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/spaceymonkey2 Apr 04 '26

If I recall correctly, someone had answered on another post that it was because those guns were 100 years old when they made that law.

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u/Spread-Hour Apr 04 '26

No Im asking why percussion cap muskets are restricted while a flintlock isnt. They're the exact same barr ignition system

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u/InitialAd4125 Apr 05 '26

The only reason I ever heard that at least is a fun story although dubious factualness is that flintlocks are classed as antiques because a reenactor went to court showed them 3 different types of flintlock one that was 100's of years old a modern one and one that had a mix of them and asked them if they could tell which was which they weren't able to and made them antique class.