r/canadaguns • u/Future-Willow3124 • Mar 27 '26

Application / Regulation advice Any update on sport shooting exemptions

Ive read the verbiage in the bill that prohibits transfer of hand guns and theres clear exceptions for people participating in shooting sports but it seems to be limited to only the style of sports that the olympic teams participate in and you need written approval from a governing body either provincially or at a national level with the olympic team

has anyone gone through this process or looked into it? surely there is an avenue for new people to get into the sport at a beginner level, they dont expect everyone to show up already at an olympic level of skill

Is there a list available for which governing bodies are obliged to write this letter of approval? and are they going to accept new members and give them this exemption, or will they be of the opinion membership is closed because theyre scared a hobbiest might get a handgun and not move forward with the sport the way they would like them to?

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u/Visible_Bar_6774 Mar 27 '26

I looked into it a bit but the idea never got out of the research phase. I’m not sure it’s actually possible in my province, and if it is it’s incredibly impractical. Lots of specifics to navigate, finding a range that hosts Olympic pistol events, getting membership and a coach to sign on the exemption, then getting your CFO to approve it, and finally finding a pistol to purchase or import for purchase.

For me, the closest range that does non-airgun pistol events is a 4 hour drive. They only review membership applications once a year at their AGM, and reportedly run a waiting list for membership. No clear policy on exemptions and no way to rent a pistol to participate in or even try the events. Beyond that the CFO is reportedly unfriendly to handgun ownership, apparently it’s difficult to even get employment exemptions. I personally know a couple guys who were unable to obtain an exemption for trapping, one of whom is an avid taxidermist and earns a decent sum at it. But give it a shot, maybe it’s easier in your jurisdiction. If not, I guess consider joining a criminal gang?