for ARs, so is there a barrel length that you should not go below in order to keep the rifle from becoming a prohibited firearm? In 10 days I'll be 18, and there happens to be a couple R-PAL classes right on my birthday, so I plan on taking one quite soon. After I get my R-PAL, I'd love to build my own AR. I'd also like to put a 10" or so barrel on it, but I don't know if there's a certain overall length that I can't go below. I'm asking these questions to further my own knowledge and understand of the laws here, as well as simply stay out of trouble with said laws. I may have jumped around a little, but I'd really appreciate any kind of help that any of you may have to offer. Also, don't think of my age as a liability. I am very capable in the craft, I can take and understand probably just about anything you throw at me.
 
Welcome aboard.

Great site for learning, and sharing.

Barrel length legality is an easy path to a migraine. A barrel can be less than 18.5 and remain non-restricted if it's manufactured that way. You (as a smith, or me as layman) can't lop off a barrel any less than legal lengths, but a bone fide barrel manufacturer can. (Feel that tingling in your head? That's a migraine starting from trying to comprehend laws).

I'm limited on AR trivia, but there are many here who love 'em.

The search feature for threads isn't superb, but once you get the hang of it you'll find responses to most questions in them.

Best of luck in your pursuit! Canada needs more 'smiths.
 
Welcome aboard! Theres a lot of skills involved in becoming a good gunsmith. I know of a couple of fellas who are in the armed forces and are training to become gun techs.
 
For semi auto centerfire, 18.5"/470mm is the shortest it can be either due to cutting or by manufacture and remain Non-Restricted. If it cut down to 18"/457mm it becomes Prohibited, but if it is manufactured shorter than that the firearm can remain Restricted.

However for manually operated firearms, the barrel can be manufactured shorter than 470mm and the firearm can still remain Non-Restricted.
 
Hi Tyler, welcome to CGN. You will find lots of information here, but with all things internet, grain of salt should be taken. You seem to be very bright 17/almost 18 yr old and you articulate very well for someone so young. No offense :) I am sure you will do very well at smithing and your first AR build. Please post pics when completed.
 
Thanks everybody for the replies, glad to get some help from those that know more than myself. I know of a few gunsmiths around, one particular that my father goes to quite often, so talking to him would probably help. Although I'm pretty sure he does more work on non-restricted firearms and less on restricted, so my AR questions probably wouldn't be answered. I'll do some looking around the boards and see what I can find along the way of ARs. I think I've got a decent handle on the barrel length bit for now.
 
at near 18 with the whole world at my finger tips....... hmmmmmm I envy you ;)
if gunsmithing is your passion I would start workin my tail off, saving every penny, and head stateside for schooling on the various popular firearms.
in between courses in the states or other country, take a machinist course and learn the manual operation of lathes and mills ect.
if I had it all to do over again...... that's what I would do ;)
 
Hello DogFoodFactory,

First off welcome to the forums! I'm also a new guy here and a small time hobby gunsmith myself. Having machined a few firearms 100% from billet stock (1911 frame,VZ58 receiver) I think I can help you with this.

1) Yes ALL restricted firearms must be registered. You will have to call the RCMP and get a hold of the "Canadian Firearms Program" group 1 800 731-4000 and tell them your intent to complete a 80% receiver. From there you can ask any and all questions you have concerning this process. I'm not sure if they will give you a number to be engraved on your AR or if you can choose one but regardless of that fact you will need a serial number on your firearm.

2) I agree with camster our barrel length requirement is an easy route to an extreme headache. He is also completely right about how it works. You can not shorten any barrel smaller than 18" without ending up in Prohibited/jail time territory. However if you find a barrel manufacturer that makes a 10" barrel that is completely legal to put on your firearm... dumb I know, but hey we're Canadian.

3) Now the reason why the AR is classified as a Restricted firearm regardless of barrel length is simply because it is. No rhyme or reason. It is like every weapon on the Prohibited list. If its on the list, its on the list no matter what. It could be a semi only AK47 doesn't matter that's a Prohibited firearm. Your AR15 could have a barrel that's a 1/2 mile long or .5" doesn't matter its a Restricted firearm. In the link below is a list of every Restricted and Prohibited firearm in Canada. The AR is listed by name as Restricted... so its on the list *shrugs*.

http://www.firearms-safety-course.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17&Itemid=23
 
Good info here. Question that many may have, but who can answer (RCMP only probably) is: When working on finishing an 80% lower at what point it is considered a viable firearm needing to be registered? Once could argue that if the trigger group cannot be put in due to one undrilled or one undersized pin hole, it is still useless? True? I don't know. Who does? (without speculating)
 
The whole 80% thing is US. Even there ATF's interpretation of what constitutes 80% completion varies from time to time. US 80% AR receivers have changed.
Here, an absolute is when the thing is capable of being assembled and functioning. If restricted, it must be registered then.
Less finished? Better be in touch with the RCMP's SFSS as you progress. Avoid surprises.
Most folks making AR type receivers report that the SFSS is content with receiving photos showing that the trigger pocket will not accept auto parts. There is a generis FRT number for homemade ARs. In other cases, the thing must be submitted for physical inspection. Submit something at age 18, and you might be 21 by the time you see it again.
 
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