My First Gun, FN 502 Tactical. Never shot a firearm in my life, but this is my first gun for training purposes, just imported from the USA (Arizona) via IRG. The extended magazines are pinned to 10. It came very oily so had to wipe it thoroughly with paper towels. The enclosed reflex micro red dot (probably used the wrong screws) and tactical light are add-ons from Amazon. I got my RPAL just for this.
it's not really an exemption so much as it is a loophole. If I understand it correctly, a firearms retail company (P3 Shooting Specialties) buys the handgun on your behalf if you're an IPSC competitor or have signed up for a black badge in Alberta, and then transfers it to you as "borrowing or renting". You don't actually own it like with the .22 Olympic Exemption, as it is registered to them as the owner. However, they do say they'll transfer it to you once it's legal to do so. However, it's about as good as it gets with our current system, and I do hope we see it expand. It'd certainly finally convince me to go for a black badge.
Or they change the regulations overnight or via OIC and you never see the gun again. Also that can't be grandfathered since you were never registered as the owner. How do you get a permanent ATT without a registration certificate? No different than renting from a range with a membership. The whole point is to keep it at home. There is in fact an Alberta 22LR Olympic exemption that is open ended not model and make specific like in BC. I don't know the process details.
I feel you. Iām in Ontario too, but I had a friend get granted the exemption and he said they asked that you compete in a sanctioned match, so thatās my plan for November! Iāve also heard Ontario is stricter with the models of pistols you can get compared to BC.
I was lucky enough to get my Glock 17 gen4 before the freeze. Haven't had a chance to even use it yet though.
Near impossible it seems to get a club membership. Even with the support of my brother's father-in-law. Who is still an active member in Peterborough, as was kinda our (myself, brother and sister-in-law) to get a membership.
A lot of the older established clubs have been full even pre-covid. I've always lucked out and haven't had to join waiting lists but you might have luck if you're not too picky and find some of the newer ranges. FOC in Ajax has an indoor range that is relatively new and might be accepting members? Assuming you're on the east end.
I got my Glock because I wanted to be be cool lol. But you're right, they're the Harley Davidson of guns, EVERYONE has one so the aftermarket accessories are cheap and plentiful. Not close to my best pistol, but I have a fucking case FULL of conversion barrels, springs, etc.
I'm not sure, but I think all pistol parts are pretty much off market. Prohibit rifle actions are obviously not available, but furniture is. Accessories and uppers are firearms and a lot of it fits unrestricted firearms.
Iāll chime in since I just got my exempted Ruger MK4 here in BC. The gun and the application and import fees (IRUNGUNS) was 469USD (657.42CAD) before tax (369$ for the gun, 100$ in application fees), with an extra 67$ CAD in shipping with tax. So close to 880$ or so for the whole gambit. A bit pricey but, Iām satisfied as hell with my purchase personally and will have a lot of fun with it
As an aside too, the membership to the BCTSA (who issue the exemptions) was yearly 50$. So the 50$ can be broken up into how many exemptions you wish to file for in that yearās span
Nice pick! I've got a few pistols, but no FNs. How much was your total for the firearm and import fees? I have been tossing around getting my exemption, just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet until I decide what I want to get.
USD 465 for the gun, Export Fee 60, 100 Handgun Permit Application Fee with Global Affairs Canada NEXCOL, then you pay GST and shipping in Canadian. Duty and GST 5%, and shipping is around 40 with Canada Post, so add another 145 CAD. Total Amount : USD 737 + 145 CAD, and no PST. Also bought some extra magazines so let's say around 1k CAD total. The Glock 44 is the worst because you have to get the Canadian compliant barrel installed so basically paying double.
Hmh not as bad as I expected. RDS still has them listed for around 750$. I appreciate the breakdown and information. Also, how long after you submitted the request did you receive the letter?
They don't have any handguns in stock. Try ordering a Glock 44 from RDS and see what happens...nothing. Glock 44 V doesn't even exist. The issue isn't the price but the fact that they don't exist in Canada, not new inventory anyway. Letter takes about a week or less. Sometimes it can also be a few weeks if there is a delay.
Absolutely. I knew RDSC wouldn't sell any but it was more of a comparison as to how bad the price adjustment was going to be. 30-40% was about what I expected. Again thanks for the info!
Thanks! I'm pressuring my buddies to get their permit and get a pistol. They all missed the train previously, and have been apprehensive about this new permit as they fear the cost. I think this will definitely help them make an informed decision!
Congratulations! I managed to get a TX22 Competition using a .22lr exemption. it might not be a center fire but it's definitely better to have a handgun in the collection, than no handgun at all.
Nice! The thing is centerfire would be too expensive to shoot hundreds of rounds with at the range. With 22LR you can literally shoot thousands of rounds a year without worrying about cost.
Off the USA site for IRUNGUNS. Youāll forward your exemption to a lady at the US store name Carolyn, and add a āhandgun application feeā to the cart. In order for them to ship the full firearm, the exemption must be in their possession. The rest is pretty seamless as they handle the import and everything.
Albertaās exemption is apparently one of the easiest for calibers other than .22. Iām in BC and my exemption took less than a month. Just about to get my pistol today from the post office actually and make a post later haha
You only have to be a member of BCTSA to get an exemption. I signed up for the first time and filed my exemption the very next day. You do have to be a member of ANY gun club in BC to get actually have a restricted transferred however (same rule in every province except Ontario and one of the territories)
How do you get a non-22 exemption? Other than trapper or other remote area work. I haven't heard about this. I get the process here for 22 but I haven't heard about larger calibers.
BCās .22 exemption doesnāt require a coach, whereas if you can get a coach, they can sign the exemption form as well to authorize an exemption for a higher caliber
Albertaās Iām not 100% familiar with, but I heard they were even granting exemptions from thehuntinggearguy for things possibly like IPSC and such, and higher calibers much easier
Well, that is an avenue worth pursuing. I'm going to have to do some research and reach out to some people to see if this is a realistic option. Thanks for the intel!
No worries at all! BCās is very easy and Iāve heard Albertaās is too. And having gone through BCās, thereās no way Albertaās is more complicated haha
Got a few handgun for comps but i want to get a new handgun. But since its a loaner im skipping it. Good for people who cant own handguns tho. Its like $150 per year for the loaner but im unsure about the exact pricing. You get to keep it at home too i believe
No problem. He's legit, i buy reloading stuff for ipsc and 3gun comp from the feller. Nice guy. But i moved up to long range stuff already and invested $$$ already. Hope to get back on ipsc again and 3 gun comps.
Sounds super fun. I reload for rifle and previously PCC but never owned a pistol. I never applied for my rpal, when I got my license in 2016, silly me. I'll reach out and see what he has to say, IPSC interests me a lot, always looked super fun. I watched a few matches at my club but they don't do rentals.
It came in its case in original packaging. I think they ship as a single unit in original packaging from their USA warehouse to their Alberta warehouse and then with Canada Post to the customer. Definitely not in parts.
IRG does all that so you just put the order and they do the rest. Eventually it arrives by Canada Post. You just need the exemption letter before the purchase is submitted and for the transfer.
Because not everything you hear in the mainstream media is true. There was never a handgun ban for 22LR, just more restrictive rules which vary greatly by province.
The title of this post without reading the explanation is torturous for so many people I bet. I mean technically, my first seven firearms were four pistols, two ARs and a Type 81, but that was 15 years ago. I'm pumped for you, but at this point, this post is traumatic for a lot of "newer" RPAL holders hahaha. Also, I know you're not complaining, but saying that it came "very oily" as a "3 star review" type comment is savage hahaha. Honestly though, good for you. Go put some rounds though it, enjoy it.
The importer-exporter IRUNGUNS has a USA site, and as long as you have an exemption for a certain handgun, you can order it off there and have it imported
I was lucky enough to be able to purchase 7 different pistols many years ago, and I always kinda joke about my S&W M&P .22 that I bought for my wife to shoot. Seeing this post makes me really appreciate what I have. This country has lost the plot
You fill out a form with the provincial sports target shooting association, get the exemption letter via email and then submit it to buy/import and transfer the handgun for 22LR only. It's an intention to train for 25m pistol discipline.
This is only true in BC fyi. In some other provinces (not sure about AB) it's different because their provincial target shooting association requires you to have record of competition.
Nice! I have an FN 509T so I'm very interested in obtaining a 502 to function as a trainer. Did you have any issues with the side cycling due to the added weight of the optic?
This is how much the FN 502 Tactical cost since people keep asking. Add another 140 CAD or so for GST, Duty, and Canada Post parcel shipping. Takes about 2 months to get it from the order date.
It's Restricted not prohibited. Don't listen to what you see in the mainstream media. You just need an exemption letter from a provincial or national sports target shooting association. Each province has different requirements.
There was never a "freeze" for 22LR. It's just a lack of inventory and administrative restrictions. Ironically most of the 22LR rifles are prohibited but not the handguns.
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u/rastamasta45 Jul 17 '26
BC exemption š?