Only way to get a handgun exemption???

[u/Stunning-Position759]

Why Does the “Protection of Life” Handgun Exemption Exist in Canada?

I’ve been doing some research into Canadian firearms law, specifically the exemptions related to restricted and prohibited handguns, and I came across something that raised a lot of questions for me.

Under section 20 of the Firearms Act, there is a category that allows individuals to possess restricted firearms or prohibited handguns for “Protection of Life.”

• The individual (or others) must face imminent danger from another person

• Police protection must be insufficient in the circumstances

• Possession of the firearm must be reasonably justified to prevent death or grievous bodily harm

What I find interesting is that an ATIP request reportedly showed that only one person in Canada currently holds this exemption.

Why does this category exist in legislation if it is almost never granted?

Has anyone tried to apply for this or has experience with this.

[u/waitwhatnothing]

There are other ways to get a handgun exemption, there’s wilderness ATC for trappers and some other occupations. There’s also the exemption for competitors in ISSF pistol events.

I think the protection of life exemption is being phased out basically. It hasn’t been legal to just carry a handgun for self defence without some kind permit/exemption for over a hundred years and it’s just been made harder and harder to obtain over time.

[u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 → u/waitwhatnothing]

There’s also the exemption for competitors in ISSF pistol events.

This a bit of a catch-22 no? You need a pistol to start practicing or competing in ISSF events. But you need to participate in ISSF events to get an exemption.

So how does one start the process - find a coach or ISSF Pistol Club and go from there?

[u/waitwhatnothing → u/Hot_Cheesecake_905]

I think that’s the case, there’s a coach who mentioned the process in a thread before. With an RPAL you can even borrow a gun to go to competitions. 

When you do buy your own you will be limited to competition specific .22lr handguns. 

[u/MBGLK → u/waitwhatnothing]

Could you find that comment that outlines the process please? I've looked and couldn't.

[u/theservman → u/MBGLK]

If you're training for, competing in, or coaching the Olympic Pistol events, you can acquire an appropriate pistol for the events you compete in (generally an 22lr semi). To do this you need an exemption letter from the Shooting Federation of Canada (the national sport governing body - you'll need to be a member with some kind of record of competition).

Until you can acquire your own, you will need to borrow a pistol - either a club gun if those are available or from a coach or friend.

Restricted firearms can be borrowed, so long as you have the correct license. The lender must also give you the registration certificate for the firearm and you will need an ATT. Ontario (probably others) will issue an ATT for up to 6 months which can be renewed.

If you're in SW Ontario, the Ontario Intercounty Handgun League is recognized by the SFC (oihl.ca for information and to see affiliated clubs). You can also participate in matches sanctioned by the SFC to get a record as an athlete.

[u/MBGLK → u/theservman]

The issue I’m having is there aren’t any sanctioned events or clubs in Edmonton. I’ve been training with an air pistol at my club for years. So it’s a catch 22. I need a letter to get a competition 22 but I need to compete to get a letter.

What would you recommend?

[u/theservman → u/MBGLK]

Talk to someone closer to your area - I'm way the hell down in southern Ontario. I know Calgary Rifle and Pistol Club does sanctioned matches (there's at least one Olympian who trains there) they may have some suggestions or look at the Alberta Handgun Association - the provincial sport governing body.

[u/MBGLK → u/[deleted]]

What do you mean? There’s plenty of 22s in Canada for sale.

Can you elaborate on “promise to train”? They require a history of practice and participation

[u/MBGLK → u/[deleted]]

I’m not sure why you’re so hostile.

What pistol are you looking for specifically? Any 22?

[u/MBGLK → u/[deleted]]

RDSC has the fn in stock

[u/MBGLK → u/[deleted]]

RDSC…..

[u/theservman → u/[deleted]]

I can't speak for all provinces, but as a former pistol chair for ONTarget, I don't believe they do that in Ontario.