r/canadaguns • u/HotlineBirdman • Aug 02 '26
Application / Regulation advice BC .22 Olympic Exemption being reviewed by the RCMP
Just got an email from BCTSA:
Update: RCMP Review
I’ve had the Exemption Letters on hold for a while now, dealing with issues raised by the RCMP.
Since the Handgun Exemption letters hit Canadian GunNutz in June, the volume of requests has risen astronomically. Combined with this, there has been a shift from sourcing the handguns locally, to importing them from the US.
I’m not sure exactly what happened, but I suspect both have resulted in the RCMP reviewing the Exemption Letter Process. In addition to BC, I’m now dealing with Ontario. I suspect it’s the importations that is driving that to some extent. It is Ontario that is driving the changes I will need to make.
Up until now, I’ve been following the process I set up with the BC CFO, which I thought was very reasonable. The Ontario process is more like what the SFC is following and is much more restrictive. I’m trying to work out something.
For now, I’m trying a new set of requirements and Forms. You will need to reapply, using the new request form (mostly the same information), one handgun only (unless you are actively competing or coaching), and include one or more of the new forms documenting your training, competing or coaching activity (only one needed. Coach will give you the most latitude, competition is the next best).
I have a huge backlog of requests. Applications with support from an official coach will receive priority, as will requests supporting new clubs. Others are generally in the order received.
New Requirements:
You must justify your assertion to be eligible for an exemption letter.
As you know, to get an exemption letter, you must 1. Train, 2. Coach, or 3. Compete in an approved sport:
25m Pistol
50m Pistol
25m Rapid Fire
Actively Training
Training is the rub. You saying you will train isn’t cutting it. I will need details. What is that going to look like? I will need you to:
Be a member of either:
A Local Club affiliated with BCTSA ($25 for the entire club) or
Western International Pistol League (WIPL).
Document that you are actively training. Some forms are provided on the website. These are not a guarantee. More is better, and support from a coach will make things much easier.
Joining a Club
If you have a local club training for Olympic events, no problem, join them. If not, WIPL is a good choice, but they aren’t necessarily there on the ground with you and can’t attest that you are training. The other option is to start a local club. This is easier than it might sound.
Starting a Club
Many communities in BC don’t have a club providing training for the Olympic sports, so how do you proceed? You start one.
A club doesn’t need to be incorporated under the Societies act; it can be an informal organization or part of your Range. It can even be started by a single person at your range. However, BCTSA Clubs are asked about membership every year, so while 1 person can start the club, it will need to grow to at least a few people. If you are going to use your range name, make sure the range is OK with that. You don’t need an official coach. You can train together to get started.
Community Coach training is now available online for a modest charge (abut $100), and a modest time commitment (4-5 hrs online) when one of you is ready. More advanced coach training is frequently available.
Also, keep in mind that once one person has done this, the entire Range membership is able to use the new club. You can also start a club without the range name, or with a slightly different name. Whatever works for you, but the club is expected to actively train and be operational, not just a work around the law. Remember, you are legally responsible for any statement you make under the Firearms Act, just as I am.
What is Active Training?
You must be training towards one of the accepted disciplines:
25m Pistol
50m Pistol
25m Rapid Fire
You must train a minimum amount. Initially, I’m working with a minimum of 3 times over 2-6 months. That’s pretty minimal, but this is a hobby. It may change, as required by the RCMP in future. More is better! Don't push my luck.
Getting started without a Handgun
This one isn’t optimum, but you can start to acquire the skills and technique with almost anything until you qualify for the exemption letter:
Air Pistol, Pellet pistol, BB pistol
Larger caliber handgun
If possible, beg, borrow (but don’t steal) something to train with. You can get an air pistol at Canadian Tire for $40. It’s enough to work on stance, grip, etc.
Competing
Most competitions publish results. Local or club level competitions also work, if they are formal competitions following ISSF Rules.
What types of competitions are accepted?
Formal local club – not for beer one Saturday, but something more organized. A weekly club match could work if it is following ISSF rules.
WIPL Mail In Match
Nearby club
Provincial, National, International
There are a few ways to provide documentation:
The competition publishes results; you tell me where to find that. (copy the link)
You get a note from a Coach, Club Official, etc. or self-report
You do a mail-in to WIPL (this might be the easiest if you are bootstrapping yourself).
Coaching
Coaching is easy to verify I need you registered as an NCCP trained/ Certified coach. I can look that up.
You must be either trained or certified as: Community Stream, Instructor of Beginners, Instructor Intermediate, Comp-Dev, ISSF-D, ISSF-C, ISSF-B or ISSF-A. Your NCCP number is required.
The new Community Stream Coaching modules provide a low barrier entry to becoming a coach, requiring 4-5 hrs of online learning for about $100. If you are interested in coaching, coach designation or starting a new club, this is a good place to start. https://bctsa.bc.ca/page-18090
New Restrictions
Training: Only 1 Exemption per year, unless your coach justifies a further need. Choose wisely.
43
u/thecoolernameistaken Aug 02 '26
God damnit I knew it would be some fuckery when I saw tons of Redditors posting about it. Guess we had it for a bit
26
u/ADrunkMexican Aug 02 '26
i mean im not entirely surprised if the rcmp got 2 million applications for olympic exemptions lol.
8
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
They didn't get 2 million. They probably got a few hundred US imports over a few months and panicked because the stats didn't follow the Ottawa narrative of handgun ban and freeze. Just imagine if the CBC wrote an article about it! Remember there is a SCC court case about the arbitrary attempt to confiscate other legally aquired 22LRs.
5
u/Dexcessive Aug 02 '26
That and some people using exception letters to get like 4-5 pistols that are totally gonna be used for Olympic shooting
7
u/MBGLK Aug 02 '26
The process allows for that. The letters allow 3 models to be specified.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
I don't think there was a limit since it was 1 letter for each model but 3 sounds reasonable.
1
u/MBGLK Aug 02 '26
It’s not one letter for each model. If you go the sfc route the one letter has 3 models listed explicitly.
0
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
The BCTSA route requires one letter for each make and model but no limit was mentioned so 3 is probably reasonable.
-2
u/Reelair Aug 02 '26
This is the kind of answers I got when I warned about abusing this exemption. I think "allowed" will be more accurate.
6
u/MBGLK Aug 02 '26
How is it abuse when it follows the entire process step by step. It’s literally THE process.
2
u/SirKickBan Aug 02 '26
You can still abuse a process if you're using it for something other than what it was intended for. Letter vs. spirit of the law.
Like.. C'mon. We all know we're not olympic shooters, aspiring, would-be or otherwise, we're people who disagree with the bans, and would like to have a pistol we can use on the range.
And they know that too. Even if people aren't asking for multiple pistols, the sheer volume of requests was going to sound alarms and make it clear that the system isn't being used for what it's intended for.
4
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
Spirit of the law is to ban everything. The exemption was for training in most cases. There was no limit on the number of pistols. I think 3 is a fair number. Training just means using it at the range for the 25 m pistol discipline. The system was intended to discourage anyone from trying to get an exemption and they never saw a surge of US handgun imports coming. It's simple supply and demand. The supply is in the USA and the demand is in Canada. A restriction created pent up demand.
1
u/SirKickBan Aug 03 '26
That's not what the spirit of the law means. If you want to cope, go for it.
But reality is going to bite you.
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
Well I already have the exemptions and multiple guns 4 imported and shipped from the USA so I think I know how the law works thank you. Spirit of the law means Hansard and has nothing to do with current enforcement just with a future Court interpretation which is what is happening in the SCC currently. The reality is what you make of it. The law and regulations can be changed anytime and they have been. You use it or lose it.
3
u/MBGLK Aug 02 '26
Speak for yourself. I train in the discipline the letter is for.
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
Quick question, do you always train at a range that has a 25m lane or do you sometimes train at a range with a shorter distance? I find few indoor ranges have 25m lanes (literally just one).
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
It's for TRAINING in the 25m pistol discipline. Remember those were exempt and approved by the RCMP as per legislation. No requirement to be competing in the Olympics. If you can get 5 and find 5 then why not. The more the better especially with a ban scenario occurring anytime with a regulation or policy change. How about those who bought a bunch of 9mms right before the 2022 freeze? Are they at fault for buying a whole bunch and letting others know to do so while they still could?
-2
u/Dexcessive Aug 02 '26
Training with 5 different pistols? the RCMP isn’t dumb, they can figure out why you bought that many (especially if you’re dumb enough to post it online).
You get one pistol that works for you and use that. People abusing and gaming the system is/has ruined it for everyone else and made it even harder for those who actually want to compete.
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
You bought that many to train at the range for different sizes and styles. They are all different I don't understand your point. 100% legal in the exemptions. Remember the RCMP APPROVED THEM ALL. No you get however many you want that is approved for transfer. And if you are a boomer maybe you had 10 9MMs but I guess that doesn't matter right because they can do whatever they want with their 45 ACP and 9mm even if they had 20 right? The only purpose for 22LR is training. Maybe they should seize and ban all the boomer handguns first?
11
Aug 02 '26
[deleted]
4
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Well it's legally acquired and 100% approved by the RCMP so why not? Or are you suggesting censorship or hiding what you can legally acquire?
0
u/SirKickBan Aug 02 '26
The squeaky wheel gets the grease, or, as the Spanish say: "The nail that stands out gets hammered down"
-1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Actually it doesn't because as I explained they were approved by the RCMP to begin with. You think 5 people out of 10 000 posting makes any difference. It does not except for those needing some information.
2
u/SirKickBan Aug 03 '26
We're in a reddit threat demonstrating how the requirements are actively being tightened.
-1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Because of the importation from the USA trend which happened over many months not because someone posted pictures on Reddit a few weeks ago. Word down from the Liberals was to "ban", "freeze", and stop supply from the USA. What you hear now is a reaction to something from many months ago. Nothing to do with recent posts. The demand for both licenses and exemptions increased gradually over many months reaching the current peak.
0
Aug 03 '26
[deleted]
0
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
I will keep posting my collection thanks. The Glock and a few others are on the way! If the RCMP can post pictures of their new Glocks why can't sports shooters and athletes?
5
u/_Connor Aug 02 '26
This was (unfortunately) ever the only outcome.
People were using the exemption to buy glocks and shit. It was only a matter of time before the RCMP started asking whether people were actually "training."
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Yes I got a Glock so what? And you bet it was from the USA. Paid twice as much for it too. Training just means going to the range to shoot for the 25m discipline among other things that can be done online like courses. That's not what happened. They didn't like that more than zero people started importing guns from the USA.
4
u/_Connor Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
The “so what” is that it makes it obvious that these exemptions were never seriously about Olympic training and now we are where we are.
No one competes in the olympics with a Glock or FN so it’s extremely fishy for the horse cops when thousands of people are importing Glocks for “Olympic shooting” and now they’re cracking down it.
Glad you got yours but again, this was only how it was ever going to end.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
It's not Olympic training. It's Olympic discipline. Almost no one is training to be in the Olympics per se. Almost no one is competing in the OIympics. They do train for certain disciplines that are part of the Olympics like 25m pistol. That's not the same as competing.
They are training, competing or coaching in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee.
The legislation allows for training generally so yes you can train with pretty much any 22LR that is more affordable. You can still do that now except it requires a bit of proof that you are training which can literally be some online courses and maybe going to the range a few times.
You can train with a Glock, FN, 1911 and you can probably also compete as well, just not in the actual Olympics.
1
u/ekso69 Aug 02 '26
As soon as all the AMAs started coming out I knew that was it
0
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
So same logic as 2022 bans? You knew they were coming but did you take advantage when you could or did you not tell anyone and wait for the ban?
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Well maybe you should have taken advantage of it while you still could. People were posting to let others know about it and the process details.
6
u/thecoolernameistaken Aug 02 '26
Yea the “I got mine fuck everyone else” mentality def helped us here
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
So same logic as 2022 bans? You knew they were coming but did you take advantage when you could or did you not tell anyone and wait for the ban?
3
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
That attitude just creates two tiers within the community -- the "I missed my chance" and the "I got mine so screw you" crowds. And the in-fighting is applauded by the Liberals. The community needs to double down and keep the pressure to repeal the handgun freeze. The longer it stays in effect the harder it will be to repeal. This benefits all of us.
0
u/thecoolernameistaken Aug 02 '26
No one had any clue they were coming
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Well pretty sure they did not pass the legislation overnight...maybe some who posted on Reddit knew...
1
u/Reelair Aug 02 '26
I warned against this, but all the bright minds disagreed. I've witnessed social media destroy many shooting opportunities. Never fails.
-1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Not what happened as explained. The issue was importing from the USA. It takes them months to see a trend and react.
0
u/ekso69 Aug 02 '26
As soon as all the AMAs started coming out I knew that was it lol all of a sudden everyone is an Olympian.
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Sure everyone is training and would like to be an Olympian one day. What's the problem with that?
68
u/jbouit494hg Aug 02 '26
RIP, I just got the same letter. I knew this was coming once the hype started.
Special shoutout to the people who were posting pictures of their new guns on here and openly bragging that they had no plans to compete.
19
u/some_guy2024 Aug 02 '26
Your anger is misdirected at people who were working around garbage legislation (but who should’ve been more mindful of opsec) put in place by absolute scumbags. You should redirect it towards the filth who put in place and enforce said legislation 🤷🏼♂️
8
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
You only need to TRAIN as per legislation. 100% legal and literally what the form and instructions said. RCMP knows all the handguns issued since THEY APPROVE ALL THE TRANSFERS and review the exemptions. The issue was an influx of people importing from the USA. It's a good thing people posted so people know about the process and can use it. You had plenty of time to get an exemption and import whatever you wanted at least 6 months this year. Wait and see is not the correct approach because I guarantee you the Liberals will keep changing the legislation and regulations until all new firearms are impossible to get or import. Very few people would ever qualify for the Olympics obviously to compete.
1
u/burgers1919 Aug 05 '26
but the SFC wants you to have many events/matches - most ppl don't get out to shoot more than once a month.... so takes over half a year to build up a resume/record.
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
This isn't for SFC, it was in BC under BCTSA. Sounds like Ontario and Ottawa ruined it for everyone out West again.
3
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
Do you know if this is only for those who have submitted and have not heard back, or for all letters, etc?
6
2
u/jbouit494hg Aug 02 '26
I don't know, sorry.
3
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
When you got this letter did you have an exemption request pending? Just trying to get some more info on how this was sent out.
3
u/jbouit494hg Aug 02 '26
I had submitted my exemption request form, but hadn't heard back yet. They hadn't given me an exemption letter yet.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
You will have to resubmit under the new rules if you don't already have it.
3
3
u/EliteDuck Aug 03 '26
I have not received this email. My letter was approved a couple of weeks ago. The RCMP contacted me last week to send them the exemption letter.
1
7
15
u/blueline731 Aug 02 '26
Fuck the RCMP lol
7
2
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
And frankly the BCTSA. They could have shown some back bone and stood for the firearms community.
34
u/Office_Responsible Aug 02 '26
I’m not surprised by this at all. Too much attention on it.
21
u/mwmwmwmwmmdw Aug 02 '26
the trend of the RCMP trying to shit on owners enthusiam isnt new. its no coincidence that the 10/22 magazine ban came in around the same time the 110rd drum mags started becoming common and affordable on the Canadian market.
11
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Remember the RCMP are not there to help you but to supress dissent and crack down on anything that goes against the Federal Liberal propaganda and Quebec anti firearms lobby group policies. Basically the same thing the NW Mounted Police was doing in the West in the 1930s, enforcing the Ottawa political ideology. Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa govern the West.
6
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
No not what happened. Remember RCMP knows about and approves all the transfers. What happened was they realized the handguns are being imported from the USA and more and more people were getting licensed for that purposes so that goes against the political propaganda of a handgun freeze or ban and of stemming the flow of guns from the US. Imagine the CBC headline saying RCMP approves 10000% increase of handguns bought from the USA...while simultaneously trying to ban and seize 22LRs. Their firearms ban court case would fall apart.
1
u/burgers1919 Aug 05 '26
fall apart even more you mean?
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
Yes meanwhile they are getting new Glocks from the USA with all accessories USA made.
11
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
I didn't get that email but thanks for sharing. You got the email because you had a pending exemption request.
Well the good news is if you already have the exemption letters as others have suggested to get as many as you can while you still can then you're good to go. They can't seize anything after the fact without regulation or legislation changes. But going forward I guess it's going to be much more difficult to get the exemption letter. It was to be expected as the Quebec lobby groups were eventually going to try to ruin things for everyone else. Remember the Liberal plan was to try to ban and eliminate the handgun supply in Canada and make it impossible to buy or transfer.
Here's what really happened, people realized they can get the exemptions easily in BC (and no not due to Reddit but instead from other forums and sources) and let's be frank you only need 22LR for the range for sports target shooting, and most major makes and models have 22LR versions. And because the Liberal Public Safety Canada Ministry plan is to ban and "freeze" handguns in Canada they didn't like the fact that all of a sudden a large number of handguns were being imported from the USA. Remember their goal was to eliminate handguns in Canada and let the inventory disappear. You can't transfer or buy if there is no inventory. That was the plan. The plan failed when people figured out you can in fact import carte blanche 22LR handguns from the USA thereby supply is no longer a limiting factor and all you need is the exemption letter for training purposes. As usual the Quebec lobby groups try to ruin it for everyone else out West. And remember we're talking about 22LR here which has only one use which is Olympic discipline training and training for sports target shooting generally. Where the gun comes from is IRRELEVANT but as I explained the plan was to try to eliminate the supply in Canada despite what the legislation allows for. Remember all the guns used in crimes are in fact not 22LR and in fact smuggled through the USA so nothing to do with the exemption for 22LR. It's all about the Quebec lobby and probably RCMP optics from the political Liberal masters. They want to show guns are not coming from the USA (except of course if you are in the RCMP then you can get all the Glock 45s you want no questions asked)!
The RCMP via their union literally post propaganda videos on Youtube with titles such as "Firearms at Depot" showing Cadets (not even hired RCMP Members, these are NOT working police officers) training shooting handguns at Depot (sometimes Permanent Residents barely 3 years in Canada fresh off the boat). But if you as a Citizen try to get a 22LR to train for sports shooting like 25m Olympic discipline they immediately try to ban everything and do all they can to prohibit from you doing the same despite the legislation fully allowing for it.
If you have the exemption letter already, you submit it to the RCMP when requested, and import from the USA, end of story. I always said to import from the USA as new if you can. And they have to approve the transfer no matter where it came from because it's legislated. So since they can't deny legislation exemptions with documentation already in place, they are trying to stop the flow of the exemption letters at the source through intimidation and putting up many barriers that make it practically very difficult to get like in Ontario. This is a classic reactionary move and as usual focusing on legally licensed sports shooters and future competition athletes.
Some RCMP brass didn't like that all of a sudden there was a spike of handguns imported from the USA despite their political masters saying the opposite that there is a handgun freeze or ban.
4
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
Thanks for the explanation.
This decision (as usual) still makes no sense cuz even the olympic handguns like the Pardini are vanishingly rare (in general but especially in canada). Where do they think we’re supposed to get them from?
5
u/some_guy2024 Aug 02 '26
They don’t want you to get them, that’s the point. They (LPC/horsey cops) want pistol ownership to cease to be a thing while still saying “you can totally get them for Olympic training”.
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
It was a smart plan, pretend like there is an exemption for sports shooters while parroting talking points on CBC about "ban" "freeze" and stopping guns from the USA, while they get their new shiny Glock 45s from the USA. In the meantime hope the inventory dries out, no new guns are imported by stores, and eventually those few with exemptions won't be able to transfer anything. In reality you can always import from the USA even with all the restrictions just very limited in what you can get and with more paperwork. Let's see what happens with the SCC case.
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
They don't want you to get them and definitely not from the USA. The ultimate goal is total prohibition and eventualy total surveillance and censorship.
2
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
This is why the conversation has to shift to firearms rights in this country. People don't want to go there but that is precisely the legal battle we need to have.
2
6
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Handgun Transfer Exemption BCTSA New Process August 2026
The ability to transfer (and therefore purchase, inherit) Handguns was suspended in Bill C-21. Many of us are concerned about the survival of our sport.
Within that legislation is the following clause:
Exception — handguns
97.1 Sections 12.2 and 19.1 do not apply in respect of an individual who:
a) holds an authorization to carry in respect of a handgun; or
b) meets the prescribed criteria and provides a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body indicating:
(i) that they are training, competing or coaching in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,
(ii) the disciplines in which they train, compete or coach, and
c) that the handgun in question is necessary for training, competing or coaching in those disciplines.
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 actively training in the sport. We offer this to all BCTSA members, including the members of Affiliated Clubs.
Over the summer of 2023, we met with the Chief Firearms Officer for BC and worked out a process for this exemption.
In order to request an exemption letter, I ask that you:
- fill out a request letter,
- Justify that you are TRAINING, COMPETING or COACHING by using the linked forms,
- and email both of these to [targetsports@BCTSA.bc.ca](mailto:targetsports@BCTSA.bc.ca).
I will then generate the exemption request from there. The process may take a bit of time, depending on the details, but should, generally, be within a couple of weeks.
Acceptable Firearms are generally .22 calibre. Entry level handguns are acceptable, as are the more expensive, competition quality handguns.
NOTE: 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.
Also, to be eligible, you need to EITHER: Train, Compete or Coach. Only one is necessary. More is better, but only one is necessary (section i, above). This is about being actively engaged, so I will need you to justify that which one you apply under.
Do not send me 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. I won't tell the CFO you are requesting to buy 4 Handguns, when it's really only 1 of 4. No shopping lists please. Do your homework.
This exemption is for Olympic and Paralympic shooting. It is NOT a workaround of the law. I am going to be enforcing some new, arbitrary rules:
- Unless you are ACTIVELY competing or coaching, you will be limited to 1 exemption for a training handgun. Choose wisely. Competition includes Provincial competition, and competitions sponsored by our affiliated clubs running under the appropriate ISSF rules. If claiming active competition you will be required to provide a reference to your last competition. Active, for now, is within the past 12 months. Remember, the handgun in question must be necessary for training, and until you start competing, I'm considering one to be sufficient.
- I may allow some latitude, with support from a certified coach.
- Regarding the possibility of center fire handguns: NO. There are very few circumstances where I would consider this necessary, and if you need to ask, or need to ask where to find a coach to sign off, the answer will be a very firm NO. Don't even try. The exemption is for Olympic and Paralympic events, not all ISSF events. The Centerfire events are NOT Covered.
- I will not be responding to "Did you get my application?", "Where is my letter?", "Just checking up on...". Cool yer jets. I'm a volunteer and I'm doing what I can. If you need to, send a note 3 weeks in and I'll look, but don't expect a response unless the request is lost and I need you to resend it. As I understand it, there are only 2, maybe 3, of us in all of Canada providing these letters. Best not to annoy us.
30
u/Whispersfine Aug 02 '26
Well, here we go boys. Just keep bragging on the fucking internet and pretend horse popo doesn’t know what Reddit is.
I sincerely recommend banning all exemptions related posts before this thing is abused and limit tested to the full fucking oblivion. People are already probing in this sub about getting certain models with potential to change caliber. Fuck these people, and if you want to discuss this on the internet, fuck you too.
16
u/cernegiant Aug 02 '26
The RCMP knows exactly how many applications they get for this stuff, posts on Reddit don't make a difference.
1
-1
u/Whispersfine Aug 02 '26
What do they do after they find out too many people are doing this just to get pistols?
4
u/cernegiant Aug 02 '26
You think they needed to read a Reddit post to figure that out?
-1
u/Whispersfine Aug 02 '26
You think discussing this on Reddit helps?
8
4
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Yes it does help for those who wanted to use the exemption that is legal and legislated.
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
They try to make it difficult for the exemption letters to be issued like in Quebec and Ontario. They didn't like the increase of guns imported from the USA which goes against the disinformation the politicians were saying publicly. Imagine trying to do CBC interviews on 22LR assault style prohibitions and "buybacks" of GSG for example when you can then import GSG handguns from the USA.
-4
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
Not true. Posts on reddit get more people to come in who aren’t serious about this exemption and treat it like a way to get handguns rather than a way to actually train for an olympic sport. That’s why this happened.
6
u/cernegiant Aug 02 '26
Here's the thing.
The people whining want pistols for the exact same reason. The new process, in theory, should still protect the legitimate Olympic pistol shooters.
The handgun ban is moronic. People were always going to look for ways around it
4
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
So what you are saying is that the exemption should be secret and on one should use it or tell anyone else about it?
0
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
The exemption was never and still isn’t a secret. It was part of the original handgun freeze law.
The issue is that people did not contextualize their messaging around this exemption. This isn’t a loophole to get handguns, it’s a method for olympic shooters and olympic-shooters-to-be to obtain the tools of their sport. It wasn’t always treated with the respect that it ought to have.
6
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
The RCMP and their political masters don't want people importing handguns from the USA because that goes against the political propaganda you hear on CBC. They thought they would allow a few exemptions for a zero handgun supply in Canada and no one would ever be able to get new inventory over time. The goal was to eliminate or "freeze" the number of legal guns in Canada. What a huge waste of time and money. They know they can't stop the criminals so they crack down on the lowest hanging fruit, the licencsed gun owners that they can track and influence. It's all political.
4
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
But you do realize RCMP APPROVE ALL THE TRANSFERS with said exemption letters. It's a legislated process. Nothing to do with Reddit. It has to do with politicians and maybe some top level RCMP brass not liking the increase of 100% legal imported handguns from the USA. So the only thing they can do is make it more difficult to get the exemption in the first place through intimidation.
2
10
u/Dill_Pickle_Tears Aug 02 '26
Dude how is US importing a flag that something is wrong with the process??? Where do they think you can buy target handguns post freeze?!
8
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
See my comment post. The Liberals and Quebec interest groups were trying to eliminate the handgun supply in Canada. If there is no supply even if you have an exemption you can't buy a handgun because there aren't any. So the only solution is to import from the USA. The interest groups from Quebec and the RCMP didn't like that you in fact can get any 22LR handgun from the USA and in fact were doing it quickly and easily. They just want to ban handguns in Canada and make it impossible for anyone to legally get one. Of course the criminals and RCMP themselves can get all the Glock 45s they want from the USA just not the legally licensed sports shooters! Then they go on Youtube and post propaganda videos via their union of cadets barely 3 years in Canada shooting handguns at Depot who are not even hired RCMP members. But if you do that and make a post about a handgun or training for sports shooting they will try to ban everything.
Then they can falsely claim they stemmed the flow of guns from the USA and there is a handgun "freeze" while trying to seize every other 22LR and show some propaganda videos on CBC even though criminals and gang members can get them anytime illegally and those are never 22LR.
2
u/AdeptArt Aug 02 '26
ikr. There’s only so many Pardini or Walter GSPs floating around (and I don’t even think they make the original GSP anymore).
21
Aug 02 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/canadaguns-ModTeam Aug 02 '26
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[11] Politics and Debate Thread
This will be the place to have discussions and post questions about the gun prohibitions, party platforms pertaining to firearms, opinion pieces on firearms in Canada, political news on firearms in Canada, etc. If it involves the proposed federal policy(s), relevance to the election, party platforms, etc., those types of posts may be redirected to this thread. New/major info can be posted normally (at mod discretion), however posts rehashing/reposting about old news will be shifted into this thread.
The The Politics and Debates thread will be posted on Sunday, and will be renewed every 14 days.
3
u/lee--carvallo Aug 03 '26
Can these meddling idiots just frig off already so we can shoot paper targets in peace?
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Stopping the flow of guns from the USA is their number 1 priority as they get brand new Glock 45s!
3
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
We as the firearms community, have to demand more from the Conservative party. Its not enough to repeal the handgun freeze and the gun grab. When they are in power they have to focus on enshrining protections so that this can't happen again. Or else we are doomed to re-litigate this battle over and over again.
3
u/rangedehinc Aug 07 '26
You can thank the fucknutz like the one on gunpost flipping the imported guns.
5
u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
How about the exemption letters which were issued out already? Are they all invalid now? I am waiting for my transfer and my gun is being imported
Edit: yes, we will need to reapply if we have not received our handgun
2
u/MindYourOpSec Aug 02 '26
Huh, I just got an email the other day from the RCMP asking for my exemption letter. My gun still hasn’t been imported, but the transfer has been initiated so hopefully I’m grandfathered in under the old rules?
3
u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 02 '26
I got my transfer # yesterday and RCMP has not asked for my exemption letter yet. Not sure if we could push our luck with issued exemption letter however BCTSA told me that if we have not had our hands to the gun, we need to reapply
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
That's not how it works...Once the transfer is initiated you provide the exemption letter to RCMP when they ask for it and then the transfer is processed. You do realize by that point it cannot be undone as a GAC import permit was already issued. The import process already happened so the transfer is the very last step before shipping. Once you provide the exemption letter they have to process the transfer as per legislation. The transfer # is after they approve it and then issue the registration certificate once fully processed. Legally they cannot deny what was already issued and allowed by legislation. What grounds would they have to deny a second or third transfer with the same paperwork under the same legislation, think about it. That's why the only solution was to limit the issuance of the letters themselves.
3
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 03 '26
Nothing has changed in the legislation why are you talking about gandfathering? The issue is with issuing NEW exemptions going forwaard. Just looks like they are making the process more restricted like Ontario. You're good to go if you have the exemption letter. Once it's issued it's legal. It's a legislated process. The importer relied on it and the GAC handgun import permit was already issued. No you don't need to re-apply that's not how it works. Once the transfer is initiated the RCMP asks for the proof of exemption. You send them the letter and the transfer is then processed routinely within a week or two. There is no problem.
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
You're good to go if you have the exemption letter. No once it's issued it's legal. It's a legislated process. The importer relied on it and the GAC handgun import permit was already issued. No you don't need to re-apply that's not how it works. Once the transfer is initiated the RCMP asks for the proof of exemption. You send them the letter and the transfer is then processed routinely within a week or two. There is no problem.
2
u/Elbro_16 Aug 02 '26
What about transfer that have already been initiated with previous letters?
2
u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 02 '26
I am in the same situation. My transfer has been initiated yesterday
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Good to go no problem. This whole thing is to restrict NEW EXEMPTIONS going forward not existing exemptions. There are no legal grounds to deny an existing exemption that was already issued. You submit the exemption letter to the RCMP and they have to process the transfer as per legislation.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Good to go no problem. This whole thing is to restrict NEW EXEMPTIONS going forward not existing exemptions. There are no legal grounds to deny an existing exemption that was already issued. You submit the exemption letter to the RCMP and they have to process the transfer as per legislation.
2
u/CDE42 Aug 02 '26
Thanks for the insight. I've had my exemption letter for a few weeks, but wasn't going to purchase the pistol til this month. It is from a guy I know from my club who I'm buying it off. I will be active within my club and also have a coach, so I'm not concerned about practice. But the email from bctsa was clear about reapplying. I haven't started the transfer, so felt like I'm in the grey area. Got a letter, even an email from RCMP saying it's good to go a few weeks ago, but haven't started the xfer because I was waiting til I had the cash in hand. I think a lot of people are going oh crap. But yes, that makes sense they would honour a signed exemption letter if the date was before these new rules.
1
u/Vintage_Pieces_10 Aug 02 '26
I wonder if you need to reapply if the gun is in your possession and transferred and all that already too
2
u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 02 '26
Unless they ask for exemption letter again, I don’t think you need to reapply :/ but don’t take my words on that. They could ask for anything now
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
No sorry that's not how it works. Once you have the letter you're good to go. You provide it when asked and the transfer is processed. RCMP has no grounds to deny it.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
No you already have the exemption. It's only required for the transfer.
5
u/Cager_CA Aug 02 '26
I expected this from the moment it started hitting the internet, you fuckers contributed to ruining this
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
I wonder how long the exemption was in place, since 2022? Because only saw posts about it in the past 6 months. Many posts were in fact boomers with 9mm and 45ACP and other calibers not this exemption. And most of the exempted posts were in fact competition handguns.
2
u/Vahuo89 Aug 02 '26
So they are going to be going after this now...great 😢
2
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
We are fighting over the crumbs from the federal government. We have to enshrine firearms rights in this country. We have to pressure the Conservatives to change the conversation to this in addition to repealing all the gun bans & grabs. Or else we are doomed justifying why we should access to a hobby/sport/identity/lifestyle we have no right to.
2
u/Equivalent-Shoe-1652 Aug 04 '26
Sorry, does this mean its changed for BC as well or just Ontario has become more strict?
1
u/EliteDuck Aug 04 '26
BC is becoming more strict for people still waiting on a letter/new BCTSA letter applicants. Anybody that already has a letter is safe. Ontario is unchanged, as it was already fairly strict.
2
u/Clover_Lawn_4440 Aug 02 '26
CGN and its online cast of characters and braggers have really screwed up this last legal way of getting a handgun. Jeez, I cant stand that site even the EE is a shit show lately.
3
u/some_guy2024 Aug 02 '26
You’re angry at the wrong people. The same shitbags (LPC) who put in place the freeze are behind this. They don’t want you to have pistols. Be mad at the scumbags who run our country, not those who are trying to jump through the hoops to get a pistol 🤷🏼♂️
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Who is that, a Youtuber? The issue was importation from the USA. It had nothing to do with Reddit.
3
u/fyfnw Aug 03 '26
That's just an excuse. The issue was they saw more people were acquiring handguns -- full stop. The only reason the exemption was in place was b/c they figured no one would use it due to that community being very small.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
I don't think that's it. I think the RCMP noticed a trend of increasing US importations and realized the civilians are getting those US Glocks before they are! The plan was for those with the exemptions not to be able to find any inventory from Canada therefore making the exemption useless as a transfer. Maybe the RCMP should be forced to only by Canadian made as well and existing inventory from Canada only.
2
u/fyfnw Aug 06 '26
I don't see how that is significantly different from what I'm saying. So lets say we agree. 👍
1
1
u/Spiritual_Length9536 Aug 03 '26
Damnit. I was just going to sign up for restricted...what has changed or likely will change in the next couple months? Is it worth it?
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 05 '26
The process will be closer to the Ontario restrictions. Still worth it just more paperwork.
1
u/Think_Lengthiness686 Aug 03 '26
So does this affect people in other provinces?
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Yes, Ontario aka Ottawa is trying to make it more difficult for everyone
1
1
1
u/vmt8 Aug 11 '26
I submitted my request on 19-JULY with everything completed. I have not heard back yet.
I requested 1, in 22LR.
Do you think my request is dead in the water now?
-12
u/MBGLK Aug 02 '26
Glad I got my 2 letters with 6 pistols I can buy. Thanks SFC.
9
u/AdhesiveCam Aug 02 '26
Must be fucking nice. Most of us only wanted 1.
4
u/Vintage_Pieces_10 Aug 02 '26
You can still go the SFC route in BC, it’s a much more onerous process but your bases are covered for exemptions
1
u/Even-Somewhere-9554 Aug 02 '26
Have you tried to go the SFC route? I am waiting for CFO’s approval and my ordered handgun being imported now. As per BCTSA I will need to reapply for my exemption as they might not accept my issued exemption letter
2
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
No. If you have the letter you're good to go. CFO approval is just the RCMP checking you have an exemption letter as per the legislation process when they process the transfer. That email was for people requesting a new exemption. I don't think you understand basic law.
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Your bases are not covered as the legislation is federal and the regulations can change anytime! BC CFO process is for BC Residents. Once you have an exemption you transfer and that's it. That's the only purpose of the letter for the transfer. Doesn't matter who issues it. The easiest fastest process is best. Generally I don't do anything that involves Ottawa or Ontario organizations and no one in Western Canada should either.
1
1
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26
Nice! Exactly if it's allowed then go for it while you still can. Everyone knows more restrictions will come sooner or later.
-5
u/Master-Editor2668 Aug 02 '26
That’s what happens when all you fucks post your handguns that are clearly not for competition and in general have no intention of ever competing you all did this to yourself glad I have a fuck load of handguns of all flavours already hahahaha
5
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 02 '26 edited Aug 02 '26
No read the legislation, it allows for TRAINING. You don't have to compete or be an Olympian. The purpose was always for training 25m pistol discipline. How about the boomers with all their 9mms and 45ACP are they allowed to keep them and train at the range no questions asked?
2
u/LGzJethro66 Aug 03 '26
Yes but getting the 9mm conversions being imported in is the problem that's what people want
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Well I don't think that's legal because the exemption letter itself was for 22LR only under specific conditions. It's different than a general license pre 2022. If there are more restrictions and prohibitions it's exactly because of people like that trying to use the exemption as a loophole for 9mm.
2
u/LGzJethro66 Aug 03 '26
You can buy the 9mm conversion without the exemption letter no??
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
That's probably a loophole if you're not allowed to possess or acquire a 9mm handgun. The exemption is specific to the calibre. If they catch you with a 9mm from a registration and ATT issued based on a 22LR exemption letter with specific terms and conditions for that 22LR I'm not sure you'd win that argument. You can also buy 9mm magazines and ammo but that doesn't mean you can have a 9mm handgun under the exemption for 22LR.
2
u/LGzJethro66 Aug 03 '26
You can buy a sig 226 22lr that's exempted and convert it to 9mm. People have done it no problems apparently
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26
Well that's probably why IRUNGUNS doesn't have that one in stock in 22LR. Must be hard to find.
1
1
u/Master-Editor2668 Aug 03 '26
Well I’m way too young to be a boomer but ya it’s all rather stupid. The fact that people were buying non target pistols like stuff you clearly wouldn’t compete with is what fucked it up maybe if people just got one and it was actually a target pistol. Just my two cents I saw this coming for sure
1
u/Curious_Joe2020 Aug 03 '26 edited Aug 05 '26
I literally bought a Glock from the USA and it's for training not competing. It's for general training in the 25m pistol discipline in the Olympic calibre. The intent is to train. I will post pics once I get it since it takes forever to do the paperwork and ship. Of course I won't be competing in the Olympics with it. The purpose is for training generally. Actually I got like 4 guns from the USA and I don't think any of them would meet competition requirements...maybe the 1911 with iron sights? They are all for training purposes. I won't be proficient enough to compete not for a long time if ever. I never said I was intending to compete, only intending to train. None of them were "target pistols" but all good for training, generally. The legislation allows for training exemptions. The RCMP and politicians don't like too many people importing new guns from the USA so that's what the issue is. If they don't like the law they can change it and lose the next election or wait for the SCC ruling and lose there too.
39
u/Dill_Pickle_Tears Aug 02 '26
This is disappointing. Though at least from this email the RCMP will not be making Ontario stricter than it already is. My biggest fear is putting the next 4-6 months in and having things change on me.
Still - these barriers are making it needlessly inaccessible for those who genuinely want to break into the sport. The Feds are really giving an entire sport the middle finger.
My biggest concern is that they create a roster of approved models and we lose the blanket “.22lr handgun of any kind” approval. Imported target pistols are insanely priced due to how niche and and cornered the supply is. One member at my club who shoots bullseye once said “there’s one guy who imports Pardini and he knows it” when I commented on how crazy the prices are.
Time will tell