Importation of a BP Flintlock Pistol to CA from the US

[MC One Shot]

The steps I understand to import a BP Flintlock Pistol from the US is;
-Purchase the BP pistol
-Phone CFP and have BP pistol verified
-Phone the CFP and have the BP pistol registered
-Phone the CFP and apply for a STATT to bring from post office/border

As it appears that the CFP is not open on weekends. So I would have to purchase it and have the seller/maker hold it and mail it to me after I get the docs in place.

I would like to bring one back with me when I go back. Not sure what I will bring back and most of these pistols are made by specialized gun makers and usually do not have S#s but a maker's name and a mark.

The lady at the CFP said that some reproduction BP flintlock pistols fall under "Antiques" and do not have to be registered. How?

Has any one actually brought one back with them in the vehicle?

Thanks

 

[PPCLIGullyPlatoon]

My understanding is black powder reproductions do not require a PAL to purchase ------ in this particular case, I can see how the purchase would be okay. The importation issue might be another matter. I would take specific direction from CFP AND CBSA.

 

[H Wally]

The steps I understand to import a BP Flintlock Pistol from the US is;
-Purchase the BP pistol
-Phone CFP and have BP pistol verified
-Phone the CFP and have the BP pistol registered
-Phone the CFP and apply for a STATT to bring from post office/border

As it appears that the CFP is not open on weekends. So I would have to purchase it and have the seller/maker hold it and mail it to me after I get the docs in place.

I would like to bring one back with me when I go back. Not sure what I will bring back and most of these pistols are made by specialized gun makers and usually do not have S#s but a maker's name and a mark.

The lady at the CFP said that some reproduction BP flintlock pistols fall under "Antiques" and do not have to be registered. How?

Has any one actually brought one back with them in the vehicle?

Thanks

Any reproduction, firing flintlock pistol as classified as a pistol in Canada, will be restricted or prohibited based on barrel length. I guess there's a grey area if it's a very very very short barreled musket like a canoe or blanket gun, but that's something that probably has to be addressed on a case by case basis.

With firearms requiring verification/registration, most hassle free system is to package it up with all the accompanying information/paperwork and mailing it to your home address from the states. That way it can be dealt with in mail customs and any lag in processing won't result in wasting your time.

Bringing a restricted across at the border should be fine with all the right paperwork, the issue being if they decide it isn't and you either spend a long time at the border, or they tell you to go home and come back when they're done, since they won't mail it.

Any firearm without a serial number will likely be identified by its markings. I don't know if they still do the little black sticker thing they used to do with the old registry, but that might happen too (they give you a small black oval sticker with a made up serial on it to stick to your gun. The glue is weak and the stickers/ink degrade when they come in contact with some gun oils).

My understanding is black powder reproductions do not require a PAL to purchase ------ in this particular case, I can see how the purchase would be okay. The importation issue might be another matter. I would take specific direction from CFP AND CBSA.

Reproduction black powder, flint/match ignition long arms. Not reproduction percussion or pistols as they're considered firearms in Canada.

 

[stampede]

My understanding is black powder reproductions do not require a PAL to purchase ------ in this particular case, I can see how the purchase would be okay. The importation issue might be another matter. I would take specific direction from CFP AND CBSA.

Applies to flintlock rifles only.

 

[Ol' Flinter]

You are bringing a "restricted", not an "antique" into Canada and not only do you need a PAL but you must register it and have an ATT if you don't already have one. If you already have your ATT then once the new gun is registered to you it is included under the existing ATT, unless you are entering Canada via a province other than your home province in which case you do need a temporary ATT to get it from the border entry point back to your home province where your regular ATT covers you. SHEESH!
If you can buy it in the USA then phone back to your CFO and initiate the registration before you return to Canada, you might be able to get the papers faxed to you so you have your ducks in order when you get to the border. If not then what...will the CBS boys impound it until the papers come through? Don't know about that but maybe another CGNer has been through that scenario.
As for a custom made pistol, the CFO wants the caliber, barrel length and manufacturer, and type of ignition and of course a serial number or they will assign a Firearm Identification Number (FIN). The simplest solution is to have the maker stamp your own number into the bottom of the barrel prior to the registration process: something like your initials followed by your birthday numbers or something like that. I have done that for friends for whom I have built guns and it has been accepted. Good luck!