Is a Lockable Range Bag Legal?!?!

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Heptigon

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I've been getting mixed thoughts on this subject. If there is anyone who is in the law that has an answer that would be great. All comments are welcome:

I just got a Lockable Glock range bag and was wondering if I can legally use it?

From what I can tell on the RCMP site, to transport a restricted firearm:
1. Unload the firearms
2. Attach secure locking devices to the firearms
3. Lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container

I tried to call the Chief Arms Officer with these questions but didn't get through. I'd really like to figure this out before I get charged with a felony.

Message me if you want :)
 
no such thing as a felony in Canada.

Sadly the legislation is deliberately vague and most people have to determine for themselves, what a "sturdy, non-transparent" container is. I am unaware of any courts testing this definition in the circumstances you describe

I can tell you this, you would not be the only person doing this.
 
The regulations for restricted firearm transport enabled by the legislation specifies "...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;"

ht tp://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-209/page-4.html

Since this apparently has yet to be tested in a Canadian court, there is no case law to provide any further guidance.

Until that occurs, we're all in a vast grey area :-(

Failing that, would you feel comfortable testifying in open court to why you chose such a container?
If not, pick a stronger container...
 
It is my opinion that anything with zippers would not qualify. And I think you would bee hard pressed to find a lawyer or judge that would disagree with me.

Most bags and cases made with a zipper can be opened, while locked, with your bare hands just by pulling or pushing the zipper seem the right way.

Shawn
 
Smcx said:
Easy to rip open a zipper or cut cloth...
Click to expand...

Easy to smash factory locking cases people use or pry off locks on a safari type case let me guess your one of those guys that beleive trigger locks protect your gun. The transport laws are not to keep other people from using your gun their to keep you from using it.
 
Been using zippered soft cases for years without incident.
Been to lots of shoots crawling with LE... 'Cross the Can./US border regularly with AR, pistol and shotgun in soft cases...

They're legal.
 
"...transport laws are not..." They're more about being inconvenient for the law abiding. However, there is a certain amount of common sense involved. If you can open the thing easily, it doesn't count. A cloth case is easily opened.
 
If you aren't sure, other people, such as Police, will be in the same boat. I don't think anybody is currently in the big house over a zippered bag, but you can see how confusion might occur. 99% of the time nobody will care.
 
667 said:
Been using zippered soft cases for years without incident.
Been to lots of shoots crawling with LE... 'Cross the Can./US border regularly with AR, pistol and shotgun in soft cases...

They're legal.
Click to expand...

Thats the same as saying I killed 14 hobos and havent been arrested, its legal!

Shawn
 
The plastic pistol cases sold by every gun store and large retailer that I have ever been in are also easy to open with a lock attached, and they are designed as locking pistol cases. There is enough flex in the plastic that you can slip a handgun out without removing the lock, which is pretty handy when you get to the gun range and realize you don't have your keys with you. As has been stated already, the laws are only there to inconvenience the law abiding in the hopes that we give up shooting and owning guns.
Kristian
 
shawn said:
It is my opinion that anything with zippers would not qualify. And I think you would be hard pressed to find a lawyer or judge that would disagree with me.

Most bags and cases made with a zipper can be opened, while locked, with your bare hands just by pulling or pushing the zipper seem the right way.
Shawn
Click to expand...
I'm with Shawn on this one. I know lots of people use them everyday for years without nary a problem. The problem that comes to mind, IF the day comes you end up being confronted by police for ANY reason whatsoever........well your day or the next two years could be costly & stressful. I don't need any more stress in my life and a sturdy case & locks is a lot cheaper than a lawyer.

There is a YouTube video of a guy opening up a locked, zippered suitcase using a pen. Removing the 'gun' then closing the zippers. Slick.
 
sewktbk said:
I guess it all boils down to the definition of the word "sturdy".
Click to expand...

If I am not mistaken it was defined in court as not being able to be defeated without tools. So any thing you can open with just your hands would not quailify.

I can not remmeber the case it was in tho, and it was a while ago. Maybe some one else will know.

Shawn
 
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My cloth case is made of ballistic nylon. The strap is locked in place with a padlock.
That can not be easily opened without a tool. So again your generalization is wrong.
sunray said:
"...transport laws are not..." They're more about being inconvenient for the law abiding. However, there is a certain amount of common sense involved. If you can open the thing easily, it doesn't count. A cloth case is easily opened.
Click to expand...
 
Smcx said:
Easy to rip open a zipper or cut cloth...
Click to expand...

Yeah that reminds me of the video when you get your course for the PAL they tell you you have to put your firearms in a locked cabinet that cannot be easily forced open and the guy in the vid is putting his firearms and ammo in a closet with a flimsy "empty" door and a bathroom lock on the doorknob all of which could be destroyed in 5 minutes with a pair of construction boots on your feet. And that's the official video of the PAL course O.O
Makes you wonder why we get gun lockers that look like safes
 
I'm pretty sure I could bust the lock on my hard case with my fingers... I can't leave it unattended so I guess it's just a formality
 
shawn said:
If I am not mistaken it was defined in court as not being able to be defeated without tools. So any thing you can open with just your hands would not quailify.

I can not remmeber the case it was in tho, and it was a while ago. Maybe some one else will know.

Shawn
Click to expand...

If this is true then I would say most of the plastic cases being sold dont qualify either. Its not to hard to break one of them with a good throw or drop on the concrete.

Its ridiculous how vague these laws are... they should just get rid of them.
 
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