r/canadaguns • u/Curious_Joe2020 • 15d ago
Application / Regulation advice HOW TO GET A 22LR HANDGUN EXEMPTION IN CANADA (BC PROCESS)
HOW TO GET A 22LR HANDGUN EXEMPTION IN BC (AB has a similar process)
1. PREREQUISITES
Obtain your RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence) and an active BCTSA (British Columbia Target Sports Association) Membership.
2. COMPLETE C-21 EXEMPTION FORM and submit to BCTSA
Fill out the designated C-21 22LR exemption form and submit it via email. Wait 1-2 weeks to receive your official Exemption Letter. This is make and model specific for each letter.
Alberta has a similar process with exemption letters that are open ended for multiple makes and models.
3. CHOOSE & PURCHASE FIREARM
Select a handgun to purchase from a Canadian or US retailer. Send your Exemption Letter to the retailer/importer (required by Global Affairs Canada and CBSA for the handgun import permit paperwork and transfer). If importing, the importer will do the paperwork, shipping and clearance for you.
Requirements:
- Must be strictly .22LR caliber only.
- Minimum 4.17-inch (106mm) barrel length.
4. FINAL RCMP SUBMISSION (AT REQUEST)
Send your Exemption Letter via email when specifically requested by the RCMP Firearms Centre on behalf of the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) (Miramichi, NB).
5. RECEIVE APPROVAL & REGISTRATION
Receive your transfer approval and registration certificates via email from the RCMP.
6. RECEIVE DOCUMENTS
Receive your physical registration certificates via mail from the RCMP.
7. RECEIVE HANDGUN VIA MAIL
Receive your .22LR handgun(s) via mail.
Requirements Checklist
To qualify, your application must reflect the following criteria:
- Is a member of BCTSA and in good standing
- 25m Pistol (ISSF Program -- Olympic/Paralympic program training discipline)
- Is training (Check off)
- Training, generally (Check off)
- Promise to train
The BC Target Sports Association is that Provincial sport shooting governing body in BC. The SFC is the National Sports Organization.
What this means, is that if you are training, competing, or coaching in an Olympic or Paralympic discipline using Handguns, BCTSA can provide an exemption allowing you to purchase appropriate handguns. Generally, this means .22 caliber pistols. You are not expected to be proficient or competitive, just wishing to train in the sport. BCTSA offers this to all BCTSA members, including the members of Affiliated Clubs. BCTSA met with the Chief Firearms Officer for BC and worked out a process for this exemption. Acceptable Firearms are generally .22 calibre. Entry level handguns are acceptable, as are the more expensive, competition quality handguns.
Before you apply for a Transfer Exemption, you should locate a Handgun to purchase. Many stores no longer carry or order Handguns, so please do your shopping before you ask to transfer a Handgun you can't find to purchase. BC is not Texas. The availability of Handguns here is an issue, especially with this being one of the few avenues left for purchasing one.
To be eligible, you need to EITHER: Train, Compete or Coach. Only one is necessary. More is better, but only one is necessary. This is about intent, so if you are training to compete in the sport, please check off Training and Competing, as that is the intended purpose of the Handgun transfer. Do not send a shopping list of what you MIGHT like to transfer if you can find one, only what you have found and will transfer. Shopping lists will be denied.
Disciplines
- 25m Pistol
Eligible 22LR Handguns (Example Brands)
Note: Under this exemption, firearms must be for .22LR caliber only and Minimum 4.17-inch (106mm) barrel length.
US Import Note: Handguns can be purchased from the IRUNGUNS US store in Arizona. They are then imported to their Canadian warehouse in Alberta and shipped directly to the customer. IRUNGUNS handles all the necessary cross-border import paperwork on your behalf. There are also other combinations possible such as from an auction to the importer. Any extended magazines are clipped to 10.
Double check that the handgun is listed as Restricted on the RCMP Firearms Reference Table (FRT). You can also check if it was previously sold by a Canadian retailer online (many are still listed just out of stock). There are some AR pistol variants for example that are prohibited.
EXAMPLES -- Basically any handgun you can find in the USA that is 22LR and classified Restricted with a Minimum 4.17 inch (106mm) barrel length can be imported:
Ruger
- Mark IV Target (5.5" barrel)
- Mark IV 22/45 Lite (4.4" barrel)
- Mark IV Competition (6.875" barrel)
Taurus
- TX22 Standard / T.O.R.O. (4.6" barrel)
- TX22 Competition (5.25" barrel)
Browning
- 1911-22 A1 Full Size (1911 Platform) (4.25" barrel)
- 1911-22 Medallion Comp / Black Label Full Size (4.25" barrel)
- Buck Mark Camper / Camper URX / Camper SR (5.5" barrel)
- Buck Mark Challenge / Plus / Medallion / Black Label (5.5" barrel)
- Buck Mark Lite Gray / Lite Green URX (5.5" barrel)
- Buck Mark Contour Pro / Contour Stainless (5.5" or 5.9" barrel)
- Buck Mark Plus UDX / Rosewood UDX (5.5" barrel)
- Buck Mark Field Target Micro / Plus Micro Bull (4.4" barrel)
- Buck Mark Micro Bull RMSC Suppressor Ready (4.4" barrel)
- Buck Mark Plus Vision / Field Target Vision (4.4" or 5.9" barrel)
- Buck Mark Hunter (6.875" barrel)
GSG (German Sport Guns)
- GSG 1911 .22LR (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
- Firefly Threaded (4.7" barrel)
Walther
- Colt Government 1911-22 (Licensed 1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
- PPQ .22 / PPQ M2 .22 (4.6" or 5" barrel)
Smith & Wesson
- SW22 Victory / Victory Target (5.5" barrel)
- Model 41 (5.5" or 7" barrel)
Sig Sauer
- Sig Sauer 1911-22 (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
Chiappa Firearms
- 1911-22 Custom / Puma / Standard (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
American Tactical (ATI)
- M1911 .22LR Tactical (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
Mauser
- Mauser Rimfire 1911 (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
- Mauser Rimfire M20 Threaded (4.75" barrel)
Kimber
- Rimfire Target (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
Armscor / Rock Island Armory
- XT22 Standard / Combo (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
FN Herstal
- FN 502 Tactical (4.6" barrel)
Volquartsen
- Black Mamba / Black Mamba LLV (4.5" or 6" barrel)
- Scorpion (4.5" or 6" barrel)
KelTec
- CP33 (5.5" barrel)
Beretta
- M9_22 (4.9" barrel)
- U22 Neos (4.5" or 6" barrel)
Glock
- G44 with factory extended/threaded barrel kit installed (4.5" barrel)
Steyr Arms
- RFP (4.2" barrel)
Pardini
- SP / SP Bullseye (4.7" or 6" match barrels)
Feinwerkbau (FWB)
- AW93 (5.9" match barrel)
Hämmerli
- Forge H1 (1911 Platform) (4.25" or 5" barrel)
- X-Esse (5.9" match barrel)
ISSC
- M22 Target (5.5" barrel)
Grand Power
- K22 Standard (5" barrel)
- K22 X-Trim Mk23 (4.25" barrel)
- K22 TS (6" or 8" barrel)
- TR22 Stribog / Stribog .22 LR (8" or 10" large-format barrel)
CZ (Česká zbrojovka)
- CZ 75 Kadet (4.7" or 4.9" barrel configurations)
Excel Arms
- X-22P Pistol (4.375" or 4.5" barrel)
Morini
- CM 22M / CM 22M RF (5.11" match barrel)
Match Guns
- MG2 (5.98" match barrel)
Benelli
- MP 90S / MP 95E World Cup (4.33" match barrel)
Tanfoglio
- Force 22 L / Force 22 Standard (4.7", 5.2", or 5.7" barrel)
Bersa
- Thunder 22-6 Target (6" barrel)
Rossi
- RS22P (6" barrel)
Tactical Solutions
- Pac-Lite / Pac-Lite IV (4.5" or 6" receiver barrels)
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u/BonaFideDueDiligence 15d ago
Thanks for that very detailed post. Lowkey jealous of y’all because in QC we can only get it from the SFC and they want 4-6 months proof of involvement.
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u/thecoolernameistaken 15d ago
That’s not the worst tbh. 2-3 comps
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u/BonaFideDueDiligence 15d ago
It's bad for accessibility. Some people can't find someone or a club to lend them a handgun to practice. It's a dumb circular oversight.
"Just practice and compete". How can someone do that without a handgun? At least in BC they thought of that problem and/or want people to get the exemption.
Now, I know of clubs in Ontario tailoring some "Olympic style bullseye competitions" to allow .22 LR rifles, which they can somehow then count as 25m rapid fire pistol practice, but we currently don't have that anywhere in QC.
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u/thecoolernameistaken 15d ago
Sfc doesn’t even list any Quebec clubs as doing those comps either. I had to join an Ontario club
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u/One_Salary_9068 15d ago
And Fqtir doesent do shit 🤌🏼
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u/One_Salary_9068 15d ago
Peut etre demamder a l'ACCTQ de s'impliquer... Ils ont lair plus réveillé.
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u/DryConfidence77 15d ago
Faut tu se deplacer au club en ontario?
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u/thecoolernameistaken 14d ago
Ça l’air que club de tir pointe claire le fait aussi. J’appellerai demain pour confirmer mais si il reste juste 1 seul événement cette année ça vaut pas la peine de s’inscrire la bas à 650 pour l’année
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 14d ago
It's bad for accessibility.
People say "oh it's not bad", but it'll lead to an increasingly incestuous group of shooters, i.e. friends and family of existing shooters who have access to equipment, just like IPSC, resulting in less new blood into the sport.
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u/kookiemaster 14d ago
Yep and if you have to travel to a comp then there is the att for a gun that isn't yours issue to wrangle. They really are trying to kill pistol target shooting, just very very slowly.
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u/Spydude84 15d ago
Remember, if you get your exemption and your pistol, please make an effort to attend some ISSF competitions. Please preserve it for future people.
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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears 14d ago
Yeah, I think while we are all trying to get into handgun ownership, it’s best practice to actually participate in a target discipline and specifically competitions in ISSF disciplines.
Don’t want this process to become harder to complete because people are abusing it, and because the sport genuinely needs more people.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago
Maybe one day but that's advanced proficient skill level. Just for training purposes for now.
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u/Spydude84 15d ago
You can shoot a competition without doing well. Some of the best ways to get better are by going to competitions and shooting. I don't shoot ISSF but I shoot multigun.
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u/moonpie_888 14d ago
Hey so do I need to already have proof of practice or competition to apply for this in BC? Or can I just say on the application that's what I'm intending to do once I have the exemption??
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
No, you can't train or compete without a gun. The gun is acquired with the intent to train. You check off the training and training, generally boxes. Yes intention can be to train and compete so can check off both boxes if you wish but only one is required.
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u/BreakfastUnited9949 15d ago
thanks for all the detail. any chance you could make one for alberta?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago
I'm curious about Alberta as well but someone who has gone through the process in Alberta needs to make one please. I'm interested to know if the exemptions are open ended or if they are make and model specific like in BC.
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u/Barabarabbit 15d ago
Saskatchewan would also be good. I’m interesting in looking into the process here.
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u/BowFella 15d ago
Another way is to get your ATC. Easiest way I've seen is to get your RPAL (obviously), trappers license, and then get permisison on private property for a trapping line. I've heard of people getting anything from 9mm all the way up to 44 mag, although approval for a .22 is most common. Generally the two common approved uses are dispatch of a trapped animal or predator defense (generally in bear country). Best part is you can buy three handguns of the caliber you are approved for and you can open carry your handgun on your trapping line while performing trapping duties.
The idea is using the right language in your ATC application. You have to prove that your need for the handgun exceeds your want for it, such as having to prove that you are trapping a decent distance from a maintained road. As far as I know well over 1000 people in Ontario alone have an ATC. Exemptions can also be given to bush pilots, prospectors, bear baiters/guides, and anyone else who has an occupation in the back country.
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
I know someone with 150 acres in central BC, could I trap on their land and get an ATC?
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u/BowFella 14d ago
As long as there's bears in the region you could make a case for larger calibers. Although I've heard of people getting approved for 9mm in areas where the biggest animal to trap is a coyote. Getting an ATC is more than just getting a trapping license although it gets your foot in the door. You have to show that you are walking a decent distance to your traps (where you can make a case that hauling a rifle and gear is a nuisance), you have to verbalize that you are using it for ethical dispatch of a trapped animal and/or predator defense of bears. Basically you have to try your best to verbalize why a handgun will be more practical and needed instead of a long gun. You will also need a proof of proficiency signed by a range officer with the caliber you want to apply for (super easy, just a 6 round group at 3 and 5m).
If you do not already own a handgun you will need to borrow one for 6 months to apply for the ATC.
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
Sounds like a pain in the ass for this city slicker haha
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u/BowFella 14d ago
Definitely is a pain. I live over 5 hours away from the nearest bear country. But if I can get three handguns with it then its definitely worth a try
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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears 14d ago
What about private farmland? Can you trap on your back 40 on your farm? Based on the ATC language you just need to be a licensed professional trapper OR require it for your profession if you require it for wilderness defense.
I wonder if you are a trapper, what qualifies as “professional”? Are there requirements for how often you actually trap?
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u/BowFella 14d ago
You absolutely can trap on private property. Also the act of trapping by itself is considered a profession since there is still a fur market. You do not have to show proof of income
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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears 14d ago
Hard part like you said is proximity. I have a farming family and access to private property (and would love to trap coyotes and get into processing pelts) but only really have a back 40.
Part of the argument would be access, I’ve turkey hunted the property and hauling your gear around is a bitch. Maybe it’s worth a shot. I’ve really wanted to get into trapping but didn’t even realize it could be done in areas other than remote wilderness
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u/BowFella 14d ago
If it's farm land you can make the case that you are unable to drive over the field as you dont want to risk crop damage or that it is unsuitable to drive over. That you are often carrying heavy trapping equipment and that you need your hands free when performing your duties where a long gun would be unwieldly.
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u/FeelingForever 5d ago
To get an ATC you need to perform the proof of proficiency test with the handgun that you are going to carry, but you cannot obtain a handgun until you get an ATC. I brought this up with the BC CFO and they said I can rent a gun at a range to do the PoP, but I want to carry a glock 20, and no gun range I found has glock 20 for rent.
> As far as I know well over 1000 people in Ontario alone have an ATC
Most likely those are overwhelmingly armored car guards, the number of wilderness ATCs are going to be much less. I submitted an FOI request to the BC CFO and there was only around 60 wilderness ATCs issued as of 2023 according to their internal memos, so it is not that common.
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u/BowFella 5d ago
The POP isnt model specific. It's based on caliber. Also armoured car guards are provided a service weapon the same way police officers are, they do not need a license or ATC. I know this because I asked an armoured car driver this specific question. Infact he was even denied an ATC.
When I said well over 1000 I was talking about wilderness ATCs. The most common ATC license carriers are trappers. I know this because I spoke extensively with ATC license carriers that walk others through how to obtain an ATC.
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u/FeelingForever 5d ago
> Also armoured car guards are provided a service weapon the same way police officers are, they do not need a license or ATC
That is very easily provable as false, take a look at form 5491 and you can see that there is a specific section for armored car guards (D - Circumstances - Armoured Car Industry Applicants): https://rcmp.ca/sites/default/files/doc/5491e.pdf
https://imgur.com/a/uD8o7WAIf you work for certain federal bodies as a guard (such as the Canadian Mint) you do not need an ATC, but for any private company you need an ATC.
> The POP isnt model specific. It's based on caliber
Again, this is easily provable as false, look at form 5491 section F and it asks for the firearm registration number that you want to get the ATC for.
https://imgur.com/a/Kg4YRXyHere is the POP form I was given by the BC CFO: https://imgur.com/a/FgAcBe8
Literally on the document:
> The firearm used during the POP must be the same firearm the applicant intends to use for wilderness protection.>When I said well over 1000 I was talking about wilderness ATCs
I don't have data for Ontario, but here in BC 538/583 ATCs issued in BC are for armored car guards. Most likely the numbers are similar in Ontario. You can see for yourself here: https://imgur.com/a/e4z33b9I would recommend watching this video if you actually want to understand how ATCs work (video is more specific to BC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdYdV-6_1VI
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u/BowFella 5d ago
That's interesting. Didnt know armoured vehicle drivers qualified for an ATC. It could be different in BC vs Ontario and it could also be for only private companies that do not provide their own governement issued service sidearms. As for the POP yes you need a handgun and that handgun's model and registration number to apply for an ATC, but once you get said ATC you can purchase two more of the same caliber (3 guns per ATC). You can also apply for the ATC if you borrow a handgun for 6 months, it does not need to be your own.
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u/FeelingForever 5d ago
Unfortunately I don’t know anyone with a glock 20 (or any 10mm for that matter) so I am procedurally locked out from getting an ATC.
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u/Murray3-Dvideos 15d ago
The second method: put elbows up, invest in Brookfield, buy a suit, go to NATO summit.
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u/dsac 14d ago
Missing a couple steps in there, like "become one of the world's pre-eminent economists, having chaired a couple of the largest national central banks through separate global economic crises" and "get elected to lead a political party desperate for a viable candidate on the heels of a historically unpopular leader" and "present as a rational option in the face of an unstable narcissistic megalomaniac next door, unlike your primary opponent who would gladly unbuckle said megalomaniac's belt and don kneepads if given the opportunity"
But yeah, you're otherwise bang-on. Except I'm pretty sure his gift was a .357, which makes it a no-no pew-pew north of the 49th.
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u/Full-Masterpiece1664 13d ago
Come on man! Can't be talking sense to these people. It's absolutely FINE pollievre can be a successful business man but not Carney. They're crazy dude.
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u/dsac 13d ago
pollievre can be a successful business man
Lol doing what? Dudes never held a real job, he's been sucking off the public's teat his whole adult life
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u/Full-Masterpiece1664 4d ago
Lol yeah and in that ENTIRE time he's passed ONE BILL! But all his supporters think he'd be some master politician. However he's apparently a pretty successful landlord(of course) worth about $10 million who also apparently "allows" his STAFF to lease properties from him for the MAX government allowance they're allowed by law. Everything about him is just so scummy.
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u/Full-Masterpiece1664 13d ago
God ALL you pollievre fanboys are so WEAK! It's absolutely ok Pierre has shares in Brookfield and at the same time Carney can't have worked ANYWHERE! If he worked for Rogers or bell you'd find fault with that. Harpers ex finance minister Jim flaherty credited Carney for saving us from the global recessions worst effects after the 2008 sub prime housing crash. You can LITERALLY go on YouTube and watch him present Carney some sort of gift and thanking him for getting us through despite what Harper said the other month. Trudeau was/is a ABSOLUTE TOOL but so is pierre. He's been a politician for 26 years now and has passed ONE BILL in that ENTIRE time while also living in a 19 room mansion called Stornaway with a cleaning Lady/chef/chauffeur and whatever a "house manager" is. Oh yeah can't forget the car and WE THE TAXPAYERS pay for EVERY PENNY of all that!!! But someone cause it's "your guy" it's ok. Absolutely INSANE! Did you honestly think he'd have the last 20 YEARS of harpers and trudeaus BS all fixed in a few months!? Give the guy time for Christ sake! Pierre would've rolled over for trump DAY ONE you KNOW IT! Carneys at least for us and others investing in the Canadian defence and space industries now. Btw the Alberta oil industry you guys all claim liberals have screwed albertans over? Yeah well it's needed bailing out FOUR TIMES NOW! And it was FOUR liberal PM's that did the bailing out. First time with trudeau senior in 1977 when syncrude went belly up. Oh and Danielle smith in all her idiocy decided to make Albertas budget based off the price of a barrel of oil when it was at like $90!! She's a oil lobbyist first and foremost and I bet every dollar I have she's on a board of one of those companies day two of leaving office. Same smith who ranted and raved at the media doe asking If her husband was a unregistered lobbyist. DEMANDING apologies then within the month admitted he is indeed a unregistered lobbyist but once again it's ok cause she's a conservative? Do you honestly not see the massive hypocrisy you all show?!?? Just give it a rest. Let the guy work and give some time man. Also in 2025 we gave the oil companies $26 BILLION in subsidies for some insane reason. Like how smith gave them $2 BILLION to clean up the ponds they were already contractually obliged to pay for! But no! Danielle wants a big fat pay cheque when she leaves public office so she's feeding them with OUR MONEY and again you guys are fine with ALL OF IT for some reason but nope! Carney who's for a MASTERS from HARVARD in economics and a DOCTORATE in the same from OXFORD can't be a successful business man for some reason. Grow up for Christ sake stop all your whining and google how much Alberta actually gets every year in oil subsidies etc etc
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u/Murray3-Dvideos 13d ago
Oooo I drew out another Liberal bot worth blocking! lol. R Canadaguns is slowly becoming a more sensible crowd one block at a time.
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u/GodsGiftToWrenching 12d ago
The absolute funniest part of all of that is, the dude who's comment you wrote a novel about was a sentence long and didn't even mention Poilievre or support for him even once, and that was the primary focus of your entire rant. Bro might not even support Poilievre either 😂
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u/Full-Masterpiece1664 4d ago
You know damn well he's a Pierre supporter
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u/GodsGiftToWrenching 4d ago
Lol you have no clue if he is. He could support Bernier or Lewis equally. Forming an opinion or rant over a non existent or evident political stance is about the most basement dwelling, need to touch grass thing a person can do. Leave it to a Carney supporter to have a loose wing nut lol
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u/newtoabunchofstuff 15d ago
Thank you for this.
Does anyone know which retailers may still have 22lr handguns in stock? I would like to support a LGS if I can but may have to resort to IRG.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago edited 15d ago
Some may have some limited used inventory and some may be getting some competition style Rugers in the future. But generally if you want something new that isn't a competition style Ruger you need to import from the USA. IRG makes that import process quite easy and the inventory in the USA store is huge. I don't know of any other importer that has their own inventory and US online store AND a Canadian side store warehouse in one streamlined process. I asked many local stores in BC and AB and zero inventory. Most claim they can't even import anything (which is not true).
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u/SufficientProof40 14d ago
Everything Old on Vancouver Island stocks a decent selection of competition pistols, they also do antiques.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Let me put it this way, if you know of any Canadian retailer who sells and has inventory of a G44 let me know!
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
Call Prophet Rover or Epps they have a huge inventory of handguns , just not advertised to the general public, you have to email them your ATC, then they will give you a pass code/username for a different area of their website to view the handgun inventory
Last time I.checked epps has about 300 different handguns forsale
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 14d ago
That's interesting. Are these being sold in Canada or as US imports? Do they have the Canadian Glock 44? Sounds like a used gun sale list or consignment. I've never seen a Glock 44 anywhere in Canada in inventory. I will follow up with Ellwood Epps.
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
Epps has the inventory at the shop
I do not know about the Glock 44
But they have lots of stuff
My friend who is an Armoured Guard tried to purchase a handgun with his ATC showed me the list , this was in the spring
Also contact Clay @ Prophet river send them your exemption and they will email you the list
Lots of people leave the country , dont want handguns, give them up
The Liberals have ruined the market, the handguns on the list were going cheap when I seen it like half of retail pric when we could buy them
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 14d ago
I will ask both but I can guarantee you there's no Glock 44 as it can't even be imported directly in Canada and the Canadian model doesn't exist anymore. It requires buying the US model and installing a threaded barrel before importing. IRUNGUNS does this apparently from their USA store.
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
If you Google Glock 44 Canada, 6 major retailers come up on the search
Call each and every one of them and see if they have any old stock of them
If not last resort is putting an order in on the corner of Jane/Finch or Rexdale JK
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
I already asked all of them including Glock and the official distributors and no one has them. The solution is to order the US version which is prohibited from the USA and then also order the longer threaded barrel and have IRUNGUNS install it and import it as a Restricted unit. It ends up costing twice as much. It would be this: G44 with factory extended/threaded barrel kit installed (4.5" barrel).
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
If you want it , you gotta pay, simple as that, this country make me sick, sorry to hear noone has one in Canada bro
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 13d ago
Yeah you definitely gotta pay 2x total in Canada. I can guarantee you will never find a Glock 44 in Canada and you also won't find a "Canadian" Glock 44 anywhere else.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 13d ago
I saw their inventory and it's used consignment and no Glock 44. They don't have anything new. The only solution is importing from the USA.
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u/ThePoeticJester 15d ago
Tempting to do, hows the buying side? Im assuming prices are dog shit high?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago edited 12d ago
Below MSRP actually and no PST. But you're paying in USD and there's a 100 dollar free for the GAC handgun import permit and some other fees for shipping, processing (30) and GST. It can also cost more if you need to buy a longer Canadian compliant barrel. You're paying Arizona market rates. Sometimes there is a discount if you buy a bunch of magazines. Magazines being pinned is free and they can swap barrels if needed. The trick is if you buy from the IRG US store you don't pay those exorbitant import fees like 250-300 etc and they do all the paperwork. Most 22LRs are in the 300 USD range.
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 15d ago
I ordered my exempted ruger 22/45 mk4 which, all in, was about 950$ with legal documents and application and import fees (which about 300$ of it went to the legal things). If you locate one domestically from a private buyer, the price is cheaper.
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
Can I purchase one from a private party with an exemption letter? I have a family member who wants to get rid of a .22 pistol that would otherwise qualify for the exemption.
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 14d ago
Yes you absolutely can! It’s a little more involved but the exemption is the same (involved as in it’s the same as the old private sale way before the handgun freeze, both parties have to contact the govt whereas from a business, pretty much it’s just the business that has to contact the govt)
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
Do you have any more resources on the exact steps for a private sale? I don’t know how things worked in the before times
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u/ThePoeticJester 15d ago
Oof nevermind hahahaha
Good on you guys for following through on it but thats too much for my blood just for a .22lr pistol
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 15d ago
If you find a private seller on gunpost and it’s legit, it’s much cheaper as there’s no special import papers or nothing
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u/Nearby_Purchase_8672 15d ago
Is there any hope of claiming a 1911 as a competition target shooting gun?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 14d ago
100% yes but it's not for competition, it's for training. No one said anything about going to the Olympics with it. The intention is to train. Training is enough. Any 22LR will do. Full size 1911 22LR, sure. GSG/Mauser/SigSauer/Chiappa make the full size 1911 22LR. 5 inch all metal is the full size and runs on high velocity 22LR.
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u/Nearby_Purchase_8672 14d ago
Valuable info, but I meant a 1911 in the back to back war winning 45acp. Or is the govt really restricting these exemptions to 22lr handguns?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
No that's impossible unless you have coach sign off and even then probably not going to happen. Why in the world would you use 45ACP to shoot paper targets at the range that's crazy expensive. It's 22LR only generally which is the Olympic calibre. Pretty sure 45ACP is not used anywhere nowadays including military and law enforcement.
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u/Nearby_Purchase_8672 14d ago
Fwiw, I've found I shoot better with a 1911 in 45ACP than I have with a Beretta M9 in 9mm. Meanwhile, the price point makes you make each shot count even more. Also, your boy just wants a proper 1911.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 13d ago
Great and I want a proper SOCOM M4 or AR15 custom variant with a silencer and extended magazine but that's not going to happen either. By the way the 1911 22LR is identical to the 45ACP except for the ammo type and recoil.
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u/vanpelt77 15d ago
Does the .22 handgun have to be purchased from a store? Are private sales/transfers allowed from an individual who wants to sell a .22 handgun they currently own?
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u/number75 14d ago
You can buy from a private individual, but you will need the exemption for the specific pistol they're selling.
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u/Ok_Understanding_189 15d ago
Question: The exemption letter says to name a NCCP Certified Pistol coach but I don't have one😭, is it ok to leave blank? or would you put something else in there?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Yes leave blank. It's an intention to train not compete per se. The coach is for requesting higher calibres.
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u/nyeahehfam 14d ago
Can we do this in Alberta?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Yes and I believe the Alberta process issues open ended exmptions not make and model specific but I don't know the details.
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u/BrotherLefthand 15d ago
How many of those can be bought with a caliber swap kit? 🧐
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u/TescoValueSoup 15d ago
Shhhhh
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u/mwmwmwmwmmdw 14d ago
don't worry im sure the CBSA is already chomping at the bit to deny imports anyways because they think they are above the law.
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u/JurboVolvo 15d ago
That was my thought. Just buy a conversion but I have seen that generally these .22 can’t handle it. But would have to research each one.
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u/Brandon_awarea 15d ago
It would be nice to have a list of the places that offer these competitions.
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 15d ago
I personally bought mine and got the exemption without training (so far) or competitions, so it’s possible to get one before any competitions take place. BCTSA also lists competitions at various gun clubs and also emails members of upcoming shoots
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u/Brandon_awarea 15d ago
I’m from Manitoba. So far I haven’t heard of an event within a reasonable distance of me.
Interesting that you were able to do that. I’ll have to look into it more later.
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u/thecoolernameistaken 15d ago
I need a Quebec one if there’s any difference
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u/BonaFideDueDiligence 15d ago
I'm currently gathering all info I can get for QC and I'll probably make one once I have everything. At the moment, I can say the FQTIR said they could not issue exemption letters, only the SFC can in QC.
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u/thecoolernameistaken 15d ago
Good I’m about to sign up to a club just for the comps. Looks like they only have 1 event this year. Do you know if we can do comps in other shooting clubs as experience ?
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u/BonaFideDueDiligence 15d ago
Yes, where you're practicing doesn't matter at all (at least in Canada). It'll for sure count toward "practicing", but it is unclear if it would for "competing". If the comp follows ISSF rules, most likely it'll count for competing. The only competitions confirmed to count are SFC/FQTIR ISSF comps.
Also, no other ISSF pistol comps scheduled this year as of now in QC, so we're cooked on that front.
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u/One_Salary_9068 15d ago
Reponse de la Sfc:.... En ce qui concerne la dérogation, vous pouvez vous entraîner dans n’importe quel club. Vous devrez constituer un dossier attestant de votre implication, qui comprend généralement vos documents vérifiés par un tiers, tels que des photos de cibles datées et signées, les résultats des championnats de club et des références du club ou de votre entraîneur.
Notre procédure consiste à fournir un lien aux personnes souhaitant postuler afin qu’elles puissent remplir un formulaire de demande en ligne.
Pour remplir ce formulaire, vous devez être membre en règle de la SFC, indiquer votre numéro RPAL et fournir des liens vers les résultats des compétitions auxquelles vous avez participé ou un dossier justifiant que vous vous entraînez activement dans les disciplines olympiques de tir au pistolet.
L'ensemble des documents est examiné en tenant compte à la fois de la durée et de la fréquence ; il n'y a pas de seuil minimum fixé pour la fréquence, mais celle-ci aura une incidence sur la durée attendue. La durée minimale d'implication requise avant que la candidature ne soit prise en considération est de 4 à 6 mois.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago
I think you're out of luck in Quebec and Ontario and are stuck with the federal association which is strictly governed by Ottawa rules.
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u/Jonuluk96 15d ago
How does the process differ for New Brunswick? I’d really like to get into it
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago
It's province specific and you might be out of luck in New Brunswick process wise if there is no provincial association. You'd have to use the federal one instead which is very cumbersome. SFC is the National Sports Organization.
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 15d ago
This was pretty much on par with my exemption(s). Only 2 things I’d add:
- if you have a BCTSA coach and they sign off on it, it’s possible to get calibers higher than .22.
- .22 revolvers like the Taurus Tracker can also be purchased for exemption
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u/No-Inspector6242 14d ago
It's funny how easy you can get a 9 mm off the streets of Sudbury for dirt cheap
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u/mustafazoom 4d ago
Dirt cheap where a glock cost 4 to 5 k blackmarket https://www.youtube.com/live/zeU9BZof0QQ?t=1579&si=jPq2LSGuvUDCWprc 26:21
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u/Not-a-Cranky-Panda 14d ago
You think that's bad I'm in the UK....
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Aren't you allowed silencers in the UK though and in fact many 22LR rifles that are banned in Canada?
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u/Even-Somewhere-9554 12d ago
Just worked on processing with IRUNGUNS during this weekend. Shout out to BCTSA for issuing signed handgun exemption letter so quick (3 days) and IRG for answering my question
The model I want is out of stock on IRUNGUNS so I had to order from an US website and had it shipped to IRG warehouse in Arizona.
On top of $200 usd for importation fee there will be another $100usd for handgun application fee + tax + shipping fee so you might look at paying the cost of 2 guns for 1 gun.
It is reasonable and I don’t complain. Happy to work with IRG as long as I could receive my gun soon.
We will see
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u/Curious_Joe2020 12d ago edited 12d ago
Yeah BCTSA approval is super quick, a week at most. I think the process got more streamlined as more people requested the exemption!
That's too bad IRUNGUNS did not have it in stock because it would have saved you the 200 import fee.
The 100 GAC handgun import permit fee is always there, but the 200 fee is waived if you get it from the IRG online store. And yes sometimes you pay twice the price if you have to get a Canadian compliant barrel too plus fees. On the bright side there's no PST. Normally it's a 30 import fee and 30 again for any accessories. It evens out because the guns and accessories are cheaper than what you would find in Canada. I mean considering they can bring things in that do not exist in Canada and that no one else has in Canada and do it all in one steamlined process with zero paperwork on the customer's end, delivered to your door, I don't mind if they charge some extra fees.
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u/Even-Somewhere-9554 12d ago
I hope IRG would start to stock more 22lr handguns + accessories as there might have increasing demand from “soon-to-be” Olympic athletes
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u/Curious_Joe2020 12d ago
I mean the selection is pretty huge. What were you looking for that they did not have? The accessories are lacking but not the handguns.
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u/Even-Somewhere-9554 11d ago
I picked Taurus TX22 Toro gen 2 which is out of stock nearly everywhere. Some reputable dealers having stock like Able’s ammo or Buds Gun Shop or Gun Broker don’t accept Canadian Credit card ( cannot choose billing address in Canada) , I finally found stock at BattleHawk Armory where I could pay by Sezzle.
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u/gugz92 15d ago
So here's a crazy question, if I split my time between Ontario and BC can I apply to the BCTSA and apply for an exemption via BC? Or is it tied to what the CFP has on file, ie if my home address for my PAL is in Ontario does the transfer have to happen through Ontario?
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u/CelebrationJaded5848 10d ago
Curious about this as well. Tried as a non-BC resident and questioned were raised by IRG. Exemption letter given by BCTSA, but they noted SFC would be the ideal pathway. Waiting to hear back from provincial CFO if out of province exemption would suffice, if a BC range membership would work or if any other options exist.
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u/number75 14d ago
Just a heads up to OP and anyone reading, the threaded barrel adapter for some of these pistol does not count towards where it's legal or not. The legal definition for barrel length is described as
the length of a barrel of a firearm is
(a) in the case of a revolver, the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to the breach end immediately in front of the cylinder, and
(b) in any other case, the distance from the muzzle of the barrel to and including the chamber,
but does not include the length of any component, part or accessory including any component, part or accessory designed or intended to suppress the muzzle flash or reduce recoil.
This was also what was described to me by IRG, when I asked about a pistol that didn't have a 4.17" barrel but did have a thread adapter extension. I was told they wouldn't be able to import it as they did not believe it would qualify with the thread adapter extension.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
That's a good point but some can have the barrel replaced with the longer threaded version and an example of that is the Glock 44 with the threaded barrel which is longer, swapped turning it into the Canadian version.
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u/number75 14d ago
Some pistols definitely do have the ability to be made legal for import if you can find and get them to a install longer barrel. But other pistols like, for example, the P322 wouldn't qualify since it doesn't have a long barrel available. The only thing it has is the threaded barrel adapter, which wouldn't count towards barrel length. Hence why I wouldn't list it as an example of a pistol that you could get an exemption for. I also wouldn't be sure if an AR pistol would count or be blocked as an AR variant.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 14d ago
You're right some of those would not qualify probably. It's best to check against the RCMP Firearms Reference Table and make sure it's listed as Restricted not Prohibited. Anyway the way it works is you request the exemption BEFORE ordering. If one of them is not allowed for import and isn't listed on the RCMP Firearms Reference Table the exemption letter won't be issued. As you said IRG will know which ones can be imported and will tell you. The easiest trick is to check if it was listed on a Canadian store site like RDSC and then double check it's Restricted on the RCMP FRT.
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u/599Ninja 14d ago
Imagine the flurry of new shooters at the competitions lol. I love this, not talking down to your graphic, just thinking about some future world where there's like 45 guys in jeans and a hoodie shooting right around the target because it was the way to get a handgun haha awesome
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
Buy a Beretta M9 .22, then buy the 9mm conversion kit
Boom! you got a 9mm Beretta!
May I suggest it in Stainless woth rosewood grips 😉
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
where u gettin the kit matey
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
IRUN Guns, Prophet River or Aztec Armoury
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
Dang son, is this theoretical or actually doable. Might have to bust out another g-note lol
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u/Mysterious_Sleep7443 14d ago
Yup it will cost you a bit of coin but at this point buy one before you cant !
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u/Desperate_Finance_91 14d ago
Your registeration explicitly states you must report any modification to the caliber of the firearm to the cfo, & if the cfo believes youre not using it for the intended purpose, you can lose your firearm
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u/Sad-Stop-2401 14d ago
A related question.
Are Pardini HP conversion kits to convert Pardini SP from 22LR to .32 S&W Long WC legal in Canada?
Has anyone every bought them?
The legal exception list does not list Pardini SP .32 S&W Long WC as allowed one. It does list Pardini HP in .32 S&W as allowed one.
Trouble is, since 2016, Pardini makes SAME receivers for SP and HP models. So is that conversion (HP one) kit even legal in Canada?
Is the SP gun converted to .32 S&W Long legal in Canada?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
No idea but if you modify the registered handgun especially the calibre you need to report the change to the RCMP Firearms Registrar/CFO as per the registration certificate conditions.
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u/Sad-Stop-2401 14d ago
Thats one more kettle of fish actually. The regulations are if you modify permanently, you need to inform them. If you modify temporarily for more than 30 days, you should inform them. Now 30 days, are they consecutive? What if I modify my firearm for each practice session and the put it back to its original calibre after the seesion?
Pardini can be modified in less than 2 minutes. And then remodified again in same time.
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u/moonpie_888 14d ago
So I can apply even if I haven't shot/practice competition yet in BC? Because I don't own or know anyone to borrow a .22 pistol from to do this
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
That's literally the point, intention to train. You need a gun first to train. You don't have to compete.
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u/oversky_1437 14d ago
I honestly think things have to get a lot worse before they get better. If you have to go to these lengths to shoot crap like this, might as well ban it all to stick it to the "you only need rinky dink firearms to hunt durr" crowd. Then we might see some real support.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
They probably will ban everything eventually. Right now there is no new handgun inventory from Canadian retailers, only some used consignment. These are for pistol target shooting not hunting though.
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u/oversky_1437 13d ago
Might as well buy an airgun man. I get that if you're fiending to shoot a pistol this is the closest thing but really it's just a big cope. The states shoots with 9mm for a reason.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 13d ago
The states also shoot with 22LR for a reason. 9mm is just the most common for law enforcement and self-defense but that's for different reasons not for target shooting. Special Forces in Israel for example and CIA and US Air Force used 22 as do the Olympics and for training.
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u/Full-Masterpiece1664 13d ago
Or just come here to Toronto and buy one of the MANY Glocks floating around the city. Stupid expensive though $4-5000 last time someone I know from that world told me. BY THE WAY I'm in NO WAY saying I know someone who can get you something like that anymore and suggest following all your provincial laws regarding buying pistols. You can ABSOLUTELY still buy handguns in Canada you just need to be part of a competitive shooting club and compete and If I recall correctly you have to keep them stored at your club in their safes etc. AGAIN! The first part of this comment is kind of a joke and I dont condone the purchasing of illegal guns.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 13d ago edited 13d ago
Sorry you CANNOT buy in Canada because there is NO INVENTORY. In fact there are exactly zero Glocks available in 22LR which is the only one you can transfer. And no the shooting club owning the handguns and you renting from them or "borrowing" is not the same thing. The whole point is for you to own them and keep them at home. The only way to get a Glock is to import a Glock 44 from the USA and it costs about 1k CAD total. You basically have to get the Glock and a threaded longer barrel that is Canadian compliant. There is also a Canadian specific Glock 44 but it no longer exists. IRUNGUNS can get it from the USA and so can Everything Old Antiques on Vancouver Island and both need to import from the USA. I'm sure there are a few other importers as well but the cost might be even higher.
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u/Br7ian 12d ago
Is there an Alberta version?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 12d ago
Yes and apparently it's more open ended not make/model specific each time but I don't know the process details.
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u/Torch4Link 2d ago
Step 1) move to the US Step 2) go to your local PD for a quick background check, any they issue you an unlimited amount of license to purchase permits on the spot same day Step 3) purchase firearms at any FFL dealer (can be same day as receiving the LTP) Step 4) buy lots of ammo Step 5) enjoy Step 6) spend more money on accessories than the host itself Step 7) enjoy some more
This comment was brought to you by a Canadian who has done the above. P.S. I didn't move to the US for the purchase of buying firearms, but it certainly is a perk :)
I do realize the process in Canada is extremely strict and I hear your pains. All the best!
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u/Curious_Joe2020 2d ago
Ok but how are you getting that green card or US citizenship? Can't just move to the USA. You forgot the most important part which is impossible to do.
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u/Torch4Link 1d ago
I have a BAS EE, and a job in the US that granted a working visa.. then I found my one and only American gal. Lucky guy I am!
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u/Routine_Chest_1171 15d ago
Lol now they are goin to get a flood of applications an I feel it's goin to ruin it for those people that actually do it jus my opinion but good to know
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
It could be banned anytime with an OIC or regulation change so in fact it's the opposite strength in numbers. The more people that have them the harder it will be to take away or confiscate later.
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u/Routine_Chest_1171 14d ago
Very true I didn't think of it like that
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
I say get as many while you still can! That's the lesson from a few years ago.
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
Assuming you need a separate exemption letter for each pistol? Does BCTSA care how many letters you request? Is there a limit?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Yes you do need to request one for each model and make each time. I'm not sure if there is a limit but I am thinking at least 3 should be ok. I know others were able to get 3.
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u/Helpful-Sock-4988 14d ago
ill just get one illegally, thanks tho.
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
Lots of inventory in Surrey apparently LOL
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u/Helpful-Sock-4988 14d ago
yeah where I live, a few years ago, a drone got caught in a tree carrying a duffle bag full of hand guns from the states. i wish I had got to it before the police did.
but on the serious side, this is a great guide, thanks for posting.
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u/bung_musk 14d ago
glowie
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u/Helpful-Sock-4988 14d ago
you guys say that about everyone. also i was implying that it was easier to get an illegal handgun, which is a criticism of the feds.....
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u/harbourhunter 14d ago
pure slop
just look at the American mail truck
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago
USA >>>=> Canada Post or do you really think Canada Post ships directly from the USA? Guns are bought American shipped from America. Sorry they're not from Canada.
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u/harbourhunter 14d ago
The delivery truck has an American usps logo, which is sloppy. Regardless of the sender, USPS trucks do not provide delivery service in Canada.
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u/One_Salary_9068 15d ago
So all of this... Before Starting the training?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago
First you get the gun...then you do the training. How are you supposed to train at target shooting without a gun?
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 14d ago
That's the problem in Ontario! Need to show you are training to get a gun, need gun to train! 😂
I guess the SFC and ONtarget want to keep an old boys and girls club.
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u/Vintage_Pieces_10 15d ago
Correct. I paid for my BCTSA membership, and literally the next day without ever having attended a competition, filed for my exemption. It came two weeks to the day later
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14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Curious_Joe2020 14d ago edited 14d ago
22LR is used by Special Forces including Isreal and the US Air Force, the CIA, and at the Olympics. And for cost effective training of course for target shooting. U2 pilots had special 22LR pistols.
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u/CougarChaserBC 15d ago
Why would someone want a .22 toy handgun?
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u/Curious_Joe2020 15d ago edited 15d ago
It's not a toy gun. 22 is used for range target shooting, at the Olympics, and by many Special Forces and covert operations around the world including the USA, Israel etc. 22 is used for training purposes because it's cheaper, less recoil, and more accurate and lighter. The US Air Force U2 pilots had special 22s as did the CIA.
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u/mwmwmwmwmmdw 14d ago edited 14d ago
22 handguns in my opinion are the most fun way to shoot .22. since they do have some recoil unlike when shooting them in a rifle but are also easy to shoot accurately and fast. almost every new shooter ive taken to the range liked the .22 handgun the best over anything
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u/AccomplishedRide676 15d ago
Please create this for ONTARIO 🙏🙏🙏