Taking firearms into Canada?

[Eargasm]

Doing a little road trip next month; will I be able to take a handgun along with me? Has anyone done it recently?

I did some reading and it looks like there is paperwork and significant fees involved. For those of you who've taken firearms (specifically pistols), has that been your experience?

Thanks.

[gorn5150]

A few years back a buddy of mine who was a Sheriff's Deputy drove up to Alaska. When he hit Canada they asked if he had any guns, he said no. His daughter who was young told the border agent that her dad was a Deputy. They tore his camper apart looking for guns. I guess at least then you had major problems if they found a gun. Another Police Officer I know was allowed to go back into he U.S. to mail his issued revovler back to his agency when he declared it.

[Someguy925]

Canada has some pretty uptight gun laws out there. I really wouldn't do it.

[Bud11]

No. As in do not do it. No.

[smle-man]

Any firearms taken into Canada must be permitted prior to travel there. Prohibited class long arms (para military types) are a no go as are handguns. Hunting arms and can be done but again it must be worked out ahead of time. Do not smuggle guns into Canada nor bring them into the U.S. without the proper paperwork or you will be in trouble going in either direction - like confiscated guns and maybe jail time. My buddy and I traveled all over Ontario province in the mid 70s and took an M1 rifle and #5 jungle carbine with us. Things were easier back then and all we had to do was declare them going into Canada but coming back we had to show prior registration with U.S. customs as military surplus guns could not be imported to the U.S. at that time. Canada was awash with cheap surplus long arms then and it was a mighty temptation to buy some and bring them back but we didn't. One gun shop we went into in Toronto knew immediately that we were yanks and told us that he'd sell us any gun in the store as long as we were across the border in 48 hours. I had my eye on the lightly dewatted Bren! What do you want to bet the police would've been waiting for us when we hit the border? No thanks!!

[Trickpony]

I've lived in Canada and the rules there for handguns are very similar to California except that you have that stinking border to cross where everything gets declared. If you must travel into Canada with handguns contact the Canadian Firearm Center and they will help you with all the required paperwork.

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/information/visit/index-eng.htm

[BajaJames83]

dont do it....
there are some places close to the border that will store it for a small fee...

[DeanW66]

I see you have your answers. From a fairly recent personal experience, don't do it without following the proper channels. I didn't have anything but the border agent (coming back to USA from Canada) was sure I was lying - hassled me and my wife for over an hour.

[NiteQwill]

Long arms are easy. You just fill out the paperwork ahead of time. People make it out to be harder than it seems.

Handguns on the other hand are much harder. An automatic NO-GO will be given to those asking to bring a handgun with a barrel < 4".

[leelaw]

I don't recall the specifics on pistols, but I remember a friend having to modify some Sig sub-compact with a longer barrel just so he could bring it into Canada when he moved there.

I don't think I'd cross country lines with a firearm, just because of all the red tape.

[Quiet]

AFAIK...

Firearms users visiting Canada

Canada classifies firearms into three different categories.
#1. Non-restricted.
#2. Restricted.
#3. Prohibited.

Prohibited firearms are all handguns with a barrel length less than 4.1", SBRs, SBSs, and MGs.
You can not import any Prohibited firearms into Canada.

Restricted firearms are all handguns with a barrel length greater than 4.1", rifles with a barrel length less than 18.5", shotguns with a barrel length less than 18.5", and "assault weapons".
In order to import any Restricted firearms into Canada, you will need to get an approved ATT (Authorization To Transport) prior to arriving at the Canadian border.

Non-restriced firearms are rifles with a barrel length greater than 18.5" and shotguns with a barrel length greater than 18.5".

You can not import "large capacity magazines" into Canada.
Under Canadian law "large capacity magazine" means...
#1. Greater than 5 round semi-auto centerfire rifle magazine.
#2. Greater than 5 round semi-auto shotgun magazine.
#3. Greater than 10 round pistol magazine.
This also includes magazine parts for "large capacity magazines".

You can not import more than 200 rounds of ammunition.
This is a total amount for all calibers.
You can not import AP, tracer or JHP ammunition.

All firearms being imported need to be registered and declared with Canadian customs.
This is done by filling out a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration in triplicate, which you sign in the presence of the Canadian customs official.
If you are declaring more than three firearms, use the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration Continuation Sheet, which also needs to be done in triplicate.

The fee to submit the declarations is $25.00 Canadian and is only valid for 60 days.

All firearms must be transported unloaded and in a locked container.

You can only use a non-restricted firearm for self-defense aganist animals in wilderness areas.

[Ford8N]

Just don't bring in handguns or anything evil looking. But you will need to buy a permit for any gun.

[762.DEFENSE]

I don't recall the specifics on pistols, but I remember a friend having to modify some Sig sub-compact with a longer barrel just so he could bring it into Canada when he moved there.

I don't think I'd cross country lines with a firearm, just because of all the red tape.

[MAC USMC]

ADVICE

DON'T DO IT! I traveled into Canada on several occasions while possessing handguns. I declared them, surrendered them for safe-keeping, and picked them up again on the way home. It upsets the border officials when Americans do this, requires paperwork, etc. They quizzed me as to WHY I "needed" a gun and WHY I had two of them. They were NOT VERY FRIENDLY although they knew I was an American police officer with years of service.

I saw the Canadian officials practically destroy an American couples vehicle searching for guns or any contraband. They removed the seats, all door panels, the dash, and emptied the trunk of luggage, spare tire, etc. Finding nothing - they all went back to their office and left the coupleto deal with their damaged car. I have no idea why this occurred.

[Moto4Fun]

I am currently in Edmonton and was surprised to see the nice selection of guns they have at the Shooting Center in the mall. The counters and racks had more cool stuff than most the stores I visit in California. I plan on stopping in there tomorrow and asking more questions. While their gun restrictions may be as bad or worse than California, they don't have the same roster that we have to deal with.