r/canadaguns • u/Hisoka365 • Jun 09 '26
Competitions/matches Ottawa Area - Olympic Exemption Opportunity – ADRRA Handgun Competition June 20
EDIT: Important clarification: this is not a “show up and get an exemption letter” event.
Please do not spam Ed with general exemption/process questions. If you are new to ISSF, the better first step is to join a club that actively shoots ISSF Sport Pistol and/or Standard Pistol, learn the rules, participate regularly, and work toward the exemption letter properly through competition experience.
Arnprior District Revolver & Rifle Association is hosting handgun matches in Arnprior, and there is still space available for Saturday, June 20. The June 21 date is already full.
For anyone in the Ottawa area who is already interested in or actively working toward ISSF Sport Pistol and/or Standard Pistol, this could be a good opportunity to compete and continue working toward the Olympic exemption pathway.
Also, the exemption pathway being discussed here is for .22LR target pistols only. It is not for larger-calibre handguns, centre-fire pistols, defensive pistols, or general restricted handgun purchases.
The match is being run by Ed, and he only has a limited number of handguns available to lend for the competition, so loaner availability is first come, first served.
To register, go to:
www.targetscores.com and register for the standard and sport pistol events.
BRING CASH FOR THE COMPETITION FEE
Also email Ed directly for details and ask to borrow a hangun:
[arnpriordrra@gmail.com](mailto:arnpriordrra@gmail.com)
Shooters should have a basic understanding of ISSF Sport Pistol and/or ISSF Standard Pistol rules, match structure, commands, safety expectations, and competition etiquette.
When reaching out, you can let Ed know Danny sent you, but please make sure you are contacting him for the actual match and not just asking how to get the exemption.
Additional match dates are tentatively planned for July 25–26 and August 22–23, depending on participation and interest.
No prizes — just a good opportunity to compete, get experience, and work toward the Olympic exemption pathway.
Here's my previous post on what I obtained through the exemption
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/1t5h8r1/picked_these_up_yesterday_cant_wait_to_try_them/
8
u/K0bra_Ka1 Jun 09 '26
If you already have handguns are their restrictions on calibre?
7
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Yes, from what I know it's just 22lr. I think you can get different ones but it's going to be difficult. Only olympic calibres are allowed.
2
u/K0bra_Ka1 Jun 09 '26
Sorry I meant for the competition. Makes sense that it would only be .22 if that is what the exemption is for.
11
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Sorry I misread your previous message.
For ISSF 25m Centre-Fire Pistol, the allowed calibres are:
7.62 mm to 9.65 mm, which ISSF describes as approximately .30 to .38 calibre. The pistol can be a centre-fire pistol or revolver, but not single-shot
Calibre / cartridge Allowed? Notes .32 S&W Long Wadcutter Yes Very common for ISSF Centre-Fire; low recoil, accurate. .32 ACP Usually yes by calibre Less common than .32 S&W Long for dedicated match pistols. .38 Special Wadcutter Yes Common in revolvers; good target cartridge. 9mm Luger Yes by calibre 9.01 mm is within the range, but less ideal due to recoil and scoring/precision compared with .32 WC. .357 Magnum Calibre fits Usually not ideal; recoil/blast are unnecessary for ISSF. .45 ACP No Too large: 11.43 mm exceeds 9.65 mm. .22 LR No for Centre-Fire Rimfire; used for Standard/Sport Pistol, not Centre-Fire. Remember, these are to be shot with 1 hand, so a .357 mag isn't ideal lol
If in doubt, it's best to email Ed ([arnpriordrra@gmail.com](mailto:arnpriordrra@gmail.com)) about this as he is coordinating the competition and has extensive knowledge on the rules of what is and isn't allowed.
6
u/K0bra_Ka1 Jun 09 '26
You're gonna make me rejoin the RA if you guys get matches up and running. I've been itching to get some more .22 handguns.
3
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
One of us, one of us , one of us!! 🤣
2
u/K0bra_Ka1 Jun 09 '26
Honestly my biggest complaint is that pistol was only ever at 20 meters. I understand why they don't, but shooting at 10 would be so much more approachable to newer shooters.
3
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
We do have a shooting stand that we can bring out for newer shooters but that gets beaten up pretty bad.
For competition yeah 20-25 yards is far also it's only iron sights and the tips must be black and not painted a bright colour lol
1
u/kookiemaster Jun 09 '26
Some of the backing is so dead ... you're scrambling to find material to pin your target to lmao.
4
u/thxxx1337 Jun 09 '26
.357 with one hand. That'll put some mileage on your wrist. I can barely hit the paper one handed with that bad boy
1
u/External_Big_2982 Jun 09 '26
From my understanding ISSF allows center fire, then why the exemptions are only limited to .22lr?
6
u/Freedom762x39mm Jun 09 '26
So I have my RPAL, but I do not own any restricted handguns. With that being said, if i joined this how long is the wait to get the exemption and do i half to regularly go to competitions to keep my handguns ?
7
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
Speaking from my personal experience, it took me one competition to get an exemption, and about a weeks to get my letter. For the transfers it took a little over a week. Started April 21st for the three of the handguns 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.
So I'd say it'll be around a months time.
As for continual competition status, I believe you are supposed to but I don't think it's enforced. First off the SFC is who provides your exemption letter. They verify your eligibility. The RCMP and CFO is who approves your transfers, provided you have the exemption letter.
So as I'm typing this out I don't think you need to continually compete because the RCMP isn't going to check your competition results or activity.
3
u/chillyrabbit Jun 09 '26
I'm not sure if you need to compete and use the pistol in olympic competitions.
But under the Firearms Act the CFO is permitted to question people on restricted firearm usage. I touched on it in my restricted firearms range requirements
But not sure how it interacts with the handgun olympic exemptions. But I would recommend or suggest someone keep track of using it as an Olympic pistol.
Restricted License renewal
Now it’s been 5 years after your PAL was issued and you want to renew your license, the CFO is allowed to review your license and ask you if you are still using your restricted firearms for a valid purpose (Firearms act s.67 Renewal).
This should be noted for people who use drop in ranges for target practice, the CFO may never ask but you should be able to show proof that you use your R firearms for target practice or a target shooting competition. Because if you don’t the CFO can revoke a registration certificate, as you need to be using your R firearm for a permitted purpose.
I would suggest match results, receipts or even people who are willing to swear under oath or an affidavit that you used your restricted firearm for a permitted purpose.
67 (1) A chief firearms officer may renew a licence, authorization to carry or authorization to transport in the prescribed manner.
Marginal note:Restricted firearms and pre-December 1, 1998 handguns
(2) On renewing a licence authorizing an individual to possess restricted firearms or handguns referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns), a chief firearms officer shall decide whether any of those firearms or handguns that the individual possesses are being used for a purpose described in section 28.
Registrar
(3) A chief firearms officer who decides that any restricted firearms or any handguns referred to in subsection 12(6.1) (pre-December 1, 1998 handguns) that are possessed by an individual are not being used for that purpose shall
(a) give notice of that decision in the prescribed form to the individual; and
(b) inform the Registrar of that decision.
Revocation of registration certificate
71 (1) The Registrar
(a) may revoke a registration certificate for a prohibited firearm or a restricted firearm for any good and sufficient reason; and
(b) shall revoke a registration certificate for a firearm held by an individual where the Registrar is informed by a chief firearms officer under section 67 that the firearm is not being used for a purpose described in section 28.
1
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Wow great info and write up.
Appreciate your input on this!
2
u/chillyrabbit Jun 09 '26
It is outdated as i wrote it prior to C-21 and I haven't looked to see the interaction with olympic handgun exemptions.
But i would recommend that a person with a olympic handgun exemption keep track of using it as an Olympic shooting pistol.
1
u/Freedom762x39mm Jun 09 '26
Got it. And as far as the handguns, you can keep and store them at your house ? And where do you buy the handguns, because as you know most stores dont sell them anymore because of the freeze
4
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Yes you own those handguns. They are yours to use at the range as you please. Just store it as the laws states for restricted firearms. Same goes for transport.
There is a lot of older folks wanting to get rid of their guns. Also stores will probably still have some post ban and they can't get rid of it. It's a buyer's market but the selection is thin. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket you can import them from irunguns or somewhere else like a store.
1
u/Freedom762x39mm Jun 09 '26
Got it, we'll im very close to Arnprior so I'd like to PM you about these competittions. Gonna PM you
1
u/External_Big_2982 Jun 09 '26
I recently participated in one bullseye competition and was denied by SFC saying that I need to participate for at least 4 to 6 months. You’re lucky that you were able to get it right after one. It seems like they are tightening down how they allow these exemptions or maybe it depends who you get at SFC.
5
u/goshathegreat Jun 09 '26
That is awesome! If I didn’t already get my exemption I would definitely go through your club.
4
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
Thanks for getting your exemption 🫡
I'm looking to get some more in a couple months lol
1
u/External_Big_2982 Jun 09 '26
What else is your shopping list ? And how do you justify for more to SFC?
2
u/Bigtwig2025 Jun 09 '26
Incoming dumb question.... Are these competitions IPSC/IDPA style on the move, or stationary target shooting?
3
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Not a dumb question. The targets are stationary but they turn/edge.
I've been trying to not answer or reply to the dumb ones lol
1
u/daiimer Jun 09 '26
How do you like the 617? Is it a 6 shot? I found one but it's on the pricey side
1
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
It's a 10 cylinder and love it. Right now I mainly shoot the Ruger and high standard.
1
u/Acceptable_Visit_115 Jun 09 '26
Please do not email Ed expecting to simply sign up, shoot without prior ISSF experience, and receive an exemption letter. Shooters should have a basic understanding of ISSF Sport Pistol and/or ISSF Standard Pistol rules, match structure, commands, safety expectations, and competition etiquette.
Ok so.... Sorry for sounding stupid, but where does one learn this, if my home club doesn't offer this discipline? Do I have to find another club to join?
2
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26
Where you located?
I just put this down because Ed was telling me a bunch of people were spamming him and asking about the letter and calibers and what not. He wants you to have some knowledge of the match before you compete to make the process smoother.
1
1
45
u/Hisoka365 Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
We at the RA Center are working towards trying to get an event for competition soon, hopefully by end of the summer.
If you are part of the RA Gun Club - Handgun Section, come shoot with us Wednesdays. We keep score of our results and will be submitting it to the SFC for "evidence" and that should also help with qualifications for the olympic exemption.