When is an antique pistol no longer considered an antique?

Let me answer the original question.

There are two logical reasons as to why would you carry a loaded handgun in a bush: self-defense or hunting. Both of which are not legit. Hence from the law prospective it becomes firearm-related offense.

The only legit reason would be target shooting on crown land. So you would be carrying the gun to the shooting spot - obviously it must be unloaded and not concealed whatever that means. As a peace of mind, I would print out FRT for the model, or better yet - obtain RCMP letter tied to this specific gun and serial, as a proof of A status.

But if you walk in a park or any other area where discharging firearm is not allowed and there is no no any spot you can legally discharge it nearby - you have no good reason to carry it even unloaded. It is still legal officially, like you can open carry your non-restricted rifle in a town right now - but that rather would be public disturbance, nuisance etc, and you still would have troubles with LE after they receive many calls about the weird person wondering around with a gun.

Bottom line: If the only reason you got an antique as a sort of permit to carry around a loaded gun, because it's not a gun - you will be disappointed

With that being said, I shoot my antiques only on a range without looking behind my shoulder. And it is not good range toy, tbh. Underpowered, inaccurate and expensive gun, which can brake down any moment.

The only good use of antique handgun - is a collectible display piece you can exhibit outside of a gun safe. Once in a while it becomes a talking point when new friend comes to my house for a beer.


I agree with you whole heartedly. I think this "antique" loop hole was initially for collectors because from my reading if you have a pistol manufactured prior to 1898 chambered in .22 rimfire it is not classified as an antique but as a restricted firearm.

The "antique" classification was made for basically handguns that would never or could never be fired because there is no commercial or over the counter ammo that can be purchased for it.

I just saw an 1873 Colt chambered in .44 special sell on CGN along with its antique letter. The post claimed new replacement cylinder and barrel. What the pistol was initially chambered in is the mystery but obviously not .44 special.

I am not a lawyer but I still feel in my gut that even if, and lets use the S&W Old Army .32 rimfire as an example, you loaded up some ammo with your H&L and you had it in a lock box and transported it onto crown land for target practice. Lets suppose, for the sake of argument, a CO or RCMP officer approaches you as you are firing away. I think, personally, that you would be screwed because that firearm in that instance belching black smoke is no longer classified as an "antique" as per the regulations.

I think people are being mislead when you see pistols advertised such as a Webley saying the cylinder was reamed to take .45 ACP using moon clips or a S&W chambered in .44 Russian when you can buy ammo over the counter.

44 Russian/S&W 247gr Cowboy Action Fiocchi​

Just my 2 cents.
 
The only calibers/ammunition mentioned in the law is the list of calibers which preclude antique status. There is no mention of ammunition availability.
Is there anything in the definition of deemed or prescribed antiques that states shooting an antique negates antique status?
Personally, I think anyone engaging in "bush carry", whatever that is, had best be extremely circumspect.
 
The only calibers/ammunition mentioned in the law is the list of calibers which preclude antique status. There is no mention of ammunition availability.
Is there anything in the definition of deemed or prescribed antiques that states shooting an antique negates antique status?
Personally, I think anyone engaging in "bush carry", whatever that is, had best be extremely circumspect.
The criminal code does specify that antique status guns / revolvers must be locked in an opaque case when transporting. I personally would take this to mean you cant transport it ( house to your car .. or transport it from one part of the bush to another unless it’s locked in an opaque case
 
I agree with you whole heartedly. I think this "antique" loop hole was initially for collectors because from my reading if you have a pistol manufactured prior to 1898 chambered in .22 rimfire it is not classified as an antique but as a restricted firearm.

The "antique" classification was made for basically handguns that would never or could never be fired because there is no commercial or over the counter ammo that can be purchased for it.

I just saw an 1873 Colt chambered in .44 special sell on CGN along with its antique letter. The post claimed new replacement cylinder and barrel. What the pistol was initially chambered in is the mystery but obviously not .44 special.

I am not a lawyer but I still feel in my gut that even if, and lets use the S&W Old Army .32 rimfire as an example, you loaded up some ammo with your H&L and you had it in a lock box and transported it onto crown land for target practice. Lets suppose, for the sake of argument, a CO or RCMP officer approaches you as you are firing away. I think, personally, that you would be screwed because that firearm in that instance belching black smoke is no longer classified as an "antique" as per the regulations.

I think people are being mislead when you see pistols advertised such as a Webley saying the cylinder was reamed to take .45 ACP using moon clips or a S&W chambered in .44 Russian when you can buy ammo over the counter.

44 Russian/S&W 247gr Cowboy Action Fiocchi​

Just my 2 cents.
The law doesn’t state that ammunition can’t be available to buy for antique status guns. These are calibres test the RCMP have classified ad no longer being a threat to public safety. Also when it comes to carrying an antique the criminal code specifically states that all antique status firearms must be transported in an opaque locked case that is out of site. Transporting could simply mean in your car ti the gun range however it could also mean transporting it from your house to car or transporting it from one part of the bush to another
 
The law doesn’t state that ammunition can’t be available to buy for antique status guns. These are calibres test the RCMP have classified ad no longer being a threat to public safety. Also when it comes to carrying an antique the criminal code specifically states that all antique status firearms must be transported in an opaque locked case that is out of site. Transporting could simply mean in your car ti the gun range however it could also mean transporting it from your house to car or transporting it from one part of the bush to another
If its being carried on you in a place you can shoot it, without being locked in a case, then its in use, not in transport. Just like having it holstered at the range.
 
I apologize if this has been asked before but clarification would be of considerable help. Let's say someone owns an S&W Old Army chambered in .32 rimfire. Obviously it was manufactured before 1898 and it's not chambered for a commercial cartridge that is available today. Lets assume this individual buys an H&L reloading kit and loads some ammo. He loads the cylinder and open carries it, lets say in the bush. Lets also assume he or she is stopped by an RCMP office or conservation officer.

Remember the pistol is fully loaded and quite capable of discharging the 5 rounds in the cylinder. What's the outcome of this encounter?

Thx
Is there a record, report, or recollection of this scenario ever taking place? Has anyone had this happen to them, or known anyone that has had this happen (verified) to?
The last time this was asked, and it has been asked several times, the answer was no.

R.
 
Is there a record, report, or recollection of this scenario ever taking place? Has anyone had this happen to them, or known anyone that has had this happen (verified) to?
The last time this was asked, and it has been asked several times, the answer was no.

R.
4 years ago I was assaulted in my own home. I called rcmp for help. The person who assaulted me claimed I was the one that assaulted her. I was the one covered in bruises and bite marks. There was no marks on her plus I had a witness. Guess who they arrested. Guns were not involved in any of this but the rcmp knew I had a good sized collection.
Long story short is they seized everything. Even my smokeless powder and primers because they claimed it was explosives. They threatened me like you wouldn't believe. Drug it out in court for years. They kept making the same offer. We keep your guns and all charges we drop. I would never ever agree to this. Two years of hell before I eventually got everything back.
They just do what they want. They only follow the law when it suits them. Bunch of filth. I would let my house burn to the ground before I would ever make the mistake of calling 911 again. Actually Alberta is getting rid of the rcmp. When there is a way to call Alberta Sheriff's I would probably call them for help but not Trudeaus gun thiefs
 
4 years ago I was assaulted in my own home. I called rcmp for help. The person who assaulted me claimed I was the one that assaulted her. I was the one covered in bruises and bite marks. There was no marks on her plus I had a witness. Guess who they arrested. Guns were not involved in any of this but the rcmp knew I had a good sized collection.
Long story short is they seized everything. Even my smokeless powder and primers because they claimed it was explosives. They threatened me like you wouldn't believe. Drug it out in court for years. They kept making the same offer. We keep your guns and all charges we drop. I would never ever agree to this. Two years of hell before I eventually got everything back.
They just do what they want. They only follow the law when it suits them. Bunch of filth. I would let my house burn to the ground before I would ever make the mistake of calling 911 again. Actually Alberta is getting rid of the rcmp. When there is a way to call Alberta Sheriff's I would probably call them for help but not Trudeaus gun thiefs
A member of our range was going through a divorce , and when he arrived home from working for 14 days, his gunsafe was empty. He confronted his wife, who stated that she sold them. He reported this to the RCMP and they said that this was a property issue that needed to be settled by the courts. He pointed out that several of the firearms were restricted, and were registered in his name, so nobody could legally take /sell them without his knowledge/permission. The RCMP responded with the same, it was a property issue, that needed to be settled by the courts. He asked what would happen if a crime was committed with any of the firearms, and the RCMP had no answer for him. So the RCMP will arrest you, if you don't have the proper paperwork for your restricted firearms, or if you use them illegally, but they don't care if someone takes them and illegally sells them.
 
Also when it comes to carrying an antique the criminal code specifically states that all antique status firearms must be transported in an opaque locked case that is out of site. Transporting could simply mean in your car ti the gun range however it could also mean transporting it from your house to car or transporting it from one part of the bush to another
Sorry, I don't believe your statement about the transportation of all antique status firearms is entirely correct. Generally antique firearms transportation regulations are no more stringent than for a NR firearm, which is just typically simply unloaded.
That said only antique handguns are required be transported both unloaded and in an opaque locked case. Additionally the only time antique firearms need to out of sight ( or in a trunk if available) is if you intend on leaving them in the vehicle unattended. It is otherwise not a requirement of transportation, i.e. It is legal to keep you unloaded Brown Bess(or loaded with flint removed) proudly displayed on you dash while your driving, it only becomes a problem if you leave it unattended in order to go for a pee at the gas station or whatever.
https://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/PS99-1-2004E.pdf
 
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