Where to Shoot in the Toronto Area?

[XD Niner]

I'm going to be working in Toronto for at least the next two months and hopefully beyond that. Where are the good indoor ranges to practice at during the winter that would rent a gun to a Yank? Are there any outdoor ranges that will let you run and gun? Finally, where are the IPSC matches in the area?

Edited November 25, 2010 by XD Niner

[Tiny Warrior]

My home club when I lived there was in Barrie Ontario (about 45 mins north of Toronto).

They have monthly matches indoors in the winter. Nice bunch of people.

Here's a schedule of matches in Ontario : http://www.ipsc-ont.org/machinfo.htm You can google to see where they're located, but most of them are within an hour's driving distance from T.O.

PM me if you want some names of people to ask for if you want.

[38supPat]

Drop me a pm when you are in the area. There are a few weeknight practice matches in the Burlington, Hamilton area which isn't too far. I'm at the Sharon gun club which is just north of the city and if you are USPSA I can get you in on the weekend (possibly during the week depending on my work schedule) we also shoot just over the border in Tonawanda at WNYPPL (this weekend) and there are a few local matches coming up in Colby, and Brant I think. Of course if you are in town over Xmas there is the Hangover match on Jan 1.

Just to name a few....

[XD Niner]

Thanks and yes, I am a USPSA member. I'm headed up there a week from Monday for two weeks. I'll then be there for all of January. I plan to bring my Open gun and gear then.

Are there any tips you can pass on regarding bringing the gun into Canada for competition purposes?

Edited November 27, 2010 by XD Niner

[R.Elliott]

Thanks and yes, I am a USPSA member. I'm headed up there a week from Monday for two weeks. I'll then be there for all of January. I plan to bring my Open gun and gear then.

Are there any tips you can pass on regarding bringing the gun into Canada for competition purposes?

Can't say on the paper work since I already live here, but note that Canadian regs limit mag capacity to 10 rounds so if you don't want to permanently alter yours you might want to consider borrowing some and leaving yours at home. I can assist with this if we can sync up on the same squads. Pat probably can too.

[XD Niner]

Are the Arredondo inserts acceptable for limiting the STI 140mm mag capacity to ten or do the mags need to be permanently modified?

Arredondo Insert

[Aircooled6racer]

Kent: You are going to my old home town, actually it was Scarborough (where Para is/used to be?) but it is all Toronto now. When I lived there it was very difficult to own or even shoot handguns. The guys that are there should be able to help you out. There is lots to see in Toronto but I am sure you will be working on some engineering stuff. You are going at a great time of year since you will be able to go snow skiing and get away from that warm Florida weather Thanks, Eric

[walter hornby]

you might be quicker to either buy a gun up here or maybe see if one the guys can loan you one. I am not sure how the CFC will react to a long term temporary licence and Authorization to Transport (ATT.) you would probably be ok with the Arredondo Insert if no one checked but i think i would suggest a rivet instead. easy to do and easy to remove once you are back in Obama land. The CFC might want you to take the Canadian Firearms courses, non restricted (rifle and shotgun) and restricted (handgun.) We don't call it Bantario for nothing. your best bet is to invest in a phone call to the CFC and talk to them and/or the Ontario CFO. they will tell you what hoops you want to jump through. Both Rob and Pat can help you better then i can, since i live on the big ranch north of the border not that little one you guys call Texas.

you Can contact the CFC at cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or try 800 731-4000 (toll-free) the website is http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/cont/index-eng.htm.

Firearm Users Visiting Canada Fact Sheet

Here is some basic information about bringing a firearm, or other items regulated by the Firearms Act, into Canada.

The Firearms Act is a federal law and therefore applies across the country. Provinces and territories may have additional requirements, especially with respect to hunting.

An individual must be at least 18 years old to bring a firearm into Canada. Those younger than 18 may use a firearm in certain circumstances, but an adult must remain present and responsible for the firearm.

Classes of Firearms and Devices

There are three classes of firearms in Canada:

•Non-restricted (most common rifles and shotguns): These may generally be imported for purposes such as hunting, protection from wild animals in remote wilderness areas where firearms are allowed, or target-shooting. They may also be taken in transit through Canada by a reasonably direct route.

•Restricted: (longer-barreled handguns, some types of long guns) These are allowed for certain purposes, such as target shooting at an approved club or range, but they are not allowed for hunting or self protection.

•Prohibited: (shorter-barreled handguns, automatic weapons) These cannot be brought into Canada.

Some firearms are classified as restricted or prohibited under the Criminal Code based on their general characteristics (e.g. barrel length or calibre); other restricted and prohibited firearms are specified by name in Criminal Code Regulations.

Some large-capacity magazines are prohibited even if the firearms to which the magazines are attached are allowed. As a general rule, the maximum capacity is:

•five cartridges for most magazines designed for a centre fire semi-automatic long gun; and

•ten cartridges for most handgun magazines.

There is no maximum magazine capacity for other types of long guns, including semi-automatics that discharge only rim-fire ammunition.

Replica firearms, except for replicas of antique firearms, are prohibited and cannot be brought into Canada. Replica firearms are devices that look exactly or almost exactly like a real firearm but that cannot discharge a projectile or that can only discharge harmless projectiles. As a rule, to be prohibited, a device must closely resemble an existing make and model of firearm, not just a generic firearm. Many of these devices have to be assessed case by case.

Devices designed exclusively for signalling purposes (e.g. flare guns), and intended to be used solely for that purpose, are exempt from the requirements set out below.

Top of PageLicensing and Registration Requirements

Firearm owner and users in Canada need a valid firearms licence allowing them to possess firearms and a Canadian registration certificate for each firearm in their possession. A licence issued under Canada’s Firearms Act is different from a provincial hunting licence.

Non-residents have two options for meeting the Canadian licensing and registration requirements:

Option 1

Declare firearms in writing, in triplicate, using the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration (form CAFC 909).

If there are more than three firearms, a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet (form CAFC 910) should be added.

Once the declaration has been confirmed by the CBSA customs officer, it acts as a licence for the owner and as a temporary registration certificate for the firearms brought to Canada; and it is valid for 60 days. The declaration can be renewed for free, providing it is renewed before it expires, by contacting the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) (call 1-800-731-4000) of the relevant province or territory.

A confirmed declaration costs a flat fee of $25, regardless of the number of firearms listed on it. It is valid only for the person who signs it and only for those firearms listed on the declaration.

Top of PageOption 2

Apply for a five-year Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and register the firearms in Canada. The PAL must be issued before the firearms can be registered.

To apply for a PAL, applicants must provide evidence that they have passed the written and practical tests for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. If they wish to be licensed for restricted firearms, they must also have passed the tests for the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course. A course from another country does not meet Canadian legal requirements. However, the tests can be taken without taking the courses.

The CFO of the province or territory that will be visited can provide information on any other documents that will be required to complete the background security check.

Once a PAL is obtained, an application to register firearms can be submitted either online at no cost or by mail after completing a paper application (CAFC 998). Some firearms must be verified by an approved verifier before they are registered. Call 1-800-731-4000 (Canada and the U.S.) or (506) 624-5380 (outside Canada and the U.S.) for help in verifying firearms.

With a valid licence and registration certificate, there is no need to complete the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration or pay a fee. However, an oral declaration must still be made to the customs officer.

Top of PageFor Firearms Borrowed in Canada

No licence is required if the firearms user remains under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed adult.

Otherwise, you need one of the following:

•a valid PAL (see Option 2), or

•a valid Temporary Firearms Borrowing Licence (for Non-residents) (form 715).

NOTE: a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration does not currently permit the borrowing of firearms in Canada.

A temporary borrowing licence permits the borrowing of Non-restricted firearms only, and only for one of the following purposes:

•hunting under the supervision of an outfitter or other person authorized to organize hunting services in Canada;

•hunting with a Canadian resident who has the proper firearms licence and hunting licence;

•competing in a shooting competition;

•target shooting at an approved shooting club or range;

•taking part in an historical re-enactment or display;

•engaging in a business or scientific activity being carried out in a remote area where firearms are needed to control animal predators;

•taking part in a parade, pageant or other similar event; or

•using firearms for movie, television, video or theatrical productions or publishing activities.

Top of PageBuying or Selling a Firearm in Canada

Firearms which have been temporarily imported, using a confirmed Non-Resident Firearms Declaration, must be taken back out of Canada. If the firearms are registered in Canada, they may be transferred (sold or given) to a properly licensed business or individual by calling 1-800-731-4000. During the transfer process that must take place whenever a firearm changes ownership, the firearm will be registered to the new owner. A CFO must approve all transfers of restricted firearms.

Duties and taxes may be payable on all firearms that are sold or given to someone in Canada. For more information, please contact the CBSA at 1-800-461-9999 (toll free within Canada) or (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 (long distance charges apply).

To be eligible to acquire a firearm in Canada, a PAL is necessary. The firearm will be registered to the new owner during the transfer process.

Buying or Importing Ammunition

A valid PAL, a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration or a Temporary Borrowing Licence (for Non-Residents) will allow you to buy ammunition in Canada. As well, you may bring limited amounts into Canada with you.

Storage, Display and Transportation

Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) is responsible for regulating the import of ammunition under the Explosives Act. You may contact NRCAN for information on how much ammunition can be imported for personal use. For information on how much ammunition can be imported duty free, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency.

When you bring a firearm to Canada, you must comply with the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations.

In order to bring a Restricted firearm to Canada, an Authorization to Transport (ATT) from the CFO of the province or territory where entry to Canada will be made needs to be obtained. With a valid PAL and registration certificate, application for an ATT can be made in advance. If the firearms are being declared in person with a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, the declaration must be confirmed before the ATT is requested from the CFO.

CFOs can be contacted Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. local time, by calling 1-800-731-4000. These hours of operation should be kept in mind when making travel arrangements. If an arrival time will not coincide with the CFO office hours of operation, the CFO can be contacted in advance to see if other arrangements to obtain an ATT can be made. No ATT is required for Non-restricted firearms, but they must be secured as required by the Regulations.

Top of PageFees (in Canadian Funds)

See: Fees for Firearm Documents (Fact Sheet)

Information

For more information, contact us.

Application forms for non-resident firearms declarations and temporary borrowing licences may also be obtained from Canadian tourist offices, customs offices, gun clubs and outfitters.

•For information on the declaration process, please call the Canada Border Services Agency.

•For information or an application on approvals of rehabilitation or temporary immigration permits please contact the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.

•For information on the regulations on hunting migratory birds, please contact the Canadian Wildlife Services of Environment Canada.•For information on hunting other types of game, please contact the appropriate provincial or territorial authorities or refer to their web site.

•For information on regulations pertaining to ammunition, please contact the Explosives Branch of Natural Resources Canada by one of the following methods.This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its regulations.

Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and policies may also apply.

[R.Elliott]

Are the Arredondo inserts acceptable for limiting the STI 140mm mag capacity to ten or do the mags need to be permanently modified?

Arredondo Insert

No, unfortunately not. I've copied this from the Canadian Criminal code (see below). Also, you can go here and review the regulations for non-residents: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/information/visit/index-eng.htm

(4) A cartridge magazine described in subsection (1) that has been

altered or re-manufactured so that it is not capable of containing more

than five or ten cartridges, as the case may be, of the type for which it

was originally designed is not a prohibited device as prescribed by

that subsection if the modification to the magazine cannot be easily

removed and the magazine cannot be easily further altered so that it is

so capable of containing more than five or ten cartridges, as the case

may be.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), altering or re-manufacturing

a cartridge magazine includes

(a) the indentation of its casing by forging, casting, swaging or

impressing;

( in the case of a cartridge magazine with a steel or aluminum

casing, the insertion and attachment of a plug, sleeve, rod, pin,

flange or similar device, made of steel or aluminum, as the case

may be, or of a similar material, to the inner surface of its casing

by welding, brazing or any other similar method; or

© in the case of a cartridge magazine with a casing made of a

material other than steel or aluminum, the attachment of a plug,

sleeve, rod, pin, flange or similar device, made of steel or of a material

similar to that of the magazine casing, to the inner surface of

its casing by welding, brazing or any other similar method or by

applying a permanent adhesive substance, such as a cement or an

epoxy or other glue.

[Nemo]

I see a lot of snowboarding in your future...

I'll come get the open guns and Francisco will "take care of them" for you until you return.

Don't forget to bring your Speedo. Beautiful beach weather this time of the year in Toronto.

[38supPat]

Just get a hold of us when you are in the area, we can hook you up with loaner gear at matches if need be....just bring brass

[dansy]

The Arredondo inserts are NOT acceptable, don't ask how I know

The best way was describe above the rivet one used even by dealers

[XD Niner]

Just get a hold of us when you are in the area, we can hook you up with loaner gear at matches if need be....just bring brass

Pat,

I will definitely do so after I get settled in next week. In addition to Walter's post above, Roy Neal has given me a ton on great information and recommended that I talk with you as well. I really appreciate your willingness to help and am looking forward to shooting with you.

Kent

Edited December 2, 2010 by XD Niner