Shells in sidesaddle during storage?

[gushulak]

Legal question time:

Can I leave six shotgun shells in a sidesaddle on an unloaded shotgun that is trigger locked, in a locked case? Is this legal for storage or considered unsafe? I prefer to keep ammo separate from firearms, but does the sidesaddle make the shotgun "loaded"? My firearms are all kept in a locked closet in a locked room. Minimim of six locks must be broke in order to get access to my guns.

Is the best bet to leave it empty except for range/field use? Don't want to be breaking any laws here. Thanks fellas.

 

[easy]

STORAGE OF NON-RESTRICTED FIREARMS

5. (1) An individual may store a non-restricted firearm only if

(a) it is unloaded;

(b) it is

(i) rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device,

(ii) rendered inoperable by the removal of the bolt or bolt-carrier, or

(iii) stored in a container, receptacle or room that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into; and

(c) it is not readily accessible to ammunition, unless the ammunition is stored, together with or separately from the firearm, in a container or receptacle that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into.

(2) Paragraph (1)(b) does not apply to any individual who stores a non-restricted firearm temporarily if the individual reasonably requires it for the control of predators or other animals in a place where it may be discharged in accordance with all applicable Acts of Parliament and of the legislature of a province, regulations made under such Acts, and municipal by-laws.

(3) Paragraphs (1)(b) and (c) do not apply to an individual who stores a non-restricted firearm in a location that is in a remote wilderness area that is not subject to any visible or otherwise reasonably ascertainable use incompatible with hunting.


STORAGE OF RESTRICTED FIREARMS

6. An individual may store a restricted firearm only if

(a) it is unloaded;

(b) it is

(i) rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device and stored in a container, receptacle or room that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into, or

(ii) stored in a vault, safe or room that has been specifically constructed or modified for the secure storage of restricted firearms and that is kept securely locked; and

(c) it is not readily accessible to ammunition, unless the ammunition is stored, together with or separately from the firearm, in

(i) a container or receptacle that is kept securely locked and that is constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into, or

(ii) a vault, safe or room that has been specifically constructed or modified for the secure storage of restricted firearms and that is kept securely locked.

As I understand the above sections, storing together with or separately from the firearm, (according to the FA lingo), a delicate threshold exists between "storing firearms in container, receptacle or a securely locked room" and a "vault, safe or specifically constructed room.

If you're storing guns in a "cabinet", your ammo should be locked up "separately from" inside or outside of the cabinet. Ammunition sitting in your sidesaddle on your gun may get you in hot water no matter how many locked rooms you have to go through.

If you store your guns in a safe, then ammunition can be "together with" and sitting in your side saddle would be fine provided the gun is not loaded via the chamber, breech, or magazine. A sidesaddle is neither of these.


Here's the FAs definition and interpretation of the term "unloaded" as found in Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations section.

“unloaded”, in respect of a firearm, means that any propellant, projectile or cartridge that can be discharged from the firearm is not contained in the breech or firing chamber of the firearm nor in the cartridge magazine attached to or inserted into the firearm. (non chargée)