r/canadaguns • u/Hisoka365 • May 06 '26
Feets / Collection / My build Picked these up yesterday, can't wait to try them out today!
I recently went through the exemption process and finally was able to pick up my handguns yesterday.
Brought them home and cleaned them up. I still need to break down the High Standard and do a deep clean, I lent my tools to my father and needed a rubber mallet.
I know it isn't much for us, but if a large number of new shooters get their exemptions and pistols I wonder if we can lobby for center fire to be used in more sports shooting events and get exempted that way... Instead of just being grandfathered in.
Smith & Wesson 617 - 6 inch barrel
High Standard Supermatic - Citation
Ruger MK II - Target
The first two pictures are the before and after it was cleaned.
I'm left handed so I'll be ordering a custom grip for the High Standard. Wondering if my aunt can just bring it over from the states since it's just all wood?
27
20
u/Enough_Challenge7264 May 06 '26
I'm glad you're able to enjoy the hobby. But the whole thing just enrages me as to how the arrogant politicians even get a say in any of this. (Gun ownership)
0
May 06 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/Reasonable_Hall2346 May 06 '26
Buyback participation and being law abiding is two different things. Buying an illegal handgun and being made a criminal by our governments are also not on an equal footing.
0
u/dgod40 May 06 '26
No where did I mention the buyback program. On Nov 1st, if you still have a previously legal gun banned by the OICs that hasn't been deactivated you are no longer "law abiding". The handgun is only illegal because the government has made a ridiculous law same as the bans. Everyone here are just fighting for what they currently have. That's why you don't hear anything from current pistol shooter. Alcohol prohibition was defeated by the thriving illegal sales of alcohol and the government realizing there are better and more lucrative ways to control alcohol. This anti gun movement is the same as the temperance movement.
1
u/canadaguns-ModTeam May 06 '26
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[2] Illegal Activity/Statement of Violence Posts or comments that promote or suggest the breaking of Firearms laws or Criminal Code of Canada, WILL be removed.
Posts/comments calling for, suggesting, blatant/veiled threats of violence towards Government/Provincial officials, individuals, groups, etc, WILL NOT be tolerated. Users doing so will be banned from the subreddit.
This may include posts/comments asking: "How many laws would I be breaking if…”, "Is it legal if…”, or “Regardless of legality, what if hypothetically I…" , or any other similarly worded questions.
24
u/starw24-ps4 May 06 '26
22 LR moment
8
u/CAFirearmSociety May 06 '26
In theory you could convert a Glock 44 frame into 9mm with abit of work, I know at least one guy in the states that sells the parts for this purpose; unlike the frame stuff like slides and parts are still legal to import.
0
u/Remarkable_Vanilla34 May 06 '26
You would need to machine the frame to accept a 9mm locking block. Its possible but it would be risky and you would really need the right tools and expertise. I can promise you its not as simple as a parts swap.
3
u/CAFirearmSociety May 06 '26
I know that’s why I said you have to convert the frame, the same person who sells the parts has videos of what needs to be done. Could be other issues tho why I also said in theory.
1
u/notanm1abrams May 06 '26
But how’d he get a revolver??
19
u/starw24-ps4 May 06 '26
In 22 LR
3
u/conanap May 11 '26
I'm talking to SFC, and they said while they're happy to provide exemption letters for any 22lr right now "depending on the reasoning listed on the form", and they're not sure the CFO wouldn't question it.
Either he got really lucky and it slipped through both, or both don't actually care lol
3
u/notanm1abrams May 06 '26
Interesting. I wonder how hard the whole process was
4
u/Free-Tradition5459 May 06 '26
There’s a pinned thread in the sub about it. It varies a lot. Personally, I’d have to start a range and shooting club to have a viable pathway to an Olympic exemption. Or wait a few years to get a membership at the local club (Three hours drive).
10
u/Whispersfine May 06 '26
Congratulations , how hard it was for you to obtain that exception?
22
u/airchinapilot May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26
There's a couple threads recently that discussed that
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/1t168ta/pistol_exemption_process/
I pinned that post to highlights
21
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Thank you, I've also replied in there. But it pretty much outlines the process
The bar is pretty low. Basically compete once and submit your score. One of my friends did get denied an exemption letter though , but that's cause he's had his PAL since Jan, so when he applied he hasn't had it for more than 6 months.
7
u/theservman on May 06 '26
It doesn't say you have to be good, just that you have to be trying.
My new Walter GSP 500 is *almost* here (ordered in October - it had to be made and imported.
2
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Man of fine taste! Aha I think I'm going to put another few down in the next 3 -4 months and the Walther gsp is on my list too!
2
u/theservman on May 06 '26
I've been shooting an original GSP (1978) for a few years now. I'm looking forward to the upgrade.
3
u/airchinapilot May 06 '26
I think this should make its way into the Wiki as the post will eventually fall off the highlights. Maybe I can tap you to write it.
4
2
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 May 06 '26
You need one letter per handgun right?
I think one of the challenges is getting the handgun for the initial shoot especially if one is new to Olympic shooting.At my club, waiting for some people to get their new guns so that they can lend their older ones.
4
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26 edited May 07 '26
I was able to put up to three models for my letter. Used that for all three of my transactions. Bought two from a dealer and one privately.
That is the main hurdle, you basically need to borrow one to compete. Once you do that you can start your application. I know some people say you need three competitions but for me in Ontario I just needed one.
1
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 May 06 '26
Thanks, I’m probably going to through the process soon once I can find time to joint the Olympic Bullseye league at my club - too many hurdles to jump through too little time (and money) 🤣
1
u/Remarkable_Vanilla34 May 06 '26
So in theory if you already own a 22lr your one step closer or would it be harder?
2
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
If you own a 22lr you just need to compete or train under a certified coach or be a certified coach to get an exemption letter to start the transfer for another restricted.
1
u/External_Big_2982 May 22 '26
Will you be able get pistols in other calibres if you train under a certified coach or it still has to be .22lr ?
1
1
u/SoldiersofChristBR May 09 '26
Sorry, how do I compete in a handgun tournament if I am unable to aquire them?
I thought if you didn't have a real, you can't get them or shoot them. Dors the tournament provide then?
1
u/Hisoka365 May 09 '26
You'd have to ask the people organizing the tournament if they have any to borrow. Otherwise you'd need to find someone willing to let you borrow their handgun to compete.
Most likely you'll be able to borrow from the group/range running the competition.
1
u/SoldiersofChristBR May 09 '26
Awesome. God bless friend.
The ruger mark4 is one of my favorite hand guns so I am going to go through the process
2
u/Hisoka365 May 09 '26
No problem, the easiest way to obtain a letter is to compete but the biggest hurdles are finding a competition that's classified as an Olympic event and also a handgun to use for competition.
I was fortunate the club I went too had handguns available. He actually let 3 others compete with his. Extremely generous and I'm grateful for the opportunity to even own one let alone three!
3
5
u/WestCoastMan888 May 06 '26
I have different versions of the top and bottom, S&W 686 express (6” barrel with a 7 shot cylinder) and Ruger Mark IV anniversary edition and I love them both, both are fun to shoot and accurate as hell, good choices!
5
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Thank you!
Wanted to get a workhorse and a nice revolver, when the shop had both in stock I couldn't say no
4
u/Xaxxus May 06 '26
Is it possible to get larger calibres through this way?
There are other shooting disciplines that use calibres larger than 22.
3
u/One_Salary_9068 May 06 '26
Other disciplines do... BUT THE LAW SAYS OLYMPIC... so only 22
1
4
5
u/daiimer May 06 '26
How long did you have to wait for your transfer? My first one was only a week but my other 2 have been nearly a month now
3
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
It took a little over a week. Started April 21st for both and it was approved on May 1st. I didn't know until I called on Monday May 4th. Arranged for pick up the next day at both places since it had the ATT.
3
u/ThePoeticJester May 06 '26
Curious, what was the pricing on handguns is. When I see people listing them its always at a crazy inflated price now so even with exempt status its not worth it
4
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Honestly it's a buyer's market.
The only people who can get them are exempted individuals. But again stock is scarce. I find it's usually the old timers who want to get rid of their 22lr's but can't.
Like if the prices are too high you can just look elsewhere or wait for another seller/ opportunity.
Paid $600 for the high standard and $550+tax for the Ruger and S&W.
I know someone who's getting a S&W model 41 for $650+tax and that's a steal.
Edit: spelling
3
u/sevenseascapes May 06 '26
Nice guns! I have a High Standard and it's an absolute dream to shoot. Lots of information about them online if you're interested in their history.
1
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
I shot it tonight, and I'll say it's my favorite of the three.
The club I go to has a lot of Ruger MK III's and the S&W 617s but the High Standard is so accurate! I've been going down a rabit hole looking into the different models and locations where it was made. Unfortunately mine isn't from Hamden CT.
Trying to find a High Standard Victor!
3
u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U May 06 '26
ordering a custom grip for the High Standard. Wondering if my aunt can just bring it over from the states since it's just all wood?
my wife ordered a left handed grip from Rink in Germany and it came in the mail
1
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
Thanks for that, I'll check them out and compare prices.
1
u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U May 07 '26 edited May 08 '26
Rink Formgriffe is ridiculously expensive, an excellent fit, and at the time the English version of the website wouldn't accept payment, had to pay in German.
1
1
u/theservman on May 06 '26
I'm also left handed. If you're ordering an ergonomic grip I can't recommend Rink enough (formgriffe.de). He's the only guy I know who doesn't charge a premium for left-handed. If you do order a grip from the US, make sure it's for ISSF and not NRA - the standards are different enough to get you DQ'd from a sanctioned event.
What club do you shoot at?
2
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26 edited May 08 '26
For competition, the Arnprior District Rifle and Revolver Association.
I'm part of the RA Gun club in Ottawa and practice there regularly.
Thanks for the heads up!
1
u/theservman on May 06 '26
Cool. I'm mostly in Burlington.
1
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Oh nice I visit my parents in Burlington pretty often. Too bad the range there isn't open for drop ins.
2
u/theservman on May 06 '26
I have a sanctioned match there coming up - May 23-24, all ISSF Pistol events (more entries for your record with the SFC) plus CISM Rapid.
https://www.pistol-ontario.ca/2026-claude-munari-memorial-pistol-match/
1
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
Thanks for the heads up. I don'think this works for my schedule. Good luck and show what we lefties can do!
1
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
What are your thoughts on the grips: HIGH STANDARD 107 TARGET WOOD GRIPS LEFT HAND
From vintagegungrips (dot) con
1
1
u/450k_crackparty May 06 '26
Be curious to see what you end up with for a lefty grip for the High Standard. I have one and shoot it lefty with the factory grip and it's pretty annoying. I will say though, it is crazy accurate with good ammo. I was ringing a 1.5 ft gong at 100 yards with relative ease with good cci stuff.
1
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
There are some wooden grips at vintage gun grips that I have my eyes on.
Seeing if my aunt is willing to bring it over for me aha
1
1
1
u/Ok-Bowler-203 May 06 '26
There’s some wonderful universe where we’re all posting photos of our non prohibited handguns of all types…
1
u/Uncle_Ted_1942 May 06 '26
Man I’m jealous. My dad has my late maternal grandfather’s .22 Iver Johnson revolver and I’m worried he’s going to turn it in being the fudd he is. I turned 18 just after they froze transfers :/
2
u/Hisoka365 May 08 '26
You should find a local ISSF competition and obtain your letter. List that pistol for your exemption and transfer it.
1
u/Uncle_Ted_1942 May 08 '26
Unfortunately I’m in Nova Scotia, and from what I have heard from my trapper friends who tried to get an exemption, the CFO here refuses ALL handgun exemptions on principle. I will be doing my absolute best to legally keep it though. When my grandfather died he left 4 things behind, 1 was a pair of boots that don’t fit me, and the other 3 were guns.
1
1
u/under_hunter82376 May 06 '26
... how does someone even get a handgun in Canada now ?
2
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
A mod posted a comment with a link to another post that has all the the steps.
Take a look and hopefully you can get started!
1
u/Bambam4040 May 06 '26
Would love to heard the process you had to go through I have heard so many different ways and I am trying to get my exemption
1
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
There's a comment where a mod posted a link with the process. Check it out and get started!
1
1
u/pedalfaster May 06 '26
Wait, I am moving from the states this fall and have an arsenal that I know I’m gonna have to part with. I was thinking I would have to say bye to all my handguns, but my River mk I is my favorite pistol to shoot. Is there a way I can legally own it in Canada?
2
u/cumbrad May 08 '26
Not without paying probably more than it’s worth in import fees. You can’t bring in any of your firearms at all without sending them through irunguns or another licensed US exporter- last I checked this was $200 per firearm plus duties- and you’d need to get your PAL and handgun exemption beforehand
1
1
u/Extra-Driver-7412 May 08 '26
I’ve always thought I should try out for the Olympic shooting team. Guess there is only one way to find out if I got what it takes.
1
u/Ok_Competition6823 May 08 '26
So you got 3 different exemptions for 3 different handguns at the same time?
1
1
u/QueenProvvy May 08 '26
Colour me jealous 😆 I'm in newfoundland. No competitions here from what I can tell. Sucks to be me apparently.
1
u/bambam404040 May 11 '26
what places can you buy handguns here in Canada? as i am going through it now
Brad
1
u/Hisoka365 May 11 '26
You'd have to look around, you will probably get better results from non big box stores, like gun Smith's or private sellers.
If you want something brand new you'll have to import it. I basically lined up my purchases prior to putting the models I wanted in my letter. That way I was guaranteed to get them.
Maybe ask around or your club if any old members would like to get rid of their 22s
1
u/Reighzy May 06 '26
Are these pistols all .22s? Out of curiosity. Just something I've noticed in common with recent posts on exemption letters.
4
u/starw24-ps4 May 06 '26
22 only. If you got the itch and don’t want to wait 4 months / spend $1000+ just get a BB gun
2
u/dgod40 May 06 '26
That's the route I went for now. Ammo is cheap, guns are cheap, range in my basement. It's actually pretty fun until the libs decide to come for BBs like BC.
1
u/conanap May 06 '26
you got the revolver too?
2
u/Hisoka365 May 07 '26
Yes
1
u/conanap May 10 '26
Hey sorry, another question - had you imported the revolver or purchased in Canada? Looking to import from irunguns but not sure it’ll be allowed, even with the exemption.
0
0
u/External_Big_2982 May 06 '26
Congrats ! Did you burrow a handgun to compete for the first time ? Also did you need an exemption letter for each one of those handguns or one was enough ?
3
u/Hisoka365 May 06 '26
Yes I had to borrow one for my first competition.
As for the letter, we are allowed to put up to 3 models. I basically looked around and lined up the three guns before I put it down into my letter. This way I was guaranteed to get all three as opposed to putting down my dream guns and waiting for them to show up at the right time and place.
41
u/CringelordCameron May 06 '26
How hard was the exemption process? What province are you in? Apparently that makes a big difference.