Looking for info on how to buy my first handgun

C

canadam

New member
EE Expired
Hey everyone,

New to this group and am hoping I can get some good knowledge from its members. I have had my PAL and RPAL for 2 years now, but am now interested in buying a handgun for target shooting.

I live in Oakville, ON and know I need to find a gun club to join but I have been looking around and The Burlington Gun Club has a two year wait and Silverdale's website is not accepting new members at this time.

I guess my question would be to anyone in the area who knows the clubs and the ins and outs of this process. Could you please help me out and give me some insight on where to start and how to get this process going... I don't want to have to wait 2 years to buy a handgun and go target shooting.

Thank you in advance.
 
Welcome to the forum!

You might do a google search for 'Ontario gun clubs', and then review their respective webpages. Generally, there's an introductory or new members night each week at most, and after joining there's typically a 6 month probation period where you prove your ability to be safe and responsible. At most clubs there are plenty of good members that will provide guidance and correction, and after you've completed your probation and required supervised shoots, you'll be a member.

Check out towards Guelph or (I like) St Cats area, there's some good clubs out that way, such as the Maple Leaf Marksmens Rifle & Revolver club.

Be cognizant of the beginning caliber are you considering, and what kind of experience you bring...it's often recommended that when you are fairly new, to start out with a rimfire, to help develop good habits with a gun that's easy to control. Might also consider getting a .22 rifle, like a bolt action, to learn good marksman habits and principles. A nr rifle could also get you out to the range sooner, and even if you don't have a gun yet, I'd recommend beginning the process of joining - many club members will let you try out their guns, and that will give you an idea of the kind you like, before you lay out a lot of cash. :). Another benefit of a nr .22 is that there could be fewer restrictions on bringing it, until you have earned full membership....but contact the clubs, or attend during their advertised new member/guest times, and talk to the executive. You'll soon know if you like the place.

Hope that helps.
Good luck and be safe!
 
Waelcome, if you already hava your rpal, it's just a matter of choosing a handgun that you like and buying it.
Youwill still have to find a club to join in order to be able to use it.
 
You actually don't need to be a member of any club to buy a pistol (handgun).. you can own one first and go as a guest to a range while applying or searching out which range/club you want to be a part of.
 
Thank you for the great response Sea Monkey! Yes I believe Guelph is not that far from me, more than likely I will have to expand my range search area!

Funny you would mention a .22! I was just looking a a .22 repeater the other day. Think it would be kind of a cool gun with some history behind it to start with.
 
Helly said:
You actually don't need to be a member of any club to buy a pistol (handgun).. you can own one first and go as a guest to a range while applying or searching out which range/club you want to be a part of.
Click to expand...


Thank you for the response Helly!

That is great news! I had no idea.

So how does one go about purchasing one? I looked at some websites online and they ask for your gun club info when completing the purchase?

I know there is a gun store in Hamilton called Al Simmons. Am I able to go there and purchase a pistol with my RPAL and no gun club membership yet? Do I need an ATT to get it home from the store?

Thanks for all of your help!
 
In Ontario, it is sufficient to let the store know which club you intend to join. I'm in the same boat and I just bought a 22 pistol from SFRC.
 
Helly said:
You actually don't need to be a member of any club to buy a pistol (handgun).. you can own one first and go as a guest to a range while applying or searching out which range/club you want to be a part of.
Click to expand...


You need not be a member before purchasing a restricted firearm. Just find a store that sells the gun you want to buy, buy it, and have them initiate the transfer.

CFO: what purpose are you applying for the transfer of a restricted firearm, collector or target shooter.
You: Target shooting.
CFO: Whats the name of your gun club.
You: I'm not a member anywhere, but am on several wait lists and have been invited to several other clubs as guests of a member.
CFO: ...

Anything other than approved and you can report back to us here for more help. You don't need a membership to own restricted. CFOs have been asking, but they can't actually enforce anything based on your answers, unless you say something ridiculous like "i do my targeted shooting on the streets yo."
 
canadam said:
Thank you for the great response Sea Monkey! Yes I believe Guelph is not that far from me, more than likely I will have to expand my range search area!

Funny you would mention a .22! I was just looking a a .22 repeater the other day. Think it would be kind of a cool gun with some history behind it to start with.
Click to expand...

Giddy-up!! I love my .22 lever - lots of fun! :)
 
Chopperjake said:
In Ontario, it is sufficient to let the store know which club you intend to join. I'm in the same boat and I just bought a 22 pistol from SFRC.
Click to expand...


Hi Chopperjake. Thanks for the great info. I just checked out SFRC and it doesn't look like they ask for that info. And as you said it is sufficient to intend to join, which I do at one of my local clubs once their waiting list's free up . I guess buying online eliviates the initial need for a ATT? Just want to do this properly and make sure my t's are crossed. Any more info you could give me would be much appreciated. Great to hear how someone in the same boat got through the hurdles.

Thanks!
 
Cameron SS said:
You need not be a member before purchasing a restricted firearm. Just find a store that sells the gun you want to buy, buy it, and have them initiate the transfer.

CFO: what purpose are you applying for the transfer of a restricted firearm, collector or target shooter.
You: Target shooting.
CFO: Whats the name of your gun club.
You: I'm not a member anywhere, but am on several wait lists and have been invited to several other clubs as guests of a member.
CFO: ...

Anything other than approved and you can report back to us here for more help. You don't need a membership to own restricted. CFOs have been asking, but they can't actually enforce anything based on your answers, unless you say something ridiculous like "i do my targeted shooting on the streets yo."
Click to expand...

Thank you Cameron SS! Finally I found this group to get the answer I needed! Is there a difference if I buy one of Kline or in a store, say Al Simmonds in Hamilton?

How does the process work? Do I buy and then transport home (or if online it's shipped to my home)?

Does a CFO call to inquire about your purchase, I will assume by your original post they do?

Sorry for all the questions, just very new to this and am looking to get as much info from guys who have been at the sport for awhile!
 
canadam said:
Do you have a brand you would reccomend?? Henry I believe, was the one the gentleman showed me in the store.
Click to expand...

Mine's a Henry, and never had a problem with it. I've heard good things about others as well. Best advice I can give on that, is consider the price and condition, and definitely check some online reviews. They are pretty simple guns, not much in the way of moving parts, so if you like the look of the gun and the price tag, take the plunge.


For your other questions...
A nr bought at a store or from Mike from Canmore, you bring home (bring a gun case). For restricteds, you pay & go home with only a receipt. The seller/store starts the transfer with the CFC...and you wait. If buying from an individual, they should provide you with the reference # from the CFC and then you call in to complete the transfer. From a store, the store will typically advise you when the transfer has been completed/approved. Call the CFC and request an emailed copy of the transfer notification, and go pick up your new toy (bring a lock/case) or have the individual/store ship it (but that will be usually be determined when you pay for it)

That's about all there is to it.
 
canadam said:
Thank you Cameron SS! Finally I found this group to get the answer I needed! Is there a difference if I buy one of Kline or in a store, say Al Simmonds in Hamilton?

How does the process work? Do I buy and then transport home (or if online it's shipped to my home)?

Does a CFO call to inquire about your purchase, I will assume by your original post they do?

Sorry for all the questions, just very new to this and am looking to get as much info from guys who have been at the sport for awhile!
Click to expand...

The process to buy should be about the same regardless of where you buy. ANy online store can hold for pickup and most stores will ship if you want them to. You will have to address that with the particular store.

I cant give you specific advice on where to buy. This site has many good sponsors that are firearms retailers, both brick and mortar and online. Most people like to support their local gun shop on principle. Others want best price and dont care where its from.

Up to you.

THe CFO may or may not be involved, depending on what you buy from who. Private sales are handled slightly differently than dealer sales, but if you buy on consignment from a store, its more like a private sale.

You may or may not ever talk to a CFO, as stores applying for the transfer on your behalf will often ask you for all of the information that the CFO typically asks for and they may supply it on your behalf to expedite things.

The best person to answer these questions is the store you intend to buy from, as they can tell you definitively what their practices are. More importantly, do you know what you want to buy?
 
Hi Canadam,
I'm in Oakville too. Welcome. I'm a member at Burlington. It took a while, but after I got my date for the club level safety course I went every month to sign up on the wait list in case anyone didn't show. It took a bit, but I got in on the fourth try. I don't know if it is still an option, but it worked for me. I enjoy the club and have met many great and experienced members who have always been kind and helpful. 24/7 works for me. Good luck and enjoy the sport wherever it takes you!
 
Helly said:
You actually don't need to be a member of any club to buy a pistol (handgun).. you can own one first and go as a guest to a range while applying or searching out which range/club you want to be a part of.
Click to expand...

For the OPs as well as my own info, is there a list of Ranges in the GTA (and surrounding) areas that accept walk-ins or non member guests to shoot their own restricted firearms (rifles and handguns if possible)?

I'm in the same boat as the OP and don't have a membership but would like to buy some restricted firearms and just go as a visitor to a range and shoot while I look into getting a membership at a range.
 
amkorp said:
For the OPs as well as my own info, is there a list of Ranges in the GTA (and surrounding) areas that accept walk-ins or non member guests to shoot their own restricted firearms (rifles and handguns if possible)?

I'm in the same boat as the OP and don't have a membership but would like to buy some restricted firearms and just go as a visitor to a range and shoot while I look into getting a membership at a range.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately there is excessively high demand in and around the GTA, and I have actually heard of clubs switching to be a strict members only club that previously took walk ins. One range operator in particular i spoke said they had to stop the practice because of riff raff with no sense of ownership or belonging in the club was deliberately damaging equipment.

The GTA could easily sustain at least 5 more ranges over and above what is already there.
 
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