CANADIAN September/October 2016 JOURNAL

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Fully Committed On All Fronts CANADA’S NATIONAL FIREARMS ASSOCIATION

PM 40009473 Return undeliverable to: Canadian Firearms Journal, P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4 • IMPORTS • ONLINE RETAIL • DISTRIBUTION TYPE 81 TACTICALIMPORTS.CA [email protected] 800.994.6223

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COLUMNS 50 32 LEGAL CORNER HIGH-VOLUME HANDLOADING 4 Carrying A A survival guide to winter ON THE COVER In A Wilderness Area reloading sessions GUY LAVERGNE BY ERIC R. PREVOST 5 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 54 38 Thinking About The New Year NFA BOOK SHELF HANDLOADING BY FEEL AL VOTH WINCHESTER Shotguns How a careful touch can detect BILL RANTZ potential trouble 6 BY BOB SHELL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FEATURES UN Marking, C-71 42 & Election Readiness 14 WINTER MAINTENANCE SHELDON CLARE ELEY’S ACCURACY End-of-season gun care DOMINATION BY JEFF HELSDON 8 Rimfi re barrel testing VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE comes to Canada Consultations To Confi scate BY AL VOTH BLAIR HAGEN 18 CANADIAN September/October 2016 10 FEATHERWEIGHT ACCURACY FIREARMS JOURNAL JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 PRESERVING OUR Testing the Sako Carbonlight FIREARMS HERITAGE BY T.J. SCHWANKY A Teenage, Sharpshooting Cowgirl GARY K. KANGAS 22 TOP-SHELF TRIGGERS 12 Understanding a key mechanism POLITICS & GUNS to better shooting Blaming Guns To Hide Failure BY LOWELL STRAUSS BRUCE GOLD 28 48 RIFLE BUILDING 101 Inside a Canadian tech school’s Fully Committed On All Fronts TEAM NFA CANADA’S NATIONAL FIREARMS ASSOCIATION

PM 40009473 Special Luggage gunsmithing program Return undeliverable to: Canadian Firearms Journal, P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4 MEGAN TANDY BY TIM FOWLER

MISSION STATEMENT Canada’s National Firearms Association exists to promote, support and protect all safe fi rearms activities, including the right of self defense, fi rearms education for all Canadians, freedom and justice for Canada’s fi rearms community and to advocate for legislative change to ensure the right of all Canadians to own and use fi rearms is protected. The contents of the Canadian Firearms Journal are copyrighted and may be reproduced only when written permission is obtained from the publisher.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 3 On The Cover

anuary is one of the best J months of the year to work on our fi rearms, and this issue’s cover depicts that. The owner of this Ruger 10/22 is installing an aftermarket trigger that promises to improve the rifl e’s performance considerably. In this case, it’s a TANDEMKROSS Ultimate Trigger Kit, which will take that heavy, gritty, factory trigger down into the two-pound range. When spring fi nally comes back to us, this rifl e will be ready for the range and for varmint control. Not only will it be more shootable, but it’ll have a cool-looking, fl at-faced, red trigger. However, this is just one possible project. Be sure you take the cold-weather opportunity created by a Canadian winter to complete your own gun projects.

Canadian Firearms Journal

The Of cial Magazine of

Editor Al Voth [email protected] General Manager [email protected] Ginger Fournier 780-439-1394 Accounts/Membership [email protected] General Information [email protected] Legal Inquiries [email protected]

National Executive National President 1-877-818-0393 Sheldon Clare [email protected] EVP, Communications 1-877-818-0393 Blair Hagen [email protected] Treasurer 1-877-818-0393 PM 40009473 Bill Rantz [email protected] Return undeliverable to: Secretary 1-877-818-0393 Canadian Firearms Journal, P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4 Jerrold Lundgard [email protected] PRINTED IN CANADA

4 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 From The Editor’s Desk Al Voth

Thinking About The New Year

his issue of the Canadian Firearms any political party who thinks crime some tips for high-volume handloading. T Journal marks the start of 2019, a is caused by inanimate objects isn't fit Take particular note of Tim Fowler’s year that promises to be a watershed to govern. Of course, besides keep- encouraging story about a Canadian point for Canadian gun owners. What ing you informed we’ll also keep you technical institution that has added happens in the next 12 months will af- entertained with stories about the gunsmithing courses to its calendar. fect our right to own and use firearms good people who use guns safely and The courses have been a complete for a long time. A primary reason is the responsibly. And whenever possible, success and debunk the idea that guns federal election, which will be held this we’ll promote Canadian firearm manu- have no place in schools. In this case, year. During the last election, firearms facturers and businesses. we have students building precision were essentially a non-issue, but not In this issue, you’ll find an emphasis rifles in an institution of higher learn- this year. Everything seems to indicate on winter activities, including winter ing. And I suspect those students are that the Liberals want to make licensed firearms maintenance and DIY gun- educating others, including faculty, gun owners a scapegoat for their in- smithing projects. Jeff Helsdon takes about the enjoyment and value of ability to address the real causes of us through some winter maintenance firearms ownership. And speaking of crime. It all means that this is the year of firearms, while Lowell Strauss looks precision, you’ll also find a report on to get politically active, especially if at aftermarket triggers. ELEY’s barrel-testing program, which you live in one of the federal ridings January and February are also good is now available in Canada. This will be represented by a Liberal MP who has months to produce all that handloaded of tremendous value to our Olympic the potential to be tossed out. ammunition you’ll need come spring, athletes and any rimfire shooters who As always, the CFJ will be a source of so we have some handloading advice are interested in precision. the hard data and the logical argu- for you as well. Bob Shell discusses the As always, your feedback on this pub- ments you need to help convince your importance of feel when handloading lication’s content is solicited, because family, friends and neighbours that for precision, and Eric Prevost provides it’s your magazine.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 5 President’s Message Sheldon Clare UN Marking, C-71 & Election Readiness t time of writing, I am pleased ing people to make uncomfortable ity. What all politicians do care about A to report that the efforts of the choices. Ideally, all parties would is obtaining, maintaining and keeping firearms-owning community, includ- be supportive of individual rights political power. In that respect, you ing your personal efforts, CSAAA and freedoms, and not be a threat to have some strength in the face of con- concerns, and NFA lobbying have firearms ownership and use. Sadly, tinued political efforts to undermine been successful in helping to delay that is not the case. Those parties and your ability to own and use firearms. the rightly maligned UN marking politicians who don’t want you to own You can vote, and you can work to program for another two years. The firearms are also likely to desire con- support firearms rights candidates problems with that program have trols on other aspects of your personal at the expense of gun-grabbers and been discussed in this publication life and society. Gun grabbers tend to social justice warriors. for several years. Suffice it to say that be arrogant and garb themselves in a The next federal election will need this program would create an entirely cloak of public safety. Their argument a focused and active effort from the unnecessary burden upon firearms typically goes along the lines that if firearms community – an effort aimed importers, such that your access there weren’t any more of gun X, or at removing the current government to firearms would be considerably feature ABC, then the world would be from office. We also must ensure that reduced. As for Bill C-71, it is eventu- rainbows, unicorns and candy, with the next government does more than ally going to pass in the Senate, the no violence. The base premise to their pay lip service to our concerns. It is up Liberal government simply has the naïve arguments is flawed in that they to each of us, as responsible members votes in the Senate to make it pass. tend to believe that even the most of our society, to make sure that we We have done what we can to ensure ill-intentioned thug is likely to change are involved in the political process. that key Senators are aware of this bill her (or his) ways provided there are It is important that your activities and and will work to amend and delay it as no more firearms. vote are strategic and well understood long as possible. To be blunt, as an inanimate object, by the candidate who you choose to It continues to astound me that so firearms have nothing to do with support. This next election will be one many well-intentioned individuals ill behaviour on the part of people. of the most important ones we have continue to mistakenly believe that People of ill intent will always find faced, as it may well decide the future firearms control and gun bans provide ways to carry out their activities. Laws of firearms ownership in Canada. some sort of solution to criminal acts. have little to do with their actions or Your NFA is working hard to make In fact, what gun bans and gun control choice of weapons. Human history is sure that we obtain the best possible really do is provide an easy way for resplendent with examples of may- outcome. We are more focused and political entities and bureaucrats to hem carried out without recourse to organized than ever before. Do what appear to be “doing something,” when firearms, and yet still with significant you can to build up our member- all they are doing is making the situ- ability to harm. Blunt objects, sharp ship, and to get more good people ation worse. How is that? Simply put, sticks, explosives and even bare hands informed about what is happening. safe storage laws are about preventing have all been used to terrible effect by Talk to local vendors and encourage access to firearms for defence, and those of evil intent. them to include NFA materials with licenses are tax collection measures Denying people legal access to purchases of firearms and ammuni- with the additional goal of build- any type of firearm prevents no bad tion. Find like-minded people and get ing lists of firearm owners to make person from obtaining illegal access them signed up as members. Above confiscation easier. As well, registra- to firearms or other items usable as all, get involved in politics. It is criti- tion is purely to increase control on weapons. Instead, prohibitions merely cal for each one of us to promote our firearms, classify/categorize firearms encourage a widespread disrespect for firearms culture and to oppose those and make them less accessible to the law among the law-abiding, who who would destroy it. If you can do ordinary people. None of those gun are quick to recognize themselves as something to promote the cause at control efforts stop bad behaviour, nor being singled out for unfair punish- least once a week, then you will help a do they prevent people from making ment. When MP Robert Nault and great deal in achieving success. poor choices. other prominent Liberals make dis- We will be taking additional steps to Firearms ownership is becoming paraging generalizations about fire- organize for the next election. Contact increasingly ideological. Firearms arms owners, they aren’t kidding. They the director(s) for your province or re- owners come from all political stripes; really do want your firearms, and they gion to find out what you can do, and however, political parties are forc- really don’t care about criminal activ- please help when we call you.

6 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Message du Président Sheldon Clare Le marquage de l’ONU, C-71 et être prêt pour les élections. Ce qui est important pour les politiciens u moment d’écrire ces lignes je à feu sont issus de toutes allégeances c’est d’obtenir, de maintenir et de garder suis fier de vous dire que les efforts politiques: Mais les partis politiques A le pouvoir politique. En ce sens, vous de la communauté des propriétaires forcent les gens à faire des choix incon- détenez une certaine force face aux pres- d’armes à feu, vos efforts personnels, les fortables. Idéalement tous les partis sions politiques continues pour diminuer inquiétudes de la CSAAA et le lobbying devraient encourager les droits et libertés votre capacité de posséder des armes à de l’ACAF ont réussi a retarder pour un individuelles et ne pas être une menace feu. Vous pouvez voter et travailler pour autre 2 ans la mise en place de l’horrible envers la possession d’armes à feu. Ce des candidats pro-armes contre ceux qui programme de marquage des armes de n’est malheureusement pas le cas. Les veulent vous les enlever et leurs guerriers l’ONU. Les problèmes en lien avec ce partis et les politiciens qui ne veulent pas de la justice sociale. programme ont été discuté amplement que vous possédiez vos armes sont aussi La prochaine élection Fédérale exig- dans cette publication depuis plusieurs susceptibles de vouloir contrôler d’autres era que notre travail soit sans relâche et années. En résumé, ce programme aspects de vos vies personnelles et de la concentré - une pression pour déloger le créerait un fardeau complètement inutile société en général. Les anti-armes sont Gouvernement actuel. Nous devons aussi envers les importateurs d’armes, résultant généralement arrogants et feignent le mo- nous assurer que le prochain Gouverne- à une réduction considérable de votre tif de sécurité publique. Leurs arguments ment apporte des solutions concrètes aux accès aux armes à feu. Le Projet de Loi sont souvent que, si ont interdit l’arme X enjeux qui nous concernent. En tant que C-71 va éventuellement passer au Sénat ou l’aspect ABC, le monde deviendra sans membres responsables de notre société puisque les Libéraux ont le nombre de violence, plein d’arcs-en-ciels, de bon- nous devons participer activement dans le votes nécessaires pour qu’il passe sans bons et de licornes. Leurs arguments naïfs processus politique. Il est important que problème. Nous avons fait tout ce que sont faussés au départ, car ils croient que vos actions et votre vote soient straté- nous avons pu pour que les Sénateurs clés même les malfaiteurs changeront leurs giques et bien compris par le candidat que soient bien au courant du Projet de Loi, agissements s’il n’y a plus d’armes à feu. vous choisirez. La prochaine élection sera qu’ils travaillent pour l’amender et qu’ils Une arme à feu, un objet inanimé en une des plus importantes à la quelle nous le retardent le plus longtemps possible. soit, n’a aucun rapport avec les mauvais ferons face, elle pourra déterminer l’avenir Je suis continuellement étonné de comportements humains. Les gens qui de la possession d’armes à feu au Canada. voir que tant de gens bien intention- ont de mauvaises intentions trouveront Votre ACAF travaille fort pour que nous nés puissent encore croire à tort, que le toujours le moyen de les exécuter. Pour obtenions le meilleur résultat possible. contrôle et les interdictions d’armes à eux, les lois n’ont aucune influence sur Nous sommes plus organisés et plus feu apportent une solution pour réduire leurs actions ou leurs choix d’armes. concentrés sur notre objectif que jamais les actes criminels. En réalité, ces con- L’histoire de l’humanité est pleine auparavant. Faites votre possible pour trôles et interdictions sont une porte d’exemples d’atrocités commises sans le augmenter nos membres et informez le de sortie facile des entités politiques recours aux armes à feu. Objets conton- plus de bon citoyens que vous pouvez à et des fonctionnaires pour leur donner dants, bâtons pointus, explosifs et même propos des enjeux qui nous touchent. De- l’apparence d’agir quand tout ce qu’ils les mains nues ont servies avec grande ef- mandez aux commerçants de distribuer font c’est d’empirer les choses. Comment ficacité par ceux qui avaient de mauvaises la littérature de l’ACAF lorsque les clients ça? Les lois sur l’entreposage sécuritaire intentions. achètent des armes et munitions. Trouvez ont pour résultat d’empêcher l’accès aux Interdire l’accès de n’importe quelle des gens qui pensent comme nous et armes pour se défendre et les permis sont arme à feu à des fins légitimes ne prévient faites leur joindre l’ACAF. Mais surtout, une forme de taxe qui en plus permet pas quelqu’un d’y accéder illégalement impliquez vous en politique. Il est primor- la création de listes de propriétaires et ceci s’applique à tous les autres objets dial que nous fassions la promotion de pour faciliter les confiscations éventu- pouvant servir d’armes. Les interdic- notre culture des armes à feu et opposer elles. De plus, l’enregistrement ne fait tions entraînent plutôt un non-respect ceux qui veulent la détruire. Si vous pou- qu’augmenter le contrôle des armes à feu, généralisé des lois parmi ceux qui en vez consacrer un jour par semaine à notre leurs classifications et catégories tout en étaient respectueux car ils s’aperçoivent cause, vous aurez déjà contribué énormé- les rendant moins accessibles pour les rapidement qu’ils ont été injustement ment pour que nous soyons vainqueurs. gens ordinaires. Aucune de ces mesures ciblés et punis. Lorsque le député Robert Nous avons d’autres étapes à franchir ne réduisent les mauvais comportements Nault et d’autres Libéraux bien con- pour s’organiser face aux élections. Con- et n’empêchent les gens de prendre de nus font des déclarations méprisantes tactez le(s) Directeur(s) de votre Province mauvaises décisions. envers les propriétaires d’armes à feu, ils ou Région pour savoir ce que vous pouvez La possession d’armes à feu est devenue sont sérieux. Ils veulent vraiment vous faire et je vous en prie, aidez lorsqu’on de plus en plus influencée par un courant enlever vos armes et les activités crimi- vous appellera. idéologique. Les propriétaires d’armes nelles sont sans importance pour eux.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 7 Vice-President’s Message Blair Hagen

Consultations To Confiscate These Liberal proposals are particu- larly egregious and offensive, because Canadians are made of tougher stuff and we love what’s really being targeted is the rights our right and cultural and property of Canadians. These are tradition of firearms Canadians who are forced to hold ownership. firearms licenses and registrations, not actual criminals who don't care what the law is. The civil disarmament lobby doesn't quite look at it that way; your gun, my gun and our possession of them are viewed as an inherently suspicious activity. We are an unacceptable danger to public safety, which must be managed and legislated against until the practice can be ended in Canada. The government’s online Internet dialogue was started, ostensibly, to give Canadians their say. Information about it was disseminated on the various Internet gun forums, blogs, Facebook and other social media almost immediately. Over the past several weeks, I've had the op- portunity to speak to hundreds of NFA members and firearms owners. Many have asked me if there is any point in participating in this dialogue. They ask, “Is the government really interested in hearing alternative views?” What I've told them is, whether the government is serious or not, it’s im- portant to make sure the truth is heard. uring this last month, the govern- these have not been substantiated by fact This is a hugely important issue that D ment has been holding online or statistics. has serious ramifications on the rights Internet consultations on its "handgun The inclusion of the words "assault and property of all Canadians, regard- and assault weapons ban" proposal. weapon" shows just how loaded these less of whether they own firearms or Round table discussions nationwide with consultations really are. Excuse me, I not. It is our civic duty to respond, and stakeholders also took place. I attended just couldn't resist the pun. "Assault one Canadians who believe in freedom one in Vancouver, and NFA counsel Guy weapons" are, of course, the new buzz- should take seriously. What has greatly Lavergne attended one in Montreal. word used for attacking the possession impressed me is the widespread and These consultations were precipitated and ownership of semi-automatic rifles. enthusiastic participation in this process by the demands of Toronto Mayor John It was used to justify the confiscation by Canadians who believe in our rights Tory, during his re-election campaign, of property in Canada in the past and and freedoms nationwide. You have as a knee jerk and politically craven is being used again by the radical civil made your voices heard and have had response to try and deflect criticism away disarmament lobby to demand more an effect. It will become even more from the out-of-control criminal gang confiscations of rights and property. important to do so as this process goes violence in that city. They were repeated With the failure of the long-gun regis- forward. during civic elections in Montreal. Justifi- tration nationally, they have gone back to In other news of importance, the UN cations for bans are currently founded on their old incremental approach. Catego- small arms marking requirement has hearsay from certain police departments rize firearms and their owners, demonize been delayed once again, until Decem- and law enforcement officials, about them, and create the political conditions ber 2020. You might remember that

firearms stolen from or illegally trans- necessary to force governments to legis- this requirement, signed onto by the ISTOCK ferred by firearms licence holders, and late against them. It’s an old story. Liberal government of Jean Chretien

8 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 almost 20 years ago, would require an far less attractive, if not impossible. bureaucracy; to make firearms owner- additional serial number, unique to The UN small arms marking require- ship in Canada unattractive, socially un- Canada, be stamped onto every firearm ment is, of course, designed to shut down acceptable, rare and ultimately politically imported. This being in addition to the domestic firearms importation, ruin the inconsequential. usual manufacturer’s marks and serial Canadian firearms industry and elimi- Warfare is a strong term. It con- numbers. nate firearm wholesalers, distributors jures up images of death and bloody Apparently, the absolute necessity of and retailers from coast to coast. It com- battlefields, but I can assure you this this can only be appreciated by certain pliments the licensing and registration new kind of warfare has just as many politicians, academics and high-level requirements of the Firearms Act in re- ramifications on your future, your fam- bureaucrats. The rest of us are far too ducing the number of firearms available ily’s future, your culture, your beliefs unintelligent to understand the benefits to Canadians and their ability to afford and your values as the violent conflicts for world peace by adding one more them. The Canadian firearms industry is of the past. So, forgive the dramatic serial number to a firearm. Those of in no way prepared to meet the require- verbiage, I'm not often given towards us who think about the future of the ments of this marking program and is that sort of thing, but we either stand Canadian right and cultural tradition breathing a sigh of relief with this latest and fight this now or else fade into the of firearms ownership worry greatly temporary reprieve. misty oblivion of globalist civil disar- about this, because the treaty is aimed It is still just possible for the average mament as mandated by the UN Small squarely at destroying firearms cultures Canadian of even modest means to law- Arms Programme of Action. That is in first-world nations like Canada and fully acquire, own and use firearms. The going to take fundamental political and the . mandate of the government, the Canada legislative change, and the election of a Even though you may have purchased Firearms Program and the UN Small government with the guts to do it. all the guns you ever intend to own, what Arms Programme of Action is to extin- I think Canadians are made of tougher about future generations? If firearms guish this Canadian cultural tradition stuff and love our right and cultural are no longer affordable, in combination and practice through economic, political, tradition of firearms ownership. I think with fees for licensing and registration, legal and bureaucratic warfare. That is you, the members of Canada's National the practice of owning firearms will be the mandate of the civil disarmament Firearms Association, agree.

The UN small arms marking requirement is, of course, designed to shut down domestic firearms importation and ruin the Canadian firearms industry. ISTOCK

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 9 Preserving Our Firearms Heritage Gary K. Kangas A Teenage, Sharpshooting Cowgirl

Custom 6mm Dasher rifle.

aving read an article in the Bridge on in the tradition of the female sharp- stock blanks from various sources or H River Lillooet News regarding a shooters. She enjoys guns and shooting, Baltic birch available locally. Lincoln teenage cowgirl, Jade, who won mul- having grown up with her sister, Megan, has built stocks for a number of custom tiple classes at a 1,000-yard rifle shoot shooting .22-calibre rifles on their ranch. rifles, and uses custom actions and in May of this year, I decided to follow Having recently graduated from high Benchmark barrels imported from the up on the story. Turns out this event was school, she is now enrolled in a sustain- US by Big Horn Sales in Houston, BC, hosted by the Tweedsmuir Park Rod & able ranching program at a university in and Corlane’s Sporting Goods in Daw- Gun Club, and I was introduced to a the British Columbia interior. Another son Creek, BC. Besides building custom shooting discipline that I knew nothing sharpshooter in the family is Jade’s aunt, stocks for benchrest events, Lincoln is about, even though I’ve been a shooter Jessie, who is a competitor in long-range an avid outdoorsman and big-game for 71 years. benchrest rifle competition. hunter who uses many vintage-style, Long-range rifle shooting is a North Jade’s long-range shooting adventure big-bore rifles for harvesting moose and American frontier original. Its history began in the spring of 2017 when her elk. dates back to the very beginnings of aunt Jessie invited her to compete in The beginnings of benchrest shooting the French and English settlements the Tweedsmuir Park Benchrest Match. grew from varmint hunting, shooting and the acquisition of firearms by First Sister Megan comments, “In 2017, Jade very small game at long distances. The Nations. As the story of the frontier did very well, but she did extremely well competitive part of the game, as we era unfolded, hunting and long-range in 2018.” know it today, is credited to two men shooting became a theme. Frontiersmen Quotes from the Bridge River Lillooet who began the competitions in 1967. and women always competed in rifle News of May 13, 2018, verify Megan’s While those early shooters used highly matches, but as technology improved, statement. “Jade finished the competi- modified hunting rifles, the equip- the distances began to grow longer and tion with a first in Junior 13 to 18 Boys ment and ammunition began to evolve. longer. By the late 1800s, long-range rifle and Girls Sporting category, another Eventually rifles were created specifi- shooting became a passion. Women shot first in Junior Low Aggregate Group, a cally for benchrest. However, the goal along with men in an era where the fe- third win in the Junior High Aggregate is still the same: to shoot the tightest male sharpshooter became very visible. plus a second in the Ladies Heavy Bar- group possible at 1,000 yards. The game Then the 20th and 21st century dawned, rel. She finished fourth overall among is precision in every respect, up to and and now purpose-built rifles, handload- 63 competitors and won a rifle, shotgun including mental precision, and reading ed ammunition, optics and sophisticated and a scope for her efforts.” atmospheric conditions. The calibres rests are an integral part of long-range The rifle Jade used was a 6mm Dasher typically used have 6mm, 7mm or .30 competitions. fitted with a Nightforce scope and a calibre bores, and these are divided into Jade is a teenage cowgirl from a ranch- handmade stock constructed by her various classes. LINCOLN EDWARD LINCOLN ing family in the BC interior who carries coach, Lincoln Edward. Lincoln uses The benchrest rifle matches at the

10 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 tion needed to place a precise shot. The shooter must carefully read the wind and visual effects of sun and cloud to compensate for the trajectory and drift of the bullets. Although it is a technol- ogy game, it still comes down to the human factor. Competitors such as Jade and her aunt Jessie are carrying on the tradi- tion of frontier women shooters. And our firearms heritage is being encour- aged, coached and mentored by skilled marksmen such as Lincoln Edward.

For more information see the following websites: Tweedsmuir Park Rod & Gun Club: Junior winners, Tweedsmuir Park www.tprg.ca Jade with coach Lincoln Edward. Long Range Match, May 2018. Benchrest Canada: www.benchrest.ca

Tweedsmuir Park Rod & Gun Club have their equipment. Author’s note: I wish to thank been held since 1975 and have enter- Although the guns are extremely ac- Lincoln Edward for his patience and tained competitors from across western curate, it’s important to remember the fine tutorial on benchrest shooting. Canada as well as the US. Although the key variable still rests with the shooter gear is sophisticated, this is a very social who is pulling the trigger. Wind flags Sources: Lincoln Edward, Wendy game. Competitors assist one another, are placed on the range between the Fraser of the Bridge River Lillooet and if someone attends without a rifle, shooter and the target, allowing a skilled News, Megan Meservia.

LEFT: KARLA MADSON, RIGHT: LINCOLN EDWARD LINCOLN RIGHT: MADSON, KARLA LEFT: the participants will invite them to use shooter to judge the amount of correc- Nathaniel Milljour Nathaniel

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 11 Politics & Guns Bruce Gold Blaming Guns To Hide Failure

with a public largely ignorant of guns or existing gun laws, even if it’s aimed where the problem isn’t. Traditionally self-defence was regard- ed as a fundamental human right. Wil- liam Blackstone, in his Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book III; (1768) wrote that “defence of one's self, (if)…forcibly attacked in his person or property, it is lawful for him to repel force by force; and the breach of the peace, which hap- pens, is chargeable upon him only who began the affray…It considers that the future process of law is by no means an adequate remedy for injuries accompa- nied with force; since it is impossible to say, to what wanton lengths of rapine or cruelty outrages of this sort might be carried.” This traditional approach sees self- defence as the opposing of unlawful vio- lence with lawful violence in the pres- ervation of public peace and safety. The statist approach insists that self-defence is strictly a matter for the state. The United Nations Human Rights Council has declared that only states have the The United Nations right to self-defence and there is no hu- Human Rights Council man right to personal self-defence. The has declared that only UN also insists that strict gun control by states have the right to the state is a human right, (the fact that self-defence and there is no human right to most member states are dictatorships personal self-defence. may influence this view). Examining these views, we can see a continuum of rights from an absolute human right n this article, we look at the Marjory violence. Unfortunately, the antis basing to an exclusive right of the state. As we I Stoneman Douglas High School the debate on a violent incident structure cross this continuum, responsibility and shooting that started the latest anti-gun the debate around the issue of violence. authority shifts away from the citizen furor in the US. Here in Canada, it gave To simply reject the self-defence part of towards an all-powerful state, until even the Liberal Party the opportunity to pig- the debate guarantees the debate will be a citizen’s life is not theirs to defend. gyback on millions of dollars of anti-gun completely one sided. In Canada, there is a solid political press coverage and provided the PR But we can learn from the British consensus that the state has a monopoly cover they needed to introduce C-71. experience. When British gun owners on violence, both internationally and The underlying issue in this contro- accepted the dictate that gun owner- domestically. Statists rely on this politi- versy is not really guns. It is the right of ship is only about sports, it allowed the cal consensus to justify labelling self- self-defence. In Canada, many see the is- government to frame the debate as a defence as “vigilantism” and an infringe- sue of guns used for self-defence as radi- contest between your silly, unneces- ment on the rights of the state. However, cal and divisive. In practical terms, this sary hobby and the latest high-emotion, in practice, it is the government’s policy is understandable. Canada is a peaceful high-profile shooting. The infinitesi- to simply ignore the issue. For example, country and most violence takes place mal involvement of legal owners and the Liberal proposals for new gun bans within the criminal community. Virtually legal guns in violence makes this a makes no mention of self-defence or all law-abiding gun owners and virtually very dishonest approach to the issue. how an armed public might deter crime PAUL SEYMOUR PAUL all legal guns will never be involved in Unfortunately, it is an effective strategy and reduce violence.

12 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Since the issue of lawful self-defence long history of violence, threats and was entered, only to find Cruz had fled. is so emotionally charged and tradi- misconduct. On no fewer than 23 oc- Notably, the Montreal Massacre, the tionally so weighed in favour of the casions, the authorities were contacted rationale for Canada’s harsh gun laws, individual, the Liberals have adopted a and alerted to the danger he repre- also saw the police stand outside and do policy of attacking the right indirectly. sented. However, he was protected from nothing whatsoever to stop the gunman For example, charging a person with legal consequences because he was or save the students. unlawful storage because they were able Hispanic and therefore came under to engage in perfectly legal self-defence the Obama administration’s policy of CONCLUSION with a gun. A major part of the current ending the “school-to-prison pipeline” Pushing gun control is often an effective gun debate resolves itself into a debate by forcing schools to adopt a race-based and convenient way to distract public over controlling citizens and the right to disciplinary system. This required attention and conceal official failures in self-defence by controlling the means schools to have equal disciplinary statis- policy or practice. It is virtually guaran- of self-defence (guns, knives, etc.) One tics, regardless of different group behav- teed to garner the quick support of the can have different opinions on how this iours. (The Progressive version of equity press. Anti-gun groups, who use high- difficult issue should be addressed, but means equality of group outcomes in a profile incidents to further their agenda, it is unwise to follow the British example society divided into identity groups. Any can also be counted on for support. and cede to it by default. disparities in school discipline outcomes Accordingly, attacking guns is popular were assumed to be the product of rac- with politicians and law enforcement THE PARKLAND SHOOTING ism and the fault of society.) Prior to the officials looking for an easy solution to In February 2018, a student in Parkland, shooting, the Parkland school system a difficult problem. The major draw- Fl., shot and killed 17 other students. had fully and enthusiastically adopted back (besides government lies) is how This deadly mass shooting was followed this restorative justice disciplinary it diverts essential resources away by a massive anti-gun crusade suppos- program, an approach local law en- from where the problem is – gangs and edly organized on a national scale by forcement wholly supported. Cruz had criminals – and wastes those resources a handful of high school students. In been transferred back and forth from in a futile campaign against the law- reality, the student initiative was quickly disciplinary schools six times in three abiding and their legal guns, where the co-opted by anti-gun organizations years. The PROMISE program, (Prevent- problem isn’t. The Parkland shooting who mobilized millions of dollars to ing Recidivism through Opportunities, is a classic case of government failure support this “children’s crusade.” It was Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and followed by a propaganda offensive to simply assumed that citizens could not Education) protected him from arrest divert attention to firearms. A pattern so be trusted with guns, or at least some and from a record that would have pre- familiar that any anti-gun initiative is an types of guns, (in this case the AR-15, a vented him from legally purchasing his almost certain indicator of serious levels common hunting rifle) therefore firearm guns. This fact, (originally the authorities of incompetence and failure that the rights should be sharply curtailed. The lied about his involvement) brings into government wishes to conceal. problem, as they saw it, was lax laws disrepute the assertion that the authori- had resulted in the citizen having more ties can, and will, successfully monitor autonomy than they could handle or individuals and act to prevent violence. REFERENCES deserved. The solution was greater state In this case, the authorities had deliber- Sub-Commission on the control and regulation. This crusade ately crippled their own ability, such as Promotion and Protection of took it as a given that further restrictions it was, to intervene by the adoption of a Human Rights, Final Report. on guns and the law-abiding was the politically correct policy that favoured Barbara Frey, Special Rapporteur: key to crime control. Restricting crimi- politically desired statistical outcomes Prevention of Human Rights nals was scarcely an issue, since all the above actual events. These statistics in Violations Committed with Small shooter’s actions were already illegal. In turn were meant to be political am- Arms and Light Weapons, 27 July essence, this agenda wished to move ac- munition to “prove” the pre-existence 2006. cess to the means of self-defence further of a racist, discriminatory society and away from the citizen and place it more demonstrate the heroic Progressive Parkland shooter always in firmly under state control. accomplishment of achieving equity trouble, never expelled. Could However, within days of the shoot- as top-down government intervention school system have done more?. ing, facts began to emerge revealing the solved the problem. Miller, Carol Marbin; Gurney, Kyra. non-stop failure of the state to protect Having failed in prevention, the Miami Herald. February 20, 2018. the students. For starters, the students authorities then failed catastrophically were in a gun-free zone with a 100 per in their response. When the shooting Montreal Coroners Report, 1989. cent ban on individuals with firearms occurred, there was an armed deputy http://www.diarmani.com/ and a total ban on all firearms. Calling on duty at the school. The deputy hid Montreal_Coroners_Report.pdf for increased limits on personal pos- outside and did not intervene in any session and limiting types of firearms is way. Backup in the form of three more All the Way Down the Slippery more ideology than sanity, when total deputies from the local police force Slope: Gun Prohibition in England bans on both have utterly failed. Even soon arrived. They also stayed outside and Some Lessons for Civil when they only needed to be enforced and did nothing to stop the shooter. It Liberties in America. David Kopel, in a small area, they failed. was only upon the arrival of police from Joseph Olson, March 1999. It was also revealed that Cruz had a another department that the building

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 13 ELEY’S ACCURACY DOMINATION Rimfire barrel testing comes to Canada BY AL VOTH

14 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Slave stocks for rifles and custom grip panels for handguns are used to clamp firearms into a machine rest for testing.

ccuracy is a fickle mistress, and events. They have now opened a barrel call for hollow point and/or supersonic A keeping her happy means paying testing facility in Canada. loadings. That’s why ELEY’s catalog of- attention to details. It’s why we fuss so fers 18 different 22 LR loadings. Product much about guns, sights and ammuni- COMPANY BACKGROUND lines such as Match, Edge, Club, Sport tion. But because their ability to tweak Located in the UK, ELEY began making and Contact each have their own niche ammunition is so limited, rimfire com- ammunition in 1828. They made their market and price point for competitive petitors have an extra challenge. Unlike first rimfire cartridges in 1860, but their shooters. My personal favourite is the centrefire shooters, they don’t have the domination of that market didn’t begin Club line, as I’ve found it shoots far bet- ability to vary powder charges, try dif- until the 1950s when they began a pro- ter than I can hold, and at less than half ferent primers, swap bullets and change gram to make quality ammunition for the price of Tenex, it’s my go-to practice length. A rimfire shooter’s British competition shooters. They have and training round. ammunition options are limited to recently added airgun pellets to their But ELEY also offers supersonic trying different brands of ammunition, product line, but now the only ammuni- choices, including Action Plus and and then different lot numbers within tion they manufacture is 22 LR. Their Force. These can be great choices for whatever brand looks promising. ammunition so dominates the competi- some training requirements, or for use Serious competitors know that to tion world that more Olympic medals in guns that require high-velocity am- win in rimfire matches, they need the have been won with ELEY than all other munition to function reliably. Another absolute best-performing ammunition brands combined. favourite of mine is ELEY’s High Veloc- in their guns, and they’ll do whatever ity Hollow Point round. Its accuracy has it takes to get it. Unfortunately, there PRODUCT LINE been exceptional in every rifle I’ve tried aren’t many ammunition companies Although ELEY is best known for its it in, and it slays small critters with au- willing to make a serious investment in famous Tenex line of match ammu- thority. There’s even a subsonic hollow ensuring they receive it. Typically, they nition, the firm also markets a wide point for use in places where you want just sell you ammunition and wish you variety of “lesser” ammunition. After all, to make as little noise as possible. luck. A notable exception to this rule is at close to $30 for a box of 50 cartridges, ELEY, the famous British manufacturer Tenex is not the obvious choice for BARREL TESTING of 22 Long Rifle ammunition, whose many shooting chores. Besides, Tenex Besides making wonderfully accurate products dominate rimfire accuracy is subsonic and some shooting chores ammunition, ELEY supports shooters

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 15 by maintaining test ranges in the UK, , and the US (Texas) to which shooters can bring their firearms for accuracy testing. Machine rests, electronic targets and proprietary software are used to determine which ammunition lot number shoots best in a competitor’s gun. Canada’s Korth Group, located in Okotoks, Alta., near Calgary, has recently become an ELEY distributor and have taken the plunge into setting up a barrel testing facility in Canada as well. Their testing centre is now fully operational and ready to help shooters find the most accurate ammu- nition for their application. I’ll admit that you’d have to be rather obsessed with accuracy to utilize ELEY’s barrel testing system for either hunting or practice ammunition. But when the range bag is zipped open and the Tenex comes out, things get serious. This is when every shot counts, and those who trained and prepared the hardest will reap the rewards. Part of that prepara- tion will now likely include having a barrel tested in the ELEY system. In preparation for testing, the compet- itor’s needs and wishes are discussed and a selection of ammunition and lot numbers is agreed on. Once the gun be- ing tested is in hand, the tester fires 10- shot groups using the chosen ammuni- tion. Of course, to achieve viable results, Results are displayed on computer monitors as all human error must be removed, and shooting progresses. so the firearm is clamped in a machine rest. At its core, ELEY’s barrel testing system seems simple, just clamp the handgun or the rifle in a machine rest, shoot a bunch of different ammunition and see which is the most accurate. And while that’s correct, it’s the details that make the process more than what it appears to be. First, a slave stock, machined from aluminum, is used for a rifle’s clamping system. If a handgun is being tested, grip panels which match the gun’s frame are used. The investment in these alone is significant, and while all common, match-quality firearms can be accommodated, they certainly don’t have slave stocks or grip panels for every firearm. With the gun held firmly and consis- tently, a target is needed, and paper doesn’t cut it here. ELEY’s system uses an electronic target equipped with sensors, which detect the passage of a bullet and transmit its exact X – Y co- ordinates to a computer. The location of each bullet is subsequently displayed Results are printed for evaluation. on a screen for us humans to see, while These are from a first round of the computer works its way through handgun testing. more complicated data.

16 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 To ensure shooters have DECIMAL SCORING access to the ammunition they need, Korth has Decimal scoring provides a more committed to carrying a large accurate way to decide the best stock of ELEY products. shooters in a competition. This is because traditional integer scoring is simply based on the value of the scoring ring the shot strikes. Values Most of us are used to evaluating they showed me the stock of ammuni- such as 10, 9, 8, etc. are generated accuracy based on group size, and tion they have set aside for barrel test- by the shots striking the target. that information is always available. ing and the Premium ELEY program, However, with decimal scoring, However, group size is not necessarily and it’s huge. shooters will receive score values the best way of determining accuracy, The fee charged for barrel testing is such as 10.4, 9.9, or 8.3. The pre- especially for international competitors $299, and that includes return shipping. decimal number still reflects the who use the decimal scoring system. However, the entire fee is waived if a value of the scoring ring struck, but If you’re not familiar with that system, case (5,000 rounds) of Tenex is pur- the post-decimal number reflects see the sidebar for a brief explanation. chased. As I write this, pricing is $25/ the shot’s proximity to centre within With this type of scoring system, group box of 50 rounds for Tenex and $15/box that ring. The highest possible value size doesn’t tell the entire story. ELEY’s for Edge. If you’re serious about rimfire a single shot can score is 10.9. This patented software recognizes this and competition, that kind of pricing and maximum value is derived from an predicts which ammunition will consis- service makes this barrel testing pro- additional set of 10 subrings within tently result in the highest scores. gram a no-brainer. To enquire about the the centre 10-point circle, increasing program, call or e-mail Korth Group at in 0.1 point value as the rings BEYOND BARREL TESTING 403-938-3255 or [email protected]. approach the centre of the target. With the best lot number of ammuni- ELEY’s five barrel-testing facilities Therefore, the maximum possible tion for a competitor’s firearm selected, are magnets for serious competitors score for a ten-shot target would this program goes further by ensuring from all corners of the globe, and we’re be: 10.9 X 10 = 109.0. the availability of the selected lot num- fortunate to have one here in Canada. These decimal-valued subrings on ber to the shooter. After all, there’s no Rimfire shooters in disciplines such as the target are not visible and are point in finding the perfect ammunition silhouette, , schuetzen, ben- applied by the software operating if you can’t find it in stock. This is called chrest, ISSF and others will see higher the electronic targets now used in international competition. Premium ELEY and it’s available only to scores as a result of its availability. And Alternatively, there are some apps competitors who use this barrel testing as a result, more Canadian athletes in which will scan a paper target and service. In my tour of Korth’s facility all rimfire sports will be standing on the generate a decimal score. during the demonstration I attended, podium.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 17 18 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 The long-action Carbonlight is a full pound heavier than the short action. FEATHERWEIGHT ACCURACY Testing the Sako Carbonlight BY T.J. SCHWANKY

ako has danced around the light- were that this was unlike any other rifle Currently only available in a right- S weight rifle market for a number of I’d shot from Sako. The heart of the rifle, hand version, the Carbonlight fea- years. Previous offerings included the and the reason for its name, is a true tures a beefy, stainless action Finnlight and the A7, as well as versions carbon fibre stock. Unlike many other and stainless, fluted barrel. While of the T3 from their sister company, offerings, the carbon pattern is not just most mountain rifles feature blind or Tikka. But now they are tackling the stenciled on an injection-molded stock. floorplate magazines, Sako stayed with light rifle market head-on with the Sako Instead, those are actual carbon fibres their dependable detachable magazine Carbonlight. visible on the exterior of the rifle’s system on the Carbonlight. The maga- Aimed squarely at mountain hunt- stock. Similar to the carbon fibre-rein- zine must be pushed in and the release ers, the Carbonlight is available in forced polymer technology used in the pushed at the same time in order to three action lengths and ranges from automotive and aerospace industries, release it, meaning there is virtually no an advertised weight of 5.3 pounds (2.4 this material was used primarily to way of accidentally popping the maga- kilograms) for the short action to 6.2 shave weight off the rifle. But after run- zine out in the field and losing it. The pounds (2.8 kilograms) for the long- ning several hundred rounds through rifle can be top loaded as well, for those action chamberings. This rifle is meant both of these rifles, I can attest to the really worried about removing the mag- to compete squarely with rifles like the fact that recoil is very manageable for azine. While it’s an all-metal magazine, Kimber Mountain Ascent and a bevy such a light gun. I suspect this is due in it’s extremely lightweight and, in my of custom and semi-custom rifles. With large part to the stock’s construction, opinion, a nice option on the rifle. I took a suggested list price of close to $4,000, a feature I’ve noted in other carbon both rifles along on several bighorn the Carbonlight is well out of the range fibre stocks I’ve shot in the past. They sheep outings in Alberta’s Kananaskis of typical Winchester or Remington just seem to have an inherent ability to Country, and as we are required to pass shooters. But then again, this is a rifle reduce recoil. Interestingly, the Car- through numerous restricted areas, the aimed at serious mountain hunters who bonlight’s stock has an almost rubbery rifle must be unloaded and reloaded want a high-quality, lightweight rifle feel to it, a so-called Soft Touch surface, several times. The detachable magazine and are willing to pay for it. making it easy to grip in the cold and made this a breeze and its double stack I tested the Carbonlight in 7mm rain. It wasn’t at all the texture I was design holds five rounds in the 7-08 and Remington Magnum and in 7mm-08 expecting when looking at the rifle, but four in the 7RM, versus the typical three Remington, and my first impressions it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. in most blind magazines.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 19 Despite its 20-inch barrel, the short-action Carbonlight produces impressive velocities.

Results are printed for evaluation. BothThese rifles are from easily a firstmade roundthe of sub-MOAhandgun testing.guarantee with factory ammunition. 20 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Both rifles shot extremely well off the bipod and at long ranges.

On my scale, both rifles were about mance factory ammunition, shooting a scope mounting options are limited for two ounces heavier than advertised, consistent .75 inches. Unfortunately, I Sako rifles. So, I used traditional Sako with the 7mm-08 weighing in at about didn’t have any dies to handload for the Optilocks on the 7RM. But at nearly 5.4 pounds and the 7RM at 6.4 pounds. 7mm-08 at the time of testing, but for a seven ounces, they do add considerable Part of the weight difference can be at- hunting application this still makes the weight to the rifle. I saved a little over tributed to the length of the action, but 7mm-08 an effective 600-yard choice. two ounces on the 7mm-08 by using it’s primarily due to the difference in It was a bit windy the day we tried the Sako’s one-piece ring mounts. If a per- barrel lengths. The 7RM sports a 24-inch 7mm-08 at longer ranges, but it kept son was really serious about shaving a barrel and the 7mm-08 a more modest groups inside five inches at 600 yards. bit more weight, you could have the re- 20-inch barrel. The 7RM also came stan- With an impact velocity of around 1,800 ceiver drilled and tapped by a gunsmith dard with a removeable muzzle brake. feet per second at 600 yards with the and utilize Talley lightweight one-piece After extensive shooting, I settled on 7mm-08, this is as far as I’d shoot game rings. I like both of the Optilock options, using the brake at the range, but saw with it anyhow. Even with the short but on a lightweight mountain rifle, sav- no need in a hunting situation, as recoil barrel, the 7mm-08 produced muzzle ing weight is a consideration. was definitely not excessive for a rifle of velocities slightly higher than those I took the 7RM on several early-sea- this weight. There was no point of im- published by Hornady and the 7RM son mountain hunts and the 7mm-08 pact shift with or without the brake, but was virtually dead on for published came along on several late-season the brake definitely tames the magnum velocities. hunts, where both were exposed to down considerably. I likely wouldn’t On the bench and off the bipod, the some severe weather conditions. De- have missed it had it not come with 7RM was a pleasure to shoot and I spite being $4,000 rifles, I felt no desire the rifle, but I have to admit it is a nice experienced very little muzzle jump. to baby or protect them. You are paying standard feature. The 7mm-08, on the other hand, while for function and not form in this rifle, Both rifle barrels have a 1:9.5-inch having pleasant recoil, demonstrated and despite being subject to heavy twist and the 7RM really liked the noticeable muzzle jump, likely be- snow and rain, I saw no shift in point of 162-grain Hornady ELD-X bullets I tried cause of the shorter barrel and lighter impact or in function of action, safety it with first. Using Hornady’s Precision weight. The 14-inch length of pull fit or trigger. This rifle is definitely built Hunter factory ammunition, I was able me like a glove and I’m of the opinion to withstand the rigors of mountain to shoot a .38-inch group at 100 yards it’s one of the nicest factory stocks I’ve hunting, but that shouldn’t come as any with a 15x Zeiss Conquest HD5. This ever used. I would compare it to any of surprise to those already shooting Sako scope was equipped with a Rapid Z ret- the high-end aftermarket stocks avail- 85s. icle and I suspect I could have tightened able. The trigger comes factory set at For the serious mountain hunter in the groups up even more using a reticle three pounds, a bit heavy for my liking. search of an off-the-shelf option, the with a finer crosshair. I had no trouble Sako triggers are easily adjusted with Sako Carbonlight definitely deserves keeping groups inside 2.5 inches at 600 an Allen key, however, and I turned a look. While currently only listed yards with the same set up. I tried the both down to 2.5 pounds, which helped in 7mm-08, 308, 270, 30-06, 7RM and 150-grain ELD-X in the 7mm-08 first, tighten groups as well. The trigger 300WM in the Canadian catalogue, and with the same scope it met the is super crisp and has zero creep or some dealers have brought in special- sub-MOA guarantee of the rifle. But I travel, and that consumer adjustability order chamberings and, as the popular- felt I could do better and did with the is a nice feature. ity of this rifles grows, you can expect to 140-grain SST in Hornady’s Superfor- Due to their unique dovetail design, see more options available.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 21 22 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 The Timney trigger was easy to install, mating perfectly with the old action.

TOP-SHELF TRIGGERS Understanding a key mechanism to better shooting BY LOWELL STRAUSS

still remember squeezing a match Mark II 22 LR and a .177-calibre Slavia pin forward to hit the primer. A trig- I trigger for the first time. It was on air rifle. Not exactly precision firearms ger’s break can feel crisp or soft – crisp an Anschutz Match Model 1403 rifle with match-quality triggers. But it’s the is usually preferred for accurate rifle with peep sights. Lying prone, I aligned trigger that is the heart of the shooter- shooting. Some people describe a crisp the sights with the distant bullseye rifle interface, a connection that makes trigger as “breaking like a glass rod,” and pulled the trigger. BANG! The a huge difference to rifle precision. That which sounds evocative, but leaves me shot rang much sooner than I antici- alone makes them worth a closer look. puzzled. pated. And even more of a surprise Creep is the amount of travel before was the hole cutting the target’s 10-X TRIGGER TERMINOLOGY the trigger breaks. Creep is bad, as it ring. I fired four more shots and, to my Shooters and manufacturers describe can cause movement in the rifle by amazement, a tiny cloverleaf group, triggers using terms such as: heavy, pulling it off target, even before the smaller than a dime, greeted me as I light, crisp, clean, spongy and gritty. shot. A trigger that continues to move rolled the target back for inspection. I And metaphors describing triggers rearward after it disengages the sear is went home proud as a peacock to show abound. So, let’s explore some of the exhibiting over-travel. And like creep, off my impressive target and previously jargon used around triggers. trigger over-travel affects rifle accuracy unknown target shooting talent. The break of a trigger is the point due to extra movement (albeit minor) Growing up on a farm in Saskatch- at which it has moved the sear far before the bullet leaves the barrel. ewan, my shooting experience to that enough to allow the hammer or striker Lock time is the amount of time from point was with a Lakefield Mossberg to release its energy, driving the firing when the sear is released until igni-

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 23 tion, and it is measured in milliseconds. tent. Gritty triggers are often heavy, a firearm. Most have either asingle- Lock time is a function of firing mecha- compounding the effect of roughness. stage or a two-stage trigger. Of these, nism design. A long lock time gives A talented gunsmith with the proper the single-stage trigger is the sim- more time for the shooter to drift off tools can smooth a gritty trigger. But a plest. When a single-stage trigger is target. Lock time decreases with lighter word of caution, attempting a trigger squeezed, immediate resistance is felt, hammers or firing pins, more powerful job at home may lead to a dangerous and when enough force is applied, the springs, or shorter distances for moving firearm. sear disengages from the trigger, firing parts. In semi-automatic firearms and the rifle. Simple. Gritty and smooth are terms often double-barrel shotguns with a single Two-stage triggers are more com- used to describe trigger pull. Gritty trigger, the trigger must reset before fir- plicated and often found on military triggers feel rough as they are pulled, ing the next shot. Reset is the distance and target firearms. A two-stage trig- often due to rough machining of the the trigger moves forward to reengage ger provides the shooter with tactile engagement surfaces. The opposite is a the sear. A short reset is desired for feedback, and because of its design can smooth-feeling trigger, or one that feels faster follow-up shots. be more predictable, especially under the same through its entire movement. the stress of combat or competition. Trigger stacking is when trigger weight TRIGGER TYPES A two-stage trigger has two separate progressively increases as the trigger is Triggers have one simple job, and movements (stages). The first stage has squeezed, as opposed to being consis- that’s to initiate the firing sequence of spring-loaded force working against

24 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 shooters can adjust their trigger to put its lightest weight thanks to its unique most of that weight into the first stage. safety blade. It also boasts a 1.6-mil- With most of the pull weight in the first lisecond lock time. Competition is a stage, it’s possible to have the second wonderful thing, and since then, most stage set for only a few grams. firearm manufacturers have upped Another type of trigger is the set trig- their game by producing higher-quality ger. This type gives the shooter a quick triggers in everything from entry-level choice as to how much force must be guns to high-end offerings. applied to the trigger to fire the gun. If the trigger is pulled conventionally, AFTERMARKET TRIGGERS a normal amount of force is required. Whether you’re looking to improve an However, if the trigger is set, only a tiny old military rifle or turn your hunting amount of force is needed to discharge rifle into a tack-driver, one of the first the gun. In a single-set trigger, this upgrades many shooters consider is change is accomplished by pushing an aftermarket trigger. After all, trig- the trigger forward. A click is typically ger quality makes a profound differ- heard or felt as the mechanism en- ence in rifle accuracy, whether it’s an gages, and pulling the trigger then re- entry-level or a high-performance gun. quires much less force, perhaps as little The beauty of aftermarket triggers is as 25 to 50 grams (one to two ounces). that, for most firearms, they are easy A double-set trigger works on the same to install at home with minimal tools. principle, but it has two triggers. The Fortunately, there are several repu- rear trigger’s only function is to set the table companies building aftermarket mechanism, while the front trigger fires triggers for firearms. Two that I have the gun. Set triggers function like light worked with are Timney Triggers and single-stage triggers and are sometimes TriggerTech. labeled as hair triggers. Timney Triggers was established in Release triggers are another type of 1946 by Allen Timney, who built trig- trigger and are perhaps the most spe- gers for sporterized military rifles after cialized. As the name implies, they are the Second World War. Today, Timney designed to fire a gun when the trigger produces more than 170 models of trig- is released, not when it is pulled. Of gers for bolt-action and semi-auto rifles course, the trigger must be pulled first, (including ARs) and shotguns. Chances in preparation for firing. But then, as are good they’ll have a trigger for your soon as it is released, the gun fires. The rifle. TriggerTech builds three models for sole purpose of these triggers to defeat TriggerTech is a Canadian company the Remington 700, Primary, Special flinching. They do this by working to that builds triggers for Remington 700 and Diamond, for hunting, target and disrupt the learned, subconscious reflex bolt-action rifles, AR-pattern rifles and competition. All models are available which tells the shooter, “Pulling this crossbows. They build a drop-in trig- with either a curved or straight lever. trigger will result in pain.” Release trig- ger assembly featuring what they call gers, in effect, trick the subconscious by Frictionless Release Technology for a not firing the gun when the trigger is zero-creep break and short over-travel. the trigger finger with no movement of pulled, but rather when it is released. I’ve been running a TriggerTech in my the trigger on the sear. As the trigger is Their unusual nature makes them dan- Remington 700 for over a year now, and pulled back, it reaches a positive stop gerous in untrained hands and guns its performance is outstanding. against the second stage. This second equipped with them should be marked stage is the one that releases the sear, as such. Normally, they are only found PROJECTS feeling much like a single-stage trigger. on shotguns used in competition. Installing an aftermarket trigger is If, at any point in its movement, the de- quick and easy, thanks to their drop-in cision to shoot is abandoned, the two- FACTORY TRIGGERS design and the clear instructions these stage trigger will return to its original Good triggers used to be reserved for companies provide. To illustrate the starting position when released. target guns or high-end hunting rifles. process, I upgraded two of my rifles, an Two-stage triggers can provide an Finding a good trigger on an average Izhevsk Armory-built Mosin-Nagant advantage in any competitive discipline factory rifle was hit or miss. But times rifle and a favourite deer rifle, a Rem- where the rules dictate a minimum have changed, and shooters are de- ington 700 chambered in 7mm-08. amount of force is needed to fire the manding good triggers even in entry- gun. For example, Olympic 10-metre level guns. In 2002, Savage introduced Mosin-Nagant The Mosin-Nagant air rules require a minimum their two-stage Accu-Trigger. It is a is an inexpensive military surplus trigger weight of 500 grams. If the gun user-adjustable trigger, adjustable from rifle that’s a hoot to shoot. Paired is equipped with a two-stage trigger, 1.5 to six pounds, that is safe even on with surplus military ammunition, I

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 25 This Mosin-Nagant rifle is fitted with a drop-in aftermarket trigger by Timney Triggers. On the outside, it looks like the original. But with its lighter trigger weight, minimal creep and over-travel, the Timney trigger is far superior to the original military version.

can ring steel without breaking the down to 1.5 pounds, depending on ammunition. Its trigger was good, bank. But the Mosin-Nagant trig- your shooting style. The trigger is a but not great. The stock needed to ger, like many military rifles of this huge improvement over the origi- go and while I was at it, I wanted a vintage, has creep and over-travel as nal 6.75-pound spongy trigger with better trigger, too. TriggerTech builds long as the Russian winter. I knew excessive creep and overtravel. This high-quality triggers made right here adding a new trigger to this old trigger assembly includes a trigger- in Canada and I was pleased with warhorse would improve its accu- blocking side safety, another upgrade their performance on another one of racy and my shooting satisfaction. bonus. Is it a competition gun after my Rem 700 varmint rifles. The trigger Turns out I was right. It took only 30 this trigger upgrade? No, but it’s was dead-simple to install with no minutes from start to finish to install certainly tightened my groups. modifications needed. The only tricky the new trigger and do some minor part about the TriggerTech install was inletting on the stock to accommo- Remington 700 Despite its factory trying to leave the bolt catch pin in date it. The Timney trigger came from trigger and plastic injection-molded place. Removing the rear pin too far the factory with a measured pull stock, my wife’s Remington 700 SPS causes the bolt catch to fall out, and weight of 2.75 pounds, with minimal rifle, chambered in 7mm-08, is reliable it’s a little tricky to reassemble. Other- creep and overtravel. Its pull weight and accurate. It constantly achieves wise, the installation involves driving is adjustable up to three pounds or sub-MOA accuracy with most factory out the two pins of the factory trigger

26 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Installing a TriggerTech trigger, a made-in-Canada, drop-in upgrade, is an easy way to enhance a Remington 700’s performance.

assembly and replacing them to hold TRIGGER QUALITY MATTERS accuracy. A light trigger with minimal the new trigger. The bolt release is fit- I guess you can say trying that first creep, a clean break and short over- ted to the bolt catch with small pliers Anschutz trigger spoiled me. Now travel gives the best opportunity for and the upgrade is complete. My wife every rifle I try gets judged on its trig- precision marksmanship. Think back appreciated the gift of this rifle in the ger, often before ever firing a round. to your best shooting experiences; are first place, and now with these up- Sure, most rifles are accurate, but it’s your favourite rifles those with good grades she gleefully takes this firearm the shooter’s ability to consistently triggers? I know mine sure are! out for practice and hunting whenever hit the target that matters, and that she can. comes from good marksmanship and With any trigger replacement proj- trigger control. An excellent trigger ect, always be sure to test the trigger doesn’t make a rifle inherently more for function and safety. These are easy accurate, but it makes it easier for For more information upgrade projects and well worth the shooters to achieve their best. Holding about the triggers used here see: effort involved. In the time you’ve taken a rifle on target throughout the shot Timney Triggers: www. to read this article, you probably could sequence, from trigger squeeze to lock timneytriggers.com have installed a new trigger on your time to bullet travel time in the bar- TriggerTech: www.triggertech.ca rifle. rel (shooter follow through) all affect

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 27 28 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Rifles completed by NAIT students.

RIFLE BUILDING 101 Inside a Canadian tech school’s gunsmithing program BY TIM FOWLER oyde Tober’s fully custom 6.5 uisites for the gunsmithing course are (GNSM 110), where students bed their L Creedmoor isn’t the only special machine shop I and II, or completion barrelled action to a stock or of project he’s been dreaming about. The of first-year machinist or millwright choice, make desired enhancements to gunsmithing program at the Northern apprenticeship. For students new to stocks, actions, bolts and attach optics. Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), machining, the pre-requisite work cov- The goal is to leave the program with a now in its third year of operation, has ers manual machining tool work and range-ready firearm, customized into been a dream of Tober’s for more than getting comfortable with the safe set up the participant’s dream rifle. a decade. He is the chair of the CNC and use of the lathe. Students practice NAIT’s machine shop has one of machinist program in the School of laying out work, cutting and precision the best-equipped teaching facili- Trades at NAIT, where he also teaches measuring on bar stock before moving ties for machinist training in Canada, his students to turn out perfectly tuned on to facing, rough and finish turning, and expanding the course offering to custom rifles. And if Tober gets his knurling, boring and grooving – all gunsmithing-related projects makes dream, the program will expand in the skills required for completion of the good use of the school’s equipment. future to offer gunsmith certification. gunsmithing course. All participants Lab-workshops are equipped with must hold a valid Firearms Possession precision measurement and manu- BASIC MACHINIST SKILLS FIRST and Acquisition License. facturing machines, from basic lathes Colonel Townsend Whelen said, "Only Once students demonstrate basic ma- to top-end CNC machines. This gives accurate rifles are interesting.” And chining skill, they proceed with three participants exposure to a variety of teaching students to produce interest- successive segments delivered through machining equipment and prepares ing rifles is the goal of the gunsmithing Continuing Education: firearm ac- them to do the work required on their program. curization (GNSM 105), where students project rifle. It also equips them for the “Low and slow, to do it right,” said To- put newly-acquired machining skills range of tools and machinery they may ber, about the operating philosophy of to work truing actions and aligning encounter once they leave the program. NAIT’s gunsmithing program. So, be- bolts; firearm barreling (GNSM 107), fore participants start in on expensive where a student’s custom barrel in the SECURITY IS PARAMOUNT actions, bolts and barrels, they acquire calibre of choice is turned, threaded, The Firearms Act and its associated manual machinist skills, as well as pro- chambered and fitted to the action; regulations apply to NAIT, just like any ficiency with the engine lathe. Pre-req- and, firearm customization basics gunsmithing or retail shop. NAIT’s

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 29 Jeweling a rifl e bolt as part of the NAIT gunsmith program.

legal, security and communications approve plans for secure gun storage at signed up for the gunsmithing program. teams all had a part to play in develop- every stage of the program, including Pawluk describes her project as a bush ing the policy and processes for the safe and controlled movement of fi re- gun based on the 223 Wylde chamber- gunsmithing program. Having fi re- arm actions and work in progress, from ing. While machining her dream project arms at a public institution’s campus storage to the shop and back again. gun will likely do little to build out her requires careful attention to safe access biology and psychology degrees, it may and egress, secure storage and licensed PICK YOUR (DREAM) PROJECT well help with her plans to be a CTS handling. Alberta’s chief fi rearms of- When Rachelia Pawluk found her- (career and technology studies) teacher fi cer engaged with NAIT to review and self with a year between degrees, she when she completes her education degree at the University of Alberta. For her rifl e, Pawluk chose an Alberta- made Jury barrel in medium contour, chambering it in 223 Wylde, which will allow her to use 223 Remington or 5.56 NATO cartridges interchangeably in the fi rearm. At completion of the project, Pawluk will have a tuned Model 700 ac- tion, 18-inch barrelled tack-driver in 223 Wylde, topped with a 3-18X scope, settled into a Hogue stock. She plans to Cerakote the works when the project is complete. “Shooting is like yoga, but with a quantifi able result downrange,” said Pawluk. Pawluk entered the pre-requisite machining courses with zero machin- Rifl es completed ing experience and found new skills by NAIT students. in threading, turning, grinding and cutting. The fi rst portion of her training was just getting comfortable with the use of machining tools and practic- ing on bar stock before progressing to the expensive parts: the bolt, action

30 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 For her rifle, Pawluk chose an Alberta-made Jury barrel in medium contour, chambering it in 223 Wylde.

and barrel. Pawluk was surprised by critical because students will encounter Everyone has their vision of the perfect the versatility of the lathe and says it a variety of different methods to attain rifle. Some want to build a rifle for a opened her mind to the understanding the same result. Tooling used at NAIT is niece or nephew, some just want to build that with the right tools, one can manu- still basic because participants may not a rifle from scratch. This is their oppor- facture almost anything. have the budget to buy sophisticated tunity. That’s a really nice aspect [of the Tober said, “We want to keep it simple tools. All of this happens under the course]. But no matter what the project, for students. Measurement is a huge part watchful eye of the instructor at a 12-to- part of our job is to make it safe.” of what we instruct. The majority of work one ratio of students to instructors. “The best way to spend a Saturday, in the classroom is spent on developing hands down. If I can’t be fishing or skills to work safely and accurately.” PROGRAM EXPANDING hunting, I love to be here because the Until now, projects have been limited students are fully engaged. They know SAFETY IS SUPREME to Remington Model 700 actions, but at the end of this they are going home “A gun is so simple,” said Pawluk. “But starting next session, Savage, Howa, with their project. And they are super firing a gun starts a controlled explo- Tikka and Sako actions will be made excited about [a rifle] that functions sion right next to your face. You don’t available for custom projects. Partici- extremely well,” said Tober. “Sometimes want that to go wrong. That’s why I took pants have the choice of bringing their a student will send me a picture of a such a long time to do things right.” own material for projects or accessing great target or there will be one in my Once participants learn the proper one of the discounted suppliers for ac- mailbox with a question, ‘How’s this?’” set-up and safe operation of the ma- tions, barrels and components, should If you are a firearm owner who has chines, they practice manufacturing they choose. Now there are more op- a safe full of rifles, you probably also parts to specifications. They start with tions than ever before, and more paths have the perfect rifle in mind – a dream diametres and lengths, then threads, to your dream rifle. rifle. Maybe next year is the time to and onto boring and counterboring Danny Busse, a gunsmith of 30 years make it a reality. NAIT has the tools, – always practice, practice. Exposing and current instructor in the course said, the instruction and the program to get students to multiple machine set ups is “It is interesting to see different ideas. your project on target.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 31 32 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 HIGH-VOLUME HANDLOADING A survival guide to winter reloading sessions BY ERIC R. PREVOST

ost precision and long-range rifle of powder is added before seating the M shooters will tell you that hand- projectile to the right depth. The differ- loading is one of the keys to consistent ence lies in the speed and simultaneous accuracy. Selecting a specific powder co-ordination of these activities. and bullet combination, and then team- A primary means of increasing ef- ing it up with carefully selected brass ficiency and speed during bulk reload- and primers, can significantly increase ing sessions is to reduce the number accuracy. of individual actions that have to be However, not everyone who hand- completed. For example, if you are loads is searching for one MOA groups loading each cartridge individually on at 500 yards. Some sport shooters, such a single-stage press, you would have to as those participating in action shoot- pick up each piece of brass, load it into ing events, are simply searching for a the press, deprime the brass, remove reliable round for their competition it and start the process all over again. or rifles. Others enjoy a weekly Simple enough for 50 pieces of brass; day at the range and are seeking a safe however, for hundreds or thousands, plinking round that fills their need for this 10-second activity can turn into volume shooting. For these shooters, hours. And that’s only for one part of handloading offers a significant finan- the process. The less the hands have to cial benefit, as it reduces their overall manipulate any part of the handloading ammunition cost. process, the more efficient the overall While people handload for differ- procedure will be. Which is why the key ent reasons, those who reload bulk to success in bulk reloading is to have amounts of ammunition have differ- the right press. While manufacturers ent challenges than those reloading a produce a variety of presses, high- few boxes of ammunition a year. Bulk volume handloaders need to focus their handloading does not have to be a dull, attention on progressive models that repetitious activity that fills time be- complete a number of tasks simultane- tween exciting visits to the range. With ously. a few tips and tricks, it’s possible to turn The famous Dillon 650, 1050 and other high-volume loading sessions into part brands and models of presses offer the of your enjoyment as a sport shooter. handloader an opportunity to complete multiple steps in the loading process TOOLS OF THE TRADE with a single pull of the press handle. In The process of handloading cartridges one stroke, these modern, progressive does not change as one enters the real- presses can deprime a case while simul- ity of loading large quantities of ammu- taneously adding powder to another, nition. Brass is still cleaned, deprimed seating a bullet in the next and apply- and resized. A new primer is inserted ing a crimp to the last case. With all of into the case and a precise measure these activities happening at the same

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 33 time, on multiple pieces of brass, these progressive presses can significantly increase a handloader’s production rate. Add additional features to these marvels of handloading efficiency, such as an automatic case feeder or bullet feeder, and the handloader can take even more steps out of the equation. But not all handloading time sav- ers come directly from the press. Sometimes the press can be a source of inefficiencies. Take the loading of primers into the press’s feed system, for example. Many presses require the handloader to use primer flip trays to orient primers for individual pick up by tubes that are ultimately used to refill the primer feed system. This tedious and time-consuming task can be expedited by simple tools such as the Frankford Arsenal Vibra-Prime, or the Dillon RF100 primer tube filler. The Frankford Arsenal tool is hand held and uses vibration to quickly fill primer feed tubes, while the Dillon simultaneously flips primers and loads primer tubes in less than half the time. But how much time do these ad- ditional features really save? As an example, take the simple task of placing a piece of brass onto the press. I timed this exercise several times to develop an average. From the time my right hand left the press, to the time I loaded a cartridge case onto the shell plate and placed my hand back onto the handle was approximately 2.5 seconds. Not a lot of time for one cartridge; however, for a handloader loading 12,000 rounds a year, this simple task adds approxi- mately eight hours of additional time over the course of that year. That kind of time saving quickly makes the invest- ment in a case feeder worthwhile.

QUALITY CONTROL Handloading can be a safe and enjoy- able hobby. But that doesn't mean there isn't some element of risk associated with the activity. There are numerous stories of handloading gone bad, with gruesome photos of personal injuries and damage to firearms. While horrific, these incidents are easily avoidable with attention to detail and careful planning. One of the most important elements Automated case feeders cut to handloading safety is to ensure that down on the individual actions you have the right components for the required and can increase load you are creating and have ref- production enough to be a worthwhile investment. erenced a reliable reloading manual for powder charge, bullet weight and

34 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Manually filling primer tubes can really slow down production. Automating this process is a significant time-saver. overall length requirements. A safety ensure that the press is delivering the also critically important to do random element that I’ve added to my own right powder charge, that each bullet powder charge checks. This can be done routine is the completion of a checklist is seated to the right depth and that right on the press with products such before every bulk reloading session. My primers and crimps are properly ap- as Dillon’s powder check system. This checklist requires that I note the specific plied. These first 10 rounds are critical system includes an easy set plunger, cartridge I am reloading, the right pow- to confirm the press is set up for the which activates an audible alarm if a der and projectiles, the correct prim- upcoming session. case has too little or too much powder. ers, that the press has the proper dies Ongoing quality control is a critical But it’s still important to complete addi- in place and that my reloading bench part of ensuring that your bulk hand- tional verifications at random intervals is clear of anything not necessary for loading session is delivering safe and to ensure that the powder checker is my work. By diligently completing the reliable rounds. One way of ensuring reporting correctly. Your smartphone’s checklist before every session, I don't ongoing quality is to set a timer to go off timer function is invaluable to making need to be worried that I’m forgetting at specific intervals. When it beeps, stop sure you are reminded of these impor- an important element. and take a sample of 20 freshly loaded tant quality and safety checks. The final part of my checklist involves cartridges and inspect them for any a detailed check of the press and a abnormalities. A case gauge is a great STAYING FOCUSED detailed review of the first 10 rounds tool for this check. The most important part of a long produced. I check each cartridge to In addition to external checks, it is reloading session is to stay on task, and

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 35 Good quality-control practices can ensure you don’t end up with careless mistakes.

maintain focus on your quality-assur- ance process. Problems and mistakes are made through a lack of attention. But let’s be honest, we live in an age of constant distractions, and for most of us the thought of pulling the handle on our reloading press hundreds of times over in a solitary room sounds as much fun as watching paint dry. One of the most important parts of being a productive handloader is creat- ing a place where you want to work. Don't banish your reloading activities to a dark corner of the basement, utility room, or garage. Take some time to de- velop a well-lit room, with a clean coat of paint and clean, warm flooring. Make your reloading space somewhere you are proud of, and where you want to spend your time. It’s simple: if you want to be in the room, you will spend time there and load more rounds. Now that you have a nice place to han- dload, keep the TV, computer and tablet out of view. While these devices provide hours of entertainment, they also provide hours of distraction. Remove the temptation to look up at the screen to catch the instant replay or check an incoming e-mail. These distractions can lead to dangerous mistakes. But don't take all the fun out of your Cartridge gauges are a quick bulk loading sessions. Make some room way to check if ammunition is for casual entertainment and back- properly dimensioned. ground noise. Having some form of

36 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 An automatic powder checker and a low-primer alerting device both add elements of quality control right at the press.

sound system allows me to listen to my keep these tools close at hand. opportunity to shoot more because of favourite music or podcasts. Again, the Having to search through cabinets, the cost savings afforded by bulk han- point is to create an environment that shelves and toolboxes for your caliper, dloading can’t be ignored. Cost savings you enjoy being in, while reducing dis- fresh batteries or primer flip trays will will vary based on the number of bulk tractions that could impact the quality only add frustration and added ineffi- components purchased, and the variable and safety of the loaded ammunition. ciencies to your loading session. Again, costs of these powders, bullets and prim- Lastly, it is also important to have all a checklist of your important equipment ers. A variety of cost-calculating tools on the tools, accessories and other items will help to ensure that nothing has the web can help you decide how much critical to your handloading session been overlooked. value you are getting out of your bulk well organized and within reach. Ad- handloading, but one thing holds true: ditionally, having the right tools at MAKING CENTS OF IT ALL the more you load, the more you save. hand for routine adjustments of dies, Handloading, for many, is part of the Whatever your reason is for hand- or emergency repairs of your press, will overall enjoyment of being a sport loading, taking extra care to make sure also serve to increase your efficiency. shooter. While significant personal your high-volume loading sessions are Many manufacturers, such as Dillon, satisfaction comes from winning a match enjoyable, safe and productive will give have excellent tool kits and holders that with ammunition you have created, the you even more time on the range.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 37 38 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 HANDLOADING

How a carefulBY touch canFEEL detect potential trouble BY BOB SHELL

here’s a lot of advice available bullet, while the case body is squeezed die. That’s a serious situation and you’ll T about how to handload ammuni- down a bit to enable chambering. Most need a stuck case remover and some tion properly, but not much of it in- dies deprime the case at the same time. effort to remove it. cludes information on the importance The entire operation involves some If you’re working with military cases, of feel when making ammunition. After resistance, and the amount depends especially of foreign manufacture, all, it’s never possible to see what is on the size and brand of the case and make sure that the primers are of the going on inside a reloading die, so we the type of lubricant used (of course, if boxer type. Trying to decap a Berdan- have to depend on feel for many of the you’re using tungsten carbide dies, no type primer, which has no centrally functions we perform. At least, we do lube is required). located flash hole, with a conventional until someone starts making transpar- The resistance required to perform all die will result in the die’s decapping ent dies. But once you learn how to feel of this resizing and depriming should assembly getting bent and breaking the your way through some handloading always be mentally logged for future decapping pin. Again, if you’re paying steps, ammunition production will be reference. Ideally, this resistance will be attention as the case enters the sizing safer, and you’ll produce a higher qual- the same for all of the cases in a given die, you can feel the sudden resistance ity product. Everyone that handloads batch. If it’s too easy, you might have before damage occurs. This is just an- has methods which work for them but a split case or even allowed a com- other place where feeling your way will incorporating feel into the process will pletely incorrect case to slip in. If you result in less headaches. benefit all. encounter sudden excessive resistance Be aware that some brands of car- during sizing, you may have forgotten tridge cases are more difficult to size SIZING & DEPRIMING to lube the case. Catch that error soon than others, due to their construction Normally, after inspecting and clean- enough and you can usually reverse being thicker and harder. Therefore, if ing brass, sizing and decapping is the the case from the die. But if you ignore you are mixing brands, this might ac- first operation. Sizing reduces the case the extra resistance and force it, you’ll count for some of the difference you’re neck down to the correct size to hold a quickly have a cartridge case stuck in a feeling. Also, previous loadings which

Many handloaders prefer hand-operated priming tools, as it provides a better feel for the task.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 39 were too hot or chambers which are oversized can cause excessive effort in the resizing operation. If you feel some- thing unusual, always investigate the cause before proceeding further. On the other hand, super light loads don’t usually require much sizing, as there isn’t enough pressure to expand the neck or body. For example, I use a load of five grains of Red Dot with a cast lead 86 or 100-grain bullet in the 30-06. The load sounds like a 22 RF, with no recoil, and is good out to 25 yards on edible small game. But the point is that sizing isn’t even required, so I just use a decapper and put in a new primer. For such loads, old military or tired brass works fine, saving the newer brass for more serious work.

PRIMING After sizing, priming is usually the next step. Seating a primer generates a little resistance, which is as it should be. But if the primer is difficult to seat, there may be a couple of reasons. First, Too much force the pocket might have some residue was used to seat that needs to be cleaned out. Second, this primer, and it’s military cases frequently have a crimp obviously crushed. in the pocket that needs to be removed. I use a reamer for that task, as I do a lot Rifle primers (on of military cases for various projects. the right) can be There is a primer pocket expander/ taller than pistol primers, so always swage available, but I personally don’t use the correct care for it. I’ve encountered some primers for the brands of foreign cases with pockets cartridge. that are too small or shallow to easily seat a primer. I either avoid them or slightly ream out the pocket. You can decide if such cases are worth the effort to work with. If you use too much force to seat a primer, be aware that crushing it can adversely affect the performance of the ammunition. Whenever primers insert too eas- ily into an empty pocket, you should consider discarding the case. It’s a sign that particular case has reached the end of its useful life. If you shoot maximum loads, this sign will manifest itself much sooner than if you shoot mild loads. A little-known fact is that rifle prim- ers are often taller than handgun primers. Most brass makes allowances for this. So, if the primers don’t feel right, it may be that you are using the wrong primers. If you put rifle primers in a handgun case, they may stick out a bit. And if you attempt to force them in, that may damage the primer. On the other hand, putting a handgun primer in a rifle case may be too easy and the

40 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Always pay attention to the effort required to seat bullets. A sudden variation indicates a difference in neck tension that can ruin accuracy.

primer may sit too deep in the case. loose fitting of the bullet. true when working with small calibres. Keep in mind that a rifle primer has a Again, feel will indicate a problem, and thicker cup because of the rifle’s higher CRIMPING in this instance the neck will have to be pressure and burns hotter because of If you are crimping the bullets in place thinned in order to have good ammu- the need to ignite more powder. after seating, feeling your way through nition. Another sign of thick necks is that process is vital too. Once you get that they may be difficult to chamber BULLET SEATING used to how much effort is required to in a rifle. The remedy is to ream out the Seating the bullet is also done by feel. place the crimp, you’ll quickly pick up inside of the neck or turn it down from You will notice some resistance, but on anything that is too light or heavy. the outside. Sometimes I make 219 Zip- that is normal. Always chamfer the Again, always stop to investigate. You per cases from 30-30 Win. brass. First, I inside of the case mouth, as this makes might find cases which vary consider- size the brass in a 30-30 die, then after seating easier and more consistent. If ably in length; too short and no crimp I size in a 25-35 die, and then I ream it the bullet seats too easily, you might is applied, too long and the case can and trim to length. Finally, it gets sized have a split neck. Another possibility even buckle under the force. However, in the 219 Zipper die, and I get good is the brass at the neck is too thin. I as you learn to feel your way along, cases without thick necks. Remember, have used one brand of brass for the problems can be avoided. You can feel when you neck down cases, the brass 8x57mm cartridge which has necks that the case crimping into the bullet and, has to go somewhere, hence the need are too thin, and as a result the bullets with experience, you can tell if the to thin necks. If you neck down only a aren’t held tightly enough. This will crimp is OK or not. small step, chances are you don’t need cause inconsistent velocities, among to thin the necks, but check them out other problems, including bullets set- CUSTOM PROCESSES anyway. ting back deeper into the cases. I size If you do any work with wildcat car- There you have it, a short summary of those necks in a .318-inch die, which tridges, or create unavailable cartridge some handloading processes for which helps, but normally I will buy another cases from common ones, learning you need to develop a feel. Paying at- brand of brass to avoid that headache. to feel your way through some of this tention to what you feel on the handle Another workaround is to size the neck work is also important. For example, of a reloading press is important when again, after removing the decapping necking down cases to a smaller diame- loading ammunition. Making quality assembly. tre will invariably cause the neck of the ammunition has enough challenges, And never dismiss the possibility that cartridge case to thicken. Frequently so anything that you can do to give the bullets might be slightly undersize. bullets are difficult to seat, and the yourself an edge is always good. Until It’s not common, but it can happen. extra resistance should be a sign that we get those transparent handloading Also, the expander plug on the decap- excess pressures can result when using dies, feeling is a great tool to have at ping stem might be too large, causing such ammunition. This is especially the reloading bench.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 41 42 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 Teaching proper gun cleaning is an important part of learning about firearms. WINTER MAINTENANCE End-of-season gun care BY JEFF HELSDON

ifty years ago, gun care was And if the cleaning process is going to creating that matte finish. Although F straight forward, and swabbing involve solvents, use rubber gloves and the appearance is different, the care is the barrel with a solvent like Hoppe’s safety glasses. Consider that if the sol- the same. The actual process for bluing #9 was a part of the cleaning regimen. vent is meant to dissolve gunpowder, varies slightly from manufacturer to Additionally, all guns were blued and copper fouling and/or plastic, it might manufacturer, but the one constant for wiping a gun down with an oily cloth not be good for your skin. And, it’s so care is a light coat of oil or a modern was a given after every use. easy to splash into your eyes. synthetic protective that should be ap- Today, there are many different kinds plied after every use to keep rust at bay. of finishes on gun metal, and it isn’t MODERN METAL FINISHES Camouflage finishes are popular for nearly as clear how to care for them. The blued guns of yesteryear have a today’s shotguns. While application But before looking at care and rust shinier look than the deep black, matte methods vary, as does water resistance, prevention, it’s important to under- finish on guns of today. That differ- most camouflage is a wrap placed over stand the difference between the vari- ence results from how the surface is the base metal. But don’t be fooled by ous gun finishes. prepared prior to bluing. Instead of the manufacturer claims of water resistance First, before cleaning any gun, re- metal surface being polished prior to – a light oil finish is often needed to keep member to ensure that it is unloaded. bluing, todays guns are more likely to rust away. Still, refer to the manufactur- Check both the chamber and magazine. have been blasted with abrasives, thus er’s instructions for particular guns.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 43 New pull-through options like Swab-Its or Hoppe’s Bore Snakes are handy for cleaning while at the range or hunt camp.

Stainless steel is a common material applies more Cerakote than anyone THE BORE of choice for extra weather resistance, else in Canada. “Generally, a shot of Although there are some differences and it does offer an extra level of cor- compressed air beforehand helps to in bore materials, such as chrome- rosion resistance. However, wiping it dislodge any dirt or dust that has built lined barrels, cleaning bores is similar down with a rust preventer is always up on the surface.” if you’re using modern, non-corrosive a good idea. This is because stainless As you can see, except for Cerakote, ammunition. With both rifles and shot- steel is rust resistant, not rust proof. gun oil and/or cleaning solutions are guns, the traditional method is to use Cerakote is another common finish, universal. Vista Outdoors manufactures patches pushed through the bore with being a baked-on ceramic paint. It’s Hoppe’s, Outers and M-Pro 7 gun-care a cleaning rod. If the gun is particu- durable enough on its own to keep rust products, and their communications larly dirty, a copper brush attachment off firearms, and oil is not necessary. manager, Kristen Veverka, explained, soaked in a solution can get things “Care for Cerakote is very simple. “Most cleaning solutions are designed loosened up first. Follow that up with We recommend using a damp cloth to for use on any of today’s finishes. Just more patches as required, and then ap- wipe down the surface,” said Anthony double-check manufacturer’s recom- ply a protective patch that leaves a film Bujak of MDT, a BC company which mendations prior to application.” of oil, or a modern, synthetic protectant

44 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 While metal finishes vary, all need some type of maintenance.

in the bore. And remember that any signed to dissolve the plastic is recom- Shane O’Connell, service manager at porting on a barrel should be scrubbed mended. But remember that while oil is Stoeger Canada, said if a gun has been as well. a necessity, more is not better. Too much submerged or soaked by rain or snow, No matter what product is used, oil can cause problems in actions and a complete disassembly is the best whenever possible, clean from the barrels, as it may attract dirt and dust. remedy. This varies from gun to gun, chamber end of the barrel, pushing but removing the barrel and choke tube debris out the muzzle. Visually inspect DEALING WITH A WET GUN is the first step with shotguns. Drying, the barrel between steps for cleanli- Hunting in the rain can be productive, cleaning and lubing of both the barrel ness and watch the patches to see how but it can be hard on firearms. and choke tube should follow. much powder or copper fouling is com- “Water is the mortal enemy of fire- With either a rifle or shotgun, the bolt ing out. Hunters who use sabot slugs arms,” Veverka said. “A thorough wipe should then be removed. After drying, should consider an extra step after a lot down with an oil-coated rag or cleaning cleaning and lubing of the bolt, com- of shooting, as the plastic sleeves that cloth with a rust inhibitor is recom- plete the same for the receiver. Then, if house the sabot can leave a residue in mended, as well as oil application to water can be seen in the trigger assem- the rifling. A solvent specifically de- any parts that got wet.” bly, remove it, then lube according to

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 45 Threaded parts, such as shotgun choke tubes or muzzleloader breech plugs, need extra attention to ensure they don’t become seized in place.

Firearm components coated with Cerakote require little more maintenance than an occasional wipe with a rag.

46 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 the manufacturer’s instructions. Always periodically and checked for any rust pay attention to how the gun was taken and wiped down,” Veverka said. “Also, apart so the process can be reversed for prior to storage, they should be cleaned reassembly. and maintained to the manufacturer’s O’Connell cautioned one area that recommended guidelines to avoid any is often overlooked is the recoil pad. metal deterioration.” It should be removed both to allow Gun care isn’t complicated, and drying of any recoil reduction systems with a few simple steps your guns will in the stock, such as ’s Kick-Off, become family heirlooms that can be and the pad itself. passed down to future generations. “If put away damp or wet, the pads And, really it hasn’t changed that much will begin to degrade over time and in 50 years, becoming easier if any- you may be met with an unpleasant thing. surprise come next season/hunt,” he said. DISASSEMBLY CHOKE TUBE CARE If the ability to take a gun Choke tubes need more care than just apart is standing in the way of running a swab through for cleaning proper maintenance, perhaps while they are installed in the barrel. it’s time for gun owner’s school. Tubes should be removed occasion- While disassembly might ally, threads cleaned and a choke tube seem intimidating, I believe grease applied to the threads before manufacturers are now designing reinserting. Ignoring this step can guns for easier disassembly. And cause huge issues if the tube rusts in the first place to learn disassembly the barrel. Removing it might become a should be the owner’s manual. After a recent hunt in the rain, challenge, or even not possible. my Beretta A-400 Xtreme was SCOPE CARE wet enough that I saw drops of water throughout the action. I had In most cases, the scope that sits on the often taken the forearm apart and top of the gun is the same black colour cleaned the gas port, but I had as the receiver under it. A natural as- never removed the trigger group sumption while oiling the receiver is and bolt. With the experience of the same treatment should be applied having performed this task on to the scope. But, not so fast. a pump previously, I used the “You don't really want to get any oil instruction manual as my guide and on the scope,” said Jacob Edson, com- completed it. Also widely available munications manager for Bushnell. “For are Internet videos detailing this the lenses, use a good glass cleaner and process. Some manufacturers even microfibre cloth. A soft lens brush can have them on their website. be a godsend in brush country. Most Besides either video or paper scope tubes are aluminum or magne- instructions, a few tools are needed sium, so you can just wipe them with a for the job. With some guns, this clean, wet cloth. Or, use that same lens might include screwdrivers, and for cleaner.” For this, pre-packaged lens many shotguns a punch is needed wipes are handy, both at home and in to knock out the pins holding in hunt camp. the trigger group. When using screwdrivers, be careful not to DON’T FORGET mar the finish or the screw heads. Just because you brought your gun Quality, hollow-ground screwdrivers home and went through the routine will make the work easier, as will a maintenance steps, the task of gun care set of gunsmith punches. You may shouldn’t be set aside until next season. also want to consider investing in a If guns are stored in a basement for gun vise, as holding a gun in order instance, ensure there is a dehumidi- to work on it can be a challenge. fier to keep dampness in check. Even if O’Connell suggested a thorough, the firearms are stored on a main floor, professional cleaning might be in the humidity in a home can change as order at the end of the season, but environmental conditions change. he prefers to do this himself. “Firearms that are in storage should “Personally, I have a hard time be monitored regularly. Environmen- paying $75 to $100 for someone tal conditions can change if windows to clean my gun, when I can do it myself for $10 in cleaning supplies in a house are open, or it rains and that will last the year and take five the humidity changes within a resi- to 10 minutes of my time,” he said. dence. Firearms should be taken out

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 47 Team NFA By Megan Tandy Special Luggage flown with my rifle, 95 per cent have Megan Tandy is gone smoothly. But, of course, it is the one of Canada’s rare occasions where things don’t go as top biathletes. planned that are the most memorable. My single worst travel experience was in Czech Republic. I had received a temporary rifle permit from Biathlon Canada, written in Czech of course, and was travelling from the international airport in Prague a few days earlier than the team with my four-year-old son. As it turns out, the specially issued rifle permit was only valid for a given number of days before and after the World Cup in question. So, travelling two days early meant that as far as the police at the airport were concerned, I had illegally brought a firearm over the Czech border without valid documents. Over the course of about two hours, many stressed phone calls and visits from multiple police officers, I was finally allowed to board the plane with my rifle, and a nearly $2,000 fine. My son and I were kept in a small, locked waiting cell with limited opportunity to explain the circumstances to the of- ficers. It was such a distressing experi- ence that I haven’t flown from Prague hen your luggage always tell you what you don’t do: Leave your with my rifle since. W includes a firearm, travel days suitcase alone while you run back down Even the best-organized systems tend to be interesting. My first interna- the stairs, through the passageway and don’t always work flawlessly. Germany tional trip as a biathlete was to Maine, up the stairs on the other side to collect has very clear rules for travelling with US, in 2006 as a member of the Cana- the luggage you left behind. I had left firearms. Often firearm import forms dian Junior National Team. Since then my rifle and ski bag with some friendly are faxed to the airport where athletes I have travelled to over 20 countries English-speaking strangers and was are expected to arrive, and we assume with my rifle and collected more than relieved to find them waiting for me that the necessary documentation will a few experiences along the way. While just as I had left them. The problem was be waiting for us at the airport. Just there have been several stressful travel on the other side. As I approached my last season, when our Canadian team moments, I am happy to report that I al- suitcase, with rifle and ski bag in tow, arrived at the airport in Munich, Ger- ways ended up with my own rifle on my I saw two policemen and a security many, en route to IBU Cup 1, only seven back for every race I have ever started. guard standing around my suitcase. It of the 10 athletes had rifle permits My first travel trouble was as a junior. seemed that the “weapon” and “am- waiting for them at customs. Since they I was 19 years old and decided to ex- munition” stickers from the airport had had arrived on a Sunday, no one at the tend a team training camp in Germany gotten their attention. Needless to say, airport was able to look into the missing by a few days in order to have a custom I missed my train connection and sat in permits, and they were forced to make stock made for my rifle. It was a great the small, cold train station office for 45 the nearly seven-hour round trip back experience, until I realized there were minutes trying to decipher from their to Munich on Monday to pick up their three connections on my train ride phone calls whether I was going to jail. rifles. As it turned out, the three missing to the airport for my trip home. Tight In the end, it wasn’t that dramatic. Two permits had simply been faxed to the connections in foreign countries are new police officers arrived, checked my customs centre at the wrong terminal of stressful enough, but what do you do rifle and paperwork and even escorted the airport. when you are travelling alone with a me to my next train. Luckily, I still made Naturally, every country has differ- rifle case, a ski bag loaded with 15 pairs my flight home to Canada on time. ent firearm regulations, which range of skis and a large suitcase? Well I can Out of the hundreds of times I have from easy-going Norway, where you

48 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 When your storms stopped all the flights into BC, luggage always and my rifle spent seven days in a lug- includes a gage heap at Vancouver International firearm, travel Airport. I finally sought the help of our days tend to be MLA, who had someone in Vancouver interesting. sort through the luggage to find my rifle in time to prepare for World Junior Championships that were happening just 10 days later. Race locations where the rifles are kept securely can also be challenging. Generally, the process of arriving and leaving is much more controlled and time consuming – but really, that’s just par for the course. The hardest part for me is not being able to dry-fire when I want to. A wet training day also means that athletes need to clean their rifles in the rifle storage room immediately after training. Usually a space is provided with shooting mats somewhere near the storage area for rifle maintenance and dry-firing, but it can get pretty crowded considering there are over 200 athletes at every event. During the PyeongChang Olympics last February, Megan’s gun case can the race site was a 15-minute jog from hold more than her , so she our accommodation. takes advantage of Most days our morning workout the extra space when consisted of a run up to the race site, travelling. dry-firing and then running back to the Athletes’ Village. This meant that when we went training in the evening, we were ready to shoot and could avoid the general chaos of the overheated rifle room. Our ammunition was stored separately and was only accessed by our coaches, who had to sign ammunition in and out for every training session, as well as record the exact number of bul- lets shot. Most of our shooting sessions ended with our coach saying something like, ‘’I have seven more bullets. Who is simply fill out a form with the address the airport. On some occasions, rifles going to shoot them, so I can record an of your accommodation and type of rifle and serial numbers are checked at the even number of shots today?’’ Security at customs, to countries like the US, airport before they are transported to scanners at the village entrance assured and South Korea where detailed a secure rifle room with lockers at the that no ammunition could be inadver- applications need to be made weeks in race site. On other occasions, we just tently brought into the Athletes’ Village. advance. Not only that, but once you ar- have to trust the system and don’t see Travelling with special luggage is rive you need to know the local regula- our rifles or ammunition until we arrive never boring. Over the years, I have tions as well. at the race site for training the next day. learned that the most important things Russia and South Korea are the two In general, this works out all right, but I are to personally have copies of your countries where my rifle has been most always find it nerve-racking to be trav- rifle documentation and permits when- strictly controlled. I have raced in both elling without a copy of my own docu- ever possible, show up at the airport countries several times between 2009 ments and it is always a relief when I extra early, keep a cool head and, as and 2018 and the routine is always the see my rifle safe and sound again. always, be polite and patient with the same. We get issued a temporary rifle There always seems to be a few ath- airline staff and customs agents. Most import document for the duration of the letes with trouble, including my team- trips I feel like I am better informed race week. Usually we don’t even get a mate Julia Ransom, whose rifle went about airline firearm policies than the copy of the document – it is arranged missing for the first three days of train- staff in charge of checking me in – but by the World Cup organizing commit- ing during the Olympics in South Korea never underestimate the power of a tee and there is someone with a hard last winter. My rifle has only really gone friendly Canadian attitude, it can go a TOP: NOEL ROGERS TOP: copy of the list waiting to receive us at missing once. In December 2008, snow long way.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 49 Legal Corner Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

Carrying A Firearm In A Wilderness Area

Carrying a concealed firearm, even a non-restricted shotgun for bear defence, is a criminal offence./Porter une arme dissimulée sur sa personne, y compris un fusil pour se protéger contre les ours, constitue une infraction criminelle.

any of us will, at one time or legislation. Also, discharge of a firearm season or hours, may give rise to M another, feel the desire to carry may be prohibited in certain areas, a presumption of poaching, under a firearm when spending time in a under federal, provincial or municipal applicable provincial legislation3. wilderness area, usually due to the legislation. This may apply to urbanized However, these presumptions are presence of bears, wolves or other areas, to the perimeter of an airfield, usually rebuttable, which means predators. to roadways, or to other infrastructure. that a person charged with poaching However, before taking a firearm into This also entails that it is illegal to carry in such circumstances may prove a wilderness area, it is preferable to a loaded firearm in such areas. Indeed, that he had another valid reason for ensure that it is legal to do so. Many federal regulations2 provide as follows: being in possession of a firearm in a considerations apply, including those “15. An individual may load a wilderness area. To be successful, the related to the type of firearm, and the firearm or handle a loaded firearm circumstances must reasonably support location where you intend to take such only in a place where the firearm may the justification. Hence, it is advisable to firearm. be discharged in accordance with all be cautious. applicable Acts of Parliament and of the Finally, the firearm may not be CARRYING A NON-RESTRICTED legislature of a province, regulations concealed. Carrying a concealed firearm, FIREARM (SHOTGUN OR RIFLE) made under such Acts, and municipal even for self-defense4, is a criminal At the outset, I wish to point out by-laws.” offence5. Thus, the firearm must be that Nova Scotia1, and potentially Further, Section 86 of the Criminal visible at all times. Except for the other provinces, prohibit carrying a Code makes it a criminal offence to aforementioned reservations, carrying firearm in a wilderness area, except infringe that rule. a non-restricted firearm (shotgun or in the course of a legal hunting or In other instances, mere possession rifle) to defend against predators is not trapping activity. It is thus paramount of a loaded firearm in a wilderness problematic, so long as the individual to look into the applicable provincial area, outside of an authorized hunting doing so is properly licensed.

50 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 CARRYING A HANDGUN in wilderness areas. The applicant danger from one or more other Many of us would prefer to carry a must prove that the use of a firearm individuals; handgun as a defensive weapon against is required for protection against wild (b) police protection is not sufficient predators. Although this option does animals. Once that demonstration is in the circumstances; and indeed exist, it is extremely limited in made, the individual may be authorized (c) the possession of a restricted its scope and application. to carry a handgun for that purpose. firearm or prohibited handgun As a rule, handguns and other The third category, (c), is meant for can reasonably be justified for restricted firearms can only be trappers who carry out their trade in protecting the individual or other possessed and used in accordance accordance with applicable provincial individuals from death or grievous with and at locations authorized by legislation. In that instance, the purpose bodily harm.” applicable legislation. Any infringement of the ATC is to allow them to dispatch Those three conditions must all be is a criminal infraction6. To be allowed quarry that is caught in a trap, but still met simultaneously12. On their face, to use, or even possess, a handgun in a alive. Such an ATC is not meant for they apply more to the urban jungle wilderness area, one must apply for and personal protection, although nothing than to wilderness areas. Indeed, they obtain an authorization to carry (ATC). would preclude a trapper from applying refer to protection against dangerous Applications are handled through and for an ATC under both (b) and (c). persons, as opposed to wildlife. issued by the provincial Chief Firearms In all instances, the Chief Firearms Nevertheless, Section 20 of the Officer. The Firearms Act provides for Officer may refuse the ATC for a “good Firearms Act appears to be broad two instances where an ATC may be and valid reason.10” However, the enough to allow for the issuance of issued: i) the protection of life, or ii) in discretion of the Chief Firearms Officer ATCs in other circumstances. If that connection with a lawful profession is not absolute; a refusal must be for interpretation is indeed correct, the or occupation7. The Firearms Act grants reasons rooted in public safety. Indeed, applicant would have to demonstrate, the Governor in Council the power per the Supreme Court of Canada: to the satisfaction of the Chief Firearms to prescribe, through regulations, the “The courts will interpret the words Officer, that carrying a handgun for the circumstances in which an individual “good and sufficient reason” in and in protection of his life is indeed required, needs a handgun for those purposes8. line with the public safety purpose of as opposed to merely desirable. That power has been partially the Act, ensuring that the exercise of Given that, at the present time, only used through the enactment of the discretion by the Chief Firearms Officer two ATCs are in effect in Canada for Authorizations to Carry Restricted Firearms and the Registrar is always wed to that the protection of life, Chief Firearms and Certain Handguns Regulations9 (the purpose11.” Officers will likely reject the majority of regulations). Although the regulations do not such applications. However, in theory, expressly provide for it, Section 20 circumstances such as the presence of LAWFUL PROFESSION OR OCCUPATION of the Firearms Act is broad enough grizzlies or other predators could be The regulations provide for three sets to allow for the issuance of ATCs conducive to the issuance of an ATC of circumstances in which individuals in connection with other lawful for protection against wildlife, in a may be authorized to carry a restricted professions or occupations. However, in non-professional context. That being firearm in connection with a lawful all such other instances, the applicant said, I do not know of any successful occupation or profession: will have to demonstrate a need to carry application. (a) the individual’s principal activity a handgun, and the discretion of the is the handling, transportation Chief Firearms Officer will extend to or protection of cash, negotiable the subjective appreciation of that need. instruments or other goods of A final word of caution: ATCs issued substantial value, and firearms in connection with a lawful profession References are required for the purpose of or occupation are extremely restrictive. 1N.S. Firearm and Bow Regulations, protecting his or her life or the lives They only avail in the context of the s. 8(1) of other individuals in the course activities related to that profession or 2S. 15 of Storage, Display, of that handling, transportation or occupation, both from a location and Transportation and Handling of protection activity; time perspective. In other words, they Firearms by Individuals Regulations (b) The individual is working in are not ATCs at large, but are specific to (SOR/98-209) a remote wilderness area and certain professional activities. Failure to 3An example is s. 30.3 of the Act firearms are required for the observe those restrictions may lead to respecting the conservation and protection of the life of that criminal charges. development of wildlife, RSQ, c. C-61.1 individual or of other individuals 4R. v. Kerr, (2003) 12 C.R. (6th) 308 from wild animals; or THE PROTECTION OF LIFE 5S. 90 of the Criminal Code. (c) The individual is engaged in The regulations only expressly provide 6S. 93 of the Criminal Code. the occupation of trapping in for one instance where an ATC may be 7S. 20 of the Firearms Act. a province and is licensed or issued for the protection of life: 8S. 117 (c) of the Firearms Act. authorized and trained as required “2. For the purpose of Section 20 of 9SOR/98-207 by the laws of the province. the Act, the circumstances in which an 10S. 68 of the Firearms Act. The first category, (a), is not relevant to individual needs restricted firearms or 11Re ; Firearms Act, (2000) 1 SCR this article. prohibited handguns to protect the life 494, at paragraph 37 The second category, (b), is available to of that individual or of other individuals 12Association canadienne pour la geologists, prospectors, wilderness tour are where légitime défense c. Ministère de la guides and other individuals working (a) the life of that individual, or sécurité publique (Québec) 2012 other individuals, is in imminent QCCAI 199

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 51 Rubrique Juridique Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

Le Port D’armes à Feu en Région Sauvage gouvernement interdisent de décharger une arme à feu dans certaines zones. Il peut s’agir de zones urbaines, des abords d’un aéroport, de routes ou d’autres infrastructures. Or, la réglementation fédérale interdit la possession d’une arme à feu chargée, dans de telles zones: « 15 Le particulier ne peut charger une arme à feu ou manier une arme à feu chargée qu'à un endroit où il est permis de tirer au moyen de l'arme à feu selon les lois et règlements fédéraux et provinciaux et les règlements municipaux applicables. » Par ailleurs, l’article 86 (2) du Code criminel édicte qu’une contravention à cette règle est une infraction criminelle. Dans d’autres cas, la simple possession d’une arme à feu chargée, en région sauvage, en dehors des périodes ou des heures de chasse autorisées peut donner lieu à une présomption de braconnage, en vertu de la loi provinciale. Ces présomptions peuvent généralement être repoussées, c'est-à-dire que dans le cadre d’une accusation, la preuve peut généralement être faite, en défense, que le possesseur de l’arme à feu n’entendait pas s’adonner au braconnage. Encore faut-il que les faits soient compatibles avec un but autre que le braconnage. En conséquence, Many of us will have a desire to carry a firearm des précautions s’imposent. when spending time in a wilderness area, Par ailleurs, l’arme à feu ne peut être usually due to the presence of large predators./ dissimulée. Le fait de porter une arme Plusieurs d’entre nous ressentent le besoin de dissimulée sur sa personne, même à porter une arme à feu lors d’un séjour en région des fins de légitime défense, constitue sauvage, en raison des risques associés à la présence des grands prédateurs. une infraction criminelle. Elle doit donc être visible. Hormis ces réserves, le port d’une arme à feu sans restrictions (carabine lusieurs d’entre nous ressentent le PORT D’UNE ARME À FEU SANS RESTRICTION ou fusil), à des fins de protection contre P besoin de porter une arme à feu lors (CARABINE OU FUSIL) les prédateurs, ne semble pas causer d’un séjour en région sauvage, en raison D’emblée il est important de noter que problème, dans la mesure où son des risques associés à la présence des certaines provinces, dont la Nouvelle- détenteur détient une permis d’armes à ours, loups et autres prédateurs. Toutefois, Écosse, interdisent la possession d’une feu de la classe appropriée. avant de partir en forêt avec une arme arme à feu en région sauvage, sauf à feu, il est grandement préférable de dans le cadre d’une activité légale de PORT D’UNE ARME DE POING s’assurer de la légalité du geste que vous chasse ou de piégeage. Il importe donc Plusieurs personnes, préféreraient, vous apprêtez à poser. Plusieurs facteurs de vérifier la réglementation locale de pour des raisons d’encombrement entrent en jeu, dont le type d’arme à feu, votre province de résidence. moindre, porter une arme de poing, à et l’endroit où vous comptez aller. Par ailleurs, les différents paliers de des fins de légitime défense contre les

52 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 prédateurs. Cette option existe, mais de exemple, les prospecteurs, géologues, spatial. Autrement dit, il n’ s’agit façon extrêmement restrictive. guides d’excursions touristiques et pas d’autorisations de port d’arme En matière d’armes à feu à autres personnes travaillant en régions généralisées, mais spécifiques à autorisation restreinte et prohibées, la sauvages. Dans ce cas, la démonstration l’exercice de la profession. Toute règle est en effet que leur possession doit être faite par la personne qui dérogation à ce cadre est susceptible et leur usage n’est autorisé que dans en fait la demande que l’utilisation d’entraîner une infraction criminelle. la mesure et aux endroits prévus par la d’une arme à feu est nécessaire pour loi. Toute dérogation est une infraction la protection contre des animaux POUR LA PROTECTION DE LA VIE criminelle. Pour pouvoir posséder, sauvages. Une fois cette démonstration Le Règlement ne prévoit qu’une seule voire porter une arme de poing en faite, l’individu en question peut-être série de circonstances où le besoin de région sauvage, une « autorisation autorisé à porter une arme de poing à porter une arme à feu à autorisation de port d’arme » en bonne et due cette fin. restreinte est reconnu aux fins de forme doit être demandée et obtenue La troisième catégorie (c) vise les protection de la vie: du Contrôleur des armes à feu de la trappeurs de profession, exerçant leur « Pour l’application de l’article 20 de la province de résidence de la personne activité de piégeage conformément aux Loi, un particulier a besoin d’une arme concernée. La Loi sur les armes à feu lois provinciales applicables. Dans ce à feu à autorisation restreinte ou d’une prévoit que de telles autorisations de cas, l’utilisation d’une arme de poing arme de poing prohibée pour protéger port d’arme peuvent être obtenues est aux fins d’abattage des bêtes prises sa vie ou celle d’autrui lorsque les pour deux motifs, soit : dans le dans les pièges et non à des fins de conditions suivantes sont respectées : cadre d’une activité professionnelle protection personnelle, bien qu’en a) une ou plusieurs personnes mettent légale, ou pour la protection de la théorie, un trappeur pourrait demander en danger, de façon imminente, sa vie. La Loi sur les armes à feu donne une autorisation de port d’arme, tant en vie ou celle d’autrui; au gouvernement le pouvoir de vertu de (b) que de (c). b) la protection de la police n’est pas définir, par règlement, dans quelles Dans chacun des cas, le Contrôleur suffisante dans les circonstances; circonstances le port d’une arme de des armes à feu de la province a le c) la possession d’une telle arme peut poing est requis. pouvoir d’autoriser ou de refuser se justifier de façon raisonnable Ce pouvoir a été exercé en partie l’émission de l’autorisation de port pour sa protection ou celle d’autrui dans la cadre du Règlement sur les d’arme pour une raison valable. contre la mort ou des lésions autorisations de port d’armes à feu à Toutefois, un refus doit obligatoirement corporelles graves. » autorisation restreinte et de certaines reposer sur des motifs reliés à la Ces trois conditions donc cumulatives armes de poing (le « Règlement ») sécurité publique. En effet, selon la et non alternatives. Elles doivent donc Cour suprême du Canada : être toutes rencontrées. Elles semblent DANS LE CADRE D’UNE « Les tribunaux interpréteront à prime abord s’appliquer davantage ACTIVITÉ PROFESSIONNELLE LÉGALE les mots «raison valable» des et en à la jungle urbaine qu’aux milieux Ainsi, le Règlement prévoit trois types fonction de l’objet de sécurité publique, naturels. En effet, il est ici question de de circonstances, ou des individus de sorte que l’exercice du pouvoir défense contre les personnes, et non ont besoin de porter une arme à feu à discrétionnaire du contrôleur et du contre les animaux sauvages. autorisation restreinte dans le cadre directeur sera toujours lié à cet objet. » Toutefois, le texte de l‘article 20 de la d’une activité professionnelle légale : Bien que le Règlement susmentionné Loi sur les armes à feu apparait être a) L’individu « dont la principale ne le prévoit pas expressément, le suffisamment large pour permettre activité est le maniement, le texte de ‘article 20 de la Loi sur les que des autorisations de port d’armes transport ou la protection d’argent armes à feu est suffisamment large à feu à autorisation restreinte soient liquide, d’effets de commerce pour permettre que des autorisations émises dans d’autres circonstances. négociables ou d’autres biens de port d’armes à feu à autorisation Le demandeur devra alors justifier du d’une valeur importante, et l’arme restreinte soit émises pour d’autres besoin de porter une arme de poing à feu est requise pour protéger sa activités professionnelles légales. pour sa protection, et non seulement vie ou celle d’autrui dans le cadre Toutefois, et contrairement aux de son désir de ce faire. Puisque de cette activité » cas susmentionnés, l’individu qui seulement deux autorisations de port b) L’individu travaillant « dans une demande une telle autorisation pour d’armes à feu pour la « protection de région sauvage éloignée, et l’arme une autre activité professionnelle que la vie » sont présentement en vigueur à feu est requise pour protéger celles mentionnées expressément au Canada, le contrôleur des armes sa vie ou celle d’autrui contre des au règlement, devra faire la à feu refusera vraisemblablement animaux sauvages »; et démonstration de son besoin, et la ce genre de demande. En théorie, c) L’individu qui est « trappeur discrétion du Contrôleur des armes des circonstances extrêmes, telles de profession et détient les à feu s’appliquera également à la présence de grizzlys ou d’autres autorisations et la formation l’appréciation subjective de ce besoin. prédateurs dans un milieu où la requises par les lois de la province Les autorisations de port d’arme à personne visée doit se trouver à des où il exerce cette profession » autorisation restreinte émises aux fins fins non-professionnelles, pourrait La première catégorie (a) vise les d’une activité professionnelle légale constituer un cadre adéquat pour agents de sécurité affectés au transport sont extrêmement restrictives. Elles l’émission d’une telle autorisation. de valeurs. Elle déborde donc le cadre sont limitées au cadre de l’exercice Je ne connais toutefois aucun cas où de discussion du présent article. de l’activité professionnelle, tant une telle autorisation aurait été émise La seconde catégorie (b) vise, par d’un point de vue temporel que dans ces circonstances.

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 53 NFA Book Shelf Bill Rantz WINCHESTER Shotguns

To avoid competition with Remington and Colt, Winchester changed strategy and manufactured the Browning- designed 1887 lever-action shotgun. Browning’s next offering was the slide- action Model 1893 exposed-hammer shotgun, which, after several modi ca- tions, was marketed as the Model 1897. Unfortunately, a business blunder re- lated to royalty payments allowed the manufacture of Browning’s A5 semi- auto shotguns to be licenced to F.N. of Belgium. Subsequently, Winchester did not enter the semi-auto shotgun market until 1911. Winchester’s rst hammerless repeating shotgun was patented by T. C. Johnson. Advertised in the January 1913 catalogue, the famous Model 12 was discontinued by Winchester in 1980. By then, over two million Model 12 shotguns had been produced in a wide variety of types, ne day, during a conversation, photograph their prized possessions styles and grades. O R. L. Wilson and Dennis Alder for publication. In 140 years of shotgun produc- noted that a de nitive reference on Adler divided WINCHESTER Shot- tion, Winchester has offered varia- the development and history of Win- guns into 11 chapters, which describe tions which are legendary, as well as chester shotguns had never been pub- the development and production of models seldom encountered. Readers lished. That prompted Adler, a highly early doubles, slide actions, side- will appreciate Adler’s superb job of respected author who had previously by-sides, single shots, bolt actions, identifying and including all models written numerous books on collectable semi-autos and over/under shotguns. in WINCHESTER Shotguns. One item rearms and historic automobiles, to Over 400 high-resolution photographs that caught my attention was that research and publish WINCHESTER of variations ranging from the well 395,168 Model 37A single-shot shot- Shotguns. known to the virtually forgotten are guns were manufactured at Cobourg, An ability to present information in provided. Notations placed with each Ont., between 1973 and 1980. richly worded text, supplemented by photograph are used to stress the sig- WINCHESTER Shotguns is a premi- the highest-quality photographs, is ni cance of the image’s contents. um-quality publication and a great a trademark of Adler’s publications. Chapter 12 is an unexpected bonus, addition to any book shelf. The current WINCHESTER Shotguns maintains that as it boasts 40 full-colour pages of list price is $40 plus shipping. Re- tradition. Collectors, historians and Winchester art advertising and sales cently it has been offered, including gun dealers searching for information brochures related to shotguns. Cir- an online preview, as an e-book for $12 will be delighted with Adler’s easy- culated through magazines and retail USD. to-read writing style. And as a coffee stores, these paper collectables re ect table-style book, it allows the reader to both the product and Winchester’s Title: WINCHESTER Shotguns browse spectacular photographs at the marketing strategy of the day.  ip of a page. Of course, Oliver Winchester’s pri- Author: Dennis Adler The production of a quality reference mary concern was the production of Publisher: Chartwell Books 2006 book such as this required access to lever-action ri es, such as the famous collectors willing to share knowledge Henry, Models 1866, 1873 and 1876 Illustrations: Colour accumulated over many years. The Winchesters. But in 1879, he entered ISBN-13: 978-0-7858-2108-3 rearms they possess are often rare, in the shotgun market by importing pristine condition and securely stored and selling unmarked side-by-side ISBN-10: 0-7858-2108-2 in vaults away from dust and sunlight. shotguns from Birmingham, England. Pages: 309 Dave Rif e and Gary Reynolds are Higher-quality doubles were imported two who generously allowed Adler to later and bore the name Winchester. Size: Hard cover, 8.5 by 11 inches

54 www.nfa.ca January/February 2019 NFA Half Page 2018.qxp_Canada NFA Ad 12/4/17 12:57 PM Page 1 WhichWhich “Dillon”“Dillon” isis RightRight forfor You?You?

Square Deal “B” RL 550C XL 650 Super 1050 illon’s Square Deal “B” was ore RL 550s have been sold illon’s XL 650 resulted from he Super 1050 is Dillon’s Ddesigned to produce large Mthan any other progressive Dseveral years of listening to our Tcommercial grade loading amounts of ammunition in the least machine in the world, and for good customers expressing their fondest machine, featuring a frame and possible time for just a little bit of reason: The RL 550C’s versatility is wishes. We took every good idea we crank assembly that provides money. At 300 to 400 rounds per almost unlimited. It will load over and our customers ever had, tested increased stroke to accommodate hour, you can produce enough ammo 160 different rifle and pistol calibers. them extensively, and then long rifle cartridges, yet the handle for several pistol matches or practice incorporated them all into the stroke is at a minimum, meaning sessions in just a few hours. design of the XL 650. less work for the operator. www.dillonprecision.com • Call 800-762-3845 for a FREE catalog, ask for stockstock # O29-14690

January/February 2019 www.nfa.ca 55