Gunsmith license?

[Khalnath]

What's involved in becoming a licensed gunsmith that's allowed to build or repair prohibited firearms? Is it possible/feasible to do this as a side job?

I have neither the time nor money at the moment to do this, so any answer will mainly be to satisfy my morbid curiosity.

 

[RePete]

Contact your Provincial licensing department.

RePete.

 

[guntech]

Sadly in Canada, no knowledge or any degree of competence is required to become a licensed gunsmith.

If you have a valid PAL you can fill out the federal application, pay your $100 (minimum) and become a licensed gunsmith. (You must also have a municiple business license allowing you do operate a business at that location, and possibly a provincial license.)

 

[mooncoon]

You would also have to be grandfathered for prohibs. There may be/probably is a requirement to demonstrate adequate security of your facilities and storage.
3 or 4 years ago when I asked, a gunsmithing license was $250 and a manufacuring license was $1000 per year.

cheers mooncoon

 

[Khalnath]

You would also have to be grandfathered for prohibs.

Even to do LE/mil manufacturing? What about people that manufacture suppressors? AFAIK you can't be grandfathered for that.

Do they check to make sure that your business is solvent if you want to keep your license?

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

It is not actually the individual that is licensed, it is the business. Being old enough to have all the various class licenses 12-2 to 12-7 had nothing to do with what firearms/parts I can repair or work on. All it requires is more $$ to pay for the more expensive licenses.
A gunsmith in Canada can be self taught, it is not like welding or mechanics were they is mandatory schooling and appreticeship to become a journeyman.
So technically anyone can claim to be a licensed gunsmith if they buy the license, now whether they can actually do the work, well thats another discussion

 

[JoeP's old business account]

Not too much is required at the moment. Ralph Olsen put on some courses at Red River Community C. in Wpg Manitoba back in the early 80s. Great guy very knowledgeable.