I had been looking into buying a XS-B3 for a while and couldn't find one around where I live (Montreal). I checked with many dealers in other parts of Canada but it seems like they're always out of stock (either that or they simply didn't bother answering my e-mail inquiries).
I then started looking across the border and found some place in Texas called Sportsman Target (anybody ever dealt with them?). They had B3s in stock and their price seemed to be unbeatable, even when converted into Canadian currency. I asked them if it was possible to order a .22 cal. XS-B3 in Canada; they told me there was no problem, that they had done it several time. They did however specify that they wouldn't send any PAL rated gun, like the .177 B3, to Canada (too much trouble, they said).
Therefore, in early november, I placed an order for a .22 cal. XS-B3. They told me that I would get the gun in about 10 days, but that I also had to pay $22.00 cdn shipping charge (they ship by US postal service). Even with the shipping charge, the price was still slightly cheaper than most dealers in Canada, so I went ahead with the order.
Four weeks went by, I hadn't received anything. I started e-mailing them, asking them to check on it. They checked with USPS, I checked with Canada Post, no sign of the parcel anywhere. I asked to be reimbursed, they told me to wait a few more days, just in case...
Then, a week before Christmas, I received a notice of detention from the Canadian custom service. It said that the gun was being detained "for evaluation". I phoned them to find out what that meant. I spoke to a lady who told me that the gun had to be tested for velocity, but that it would take a bit long because of the amount of gun oil that was on it (????) I found it kind of strange that a non-PAL rated gun had to be tested for velocity, but I later found out why (did I ever !)
Meanwhile, I had learned that S.A.I.L. now sold the B3 and had several of them in stock :evil:
Finally, on December 27, the gun arrived at my local post office. I had to pay PST and GST on it, plus a special $5.00 customs processing fee, which made the total price slighly higher than in Canda. :( I paid the fee and the taxes and ran home with my "Christmas present". I was in for a surprise...
I took the gun out of the box and spent a whole hour wiping oil from it (it was soaked!) I noticed that there was a big piece of wood broken from the pistol grip, I managed to glue it back in place but there's no indication how long this repair is going to last. In any case, I find the pistol grip to be extremely flimsy for such a heavy gun (I plan on carving me a new one from a piece of hardwood, when I find the time). My first impression of the gun, in general, was a good one: It is rather heavy and sturdy, it has a "real gun" feeling about it (the handling somewhat reminded me of the old FN-C1 assault rifle we used in the army some years ago). Some parts, the sights in particular, are not exactly top quality but for such a cheap gun, it is expectable.
Then came the ultimate test: firing it. I came to load a pellet, it just wouldn't go in :shock: I tried pushing and shoving everyway I could but the pellet just wouldn't go in the chamber. Something was wrong...
Then it hit me: THOSE CLOWNS HAD SENT ME A .177 !!! I couldn't believe it. I looked everywhere on the gun and on the box: the caliber isn't written anywhere. I ran to Canadian Tire and bought a can of .177 pellets, came back home, loaded and fired the gun: it worked perfectly well.
For a moment, I thought about returning the gun to the dealer. I dismissed that idea cause I thought It would just be too much hassle whith customs, postal fees, getting the taxes back, etc. I sent a rather angry e-mail to the dealer, they apologized for the mistake and, while they agreed that returning the gun would be too much trouble, they asked me what they could do to make it right. I told them that if they just send me a new pistol grip to replace the broken one, I wouldn't bother them anymore. They agreed to that, but I'm still waiting...
Now, the problem is that they sent me a gun that is rated, acording to their web site, at 540 fps, and I dont have a PAL... How the hell did Canada Customs let that one slip by? Probably because all that oil in the barrel and in the cylinder slowed things just enough to make it below 500 fps (in any case, that would explain all the gibberish they told me). I was looking forward to tuning up the gun, but now I realise it won't be necessary.
Could I get in trouble because of that? I have all the papers that says the gun was cleared by customs. I really don't like the idea of having to get a PAL just for that...
What do you think?
a B3 story
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Parker_101_
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I guess you missed my posting in the "Where to buy in Canada" section. GMK Armoury has had the .22 caliber XS-B3 rifles in stock since last October. I was at the store a few days ago and they still have some left. Price is $109.99. USE PHONE SERVICE when dealing with GMK. Long distance is very cheap in Canada 
Your .177 caliber XS-B3 was approved by the Federal gov't to be imported into Canada without a PAL. You don't have a chronograph so you believe the Federal gov't because they know best and they tested it Enjoy your rifle and keep your Canada Customs paperwork. To the best of your knowledge your rifle is non-PAL rated. You are acting in good faith by believing the gov't documentation and testing data.
Todd
Your .177 caliber XS-B3 was approved by the Federal gov't to be imported into Canada without a PAL. You don't have a chronograph so you believe the Federal gov't because they know best and they tested it
Enjoy your rifle and keep your Canada Customs paperwork. To the best of your knowledge your rifle is non-PAL rated. You are acting in good faith by believing the gov't documentation and testing data.Todd
