r/canadaguns • u/Spread-Hour • Apr 04 '26
Application / Regulation advice Policy question regarding 'antique' status on firearms.
Why do antique models of firearms (m1861 springfield rifle and colt m1861 navy for example) made before 1898 qualify as 'antique', while the exact same models produced in 1899 or later qualify as non restricted and restricted firearms? Sorry if this sounds dumb, but I dont understand the logic here. I would understand if they weren't muzzleloaders, which load, shoot, and preform nearly the same as every other type (flint/wheel/match/serpentine-lock), but unlike the rest, cant be antique while being repros. why?
(P.S this is a repost of my post from r/canadianlaw)
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u/SquidMeister12 Apr 04 '26
An actual answer here is that the government made as narrow definition as possible to exempt the fewest firearms possible to ensure that their gun control regime applied to as many guns as possible.
Bore diameter? Takes away any turn of the century cartridge firearms in more modern calibres (.303, 8mm Mauser, etc)
No repeating long guns: Need a license for that there original lever action from 1875, 1895 Lee enfield, 1893 Mauser etc.
Calibre restrictions on handguns? Oh lookie there, almost all of the American made revolvers that would qualify for antiques based on age are now not considered antiques. Seems those would be most prevalent in North America for some reason
Etc etc etc