Displaying a flintlock legally

[flintyboom]

Am I right in saying that a flintlock long gun is considered an antique, and that to display it legally it only needs to be unloaded? Like a trigger lock is not required? Thanks

 

[Jon9021]

You don’t need a trigger lock as per “government” regulations for a flintlock rifle. They are basically considered non firearms. It’s pretty clear on the RCMP website.

 

[Ol' Flinter]

The Criminal Code specifically excludes matchlocks, wheel locks and flintlocks from the definition of "Firearms", unless used in a crime. They are designated as "Antiques" rather than "Firearms" .

 

[Suther]

Here are the regulations for storage and transport of antique firearms:

Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (SOR/98-209)​

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-98-209/page-2.html#h-1020029

Antique Firearms​

• 14 (1) An individual may store, display or transport an antique firearm only if it is unloaded.
• (2) An individual may transport an antique firearm in an unattended vehicle only if
  • (a) when the vehicle is equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, the antique firearm is in that trunk or compartment and the trunk or compartment is securely locked; and
  • (b) when the vehicle is not equipped with a trunk or similar compartment that can be securely locked, the antique firearm is not visible from outside the vehicle and the vehicle, or the part that contains the antique firearm, is securely locked.
• (3) An individual may transport an antique firearm that is a handgun only if it is in a locked container that is made of an opaque material and is of such strength, construction and nature that it cannot readily be broken open or into or accidentally opened during transportation.

Only requirement on display is that it is unloaded.

​

The Criminal Code specifically excludes matchlocks, wheel locks and flintlocks from the definition of "Firearms", unless used in a crime. They are designated as "Antiques" rather than "Firearms" .

Not quite, they are Antique Firearms. The criminal code exempts Antique Firearms from certain sections of the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, but they are still in fact firearms as defined by the criminal code:

From section 84, Criminal Code of Canada:

antique firearm means

• (a) any firearm manufactured before 1898 that was not designed to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition and that has not been redesigned to discharge such ammunition, or
• (b) any firearm that is prescribed to be an antique firearm; (arme à feu historique)

"Firearm" is not defined in the criminal code, they all have more specific names - Antique Firearm, Imitation Firearm, Non-restricted Firearm, etc.

 

[flintyboom]

Thanks guys. That's exactly what I thought. Interesting that an antique handgun needs to be in a locked contained when transported.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

Thanks guys. That's exactly what I thought. Interesting that an antique handgun needs to be in a locked contained when transported.

With the flint removed they are technically disabled and un-fireable.

 

[tiriaq]

Even if locks, etc. are not required for display of a flintlock longarm, you might want to discourage unauthorized handling, tampering or theft.

As far as flint removal goes, a flintlock rifle may be transported between hunting locations with barrel charged, but with priming and flint removed.
But... Think about how you install a flint, the lock manipulation that is involved. I don't know that installing a flint in the lock when the barrel is loaded is a good idea.

 

[wr.sainsbury]

Even if locks, etc. are not required for display of a flintlock longarm, you might want to discourage unauthorized handling, tampering or theft.

As far as flint removal goes, a flintlock rifle may be transported between hunting locations with barrel charged, but with priming and flint removed.
But... Think about how you install a flint, the lock manipulation that is involved. I don't know that installing a flint in the lock when the barrel is loaded is a good idea.

A good point however the frizzen has to be up for access to the hammer and therefore not in a position to provide spark IMHO

 

[tiriaq]

It is difficult to get a flint properly installed without bringing it against the frizzen.

 

[Odinson]

I plug the flash hole with a pipe cleaner. Pretty safe if the pathway is blocked.