Do takedown shotguns need trigger locks?

ezsqueezy

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This is mostly out of curiosity as I usually prefer an abundance of caution.

If a shotgun is in a taken-down state (over under, pump, or semi with barrels removed), does it still need a trigger lock to be stored legally? This is outside a safe of course.

Guns that come in takedown hard cases like Berettas don't usually have trigger locks on top of being taken down.
 
Trigger locks are not mentioned in the law or regulations.
Non-restricted firearm storage requires that it be unloaded, and:
-rendered inoperable by a locking device, or,
-removal of the bolt or bolt carrier, or,
-locked up.
Does a broken down shotgun as you described meet any of these criteria?
A locked take down hard case should qualify.
 
Read the storage regulations ! from the horses mouth if your gun meets or does not meet the regulations then adjust accordingly it really does not matter what anyone else says . Other than that let the comments fly
 
Trigger locks are not mentioned in the law or regulations.
Non-restricted firearm storage requires that it be unloaded, and:
-rendered inoperable by a locking device, or,
-removal of the bolt or bolt carrier, or,
-locked up.
Does a broken down shotgun as you described meet any of these criteria?
A locked take down hard case should qualify.

Agreed, a locked take down case should qualify. Otherwise it doesn't technically meet the requirements above. Removal of barrel(s) would be the equivalent of "Removal of the bolt or bolt carrier" for shotguns, but there's no provision for shotguns.
 
I actualy think something completely difrent. I think a 2 peices take down is temporarily not a firearm when taken down, and each piece is significantly short of being a full fire arm; it isn’t even a barrelled action. Bolt and mag are ones that can be removed and the thing is still a firearm. Also it no longer meets the definition of a firearm (capable of firing a bullet or shot)
 
A stripped receiver is legally a firearm. The accepted measures are defined in the regulations, which have force of law.
 
I know someone, a non shooter really, who keeps his shotgun broken down with the pieces in two different rooms. That should do it, surely. For that matter, merely separating the forend of a breakdown gun like that should do it, since the gun cannot be cocked without it. However I am assuming common sense applies in Canada, a dangerous thing to do where firearms policies are concerned.
 
I have asked the same question to a couple of dnr guys in the past while teaching a cfsc; they said that yes what you’re doing makes sense but what does the law say, you would have to put a “locking device” ie a cable lock to make it so the firearm couldn’t “easily be reassembled” so you are still using a locking device. Sadly you cannot simply break a gun in two and call it safe without including one of those three parameters. That’s why guys who allegedly own stripped ar15 lowers would have trigger lock on essentially a block of machined aluminum.

So you could cable the 2 halves together in a fashion they can’t be assembled; or lock them in a case; or pull the bolt on the receiver half; or put a lock trigger assembly or run a cable through the magazine housing and out the barrel port which would completely disable the firearm as it can’t be assembled, loaded nor can the bolt be locked into battery.
 
I know someone, a non shooter really, who keeps his shotgun broken down with the pieces in two different rooms. That should do it, surely. For that matter, merely separating the forend of a breakdown gun like that should do it, since the gun cannot be cocked without it. However I am assuming common sense applies in Canada, a dangerous thing to do where firearms policies are concerned.


That's certainly not something I'd assume when talking about anything to do with the government!
 
Where in your link does it say you need to trigger lock a non restricted firearm while in transit? All it says is that it must be unloaded

You are right, it does not....

Only when on display.

Displaying firearms safely
Unload and lock your firearms!

Here are the rules for displaying firearms in your home: Ammunition cannot be displayed with, or accessible to, the firearms.

Non-restricted firearms
firearms with secure locking devices on a rack
Attach secure locking devices to the firearms; or
Lock the firearms in a cabinet, container or room that is difficult to break into.
 
I seem to recall there are two separate standards associated with Canada Criminal Code that you can get charged with - breaking the regulations, or "unsafe storage". So, can store it "safely", but still be found guilty of breaking the requirements of the regulation. Is not about "common sense" - what does the law say (both sections of it) - and then do you cross all the "t's" and dot all the "i's", to comply with both? The RCMP's summary or interpretation, that they publish on their website, is not what you will be charged with - it is the words in the Canada Criminal Code and associated Regulations that will be "read out" in court...
 
My opinion is....

In my humble opinion, I would say that the same rules apply at all times. It's in a safe, no trigger lock required.

If it is not in a safe, displayed or in transit, trigger lock required.


https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/storing-transporting-and-displaying-firearms

I don't own a trigger lock for any of my non restricted firearms, and they aren't stored in a safe, yet they are stored legally, you are failing to mention the other options, such as a locked container or case,. or room that is hard to break into. .
 
ive never locked my firearms up during trqnsit except for a handgun. unnecessary and not law

Indeed, I have always assumed that everything should be locked in transit. I have been hunting since 1976 and have always locked my rifles in transit.

That’s what happens when you ass-u-me ;)

Never too old to learn something new. But, I will probably continue to lock in transport. Certain habits die hard....
 
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