Toronto and no car!

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kisskissbangbang

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Greetings all,
I posted an introduction but i'll echo it here saying I've been browsing for awhile and I look forward to chatting with you all and learning a lot!
I'm in Toronto and want to get into target shooting (initially .22LR) but unfortunately I don't drive. Since I'm smack in the centre of downtown I have no need for a car (other than, apparently, getting to a place to shoot!!) which means I'm stuck with public transportation. I haven't been able to find any ranges within a reasonable distance and I was wondering two things:

(1) Is there a range or club anywhere accessible by TTC within reason (like an hour or so)?
(2) The technicals (and legality) of transporting a non-restricted firearm on public transport

I'm looking at getting the Ruger 10/22 Takedown that would allow me to carry it in a bag that wouldn't cause undo alarm to people of the public as the bag it comes with looks relatively normal (i.e. non rifle-like).
If anyone could point me in the right direction on either that would be great. I've tried searching for similar question re: Toronto range but most of the posts are old and the links provided are dead. Evidently there isn't an indoor range right downtown, surely this would have a massive consumer base if someone opened one up?

Cheers everyone,
KKBB
 
Welcome to CGN Sir.
Get a licence lol Sorry, but one day you will be amazed to find out that there are places in the world other than the center of the universe (Toronto) and that you may need to get to them ;)
All joking aside though, if you're going to get into shooting, it's all done at either remote places (crown land) or at shooting ranges which are, by default, in remote places.
I could see the headlines now after someone walks through Young and Dundas with a rifle case and a backpack full of ammo to head to the metro to get to the gun club lolol
It would make things very difficult for you for sure and draw all kinds of attention from twitchy anti-gun city folks which you are surrounded by Sir.
 
Welcome...first, Toronto has a bylaw against gun related businesses within it's city limits so that's why no ranges in TO...to my knowledge, they grandfathered a couple of pistol clubs but they may or may not still be in business (could be wrong)...Try Target Sports...they're in Gormley (Richmond Hil?)...would require a couple of transfers from DT but the bus will put you within a 20 min walk of the place... As for transport, soft sided guitar bag works great...get some foam inserts and cut them to fit. Can put two rifles, mags and ammo in them and no one is the wiser on the bus / subway...good luck.
 
If you don't have a car in Toronto and want to get into shooting shy of joining the Canadian Forces your kind of stuck. As far as I know it is against the law to carry a firearm on the TTC, even if you did/could it wouldn't get you to anywhere to shoot. Luckily there are a few places within driving distance and even if you don't own a car others (like myself) do and could set something for a ride share. PM if your interested. Great choice in the Ruger 10/22 take down, great little gun!
 
I'm in the same boat. I don't have a license, but I have family and good friends. My brother and I shoot at CFB Borden so I just go up with him and in fact we're leaving on Mon. morning for the 5 day controlled deer hunt. Get active on CGN, make some new friends, come out to a wings 'n beer get together, or just post a plea for some kind soul to give you a come-along when he/she goes to the range. The folks on this site are great and generous with time and knowledge. But, you really do need a drivers license. That said, greetings and welcome.
 
Innavedaw said:
Welcome...first, Toronto has a bylaw against gun related businesses within it's city limits so that's why no ranges in TO...to my knowledge, they grandfathered a couple of pistol clubs but they may or may not still be in business (could be wrong)...Try Target Sports...they're in Gormley (Richmond Hil?)...would require a couple of transfers from DT but the bus will put you within a 20 min walk of the place... As for transport, soft sided guitar bag works great...get some foam inserts and cut them to fit. Can put two rifles, mags and ammo in them and no one is the wiser on the bus / subway...good luck.
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Not trying to be a douche here, target sports is at stouffville road and woodbine. No public transportation out there. For there Monday-Friday you can bring your own firearms and sat, sun and holidays you have to rent. Oh yeah one more thing, you have to bring a buddy as it is a house rule.
 
andrewg said:
Not trying to be a douche here, target sports is at stouffville road and woodbine. No public transportation out there. For there Monday-Friday you can bring your own firearms and sat, sun and holidays you have to rent. Oh yeah one more thing, you have to bring a buddy as it is a house rule.
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No offence taken...was just trying to offer an alternative...and google maps says the bus drops you off about 2km from the place...figured if you wanna shoot bad enough a 20 min walk is not too bad...but I defer to those who know better..never been there myself.
 
Thank you all.
OK, consensus is get a license! I plan to start this in the new year but the process will take some time and whether or not my budget living in the city can afford a car is something I will need to consider down the road. I will definitely be active here and would love the beer and wings get-togethers, ride sharing would be great too after my PAL is sorted out.
Just one other thing, I'm under the impression that you need to be a member of a gun club to purchase a firearm (whether restricted or non-restricted). If this is the case it will be difficult to join a club without the car first, even with rideshares, so I'd be limited to places where I can rent. Another kink in the plan!

Thanks again guys.
 
kisskissbangbang said:
Thank you all.
OK, consensus is get a license! I plan to start this in the new year but the process will take some time and whether or not my budget living in the city can afford a car is something I will need to consider down the road. I will definitely be active here and would love the beer and wings get-togethers, ride sharing would be great too after my PAL is sorted out.
Just one other thing, I'm under the impression that you need to be a member of a gun club to purchase a firearm (whether restricted or non-restricted). If this is the case it will be difficult to join a club without the car first, even with rideshares, so I'd be limited to places where I can rent. Another kink in the plan!

Thanks again guys.
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Where abouts do you live in the city? I don't take public transit as I drive, how hard would it be for you to get to markham?
 
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FLHTCUI said:
Welcome to the Big Show @CGN !
First off , have you researched Metro Toronto's Web page for what they consider and allowed to carry on their property?
That would be my first step.
Tight Groups,
Rob
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That is the best information right there.

Its a $500 fine in Ottawa public transit if caught.(plus the ass pain) I'm sureToronto has "by-laws" both internal to the TTC that prohibit almost any firearm replica or not on their property. Invest in a good pack and bicycle until you can afford alternative transport.
 
kisskissbangbang said:
Near spadina underground station.

I wasn't aware you didn't need to be a member of a club to purchase a NRF, thanks for letting me know!
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non restricted- walk in show them your pal, pay, walk out with firearm.

restricted- walk in show them your pal, theyll have to transfer the gun to you, so you leave empty handed that day. return when the transfer is complete and the att( authorization to transport) issued for you to take it home. when you get it home you get to stare longingly at it until you actually get a membership and an att to get it to and from the range.

i lived in toronto when i bought my first restricted. i had it for two and a half years before i got to shoot it, and that was when i moved to winnipeg. ive gone buck wild over here with my new found freedom lol.
 
I also live in downtown Toronto (actually even further towards the middle of it than you.. ) and I can't imagine trying to pursue shooting/hunting from here without a car. I have a number of friends who use those ZipCar type services when they need a car, but obviously you need a D/L (and a credit card.. ;) ). I wouldn't even try carrying your gun on transit - I'm a harmless (well, harmless looking at least...) ol' pensioner lady, and I still try to be as invisible as possible when I'm loading guns & stuff into my car coz I really don't want a SWAT team arriving because of a nosy neighbor......
 
I have just been reading about car sharing/ZipCars and they sounds fantastic, really useful just beyond shooting! Looks like thats the first step.
Thanks again all!
 
Just don't lose any spent brass behind the seats in a ZipCar, I can only imagine the scene that would cause in Toronto when it's found. Laugh2
 
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