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/Fine-Tie2651 Apr 04 '26

There’s far less of those antique guns than there are produced after 1899. I would assume this has to do with the law being designed in a way to make things prohibitively rare or expensive for widespread ownership. Essentially the antique handguns are already prohibitively expensive or rare for widespread ownership. They cost upwards of 3-5k and the ammo is rare.

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u/[deleted] Apr 04 '26

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u/Fine-Tie2651 Apr 04 '26

Did you just get your pal within the last year? Because it sounds like it with that statement. Canadian firearms law although often nonsensical is sometimes still designed to restrict widespread ownership. For example the 18.5” minimum barrel length for semi autos was introduced for two reasons. 1.The m1 carbine was widely available and was - light semi auto and had a detachable magazine. But its barrel was 16” 2. The minimum barrel length in the US for rifles before becoming a SBR was 16”.

Making the minimum barrel length 18.5” puts most American semi autos out of reach for non restricteds. This law is no mistake and neither is the antique laws. Having said this, the antique laws are designed specifically to keep newly and mass manufactured concealable handguns out of the general populace.

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u/[deleted] Apr 04 '26

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u/Ok-Raise-5115 Apr 04 '26

It’s a catch 22. You don’t need a pal to purchase or carry the antique handgun but you need a pal to purchase the powder to reload the casings since you can’t buy the ammo

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u/[deleted] Apr 04 '26

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u/EliteDuck Apr 04 '26

Incorrect. Reloading equipment and components now need a PAL as of C-21 passing.