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| Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP https://www.airgunforum.ca/forums/topic73460.html |
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| Author: | vortex619 [ Mon Aug 15, 2016 10:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP |
Hey folks, This happens to be my first post. I live in the city of Toronto, and do not have PAL. Also, new to the airgun fun. Since my childhood I was always a fan of shooting games. Now, as an adult, I decided to indulge myself with one of the finest pistols on the market, the Weihrauch HW 45 .177 cal. I purchased it online, detuned to 495 fps to fulfil what I thought was the norm for a non-firearm by the Canadian law. I am perfectly aware and am okay with the fact that I am not allowed to use it within the municipality and even the surrounding areas. I read the rules of air gun usage at the RCMP site very carefully, particularly where it mentioned that an airgun with muzzle velocity of less than 500, and ftp of less than 4.2 pounds is considered a non-firearm. My intentions are strictly to go plinking outside of GTA and have fun. Until now. Maybe I did not do enough research beforehand, but I landed on numerous articles and pages that state that any airgun is now considered firearm past year 2014 where the supreme court has ruled against it. Also, supposedly now carrying it in the backpack for transportation is considered to be concealed firearm possession, and is punishable by law. The RCMP, although a government site, has last updated its airgun laws in 2012, so it is possible it hasn't captured the most recent updates. This is making me litter my pants, knowing I could potentially have an illegal firearm at home. Now that I own this beautiful air pistol, I don't know what I'm allowed to do with it. Any tips from experienced pelletiers is greatly appreciated here. Am I even allowed to look at it at home? If I am not allowed to carry it, how am I going to get it to the destination where I'm able to discharge it? Is owning a <500 fps airgun still okay by law? I bought it from a site that states that it is legal without PAL, but there is way too much mixed and contradicting information out there. It's brand new; I haven't fired it yet. I really don't want to sell it because I will most certainly lose money. Please help, and sorry for the long post. |
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| Author: | wllm995 [ Tue Aug 16, 2016 12:17 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP |
As long as it has been detuned to under 500 fps for the Canadian Market - it is legal to own and shoot. Many of us shoot in our basements - as out of sight is out of mind. As for transporting it around; you would be safest to keep it in the trunk of your car (unloaded; of course). It is always a good idea to have a trigger lock on it while transporting it around; as well... HTH |
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| Author: | Penage Guy [ Tue Aug 16, 2016 5:12 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP |
You do not need a PAL to purchase, own, or use a sub-500 fps air pistol in Canada. All airguns are considered "firearms" if they are used in a manner contrary to the law -- e.g. pointing it at someone, threatening with it, using it in the commission of a robbery etc. When using your air pistol, prudence dictates that it not be used anywhere that powderburning firearms cannot be used; in other words, you can't just drive outside of the GTA and go at it. In today's climate, the mere presence of a firearm or airgun can alarm the public. As noted by wllm995, many people shoot in a basement, where no one will know what you are doing. The authorities do not knock on peoples' doors to ask about this, just as they don't knock on doors asking people if they are plotting to take over the world. Be sure to use a safe target and a back stop that will safely stop pellets. Don't shoot at home if you live in an apartment or in such a place where neighbours may hear the sounds of shooting and become curious or more. Use a trigger lock when transporting your air pistol and, although it is not strictly required, while it is stored. Where to shoot outside a basement? You may shoot target on Crown land without a hunting licence, so long as you can demonstrate to the authorities that target shooting is all you are doing with your air pistol and not hunting. Safety always is paramount with safe shooting practices. Discretion is also important, especially today when many in the public become concerned about the presence of a gun about which they may know nothing. You might want to consider joining the Greater Toronto Airgun Club (GTAC). Forum member Plinkercases can give you further information. I would provide you with a link to the website but it does not seem to connect at this time. |
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| Author: | vortex619 [ Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:58 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP |
Thanks so much for clarifying and putting my mind at ease. Finding a place to shoot outdoors is harder than I thought. I will surely have to set something up in my basement (and pray I don't damage the walls). I did go through some threads on these forums where I came across a shooting range in Hamilton. I'll check it out when time permits. Cheers! |
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| Author: | Dukemeister [ Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:38 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Canadian Airgun Regulations Question - HW 45 - HELP |
Penage Guy wrote: You do not need a PAL to purchase, own, or use a sub-500 fps air pistol in Canada. Penage Guy is right, of course, but for the sake of clarity a PAL only applies to "long guns" or rifles. If you have only a PAL it does not allow you to buy and own an over 500fps 4.2 FPE pistol or hand gun. An RPAL is required for such hand guns and the rules regarding them are very onerous. 
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