Newly RPAL licensed, and have been focusing on buying some handguns before the transfer freeze. Got what pistols I could find / afford, so now turning my attention to tacticool rifles... I've read the previous posts on this topic of .226/5.56 LAR15 10-round mags. I understand what the law says, the ambiguity, the wavering stance of the RCMP, the sporadic reports of improper enforcement by over-zealous LEO's etc etc. Since I don't have range experience yet, my key newb question is this: are LAR15's commonly being taken to the range and enjoyed, or is everyone taking a wait and see approach and keeping them at home? Are they common and accepted as norm, or do they elicit side-eye and raised eyebrows? I ask because I'm contemplating buying my first semi-auto range toy (x95, Bren, WK180 etc), but want to enjoy my purchase along with LAR15 10-rounders without fear of getting slapped with a bogus charge. All things considered, if I'm stuck with a really cool rifle that can only shoot 5 rounds, I may reconsider my plans.
Newb question re: LAR15 mags at the range. Any grief?
- Thread starter CA125
- Start date
People are pretty chill at ranges I find with those magazines.
Shooting on Crown Land it is best to stay under the radar from Fish Cops and Pony Soldiers. My shooting buddies don't shoot fast, they keep their shooting irons cased until being used, and keep five rounders in their rifles for the most part with LAR magazines in the pockets as opposed to out in the open.
Some carry a print out from the RCMP website saying the magazines are legal just in case a conversation arises.
Shooting on Crown Land it is best to stay under the radar from Fish Cops and Pony Soldiers. My shooting buddies don't shoot fast, they keep their shooting irons cased until being used, and keep five rounders in their rifles for the most part with LAR magazines in the pockets as opposed to out in the open.
Some carry a print out from the RCMP website saying the magazines are legal just in case a conversation arises.
LAR15s are ALL I use on my .223/5.56 semi autos. They are certainly still legal (for now) but as another poster mentioned, make sure that the stampings on there about LAR15 pistol mags have not rubbed off.
Now, THAT SAID...Ian Runkle has a video in which he advises discretion and caution about using LAR15s depending on where you are shooting - out in the bush, and depending on what officer may stop you, it may be problematic. At approved ranges, I haven't heard of any issues. Because they are still are legal to use.
And the firearms lawyer Ed Burlew, who is here on CGN, has posted last year about some of his clients being initially charged in using them - you can do a search on Ed's posts and find them. But I think this is very specific in certain situations and depending on what officer you may be encountering.
But these are still widely sold on the retail market, which would support its legality and as mentioned, I use these exclusively when I shoot.
Now, THAT SAID...Ian Runkle has a video in which he advises discretion and caution about using LAR15s depending on where you are shooting - out in the bush, and depending on what officer may stop you, it may be problematic. At approved ranges, I haven't heard of any issues. Because they are still are legal to use.
And the firearms lawyer Ed Burlew, who is here on CGN, has posted last year about some of his clients being initially charged in using them - you can do a search on Ed's posts and find them. But I think this is very specific in certain situations and depending on what officer you may be encountering.
But these are still widely sold on the retail market, which would support its legality and as mentioned, I use these exclusively when I shoot.
Are they legal - yes
Is there a chance you will get grief by someone who isn't fully versed in nuance of the law - Also yes
My range prohibits mag dumps, so its never been an issue
But on private property I let loose like its the Big Igloo!
Is there a chance you will get grief by someone who isn't fully versed in nuance of the law - Also yes
My range prohibits mag dumps, so its never been an issue
But on private property I let loose like its the Big Igloo!
Bubba Yugga
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Midwestern Ontario
I keep a printout of RCMP Bulletin 72 in my range bag.
Never had to rub anyone's nose with it yet.
Never had to rub anyone's nose with it yet.
These mags have been around for like over 15 years? They have been a common sign at club clubs for years and I will say if you use it at a gun club it is 99% trouble free.
Crown land is a different story because you will be dealing with local LE individuals.
Crown land is a different story because you will be dealing with local LE individuals.
i ve shot with lar15 mags at our local range with leos and they shared theirs and mine ... not every leo is going to go after gun owners: they re gun owners as well for most. and by the way many lost a lot after oic ... let alone the hadguns coming soon.
Really appreciate these insights. Thank you. Now I just need to decide if I start shopping now or wait until the fall to see if anything gets the ban hammer. Man would it suck if whatever I buy gets changed from NR to prohibited before I even get a chance to fire the darn thing.
My advice - don't wait. With guns, it has happened so many times to me that I sit on the sidelines and then stuff gets sold out or when it finally gets restocked, it's at a higher price.
Don't give the government any power by living in fear. Almost everything that I have been buying has been on the Polys hit list. Don't care. The enjoyment from being able to shoot what I buy has been very rewarding. They may ban something. They may not.
A little over a year ago I had an opportunity to buy an HK SL8-5 for under $2000 retail. Little did I know they were so hard to find and few retailers stocked them and the one that had only one there. At the time I was humming and hawing about whether I should drop this much money on something that may be banned. I passed on it. What a mistake...
They have been out of stock since until recently one online retailer got some in (think they were SL8-1s)...you know how much they are? $3899.99 + tax. And that's not even an SL8-5.
In the meantime, I have used the Polys hit list as my shopping list. Been great.
Don't let what the government may or may not do dictate what you do.
lar mags are a very grey area since the OIC. because the pistol needs to be "readily available" in canada in order for pistol mags to be legal. you need to read / understand the law to know why. only a judge can answer if they are still legal.
OntarioThe Free
CGN Regular
- Location
- North of T.O.
just pull the trigger already
Painkillers
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have an AR in my lock up just like that. Never fired a round.
