Type 97 too late?
- Thread starter damullet
- Start date
lulz - I really didn't want one, but put my name down for a preorder with Frontier anyways.
Glad I did.
From what I understand, the importer is still waiting for the sample to be approved for import as non-restricted. You might see references on CGN to an "FRT" being issued (a firearms reference table number indicating that the firearm is non-restricted). At least four previous attempts to bring a "Type 97"-type carbine to the Canadian civillian market have failed and resulted in "prohibited" classifications. The importer is hoping they have it right this time, but there are no sure things.
Once the firearms are are issued an FRT as non-restricted, then they have to actually be made in the factory in China, then shipped to the distributor in Canada, make it through customs without any major issues, then be shipped to the retailers.
None of this has happened yet - I personally wouldn't worry about having your name in on a pre-order, as it doesn't actually mean anything anyway. The firearms are not approved and they don't exist yet anyway.
If somebody was importing HKP7's, or K98k's, or whatever, getting on the pre-order would be a really good idea. But this is a situation more like the CZ-858. If this importer/distributor is able to get a $1,000 firearm that looks like a Chinese bullpup service rifle - approved as non-restricted - the factory will happily pump those out until every last $1,000 of demand has been satisfied. I would say that there has never been an issue with shortages of T97 civi rifles. The problem is that when importers tried to bring them into the country in numbers, they were cut off at the knees by CBSA/RCMP/DOJ - and we've been living in the aftermath of that debacle ever since.
I used to think that there were two main problems with Canadian firearms law - particular asit relates to importing new "tactical"-type firearms:
(1) Hasselwander - can it be readily converted to full auto fire?
(2) Is it a variant of a named prohib?
But now I think there is a third one... a whole new game in town over these last few years...
(3) while the RCMP has the responsibility for classifying firearms and issuing FRT numbers, is there any timeframe in which this must be completed, or can they simply delay it for years on end?
A lot of people have noticed this problem... probably starting with the FN SCAR. While I'm not inclined to believe in grand conspiracies, something does appear to be going on in this area. Number (1) has been the problem for Type 97's so far. If neither (1) nor (2) apply, (3) has the potential to apply to ANY new firearm, holding the process up for years, and making the project entirely uneconomical for the importer and ultimately abandoned (see FN SCAR 16S).
I hope this doesn't happen with the latest round of the Type 97, but if I were you I would pursue other projects and interests until T97's start showing up in stores. We could be looking at years, if ever.
Once the firearms are are issued an FRT as non-restricted, then they have to actually be made in the factory in China, then shipped to the distributor in Canada, make it through customs without any major issues, then be shipped to the retailers.
None of this has happened yet - I personally wouldn't worry about having your name in on a pre-order, as it doesn't actually mean anything anyway. The firearms are not approved and they don't exist yet anyway.
If somebody was importing HKP7's, or K98k's, or whatever, getting on the pre-order would be a really good idea. But this is a situation more like the CZ-858. If this importer/distributor is able to get a $1,000 firearm that looks like a Chinese bullpup service rifle - approved as non-restricted - the factory will happily pump those out until every last $1,000 of demand has been satisfied. I would say that there has never been an issue with shortages of T97 civi rifles. The problem is that when importers tried to bring them into the country in numbers, they were cut off at the knees by CBSA/RCMP/DOJ - and we've been living in the aftermath of that debacle ever since.
I used to think that there were two main problems with Canadian firearms law - particular asit relates to importing new "tactical"-type firearms:
(1) Hasselwander - can it be readily converted to full auto fire?
(2) Is it a variant of a named prohib?
But now I think there is a third one... a whole new game in town over these last few years...
(3) while the RCMP has the responsibility for classifying firearms and issuing FRT numbers, is there any timeframe in which this must be completed, or can they simply delay it for years on end?
A lot of people have noticed this problem... probably starting with the FN SCAR. While I'm not inclined to believe in grand conspiracies, something does appear to be going on in this area. Number (1) has been the problem for Type 97's so far. If neither (1) nor (2) apply, (3) has the potential to apply to ANY new firearm, holding the process up for years, and making the project entirely uneconomical for the importer and ultimately abandoned (see FN SCAR 16S).
I hope this doesn't happen with the latest round of the Type 97, but if I were you I would pursue other projects and interests until T97's start showing up in stores. We could be looking at years, if ever.
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I just got word through the "grape vine", on good authority, that the T97NSR prototype has yet to be submitted/recieved bythe RCMP in Ottawa.
The T97NS prototype was classified as "prohibited" late last year.
It can happen, but it won't be soon. You are looking at a couple of years, best case scenario, for taking a T97 to the range or out gopher hunting.
The T97NS prototype was classified as "prohibited" late last year.
It can happen, but it won't be soon. You are looking at a couple of years, best case scenario, for taking a T97 to the range or out gopher hunting.
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If the product isn't in their stores, then there's nothing to retail! No progress!
