r/canadaguns • u/jesse_m1414 • May 11 '26
Application / Regulation advice Impossible to get ATC without owning handgun
Hi all, I inquired about getting an ATC for wilderness protection, the CFO called me and said my case is valid, the only issue is I don't currently own a handgun so they wouldn't be able to enter one on the RCMP application - wouldn't be able to apply. Is there any way to get around this? I have a reason for ATC which would get approved but don't currently own a handgun.
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u/yycmobiletires May 12 '26
Using a pistol for wildlife protection is worthless. You can mag dump a Glock chambered in .45 and its going to do exactly nothing to a pissed off grizzly, except make it angrier no matter what anyone tells you. I am bear behavior trained, and I've seen countless hours of footage. Your best bet is bear spray, and second to that a 45-70. Bear spray is statistically more effective than a firearm, so if you're dead set on that, buy something that's actually going to stop a bear.
Pistols are hilariously under powered, and are also incredibly inaccurate under stress compared to a long gun unless you have extensive training.
Do yourself a favor and buy a big shotgun, or a 45-70.