What defines antique for muzzleloaders
- Thread starter Grantmac
- Start date
vagrantviking
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Alberta
https://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-464/page-2.html#h-1024358
From the horses mouth.
Generally the barrel is considered to be the firearm for legal purposes on a muzzleloader but occasionally it can be the breach or frame if it's constructed that way. Like this one possibly https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2201708-Mowrey-40cal
Get a flintlock long gun as they are considered to be "antique" even if newly manufactured.
From the horses mouth.
Generally the barrel is considered to be the firearm for legal purposes on a muzzleloader but occasionally it can be the breach or frame if it's constructed that way. Like this one possibly https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/2201708-Mowrey-40cal
Get a flintlock long gun as they are considered to be "antique" even if newly manufactured.
Milspectacles
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central Alberta
On a much older thread in the days of the LGR, I believe either Mooncoon or tiriaq transcribed a discussion with someone at the CFP - where they stated the breech plug was the "firearm" for registration purposes. Although as vagrantviking linked, certain guns will be different than others, depending on their specific construction.
As to your more specific questions? I'd say that changing the lock would probably be fine, reboring or relining the barrel absolutely - replacing however starts to get into the iffy zone.
I would agree to just get a repro flintlock or preferred mechanism if you can, of course if you are thinking pistols this is out of the question
As to your more specific questions? I'd say that changing the lock would probably be fine, reboring or relining the barrel absolutely - replacing however starts to get into the iffy zone.
I would agree to just get a repro flintlock or preferred mechanism if you can, of course if you are thinking pistols this is out of the question
This is just thinking about pistols. Sounds like the breach and barrel as a unit define what must be at least outwardly original.
But stocks and locks can be repaired.
What is really like is a Pattern 1801 Sea Service pistol, unfortunately they aren't exactly economical in original condition. This gives me more latitude for unoriginal examples, especially south of the border.
But stocks and locks can be repaired.
What is really like is a Pattern 1801 Sea Service pistol, unfortunately they aren't exactly economical in original condition. This gives me more latitude for unoriginal examples, especially south of the border.
I wrote to the RCMP around 1998 or 1999 asking what part of a muzzle loader was the receiver or frame. The answer as I recall was the breach plug and perhaps the barrel (plug and barrel combined I think). The problem with finding an antique handgun suitable for recreational shooting is that most of the ones that I have seen are large caliber with thin barrels and by and large no rear sight. I do have one which I shoot which is an O/U Belgian pistol about 53 caliber and rifling that sort of wanders down the barrel. It is reasonably accurate but not spectacular which also describes my shooting ability.
One significant problem is that the RCMP have been given the authority to interpret the written law as they see fit and in recent years, for cartridge guns at least, have become increasingly restrictive in what they will accept as an antique. One anecdote, is that about 20 years ago I wanted to import an antique pistol from the US. I sent the RCMP a photograph of what was obviously an ancient flintlock pistol and they replied that they would agree it was a flintlock but without a manufacturers name could not declare it an antique. A few months later, I was in the US and picked up the gun and declared it at customs when returning home. I had a copy of the section of the Gazette which classed it as an antique, which did not interest the Canada Customs officers but they said they would allow me to keep it because they did not think I could make it fire.
cheers mooncoon
One significant problem is that the RCMP have been given the authority to interpret the written law as they see fit and in recent years, for cartridge guns at least, have become increasingly restrictive in what they will accept as an antique. One anecdote, is that about 20 years ago I wanted to import an antique pistol from the US. I sent the RCMP a photograph of what was obviously an ancient flintlock pistol and they replied that they would agree it was a flintlock but without a manufacturers name could not declare it an antique. A few months later, I was in the US and picked up the gun and declared it at customs when returning home. I had a copy of the section of the Gazette which classed it as an antique, which did not interest the Canada Customs officers but they said they would allow me to keep it because they did not think I could make it fire.
cheers mooncoon
