Handguns...worth the effort?

perryb

perryb

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Rockwood ON
It's been a dozen or so yrs since I got my FAC (now a PAL) Way back then, I remember thinking that it just couldn't be worth getting into handguns. Too many hoops to jump through just to buy one, and then once you had it, you were so limited in what you could do with it. But, I can't help noticing all the handgun afficianados on here, and it has me re-thinking the whole issue.

I want to be 100% legal in all this. If I upgrade my PAL to an RPAL, can someone (in plain easy redneck language) walk me through the whole issue? What does it take to buy one, take possession of it, storing it, and what I can (and more importantly can't) do with it.

Yeah, I have googled it, but federal websites seem to be geared towards confusing language, especially when it comes to firearms.

Thanks in advance for any help on this one.
 
The responses you get from this enquiry are going to be vast, and varied.
My advise, call the Ontario CFO, get the information you seek directly from the source. After all, in Ontario, things are run somewhat differantly then the rest of the Nation.
 
Here is a brief overview of the process. Take RPAL course, Pay for RPAL course, Mail test results and RPAL app. to miramichi with payment. wait, wait more, get new PAL/RPAL in mail. Join gun club (can be done before or after purchasing handgun), Go to gun store buy gun, wait for temp. ATT. Pick up gun take it home, Clean and fondle it at home until full membership and LTATT comes, then enjoy shooting.
 
redddogg69 said:
Here is a brief overview of the process. Take RPAL course, Pay for RPAL course, Mail test results and RPAL app. to miramichi with payment. wait, wait more, get new PAL/RPAL in mail. Join gun club (can be done before or after purchasing handgun), Go to gun store buy gun, wait for temp. ATT. Pick up gun take it home, Clean and fondle it at home until full membership and LTATT comes, then enjoy shooting.
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It seems my memory is better than I thought. I thought it was something like all of that. And although all of that is do-able, I can't help wondering why there are so many cgn'ers who are into hanguns. I'm not looking to walk down the street twirling my Dirty Harry cannon on my index finger, but jeez louise, thats a lot of hoops to jump through.

It's almost like our Government doesn't want us to have handguns at all.
 
perryb said:
It seems my memory is better than I thought. I thought it was something like all of that. And although all of that is do-able, I can't help wondering why there are so many cgn'ers who are into hanguns. I'm not looking to walk down the street twirling my Dirty Harry cannon on my index finger, but jeez louise, thats a lot of hoops to jump through.

It's almost like our Government doesn't want us to have handguns at all.
Click to expand...

Once you have the RPAL and club membership, any addtional handgun you buy is actually quite simple. Buy gun, you're issued the temp ATT automatically, so that's no hassle, then the new gun is added to your range ATT automatically, so again, no hassle, then you shoot.
When you look at it, it's only two hoopjumps to start-get RPAL and join club.
enjoy.:cool:
 
And the one ''hoop'' of joining a gun club is not really a hoop as it will improve your life in many ways if you find a good club you will make friends, improve your shooting for long guns as well as hand guns, and get to shoot other peoples guns! And a good firearms dealer will help you through the transfer and transport permit process. well worth it man well worth it!
 
redddogg69 said:
Here is a brief overview of the process. Take RPAL course, Pay for RPAL course, Photocopy, then Mail test results to CFO in ORILLIA they will return it with a STAMP of approval Then photocopy the certified test results and RPAL app for yourself and then MAIL the certified test results and RPAL app to Miramichi CFC with payment *VISA. wait, wait more,Wait for reference calls, wait some more... get new PAL/RPAL in mail. Immediately START BUYING AMMO!!! Join gun club (can be done before or after purchasing handgun), Go to gun store buy non restricted firearm (for immediate use to tie you over:cool: then buy a restricted firearm, You don't need an ATT for mail order, a dealer will have a one time ATT for the purchase. Private sales or pickup will require YOU to call for the one time ATT once the transfer is completed wait for temp. ATT (can be faxed to you of you are really nice). Pick up gun take it home, Clean and fondle it at home until full membership and LTATT comes In Ontario, you need to be a member of a range and they apply for the ATT for you, then enjoy shooting.
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Fixed it for ya, for BANTARIO. ;)

I paid my RPAL Application by VISA so I could track when they extracted payment.... easier than a cheque.

Also you can loosely check your status at the CFO by the web. But don't expect it to be any way near real time.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/app_dem-eng.htm

It's a 2 - 3.5 month total time from the date of your course to the time you take your restricted to the range.... BUT you have to do everything exactly right and keep on them (CLUB, CFO, CFC dealers) to make sure everything lines up. It's your project not theirs.

PerryB: if it's been a dozen or so years since your "FAC" then dude, I think it's expired. :nest:
 
Perry,

You are ten minutes from my house. In the spring I will offer to take you to Guelph Rod and Gun club for a few rounds through one of my 1911s. You will be hooked. Guelph has a very fast process to join and become a full member.

The RPAL course and test is a no brainer. Do it now so you are ready for spring. :D


perryb said:
It seems my memory is better than I thought. I thought it was something like all of that. And although all of that is do-able, I can't help wondering why there are so many cgn'ers who are into hanguns. I'm not looking to walk down the street twirling my Dirty Harry cannon on my index finger, but jeez louise, thats a lot of hoops to jump through.

It's almost like our Government doesn't want us to have handguns at all.
Click to expand...
 
I must honestly say, in my humble opinion, that the current process is SO much easier than the old restricted weapon registration system. At least you don't have to drop your pistol off at the police station for three months waiting for Ottawa to register it these days! And the new ATT.... SO much simpler than the old paper. Remember those good times going to plead for permission to take your pistol to the gunsmith?

Some things HAVE improved under the new legislation.

That said, I still miss my 15 round mags in my Cz75, and my 4" .357 that I used to own, but won't be allowed to ever again.

Frickin' bureaucrats!
 
RedDuc said:
Fixed it for ya, for BANTARIO.

I paid my RPAL Application by VISA so I could track when they extracted payment.... easier than a cheque.

Also you can loosely check your status at the CFO by the web. But don't expect it to be any way near real time.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/online_en-ligne/app_dem-eng.htm

It's a 2 - 3.5 month total time from the date of your course to the time you take your restricted to the range.... BUT you have to do everything exactly right and keep on them (CLUB, CFO, CFC dealers) to make sure everything lines up. It's your project not theirs.
Click to expand...

Wow...the cops should just track VISA transactions for all the shootings in the Jane/Finch and downtown Toronto areas. Plus, the Range Club memberships in the area should narrow down the list of suspects....wouldn't it?
 
I think it's worth it! It's the only way to legally own a handgun or restircted firearm. :D

I'm 29 days since they received my application and I'm flipping out waiting to get one. :bangHead: I'm dying for a Norinco GI 1911!
 
perryb said:
It's been a dozen or so yrs since I got my FAC (now a PAL) Way back then, I remember thinking that it just couldn't be worth getting into handguns. Too many hoops to jump through just to buy one, and then once you had it, you were so limited in what you could do with it. But, I can't help noticing all the handgun afficianados on here, and it has me re-thinking the whole issue.

I want to be 100% legal in all this. If I upgrade my PAL to an RPAL, can someone (in plain easy redneck language) walk me through the whole issue? What does it take to buy one, take possession of it, storing it, and what I can (and more importantly can't) do with it.

Yeah, I have googled it, but federal websites seem to be geared towards confusing language, especially when it comes to firearms.

Thanks in advance for any help on this one.
Click to expand...

I just upgraded my PAL to an RPAL - piece of cake. :yingyang:

Take the Restrcted course/challenge the test :) , send in the application form & a new picture to Miramachi ;) , wait until you hear back from them....:p

B/c you already have your PAL :evil: , no renewal/application fees! :D

However :( , b/c of wait-lists and club-dues being what they are in Toronto :eek: , and the fact that I usually just make it out to the range during the spring/summer :redface: , I may just work with the short-term ATT for each of the individual times I do head out with a restricted....:nest:
 
It's a somewhat different process in different places, but if you want a handgun, it's what you have to do. I'm in Nova Scotia and have never had any trouble with the system. I think it's unnecessarily cumbersome and doesn't protect the public, but it's what there is. I collect certain kinds of handguns, and this is part of how I do it.
 
perryb said:
It seems my memory is better than I thought. I thought it was something like all of that. And although all of that is do-able, I can't help wondering why there are so many cgn'ers who are into hanguns. I'm not looking to walk down the street twirling my Dirty Harry cannon on my index finger, but jeez louise, thats a lot of hoops to jump through.

It's almost like our Government doesn't want us to have handguns at all.
Click to expand...

I got into handguns *because* there's so many hoops to jump through and it's almost like our Government doesn't want us to have handguns at all.
 
nelly said:
I must honestly say, in my humble opinion, that the current process is SO much easier than the old restricted weapon registration system.

Frickin' bureaucrats!
Click to expand...

I agree. No more show and tell and having to justify why you need each gun with the local firearms officer.

Buy the RPAL course book, read it and familiarize youself with different handguns (gun store) and challenge the test. You don't need to take the course....I didn't and I scored in the high 90's. Then join a club, take the club level safety course - usually 6-8 weeks and apply for your LTATT. As long as you're a member at a club, you can buy whatever you want, in the meantime. No big deal.
 
Restricted Firearms

perryb said:
If I upgrade my PAL to an RPAL, can someone (in plain easy redneck language) walk me through the whole issue? What does it take to buy one, take possession of it, storing it, and what I can (and more importantly can't) do with it...federal websites seem to be geared towards confusing language, especially when it comes to firearms.
Click to expand...

If you possess or wish to acquire a restricted firearm, here is some information you should know regarding legal requirements under the Firearms Act.

Restricted Firearms
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/restr-eng.htm

The above link is hard to find on the CFP website but, once found, it is clear, accurate, pertinent, and definitive.

Two other links that may also be of interest are:

Target Shooters
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/target_cible-eng.htm and

Firearm Collectors
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/collector-collecteur-eng.htm

And yes, handguns are worth the effort.
 
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