CANADIAN MAY/JUNE 2020 JOURNAL

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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

CFJ_NOVENBERDECEMBER20_01_COVER.indd 1 2020-10-15 11:02 AM TYPE 81 LMG The Type 81 LMG is an infantry support version of the Type 81 family. Chambered in the same 7.62x39, the rifle was designed with a number of changes over the standard Type 81 to support its role. A thicker and longer chrome lined barrel was added for better retained accuracy during high volume firing, a folding bi-pod was attached to the barrel for firing support and the front sight was moved to the end of the barrel to provide a longer sight radius for added precision. A top mounted carrying handle was mounted to the rear sight post and the rear stock changed to “club foot” style to allow the user to fire from the prone position more comfortably.

Supplied with two 5/30 magazines, with and drum magazines available as optional accessories. All parts and components are new production. Non-restricted. Priced at just $1499. Very limited quantities.

TACTICALIMPORTS.CA [email protected] 800.994.6223

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_02-03_CONTENTS_FINAL2.indd 2 2020-10-16 12:22 PM CANADIAN November/December 2020 FIREARMS JOURNAL

COLUMNS

TYPE 81 LMG FEATURES The Type 81 LMG is an infantry support version of the Type 81 rifle family. Chambered in the same 7.62x39, the rifle was designed with a number of changes over the standard Type 81 to support its role. A thicker and longer chrome lined barrel was added for better retained accuracy during high volume firing, a folding bi-pod was attached to the barrel for firing support and the front sight was moved to the end of the barrel to provide a longer sight radius for added precision. A top mounted carrying handle was mounted to the rear sight post and the rear stock changed to “club foot” style to allow the user to fire from the prone position more comfortably.

Supplied with two 5/30 magazines, with sling and drum magazines available as optional accessories. All parts and components are new production. Non-restricted. Priced at just $1499. Very limited quantities.

CANADIAN MAY/JUNE 2020 FIREARMS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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

CFJ_NOVENBERDECEMBER20_01_COVER.indd 1 2020-10-15 11:02 AM

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

TACTICALIMPORTS.CA [email protected] 800.994.6223 November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 3

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_02-03_CONTENTS_FINAL2.indd 3 2020-10-16 12:22 PM On The Cover his month’s cover features a com- Tmemorative Second World War knife, created by Boker to honour the soldiers of the Devil’s Brigade. This unit was a combined force of Canadian and US soldiers who are best known under that name, but they were officially known as the 1st Special Service Force. This was a commando group formed in 1942, under the command of the United States Fifth Army. All United States Army Special Forces Groups are generally considered to be lineal de- scendants of this combined Canadian/ American unit. Boker’s commemorative knife is a replica of the unit’s V-42 combat knife, complete with sheath and the unit’s red shoulder patch. Also included is a sticker with the words, “The worst is yet to come,” in German. Apparently, these early commandos left stickers like this behind as they created carnage behind enemy lines. The knife is available from all Boker dealers and is pictured here with a battle-scarred German Mauser 98 rifle.

Canadian Firearms Journal

The Official 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 November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 4 2020-10-15 3:19 PM From The Editor’s Desk Al Voth

The Poppy

his issue of the Canadian Firearms try, more controversy swirls around the “whipping boy” for many of society’s TJournal will be arriving in mail- poppy every year. People with political ills, especially crime. Governments are boxes just in time for our Remembrance agendas are doing their best to make it supposed to protect minorities against Day celebration here in Canada. I’m a symbol of war-mongering, colonial- the persecution of mob opinion; but in reminded of the time many years ago ism, violence, racism, animal cruelty our case, today’s government is leading when I was in the US just prior to and every other negative you care to the charge. They need to create an en- Remembrance Day and, of course, I was name. Of course, it’s all an effort to emy, a scapegoat, someone to blame for wearing a poppy. I ducked into a hair sa- promote their own agendas while tram- criminal violence, and we’ve been se- lon for a badly needed cut and the nice pling on the graves of veterans to do it. lected. As history shows, it’s not a new lady buzzing my scalp asked about “the I’m sure even some of Canada’s federal strategy, only the focus has changed flower.” That question would never have politicians would love to toss their from being race-based to belief-based. I been asked in Canada, and it was my poppies in the trash as well, and the fully expect more belief-based persecu- first encounter with the fact the poppy only thing keeping them from doing it tion in the years to come. These guys is not a universal symbol. I did my best is the ensuing wrath of voters. So, look are just getting started. to explain the meaning of the poppy, but around this Remembrance Day and see However, we’ll continue to promote I either did a poor job or it didn’t sink who is proudly wearing a poppy. Most and celebrate freedom in these pages, in for some reason as she shrugged and of those people will understand the and we have lots of content for doing so said, “That’s nice. I try not to get politi- value of freedom and have some appre- in this issue. Gary Kangas has his an- cal.” As a result, I learned the poppy is ciation for the cost of keeping it. nual tribute to Canada’s soldiers in his mostly used in Australia, Canada, New Naturally, we gun owners are some column, and we have a wide selection Zealand and the United Kingdom; not of the most vocal people in Canada on of reviews, reports and opinions. I trust so much, if at all, in the US. the subject of personal freedom. That’s you’ll find it all educational and inspir- It seems to me that, even in this coun- to be expected, since we are the current ing. Enjoy your magazine.

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 5

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 5 2020-10-15 3:19 PM President’s Message Sheldon Clare

Battle Stations!

hank you for your vigorous sup- Tport of the NFA in this difficult We are continuing to time for rights. I am pleased engage in lobbying to report that your contributions to activity in Ottawa and our legal and political fight have so to forcefully press for fundamental change to far brought in some $750,000, which the over 50 years of should stand us in good stead for gun control laws that the legal battle underway against the have nothing to do Order in Council attack on us and with public safety and our property. This fledgling war chest everything to do with civil disarmament. should also give us a strong start in fighting an election, whether it comes Nous continuons notre sooner or later. Even so, we will need lobbying à Ottawa avec to continue growing our membership l’objectif de changer and building funds to fight an elec- fondamentalement 50 ans de contrôle des tion. The way parliament works, there armes qui n’a rien à voir could be one at any time, especially in avec la sécurité publique a minority situation. et tout à voir avec le To that end, we have increased our désarmement civil. professional presence on social and traditional media. We are continuing to engage in lobbying activity in Ot- have delivered your pink slips to disaster forced upon our society by tawa and to forcefully press for funda- Prime Minister Trudeau. He likely the current COVID-19 situation and mental change to the over 50 years of won’t take the message seriously, but the all-too-rampant corrupt misuse gun control laws that have nothing to he should since over 2,000 of us made of taxpayer money. The fact is that do with public safety and everything significant contributions to add to our people have given up a great deal of to do with civil disarmament. As one war chest. I know that our fundraising freedom in return for a little security longtime observer mentioned to me asks are frequent, but they are work- – whether perceived or real. Regard- recently, it really seems these firearm ing, as we are gaining great resources less, this global situation has had the laws are designed and intended to for our fight. I learned many years ago effect of causing tremendous damage fail. Then the argument, “If we only as a political organizer that the best to our society, economy and interper- had more gun laws,” can be trotted out way to get money for a good cause sonal relations. From my perspective, until they are all gone. was to ask for it, and that is just what it’s no wonder there are elements in The political situation is a tense one. we are doing. We are trying to build our government and society who want The Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois up our membership base to reach us to give up our guns. The desire to have made themselves our enemies. 100,000 and beyond. More members get control over large numbers of free If you value individual rights and mean more communication, more thinkers makes getting our firearms freedom, you should not support those awareness and a strong basis to push an essential part of what appears to be parties. The Conservatives have been for our goals of reform and freedom. a growing neo-Marxist agenda. willing to listen to our ideas about a We are in a time of historical I hope we are able to find a political full review of our firearms laws, but change. The upheavals in both the solution which will prevent conflict, even they are still hung up on the es- United States, and to a lesser extent in but I fear we are coming to a great sence of failed gun control (licensing Canada, coupled with the danger of clash of culture and ideology. Such a of people, classification of firearms into economic collapse through poor deci- clash is probably unavoidable given good guns and bad guns, and regis- sions, and the dangerous growth of the number of factors in the mix. tration of firearms.) It will take a lot socialist movements are clear threats Before this happens, it is more critical of effort to turn around this seriously to the individual rights that firearms than ever that you are involved in

flawed view of firearms control. ownership represents. This is not politics and you continue to support ISTOCK By the time you read this, we will to mention the economic and social our efforts, while encouraging others

6 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 6 2020-10-15 3:19 PM to do the same. ownership and use are at risk. The Nous sommes dans une période de We are living in dangerous times that same people who don’t like you own- changement historique. Les révoltes have historical precedents, and it is ing firearms also don’t like personal aux États-Unis et moindrement au important for us to take steps now to protection, collecting firearms and the Canada, le danger d’effondrement support calm, rational players who will hunting and target sports. None of économique à cause de mauvaises dé- fight for the private ownership of prop- us are secure from the gun-grabber cisions et la dangereuse croissance de erty and the individual rights which go goals. Make it clear to your elected mouvements socialistes sont des men- along with property ownership. These representatives that we aren’t sheep, aces réelles envers les droits indivi- key indicator issues are closely tied to and we will stand for our rights and duels que la possession d’armes à feu firearms ownership and use. our community. And whatever else représente. Sans oublier le désastre To be clear, all aspects of firearms you do, be an informed voter. social et économique causé par le CO- VID-19 et l’usage corrompu de l’argent des contribuables. Les gens ont donné beaucoup de leur liberté pour très peu de sécurité en retour, qu’elle sois Message du perçue ou réelle. Peu importe cette situation globale cause beaucoup de dommages à notre société, notre Président économie et nos relations interperson- nelles. Je ne suis pas surpris de voir Sheldon Clare qu’il y a des éléments dans notre gou- vernement et notre société qui veulent nous désarmer. Le désir de contrôler Aux postes de combat! un grand nombre de libre-penseurs rend l’acte de mettre la main sur nos e vous remercie pour votre appui Québécois sont tous nos ennemis. Si armes à feu un objectif essentiel de ce Jvigoureux durant cette époque dif- les droits individuels et la liberté sont qui apparait être un mouvement néo- ficile en regard des droits des armes à important pour vous, vous ne devriez Marxiste grandissant. feu. Il me fait plaisir de vous annon- pas voter pour ces partis. Les Conser- J’espère que nous trouverons une cer que vos contributions pour notre vateurs acceptent d’écouter nos idées solution politique qui pourra prévenir lutte politique et juridique s’élèvent par rapport à une révision complète des conflits mais je crains que nous ar- à $750,000. Nous sommes donc bien de nos lois sur les armes à feu mais rivons à un grand affrontement de cul- équipés pour contester le Décret qui ils sont quand même convaincus du ture et d’idéologie. Il est probablement fut une attaque envers nous et notre bienfait de lois qui ne fonctionnent inévitable vu touts les éléments qui le propriété privée. Ce montant devrait pas (l’émission de permis, la clas- compose. Avant que cela n’arrive, il est aussi nous permettre de nous défen- sification des armes qui les qualifient très important que vous vous impli- dre avec vigueur lorsqu’une élection comme bonne ou mauvaises et leur quiez en politique et que vous contin- sera déclenchée. Nous devrons quand enregistrement). Il nous faudra beau- uez à nous appuyer tout en encourag- même continuer d’accueillir plus de coup d’effort pour changer cette vision eant d’autres à faire de même. membres et d’augmenter le mon- sérieusement erronée du contrôle des Nous vivons une époque dangereuse tant de notre caisse pour nous battre armes à feu. dont les précédents historiques sont durant l’élection. Nous pourrions en Quand vous lirez ces lignes, le alarmants. C’est donc important que subir une n’importe quand vu le gou- Premier Ministre aura reçu vos avis nous prenions les moyens d’appuyer vernement minoritaire. de congédiement. Il ne les prendra des intervenants calmes qui vont se Pour ce faire nous avons augmenté sûrement pas au sérieux mais il battre pour la possession de propriété notre présence professionnelle sur devrait parce que plus de 2000 d’entre privée et les droits qui l’accompagne. les médias sociaux et traditionnels. nous avons contribué à notre caisse Ces enjeux clé sont intimement liés à Nous continuons notre lobbying à électorale. Je sais que nous deman- la possession et l’usage d’armes à feu. Ottawa avec l’objectif de changer dons fréquemment des fonds, mais ça Soyons clairs, TOUS les aspects de la fondamentalement 50 ans de contrôle marche et nos ressources pour la lutte possession d’armes à feu sont à risque. des armes qui n’a rien à voir avec la augmentent sans cesse. Il y a plusieurs Les mêmes personnes qui n’aiment sécurité publique et tout à voir avec le années lorsque j’étais organisateur pas que vous possédiez des armes à désarmement civil. Un observateur de politique j’ai appris que la meilleure feu, n’aiment pas aussi la protection longue date m’a fait remarquer récem- manière de recevoir des fonds pour personnelle, la collection d’armes à ment, que les lois sur les armes à feu une bonne cause était de les demand- feu, les sports de tir et la chasse. Aucun sont conçues pour échouer, comme er et c’est ce que nous faisons. Nous d’entre nous sommes en sécurité ça l’argument “Si seulement il y avait essayons d’augmenter le nombre de contre ces gens. Ne vous gênez pas de plus de lois sur les armes à feu” est nos membres à 100,000 et plus. Plus de dire à vos élus que nous ne sommes présenté jusqu’à temps qu’il n’en reste membres équivalent à plus de com- pas des moutons et que nous main- plus une. munications, plus de sensibilisation tiendrons nos droits et notre commu-

ISTOCK La situation politique est très ten- et une bonne base pour pousser nos nauté. Quoique vous fassiez, soyez un due. Les Libéraux, le NPD et le Bloc objectifs de réforme et de liberté. électeur informé.

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 7

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 7 2020-10-15 3:19 PM Vice-President’s Become an Message Blair Hagen NFA The Liberal Disarmament Plan

any of you reading this will have that? Is this the kind of Canada you The Liberal plan is that when they can Mgrown up in an earlier Canada, want to live in, ruled by a government get a scheme together and find some- FIELD where the contract between citizens and which rewards responsibility and law- body to operate it for them, Canadians government was respected. Canadians fulness with the confiscation of lawfully will line up to hand in their property respected laws, and the government acquired and owned property? and receive the payment deemed ap- respected rights and property. We are Basically, the Liberals are emotional propriate for it in due course. Recal- OFFICER a nation founded on English Com- juveniles. Their irresponsible actions as citrant Canadians who do not comply mon Law, which protected the rights, government are driven by progressive will be targeted selectively, according freedoms and property of Canadians. politics and feelings. Their symbol- to the leisure of the Liberals and law However, those stays which so famously ism is more important than the rights, enforcement. As usual, the Liberals established Canadian civil society, our freedoms and property of Canadians, have dismissed any thought of the laws, our governments and our history and this is dangerous to every citizen ramifications of their confiscations on are being attacked by a Liberal govern- of this country. The Liberals have all the rights, freedoms and property of ment behaving like an insolent child but admitted this act will do nothing Canadians, the relationship between smashing a toy he has grown bored to make Canada safer, but nonetheless Canadians and the government and the with. Those concepts have not only been it is important because of their values. relationship between Canadians and abandoned by the Liberals, they have Liberal values. Their values. law enforcement. been dismissed with prejudice and con- The belief behind it is that “hunt- The Liberal Party obviously believes Are you a firearms activist tempt. And not just the firearms issue, ers” will not object to the confiscations we are used to being treated like crimi- but other issues of rights, free speech because it does not affect them. It is al- nals, that Canadians have accepted they eager to make a difference and economic opportunity and security. leged the firearms targeted are not used have no right to arms or property, and Think about that. in hunting, so it is unlikely to cause the that Canadians will accept any gun law and fight to protect gun owners’ rights? Your sacrifices of personal rights and political controversy and furor that the imposed because they say so. The Liber- freedoms in an attempt to continue to Liberal attempt at universal registration als are about to learn a hard and stark legally possess your property over the did back in the 1990s/2000s. This is how lesson – again. They have obviously years and decades mean nothing to obtuse the ideologs and party apparat- learned nothing from their 1995 C-68 them. Less than nothing, actually. Their chiks in the Liberal Party are. Far from Firearms Act debacle, and it is essential Volunteer and join our leadership team today! firearms legislation and their Order in the anecdotal support from “hunters” that Canadians mete out the appropri- Council are literally ideological flights the Liberals claim to have, the move has ate punishment a second time. The Lib- of fancy. caused opposition from a whole variety erals have proven they are not worthy of Juxtapose this with the recent decrimi- of Canadians, some of whom have no the privilege of forming government. nalization of marijuana. You foolishly interest in firearms but much interest There is no evidence this property is attempted to comply with firearms in how the Liberal move affects their a danger to public safety, there is no FIELD OFFICER PROGRAM: laws, while others ignored and flouted rights and property. Not only are indi- demand from law enforcement that it the drug laws they disagreed with and vidual Canadians concerned, but the be seized, and there are no statistics were finally rewarded with changes by provincial governments of Alberta and showing these firearms are used in 1-877-818-0393 // [email protected] Liberal governments. Saskatchewan, and the Conservative more crimes or tragedies than other And now they will attempt to confis- Party of Canada as well. firearms. The Liberal justifications are a cate your property using the law. Your gun today, my gun tomorrow. lie. Full stop. Oh, they say they will pay you for Soon, no guns. That is the Liberal As we begin this journey of once them, as if that is any consolation. They disarmament plan, and it was exposed again securing our rights, property and haven’t said how much or even devised by the 1995 C-68 Firearms Act with its culture, as we begin this journey of a scheme to do it, but in their twisted attempt to impose mandatory licensing once again defeating the Liberal civil minds the offer makes it okay. “You want and universal registration. The fact that disarmament agenda, all of us require your money, don’t you?” Well, it’s not the Liberals are attempting to use the a single-minded determination that okay and it doesn’t erase the egregious- restricted firearms registry, as well as justice will be done. We will stop this ness of the act. pre-2012 long gun registry data, which tyranny and we will put things right How do you feel about that? More was supposed to be destroyed, proves because we are Canadians and it is in importantly, what do you think about this beyond a shadow of a doubt. our blood.

8 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 8 2020-10-15 3:19 PM Become an NFA The Liberal Disarmament Plan FIELD OFFICER

Are you a firearms activist eager to make a difference and fight to protect gun owners’ rights?

Volunteer and join our leadership team today!

FIELD OFFICER PROGRAM: 1-877-818-0393 // [email protected]

July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 9

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 9 2020-10-15 3:19 PM CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER_10-11_POINTBLANK.indd 10 une pourprotéger différence se battre et les des droits propriétaires d’armes àfeu? de bénévolesde dès aujourd’hui! PROGRAMM 1-877-818-0393 / Joignez-vous à notre équipe notre Joignez-vous à Êtes-vous un(e)faire voulant activiste NFA DE TERRAIN AG D evenez E A GE ENT NTS NTS / [email protected] D E T ERRAIN

2020-10-16 10:23 AM

Nathaniel Milljour une pourprotéger différence se battre et les des droits propriétaires d’armes àfeu? de bénévolesde dès aujourd’hui! PROGRAMM 1-877-818-0393 / Joignez-vous à notre équipe notre Joignez-vous à Êtes-vous un(e)faire voulant activiste NFA DE TERRAIN AG D evenez E A GE ENT NTS NTS / [email protected] D E T ERRAIN

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER_10-11_POINTBLANK.indd 11 Nathaniel Milljour HOWARD COMMUNICATIONS 2 Chris McGarry Point the Trudeau government sinceittook Gun Control, which hashadtheearof Scotia shootings, theCoalitionfor frustrating. to enhancepublicsafety, isdownright their frighteninglooks, doesnothing of specificclassesfirearmsdueto and, morespecifically, theoutlawing can’t accepttheideathatguncontrol explain thistopeoplewhojustplain be afirearm, caror yacht. Trying to need forownership, whetherthat placed oncitizenstojustifyaspecific that formostitems, an onusneedn’tbe in Canada. has never beenusedinamassshooting including theevil AR-15, which todate to banover 1,500modelsandvariants, antigun agenda. They moved swiftly national tragedy tobolstertheirown Liberals wasted notimeexploitingthis in centralNova Scotia, the Trudeau which tookplaceonApril 18, 2019, shooting inmodernCanadianhistory, 30-06. Inthewake oftheworst mass grade weapon thanyour father’s believes, isnomoreofamilitary- a gullible, uneducatedpublic firearm, which, contrarytowhat of outlawing thispopularsporting Canada salivated atthethought For years, anti-gunpoliticiansin a punishingdoseofbadpress. the lowly AR-15hasreceived in theloopknow alltoowell, parenting, etc. health, violentvideogames, bad the massshootings, notmental used was solely responsiblefor 15.” Asifthemodeloffirearm that, “Nobody needsanAR- with theusualweak argument news andsocialmediawere alive of each other, themainstream which occurredwithin12hours El Paso, Texas, andDayton, Ohio, particularly themassshootingsin Following thesetragicevents, In thedays following theNova In afreesociety, it’s taken asagiven As thoseofuswhostay regularly shootings intheUnitedStates. 019 was arecord year formass

Blank an AR-15? Who needs of anti-gunpoliticians. These poor, own never findthemselves inthesights as thetypeoffirearmshehappens to sister gunniesunderthebus, aslong doesn’t mindthrowing hisbrotherand referring toaclassofgunowner who wears thesameuniform asus. I’m sadly oneofour biggest opponents spewed liberally by anti-gungroups, battle againsttheillogicalrhetoric seem tobefightinganunendinguphill agenda forcheap politicalgain. and advanced withtheirdisarmament when presentedwithhard evidence, adopted afacts-be-damnedmentality market. The Trudeaublack government acquired thefirearmsheusedon from legally possessingfirearmsand Nova Scotiashooterwas prohibited widely known rightaway was thatthe mainstream mediafailedtomake politicians andtheirlackeys inthe firearms. Inthiscase, whatourleftist in Canadiansocietyforsemi-automatic platitudes regarding thelack ofneed and angrypublicwiththesametired office in2015, addressedashocked While gunrightsadvocates always November/December 2020 Island. indie authorwholivesinPrince Edward Chris McGarryisafreelancewriter and argument torestonceandfor all. and commonsense, let’s puttheneeds responsibly. For thesake ofliberty business, justaslong as they useit a law-abiding citizenowns istheir people think. danger ismoreathreatthanmost governments have signedonto, the 2030, adocument many western print containedwithinUNAgenda like lunacy, butifyou readthefine confiscated. Okay, Iknow thatsounds a menacetotheenvironment and large housecouldoneday bedeemed own firearmsspecifically, theirSUVor permitted toown, even ifthey don’t to decidewhatpropertycitizensare when governments acquirethepower reply by statingunequivocally that automatic firearmforthatmatter, nobody needsanAR-15, orany semi- uninformed persontellsyou that In conclusion, whatever property hunting gameinthefall. the rifleorshotgunheusesfor 15s. Nextyear, itcouldeasily be Today, theantisaretargetingAR- shooting, heshouldknow better. enjoys huntingandtarget licensed firearms owner who Given thatthisindividual isa of huntinginthebackcountry? than afewroundsforcasualday a magazinethatholdsany more auto owners. Afterall, whoneeds the screwsonAR-15andsemi- 10/22 rifleandalsofurthertighten decision tobanmagazinesforthe he was regarding theRCMP’s he affirmedhow over themoon Even morealarmingwas when firearm’s solepurposeistokill. needs toown anAR-15, asthe I hadaFuddtellmenobody us knows atleastone. referred toasFudds. Andeach of unwitting soulsarecommonly The nexttimeanantior It wasn’t allthatlongago www.nfa.ca 2020-10-16 10:23 AM

11 Preserving Our Firearms Heritage Gary K. Kangas & Daryl Drew

he Second World War officially Tbegan on Sept. 3, 1939, when 10th Canadian Britain and France declared war on Provost Corps., Germany in response to the invasion of Vancouver Island, 1942. Poland. Canada entered the war Sept. Vic Drew second 10, 1939, and in response young men from left. and women volunteered themselves for service in combat, as well as support and covert operations. Canada’s declaration of war resulted in the formation of new military units, many of them largely unseen by the public and the media of the day. These unseen soldiers laboured under dan- gerous conditions, but they have not received the high-profile acknowledge- ment of front-line combat soldiers. They made Canada secure in an era when our coasts and supply lines were vulnerable, when ships were being tor- pedoed in the St. Lawrence by German U-boats, and during Japanese attacks Provost Corp., which is Military Police. ing rotated to Nanaimo and Alberni on Vancouver Island. Canada was at At the outbreak of the Second World and via transport to Tofino. Attached war at home and multiple other fronts. War, Canada was without any Military to this unit was the 10th Company of One unit, designated the Devil’s Police, but on Sept. 13, 1939, the Royal the Canadian Provost Corp. of Military Brigade, was perhaps better known Canadian Mounted Police received per- Police. Vic Drew was now stationed at than most unseen soldiers. It was a mission to form a Provost Company us- the Bay Street armoury in Victoria. The joint American/Canadian Special ing volunteers from its ranks. This unit 10th Company of the Canadian Provost Commando unit designed for covert was designated the 1st Provost Corp. Corp. was operational in all phases operations, specially trained and (RCMP) of the 1st Canadian Infantry of Military Police work, from security specially equipped with weapons such Division. The Canadian Provost Corp. and intelligence to convoy escort, and as the distinctive V-42 stiletto fighting was officially authorized in June 1940. was fully mechanized with Indian and knife. These specialists trained at Fort Vic Drew quickly found himself guard- Harley Davidson motorcycles. William Henry Harrison near Helena, ing prisoners being transported from Moving troops, Bren gun carriers, Mont. This first special service force Halifax to Montreal on CPR trains. This artillery and tanks was all done in was activated in July 1942, with half was followed by undercover work with convoys that travelled at night under American and half Canadian troops. the RCMilitary Police catching traffick- blackout conditions. By the winter of The Montana location was selected ers of morphine and heroin from stolen 1941/1942, Vic Drew was a 21-year-old for its proximity to mountain terrain Army medical supplies. sergeant responsible for the orderly for winter training and flat terrain for When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, movement of these convoys along the airborne training. The training was the 10th Company Provost Corp. was narrow gravel road from Nanaimo to intense and rigorous. formed, and troops were re-assigned Port Alberni. The route taken wound The day after Canada entered the to defend the west coast. The attack on around Mount Arrowsmith on a one- Second World War, 19-year-old Victor Pearl Harbor and the invasion of the lane road, which was prone to fog, rain, Drew, a machinist assistant working Aleutian Islands by Japanese Impe- snow and ice in the wintertime. The at a stove works in Sherbrooke, Que., rial Forces intensified concerns over young Military Polices would attach a joined the Sherbrooke Regiment, his the possible invasion of Canada’s side car to their motorcycles, weighing initial training likely taking place in west coast. The 6th Military Division it down with gear to provide stability Fort William, Ont. Sometime during was established on Vancouver Island in the deep snow, which was common 1940, members of the Sherbrooke Regi- at Work Point Barracks in Esquimalt, on the mountain. The drop offs were ment were seconded to the Canadian with brigades within the division be- vertical without guard rails, and in

12 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER 20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL2.indd 12 2020-10-16 3:04 PM Vic Drew, 1943.

Vic Drew, centre, in 1942.

blackout conditions during a bliz- zard it was not uncommon for convoy vehicles to slide into each other, even though each vehicle, including motorcycles, had a small blue light in which meant they were on the road for sion on BC’s west coast was reduced. the front and the back that was visible 20 hours at a time. Members of the 10th Provost Co. for about 10 feet. If a truck slid into Another task assigned to the Provost were sent to Terrace, BC, to escort the the barrel of an artillery piece ahead Company, should a successful inva- Brigade, which had been stationed of it, the truck’s radiator would be sion of Vancouver Island occur, was to there, and subsequently reassigned to punctured and the truck would have carry out behind-the-line harassment Wainwright, Alta. These troops were to to be pushed off to the side to await of the enemy along the logging roads train for deployment to Italy and Nor- a wrecker truck, several of which fol- that crisscrossed the island. For this mandy. The troops were moved by train lowed the end of the convoy. mission, the Military Police were armed to Prince George, then by road convoy, Within an hour in such a storm, with 303 British , guns, .38 one of the longest ever undertaken the three-man escort would be stiff calibre and explosives. in Canada, to Wainwright, Alta. From from ice and snow, draped in icicles, When the Japanese became en- there, the 10th Co. Provost Corp. was as they moved in and out between trenched on Attu and Kiska of the deployed to other units and duties until the vehicles to keep them properly Aleutian Islands, the Alaska High- the end of the war in 1945. spaced and on track. We often forget way was built in response, and Allied Next issue, we’ll look at more unseen that these young men were carrying Forces moved north in the attempt to soldiers, including two further mili- huge responsibilities. Road condi- remove the Japanese. An invasion of tary adventures in British Columbia, tions were hazardous even in sum- these islands, beginning with Kiska, Vancouver Island, the Gum Boot Navy, mer. They wore no protective gear was launched on Aug. 15, 1943. The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers and the such as helmets, and casualties were Canadian contingent was assembled Devil’s Brigade. high among the Military Polices, in Nanaimo, but upon arriving at Kiska as accidents and fatalities were not found the Japanese forces had been uncommon. quietly spirited away by submarines Once the convoy reached Port Al- of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Mem- Sources: Daryl Drew/Vic Drew berni, some Military Police remained bers of the 10th Provost Co. remained reminiscences, Wikipedia, History to disperse troops to transport loca- on Kiska four months before being the of the 10th Co. Provo Corp. tions, while others returned to Na- recalled to Victoria. naimo to prepare for the next convoy, By 1943, the threat of Japanese inva-

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 13

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER 20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL2.indd 13 2020-10-16 3:04 PM Politics & Guns Bruce Gold

n this age of political upheaval and FROM ELECTED PARLIAMENT With the Firearms Act, the Liberals re- Iradical political rhetoric, it’s important TO APPOINTED COUNCIL turned to the direct rule of Canada (now to understand when someone is changing Another fundamental change was the at the bidding of cabinet instead of the fundamental structures, while presenting restructuring of our legislative practice. monarchy.) This shifting of legislative the change as a mere shift in policy. Under Section 91(27) of the Constitu- authority was a fundamental change tion, Parliament has broadly defined an because it took all future changes to FROM RIGHT TO PRIVILEGE exclusive jurisdiction over criminal law firearms law (criminal law) out of the An example of fundamental change is in Canada. This is part of the Suprem- elected legislature, insulating it from po- the Firearms Act. Prior to this legisla- acy of Parliament, a vitally important litical debate and parliamentary voting. tion, firearm ownership was regulated inheritance from the struggle between Some might interject at this junction in various ways, but with the Firearms Parliament and divine right kings. This that it is of little concern how they Act the Liberal Party turned ownership centuries-long struggle for power and shuffle the paperwork in Ottawa, and in of these inanimate objects from a right control of the state was the struggle for any case, so what? This change doesn’t to a criminal offense and 400 years of representative government anchored in currently affect my old hunting rifle or our cultural and legal traditions were the right to vote. This struggle pro- my trusty duck gun so it’s clearly not my swept away. Millions of Canadians who ceeded through bloody civil wars and problem. had followed all the rules and behaved includes our struggle for voting rights On May 1, 2020, Trudeau and the Lib- in accord with law and custom were (early voting rights were narrowly erals demonstrated why this is every now instant criminals by Liberal Party restricted by social class) so that all citi- gun owner’s, and indeed every Cana- fiat. Making fundamental change is like zens would be represented. The result- dian citizen’s problem. On that date, an changing the layout of a house’s founda- ing supremacy of an elected legislature Order in Council was promulgated that tion – it supports everything. With this and its untrammeled right to make law, rewrote criminal law and over 100,000 change, every aspect of gun ownership, especially criminal law, is rightly viewed law-abiding Canadian citizens who had use and commerce became subject to as a fundamental bedrock of Canadian followed all the laws and complied with criminal law. democracy. all the regulations awoke to find they If one wonders why peaceful, law- The Liberal Party decided, for purely were now criminals by Royal Decree. abiding citizens are now monitored by self-serving political reasons, that Without debate, Parliamentary vote or the Canadian Police Information Centre governing through Parliament did not legal warning, they now faced 10 years and subject to 24/7 background checks, suit their electoral strategies. With the in prison. Those inclined to dismiss this is why: they are engaging in “crimi- Firearms Act, they shifted all firearms this as just a gun owner’s problem, nal activity” allowed under license and regulation out of the elected legislature. and good riddance, would be wise extensive regulation. Why are people Henceforth, firearm’s law would be de- to remember that Common Law, the (criminals) who had previously lost the cided by cabinet and mandated through basis of our jurisprudence, advances by right to arms not included? Because the governor and council. precedent. A mighty precedent for the they are not engaging in current illegal A short history demonstrates how creation and application of criminal law activity, they get a pass. Note how slip- regressive this is. The office of the in Canada has been set, and criminal pery the verbiage becomes. People say governor and council began when law, my friends, can apply to anything that criminals have “lost the right” to French Canada was conquered during the government of the day wants it to possess firearms as a punishment for the French and Indian War and King apply to. There now exists a proven criminal behaviour. When in truth, all George III appointed a royal gover- method of ruling by decree, quite free Canadians have lost the right by govern- nor in 1760 (Field Marshal Amherst, of any troublesome Parliamentary ment decree. With the law criminalizing commander of the military forces that oversight and debate. Something fun- the mere ownership of firearms, the Lib- conquered Canada.) Seventy-odd years damental has changed in our hard-won erals introduced a fundamental change of direct rule in the feudal manner fol- democracy. to our rights, then hid the change lowed, and it was not until the Rebellion behind a completely malleable agenda of 1837 that responsible government FROM CERTAINTY TO SECRECY of “licensing.” They could then pretend finally emerged and elected legisla- One of the basic tenants of the rule of not much has changed. Citizens could tures began our tradition of responsible law in democratic countries is that the still have their now criminalized inani- government. The end to direct royal rule law must be known and understand- mate objects, albeit under sufferance, in Canada came 60 years after America’s able. This principle serves as a limitation as a long-established custom becomes a rebellion against the practice and 150 on the power of the state. It is a protec- highly regulated, conditional privilege. years after it ended in Britain. tion against tyranny because it enables

14 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER 20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL2.indd 14 2020-10-16 3:04 PM everyone – citizens, police, bureaucrats ing license and other specific legal of arbitrary direct cabinet rule on and judges – to know what the law requirements, will occur in a rapid, on- Canada. Under their now-accepted permits, forbids and requires. The most going manner. The RCMP contribute precedent, any majority government recent firearms ban (prohibitions) is a to the chaos with their murky firearms can vote any part of the criminal law, deliberate violation of this principle. classification process and by recording hence governance, out of our open The Liberals have, for reasons of public the ever-changing results in the secre- parliament and into secretive direct relations and political maneuvering, tive Firearms Reference Table. This rule through cabinet. It is no coinci- banned military-style assault weapons sort of legal practice is often referred dence that this agenda began with the without creating a legal definition of to as a Star . Named after the right to arms and its long historical as- what they are banning. This leaves the medieval Court of the Star Chamber, it sociation with the right to self defense actual criminal offense undefined and refers to a court with arbitrary rulings, and citizenship. reduces the law to a matter of shifting no due process and secretive proceed- Some Canadians are very compla- opinion. The Liberals have compounded ings. Such courts often impose pun- cent with this approach to firearm the legal uncertainty by making changes ishments for action the government regulation, and indeed see firearms through Orders in Council which are disapproves of for moral reasons, even themselves as overdue for complete not collated or promulgated the way if they do not violate the specifics of elimination. For some reason, they normal laws are. In each case and in ev- any law. The virtue signaling over the seem to miss the whole concept of ery instance, the court, the prosecution most recent gun ban (reclassification) “process.” A government that can and the accused must engage in a labo- confirms this tendency. No Canadian use this process to social engineer rious search of all Orders in Council to citizen can receive anything even firearms out of Canada (at least for find what the law was on the occasion of vaguely resembling a fair trial under the law-abiding) can use the process the incident. They must then determine secretive laws where guilt or even the for any other desired re-engineering. if the Order is lawful, within delegated law itself is reduced to the subjective, Complacency is not something to hand powers and applicable to the case. often political opinions of judges, pros- a political party that believes Canada This legal mess is further compounded ecutors and police. is a blank slate to be written on as by the government’s policy of “ever- they please. And it becomes danger- green” classification, where firearms CONCLUSION ous when handed to a PM who openly classification, with their accompany- The Liberals have imposed a system admires China’s basic dictatorship. Nathaniel Milljour Nathaniel

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER 20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL2.indd 15 2020-10-16 3:04 PM CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_16-19_CONCENTRICITY_FINAL.indd 16 16 www.nfa.ca CONCENTRICITY November/December 2020 ACCURACY PRODUCES PRODUCES 2020-10-16 12:36 PM

TK CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_16-18_CONCENTRICITY_FINAL.indd 17

TK flash holeto ensure tools index off the both sides of the Both chamfering an even bevel on case mouth. course, fling straightorslightly offkilter. This, of determine ifthebulletengagesri is becausecaseandbulletconcentricity variables handloaderstrytocontrol. This alignment, which isoneofthemany and concentricbulletriflebore tools areanefforttoprovide consistent Slant BedConcentricityGauge. Allthree deburring toolsandtheirbrand-new – like theirtwo pilotedneck chamfering/ manufactures tonsoftinker-perfect tools step, whenproperly done, shrinksholes is played inincrementalsteps. Each all, theaccuracy gameofhandloading groups whensentdownrange. After cartridges thatpunch ladybug-sized are bulletsfromro lets inrows ofpolished brasscartridges thing betterthanperfectly alignedbul of therifle. For ahandloader, theonly closely bulletsare alignedwiththebore new concentricitygaugeconfirmsho side andoutsidecasemouths, whilethe loaders obtainconsistentchamfers in- The two pilotedhandtoolshelphand- and beofftoanaccuratestart. likely itwillexitthemuzzleconsistently a bulletisalignedtothebore, themore H NEW TOOLS Redding ReloadingEquipment andloaders tendtotinker. And affectsaccuracy. The moreclosely ws ofpolishedbrass November/December 2020 w - - to measureho oped theSlantBedConcentricity Gauge Being atinkerer himself, Ferris devel ing concentricitygaugeandwanted contortions requiredtoreadhis exist rounds are. Hewas frustratedwiththe any bullet.” chamfer tool’s low angleworks well with to endupstraight. The 15-degree(VLD) If y ter chance ofleaving your barrelevenly. of thecasesameway andhasabet the casestraightandeven, itcomesout The thinking isifthebulletseatedin aligned andasconcentricpossible. so theideaistokeep theinsidechamfer reamer indexesoffthecaseflashhole, Reloading, toldme, “The insidechamfer results. Bed ConcentricityGaugeconfirmsthe chamfers consistentandthenewSlant handloaders getlow-angle caseneck angle chamfer anddeburringtoolshelp testing results. Redding’s indexedlow- these various variables by adjustingand Handloaders controlandmanipulate the outputwillbepredictableaccuracy. is preciseandrepeatable, theoretically, the extentthateach stepintheprocess closer tothesizeofthoseladybugs. To INNOVATION A.J. Ferris, anengineerwithRedding ou start(thebullet)straight, it’s easier

P

w concentrichandloaded www.nfa.ca 2020-10-15 10:57 PM - -

- 17 RIGHT: The strain required to read a dial disappears with the innovative tilted angle of Redding’s Slant Bed Concentricity Gauge.

BOTTOM: Depth can be set and locked, so the same amount of material is removed from each case.

to reduce the risk of a reading error folks at Redding who are also hand- indexed low-angle (15 degrees) reamer because of the angle of the gauge. It loaders. When they started to use the and then deburr the outside edge of led him to make some major design gauge Ferris made to diagnose concen- the case mouth with the indexed de- adjustments. tricity problems, someone said, “Why burr tool. Both Redding reamers have Concentricity gauges aren’t new, don’t we commercialize this and make a hex screw on the shaft of the reamer fussy handloaders have been using it available to our customers?” It’s now so handloaders can set a consistent them to check loads for some time, but a valued part of their extensive line of cutting depth, ensuring a repeatable what is new is the slant Ferris put on handloading tools. amount of material is removed from the gauge. “I wasn’t necessarily making the inside edge of the case mouth. a tool to sell. I had a few gauges of my USING THE TOOLS I used the low-angle reamer to own at home and thought there was The top two measurements the Slant load a fresh batch of 7mm Rem- room for improvement. I set out to Bed Concentricity Gauge checks are case ington Magnum brass, trimming to make one for myself. One of the things neck concentricity before loading, and minimum, deburring and low-angle I wanted to accomplish was to be able bullet runout after loads are completed. chamfering using the flash-hole to see the gauge. Then I got the brain- Once cases are sized, run them through indexed reamers. The new Slant Bed storm to cant it back 30 degrees so it’s the concentricity gauge and remove the Concentricity Gauge confirmed the right in front of your eyes and at line outliers. Or, as some handloaders do, bullet runout as less than three thou- of sight when it’s sitting on the table,” add case neck turning as an additional sandths of an inch, with some varying said Ferris. step to ensure neck concentricity. Once less than two thousandths. Now this Ferris shared the gauge he made cases are trimmed, bevel the inside edge tinkerer is closer to shooting those with some of the customer service of the case mouth with the flash-hole- bug-sized groups.

18 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_16-18_CONCENTRICITY_FINAL.indd 18 2020-10-15 10:57 PM STUCK!

there is an easier way. Now I have Resume your reloading session wiser an RCBS stuck case remover on about case lubrication. my bench. Until this test, it had The stuck case remover is one of yet to be used. It was surprising those loading bench additions that how much effort it took to force handloaders will rarely need. But a twice-fired 223 Remington when you jam a case in a die, it is case to stick in a full-length the only thing that will enable you to sizing die on purpose. proceed with loading. It’s worth not- RCBS and others market ing I have ruined more cases out of stuck case removers. It is fear of not getting enough lube on the one of those extras for the case than sticking a case because of loading bench that is worth insufficient lube. In 20 years of loading adding before you need it. thousands of rounds, I’ve had three The RCBS kit comes with stuck cases, the third of which was a drill bit, tap, a that done on purpose for this article. In the threads into the tapped first two incidents, I was under a bit of case and a cap that fits pressure to crank out some loads for over the die to act as le- an upcoming hunt. That’s probably an- verage for the bolt to grip other lesson – don’t be in a rush when and lift the case. It works you’re handloading. like this: Remove the die from the press, unscrew the decap- The stuck case ping assembly and insert the die remover is upside-down in the press or put one of those the die in a vice. Caution: do not loading bench The RCBS Stuck attempt this next step if there’s a additions that Case Remover is a handloaders will live primer in the case! rarely need. But good addition to any Using the supplied drill bit, carefully loading bench. when you jam a drill through the web at the bottom case in a die, it of the case using the primer cup and is the only thing flash hole as a guide. Use a little cut- that will enable you to proceed uccessful handloading requires ting oil or light gun oil to help the bit with loading. Sgood judgment. Misjudge the cut. amount of case lube required for Once clear, use the tap to cut threads reforming brass and you either dimple inside the freshly drilled hole. Again, the case shoulder with too much lube, a drop or two of oil helps the process. or your handloading session screeches Once the tap clears the web, back it out to a halt because of a stuck case – too and remove it. little lube. Slip the steel cap over the end of Sometimes balance can be elusive. the die and thread the bolt into your The last time I experienced an inexo- freshly tapped case. rably stuck case, my son and I were Using the provided hex key, tighten cranking out some 243 Winchester the bolt and the case will back out loads for his hunt the following day. from the die. Ten strokes in, a new brass case stuck Once clear, clean the die with solvent on the downward stroke of the press and give the interior the smallest arm. We sent that die back to RCBS for smear of oil. You may have to replace them to extract and replace the decap- the decapping assembly if it was dam- ping pin, which they graciously did at aged during removal. Obviously, the no charge. That was before we knew case is ruined.

November/December 2019 www.nfa.ca 19

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_16-18_CONCENTRICITY_FINAL.indd 19 2020-10-15 10:57 PM RULE BEATER

recently had the opportunity to Itest the 10/22 magazine adapter from Spectre Ballistics, an Alberta company that’s big on creative solutions. This handy device allows shooters to use Remington 597 magazines in a Ruger 10/22. Why, you ask, would anyone want to do that? Simple – to increase magazine capacity. Ruger 10/22s, due to the exis- tence of a rare variant called the 10/22 Charger, can only have a 10-round magazine because the standard 10/22 magazine is now con- sidered a pistol magazine. The Rem- ington 597, on the other hand, only comes in rimfire rifle models and as such is not subject to magazine capacity laws. As a result, magazines with up to 30-round capacity are readily available. As for Spectre’s magazine adapter, install is a snap – take out the origi- nal magazine, put this in its place and you’re done. No milling, drilling or gunsmithing. This, I liked. As for reliability, the only issues I could make happen occurred when push- ing the magazine forward while fir- ing. Doing this prevented the action from going into battery completely, creating a light strike. I twisted, pushed and pulled every which way with no other issues; even firing the rifle upside down (in a safe fashion) caused no troubles. After some usage, the only flaw I encountered was with the Reming- ton 597 magazines themselves. I had

Remington maga- zines in a Ruger rifle restore its capacity.

20 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_20-21_RULE BEATER.indd 20 2020-10-15 11:03 PM Spectre’s magazine adapter replaces the 10-round magazine with a filler block designed to take Remington 597 magazines.

two of them shatter springs. Initially, I thought the adapter was causing feed issues, but upon inspection, my magazines sounded like maracas. I took them apart and found that what should have been one long spring was now nine pieces in one magazine and four pieces in the other. A bit of research online shows that some people have found it wasn’t. It turns out I much pre- sible to have a fresh magazine in the had much better results with the 597 fer it over the original Ruger release. left hand, hit the release with the left magazines if they follow a preliminary With this adapter and longer magazine, index finger, allow the empty magazine break-in process. It’s simple, only load I can maintain control of the rifle with to free fall (it has enough weight and the magazine to five rounds a few my right hand, grab the magazine with clearance to do so) and then insert the times, then 10 rounds a few times, then my left, then use my left thumb to hit fresh magazine. 15, and so on. the release and pull the magazine out. I think anyone who picks up one of One thing I was hesitant about, but This allows me to always have posi- these adapters will be happy they did. really came around on, is the magazine tive control of both the firearm and the After being lent one to test, I’ve decid- release being on the left-hand side. magazine. In a rushed reload, as in a ed to buy one. You can buy them direct I worried it would be awkward, but shooting competition, it’s even pos- from www.SpectreBallistics.com.

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_20-21_RULE BEATER.indd 21 2020-10-15 11:03 PM 22 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_22-25_CALIBRE BULLET DESIGN_FINAL.indd 22 2020-10-15 11:09 PM CALIBRE, OR BULLET DESIGN

isit any Internet shooting forum These are all .30 and you’ll quickly discover calibre cartridges, V with each having a posts asking which rifle calibre, specific application. cartridge or bullet design is best for some specific application. It’s usually a fair question because the growing list of options can be dizzying. But before we can even start to dis- cuss the topic, we need to establish some definitions. For the purposes of this article let’s say that calibre refers to a rifle’s bore size, as in .224, .308, .375 etc., usually expressed in inches, but sometimes expressed in millimeters. Then, cartridge refers to the entire round of ammunition, using its industry designation, as in 223 Rem, 308 Win or 375 H&H. This leaves us with bullet design, and by that, I mean the physical construction characteristics of just the projectile. These are all .30 calibre Some shooters simply want to know bullets as well, and which calibre they should buy, caring each also has a specific more about the size of the bullet than application. the cartridge configuration itself. In other words, their focus is on which bore size is too much gun versus too little, and which is exactly right. Oth- ers want to know which cartridge is best, while still others just want pro- jectile (bullet) information. Problem is, this topic isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Whenever someone tells me they’re in the market for a new gun, and

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CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_22-25_CALIBRE BULLET DESIGN_FINAL.indd 23 2020-10-16 5:20 PM then asks which I think is the best calibre/cartridge/bullet design, my For big game like response is qualified. Years ago, I would deer, elk, moose and wild sheep, bullet promptly offer up my own personal mass retention is key, pet ideas, but nowadays my response something these bonded is more involved. It’s evolved from core bullets excel at. immediately proclaiming personal favourites and denouncing the ones I disliked, to talking more about target species, anticipated shot distances, bul- let performance and then correspond- ing cartridge options. In fact, my usual response almost always touches on a category of options, but zeros in on the most suitable cartridges as a top prior- ity. Allow me to explain why.

CALIBRE CHOICES Not that long ago, rifle shooters favoured a small handful of bore size choices. With few exceptions, tradition- al favourites like .224, .270, .308, .303 and .338 covered it all. Ammunition in these bore sizes was commonly stocked on the shelves at hardware stores and gun shops. Any rifle found on a target range, the porch of a farmhouse or in the closet of a hunter in Canada would be in one of these calibres. Recently, however, we’ve seen the popularity shooter’s end goal. BULLET DESIGN of other bore sizes increase. These To be fair, each cartridge was de- Few hunters have a clear understand- include .17, .204, .243, 6.5mm and .284, signed for a certain purpose. Some, ing of the immense range of bullets to name a few. like the 6.5 Creedmoor, while initially on the market today. Terminology like For starters, consider this: If you’re designed for target shooters, has found X-bullet, Partition, Ballistic Tip, Bonded, hunting medium to bigger game like great success among hunters. Others, Core-Lokt, A-Frame, Fail Safe, Soft elk, moose or large bears, chances like the 204 Ruger, were designed for Point, Solid and a lot more are common are you’ll consider something with at varmint and predator hunters, and it in today’s ammunition marketplace. least a .30 calibre bore. For smaller to hasn’t moved an inch from that niche. Frankly, it makes my head spin just medium-sized big game, like deer and As an example, consider the classic .30 thinking about it. To make a decision black bear, the .30s are great too, but calibre rifle bore. Winchester currently about bullet design, always think about you might consider a .277, .257 or even offers factory ammunition for 10 differ- your application. Are you hunting, and a .243-sized rifle. Now, before you go ent .30 calibre cartridges, and that’s not if so, what species? What are your likely shaking your head, understand that all of them, by any means. Hornady’s shooting distances? And what muzzle the second and equally, if not more handloading manual lists data for 24 velocity is your rifle/cartridge combina- important, part of the equation is cartridges in this bore size. tion capable of? your cartridge of choice. I have young So, if we consider for a moment that Just like rifle cartridges, today’s daughters who have both been remark- calibre choice is important, but second- bullets are designed for specific ap- ably successful taking an assortment ary to our cartridge selection, how do plications. Some are made to expand of North American and African plains we go about choosing the right one? violently, others to retain their mass. game with a 243 Winchester using a No doubt, it can be a bit dizzying. Yes, Some are made to retain velocity over 95-grain AccuBond bullet. calibre choice is important, but so is distance and minimize cross wind cartridge design. Should it be belted, influence, others are built solely for CARTRIDGE SELECTION rimmed, bottleneck, straight wall, long accuracy. While bullets are improving This just reinforces that firearms and or short? High tech is the name of the all the time, to date, no manufacturer ammunition have come a long way, game these days and if you have the has been able to design the ultimate especially over the last couple decades. patience to wade through specifica- bullet that’s perfectly suitable for every So much so, in fact, that the age-old tions, you’ll eventually end up with a mission. question of which is the best hunt- suitable cartridge. The key lies in deter- Peruse the ammunition shelves at ing calibre, cartridge or bullet is, to mining which parameters are most rel- your local gun shop and take the time some extent, being bumped aside by evant. If you have a preferred calibre, as to educate yourself. Even if you reload, highly specialized cartridges. So, to long as it’s somewhere in the ballpark you still must choose your components. answer the “what’s best” question, it’s of suitability for the species you plan to All manufacturers have their own important to consider both calibre and hunt, marry it with a suitable cartridge versions of what works best. Compa- cartridge, how they interact and the and you’re good to go. nies like Barnes, Federal, Winchester,

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CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_22-25_CALIBRE BULLET DESIGN_FINAL.indd 24 2020-10-16 1:22 PM Remington, Norma and Hornady have a bonded core and a wall of jacket comparison, heavier bullets are de- unique and sometimes shared designs material designed into its mid-section signed for use on the bigger species on the shelf. The following are among to keep the nose from coming apart that same calibre is used to hunt. For my personal favourite expanding bul- after impact. It is known for punching instance, a 30-06 Springfield loaded lets for medium to large-sized game. a broad hole upon impact, retaining with a 125-grain soft point may be Barnes X – This bullet has a reputa- almost all its weight and a consistent fine for coyote control, although it’s tion for penetration while retaining its mushroom. overkill if preservation of the fur is weight after impact. Trophy Bonded Bear Claw – A lead- the end goal. At the other end of the Nosler Partition – A great choice for core bullet, the Trophy Bonded Bear spectrum, a heavier 180-grain Nosler hunting most big game, partition bul- Claw also has a reputation for retain- Partition bullet out of that same lets have just that, a partition of mate- ing almost 90 per cent of its weight. cartridge would be better suited to rial between the front and rear core Winchester AccuBond – This design hunting big whitetails, mule deer, elk sections of the bullet. This partition combines the Ballistic Tip concept with and moose. serves to stop expansion and enhance a bonded lead alloy core and is known I’ve experimented with many penetration. to retain 60 to 70 per cent of its weight cartridges over the years and have Nosler Ballistic Tip – Spitzer projec- after upset. settled on a few personal favourites. tiles, these popular bullets use colored For coyote and wolf hunting with my plastic tips to cause rapid expansion of BULLET WEIGHT & PERSONAL FAVOURITES 22-250 for instance, I like Winchester’s their lead alloy cores. If you’re not confused enough by now, Super-X 55-grain Pointed Soft Point Remington Core-Lokt – A venerable here’s another question. What grain- bullet. For deer and elk, I like to use bullet with Remington ammunition, weight bullet should you choose? a 7mm Rem. Mag., feeding it Win- the Core-Lokt boasts an internal lip Simplistically speaking, the lighter the chester’s 160-grain Accubond CT am- that serves to hold the lead in place. bullet, the faster it flies. And within munition. This bullet is fast, flat and This bullet has a reputation for con- any given category, lighter bullets are consistently retains its mass. Most sistent penetration and mushrooming usually intended for the smaller game often I’ll find the bullet lodged just after impact. suitable for that calibre of firearm. By under the skin on the opposite side of Sierra Game King – This bullet is the body from the entrance wound. known for its accuracy and quick expansion. It is one of the preferred TEST IT AT THE RANGE Regardless of your target species, bullets among deer hunters. you need to carefully consider Regardless of which calibre and Swift A-Frame – This bullet has calibre, cartridge and bullet design. cartridge combo you choose, be sure to test them at the range long before you plan to hunt. Only by shooting at different distances, and even dif- ferent targets, will you learn how it performs. Remember, not every rifle likes every brand of cartridge. You may have to test a few factory offer- ings before settling on the one that works best in your rifle. Strive to find the balance between accuracy and terminal performance. If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t be shy about talking to other hunters and the staff at your local sporting goods store. Remember, everyone has an opinion. It’s up to you to sift through all the informa- tion and determine which calibre and cartridge design and bullet construc- tion/weight will work best for your application.

WHICH IS MOST IMPORTANT? In the end, the decision is yours. I know hunters who are fixated on the cartridge, but myself, I lean much more toward bullet choice. Shot placement and bullet performance are, in my view, the most important factors. If you’re equipment is dialed in, you understand the cartridge bal- listics and you know where it shoots, the rest will fall into place.

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CFJ_NOVEMBER DECEMBER20_22-25_CALIBRE BULLET DESIGN_FINAL.indd 25 2020-10-15 11:09 PM HUNTING OR TARG ET S

’ve long been a fan of new cartridges, wildcats mainstream, so Emary and fel- years in a row it was the most popular Iand I make no apologies for eagerly low Hornady engineer, Joe Thielen, went new centrefire cartridge in the world. awaiting their release each year. Do we to work and in 2008 announced a new Most major manufacturers now offer really need more cartridges in this day 6.5 offering called the 6.5 Creedmoor. It rifles chambered in the 6.5 Creedmoor and age? Likely not, but when has need was designed as a true short-action car- and it continues to be a number-one ever mattered when buying new rifles, tridge, and with over an inch between seller for many. Also during this time, especially those chambered in sexy new case length and overall length, it had an almost cult-like group of haters offerings? I have little doubt that I could plenty of room to utilize the 140-grain emerged. How or why this happened successfully hunt every animal in North A-Max bullet from Hornady, a favourite is certainly open to speculation, but America for the rest of my life with my among match shooters. there’s little doubt these naysayers trusty old 30-06, but what fun would While many believe the 6.5 Creed- became one of the Creedmoor’s most that be? I like shooting the new stuff. moor was designed around the 308 effective marketing tools. The cartridge I’m under no illusions that new is nec- Winchester, the truth is, it was designed went from relative obscurity to main- essarily better or that it can do anything around the 30TC, the roots of which can stream in a couple short years. Even the 100-plus-year-old 30-06 can’t, but be traced back to the 307 Winchester. though the cartridge had been around I love to shoot and I love to tinker, and It’s a bit ironic that this new long-range for seven or eight years at this point, it new rifles and new cartridges fit that target cartridge had roots in a cartridge led many to believe it was an overnight bill perfectly. designed for short range use in lever- sensation when its popularity soared I got in on the 6.5 Creedmoor craze actions, but with the case slightly short- due in large part to all the exposure the early in the game. Actually, I got in ened and the rim removed, the necked- haters were giving it on social media. before there even was a craze. While down 30TC was the ideal case for the One need only spend a couple hours many shooters seem to believe this little new 6.5 Creedmoor. While designed as on Facebook or Instagram to see dozens cartridge was an overnight success, a long-range target cartridge, it didn’t of memes questioning the sexuality the truth is, its development dates to take hunters long to see the potential of Creedmoor shooters, the ethics of 2007. According to Neil Davies, market- in the Creedmoor, and in 2009 Ruger Creedmoor shooters, and dozens of ing director at Hornady, it was during offered the first hunting rifle chambered other ridiculous accusations. I’ve seen the 2007 Camp Perry matches when in it, their Hawkeye model. It was a year YouTube videos go into great detail as to Hornady engineer, Dave Emary, and later that I got my first rifle chambered why the Creedmoor is only suitable for High Power National Champion, Dennis in 6.5 Creedmoor, custom built by Rocky targets and not for hunting. It is some- DeMille, began talking about develop- Mountain Rifle. what comical to watch how many shoot- ing the ultimate 6.5mm for their sport. As time went on, the popularity of this ers don’t even have a basic concept of If there’s one thing about Hornady, cartridge began to grow, slowly at first physics. In truth, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a they’ve never shied away from bringing and then to the point where for a couple near ballistic clone to the 260 Reming-

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_26-29_HUNTINGORTARGETs_FINAL.indd 27 2020-10-15 11:26 PM LEFT: Most rifle manufacturers are chambering in the Creedmoor now, including Sako.

ton and the 6.5x55 Swede; both cartridg- es that have proven themselves very proficient hunting cartridges. Yet, in many shooters’ minds, the Creedmoor is somehow not an ethical big game cartridge. Of course, this is ridiculous. Two identical 6.5 bullets traveling at the same speed are going to have identical terminal results regardless of what case they were launched from. Yet the argu- ments on the Internet persist. Let’s look at what first attracted me to this cartridge and why it remains one of the most popular cartridges today. A TRUE SHORT ACTION The Creedmoor case is 1.920 inches in length and overall cartridge length is 2.825 inches, allowing it to fit in a standard short action, even with the RIGHT: new heavier-weight, high-ballistic- The Creedmoor is well known coefficient bullets. The 6.5x55 requires for its long- a long action and the 260 Rem, while range abilities technically a short-action cartridge, can on targets. have magazine issues with longer, high ballistic coefficient bullets. While action length may not be a critical factor for shows just how efficient the cartridge feet per second, and you get about 40 many hunters, for those looking for a is. And, while unique to each rifle, the foot-pounds or 2.5 times the amount light-weight mountain rifle, it can be Creedmoor does seem to retain velocity of recoil. While it seems to be a badge critical. There can be a half pound-plus better in a shorter barrel than the other of honour for some to brag about how difference between otherwise identical two. This is another important factor for much recoil they can tolerate, the unde- short and long-action rifles. For seri- those looking to decrease rifle weight. niable truth is that most people shoot ous mountain hunters, this is a major Again, several ounces can be saved by low-recoil rifles far better than rifles consideration. losing three or four inches of barrel with higher recoil. This is especially true length. when shooting from the prone position. AN EXTREMELY EFFICIENT CARTRIDGE However, actual recoil and felt recoil The Creedmoor achieves impressive LOW RECOIL are not always the same. Rifle fit plays velocity for such a short case. With a The actual recoil produced by a rifle is a big role in felt recoil, but so too does 120-grain bullet, it tops out at just over a standard calculation which combines powder burn rate, and this is where 3,000 feet per second; and even with bullet weight, powder weight, velocity Hornady has a bit of a trick up their the heavy-for-calibre 143-grain ELD-X, and rifle weight. The 6.5 Creedmoor, sleeve. By using proprietary powders in muzzle velocity is right at 2,700 feet per shooting a 143-grain bullet at 2,700 their factory loads, they have been able second. When compared to the 260 Rem feet per second, in a seven-pound rifle, to control the burn rate of the powder; and 6.5x55, both of which have larger would produce roughly 16 foot-pounds so rather than one big pressure spike, cases and require increased amounts of recoil. Compare this with a 300 Win the burn gives a more rounded curve of powder to achieve similar velocity, it Mag shooting a 200-grain bullet at 2,900 of pressure, helping reduce that sharp

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_26-29_HUNTINGORTARGETs_FINAL.indd 28 2020-10-15 11:26 PM TOP: Modest recoil is one of recoil often associated with shorter the reasons the cartridges, especially some of the short Creedmoor is magnums. While the case design of easy to shoot the Creedmoor is often described as accurately. inherently accurate, and there may be some truth to this, the main reason the Creedmoor is so accurate is that people LEFT: The Creedmoor is a shoot it better due to the reduced recoil true short-action and more rounded pressure curve. cartridge, even ing ability in today’s world of modern with long bullets. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BULLETS bullets. It worked fine when every bullet It’s no secret that the 6.5 Creedmoor was constructed the same, but now that benefits greatly from the proliferation bullets have become highly specialized, of heavy-for-calibre, high-ballistic- it really means little. All that energy re- reliable expansion and penetration. So, coefficient .264-inch bullets available ally does is allow the bullet to penetrate with a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per today. This calibre seemed to be the and expand. Depending on bullet second, a 143-grain ELD-X will remain initial focus of the long-range bullet construction, more or less energy may above 1,800 feet per second all the way craze, and the Creedmoor really shone be required to achieve optimal results. out to around 700 yards. Even at 800 because it used them nicely in a short Impact velocity is a far more reliable yards, the impact velocity would be action. Between the great bullets avail- measure of terminal performance. close to 1,700 feet per second. Obviously able and the pleasant recoil, the 6.5 If we take a mono-metal bullet like the selecting the right bullet is critical if you Creedmoor quickly became known as a GMX, for example, we need an impact intend on shooting longer ranges. 1,000-yard rifle, and there’s little doubt velocity of around 2,000 feet per second There is nothing magic about the 6.5 it’s more than capable of banging steel or greater to get reliable expansion. If Creedmoor, but there’s really no reason all day long at this range and further. we look at the 120-grain GMX in the 6.5 to hate it either. For those looking for a This is where some of the hate for the Creedmoor, we drop below that 2,000 very capable 6.5 in a light-weight rifle, Creedmoor and its pigeonholing as only feet per second threshold at about 520 there may not be a better choice. For a target cartridge likely began. While yards, in effect making the Creedmoor those looking to push their hunting there’s little doubt it can efficiently hit a using this bullet an effective 500-yard ranges beyond 700 yards, you are likely target at 1,000 yards, that does not mean rifle. If we use a more specialized long- better off looking at one of the faster it’s a 1,000-yard hunting rifle. range bullet, like the 143-grain ELD-X, 6.5s, and there are plenty. The Creed- Let’s forget everything you think we can allow that impact velocity to moor is definitely my go-to sheep and you know about how bullets kill for a safely drop to around 1,800 feet per goat-hunting rifle, and it’s more than minute. Energy is not a measure of kill- second, and likely a bit less, and still get capable on game up to the size of elk.

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_26-29_HUNTINGORTARGETs_FINAL.indd 29 2020-10-15 11:26 PM PERFECT PRACTICE

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_30-35_PERFECTPRACTICE_FINAL.indd 30 2020-10-16 12:46 PM > Using Bluetooth, the Mantis X10 connects to Android and Apple devices and displays real-time feedback via the app.

y target made me cringe in mis- WHAT IS THE MANTIS X10 ELITE? Mery. It reminded me of the harsh The X10 Elite detects barrel movement reality that marksmanship is a perish- and is the most advanced ‘smart’ sensor able skill. After a two-month range in the Mantis X family of shooting per- hiatus due to the COVID-19 lockdown, I formance systems. It works with , had lost a lot of ground. I used the pan- rifles and (plus bows if you’re demic as my excuse for not training. But into archery), continuously collecting even in the good times, there is seldom and analyzing movement data before, enough time for live-fire training – not during and after each shot. It can be only to stay sharp, but also to improve. used in any training environment, with Bottom line, I desperately needed trigger options for dry fire, live fire and CO2. time, with coaching or feedback to help This second-generation model is me improve quickly. smaller and lighter than the original, Well, ladies and gentlemen, I discov- boasts a new quick-detach system, three ered a reasonably inexpensive training times more battery life and a four times tool guaranteed to improve your pistol, faster data rate. It connects via Bluetooth rifle and shooting. You can use to a smartphone, streaming data points this tool from the comfort of your own in real-time. The X10 Elite analyzes, home or at the range with live ammuni- traces, diagnoses and coaches shooters, tion. Let me introduce the Mantis X10 while saving and tracking your progress. Elite, an advanced shooting performance Training with a Mantis X is addictive, system for every shooter looking to and I found myself running short dry- tighten their rifle and pistol groups or fire practice sessions every day. Because improve shotgunning form. the Mantis X uses data and not best

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_30-35_PERFECTPRACTICE_FINAL.indd 31 2020-10-15 11:29 PM > The Mantis X10 works with all guns and analyzes shots during live fire, dry fire or CO2 training sessions.

guesses like, “I felt like I pulled that the gun-type opens different firearm- one,” or “I don’t know what happened appropriate training drills, including on my fourth shot, maybe it’s just a shot timer, benchmark drills, pri- flyer,” it speeds the progression to bet- mary hand only, reload drills, cadence ter shooting. drills, hostage taker drills and more. On the flip side, the tool is a harsh Advanced analytics include holster critic. Slapping the trigger, anticipating draw analysis and recoilmeter (recoil recoil or poor follow through are all analysis.) The app’s built-in courses measured and analyzed in the app. It’s walk you through a series of shooting like having a personal coach who sees drills to advance from basic to elite and guides every shot. It celebrates the marksmanship. The rifle training menu great shots and affirms corrections on contains similar drills to the pistol the poor ones. menu, optimized for longer distances and different shooting positions. INSIDE THE APP Shotgun: To take advantage of Using Bluetooth, the Mantis X connects shotgun analysis, Mantis developed a to your Android or Apple phone. There separate app for the shotgun shooting

> are two apps for firearms training: one sports; however, it maintains a familiar A spider chart for pistol/rifle and a separate app for layout. It includes training modules displays the shotgun training. for American trap, international trap, direction and Pistol/Rifle app: Once connected, international skeet, open training and magnitude of firearm movement you’ll find four tabs for using the ap- handicap. As with rifle and pistol, the during shooting. plication. shotgun app measures barrel move- Clicking on the ment and provides feedback on wasted individual red SETTINGS movements that cost time and result in segments pops up To get the most from the Mantis X10, missed targets. coaching tips. This is an example of a it’s essential to take a moment to set 20-shot rifle group. things up right. In the settings tab, us- SESSION ANALYSIS (HISTORY) ers select the gun type, shooting hand, If you’re a numbers person, you’ll love live or dry fire and sensor location. the session history part of the Mantis Creating and logging into a Mantis X X application. In this area, session stats account saves training histories and are tabulated and graphed in spider provides sharing between other Man- charts, as well as line and bar graphs tis users in a group – an online way to (movement chart.) A colour-coded, shoot together, compare performance detailed trace plot displays the barrel and encourage each other. movement during hold/sighting, trig- Selecting pistol versus rifle from ger pull, shot break and recoil.

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_30-35_PERFECTPRACTICE_FINAL.indd 32 2020-10-15 11:29 PM The history screen in the app summarizes shooting data. Applying filters allows the shooter to drill down in skill areas that need work

> >

The app contains specialized analyses and training drills designed

for shooter growth. >

A shot trace of a poorly executed shot with a lot of movement during trigger squeeze (yellow.) The shotgun app contains three dif- The option of adding notes for ferent views to analyze performance. each shot helps during training. The one called the Heat View shows a detailed trace of firearm movement. It’s colour-coded based on the ac- celeration of the shotgun tracking the target. The Score View is for changing shooting stations and marking hits and misses. The Compare View overlays The spider chart displays the direc- shots on top of each other. tion and magnitude of barrel move- ment during the trigger pull, and TRAINING groups shots according to similar A broad set of training drills incorpo- movement patterns. Clicking on rated into the app focuses on different individual shots provides possible dimensions of shooting performance causes of shooting errors and detailed using various scenarios for marksman- self-coaching tips to help correct these ship, speed, reaction time and reload errors. drills. Mantis X saves shooting sessions The app traces movement and stabil- and tracks performance over time. It’s ity during the hold and aim, trigger fun to watch my progression towards press, shot break and recoil. From being a better shooter. There are good these measurements, it scores ac- days and bad days, but overall, my curacy – how much you moved away scores are gradually going up, and from your sighted position during the the magnitude of holding errors is trigger pull, with a perfect score equal- decreasing. Reviewing the training ing 100 (not possible without being record with a shooting instructor is clamped in a vise.) another proactive way of improving

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_30-35_PERFECTPRACTICE_FINAL.indd 33 2020-10-15 11:29 PM Detailed coaching tips in the app help correct errors detected during shooting.

>

sive training tool for most shooting disciplines. It represents outstanding value, and anyone serious about im- proving their shooting skills without burning through a lot of ammunition should consider purchasing a Mantis. The X10 has all the bells and whistles of several other individual models. If you’re a competitive pistol shooter, the holster draw and recoil analysis alone are worth the extra money for the X10 model. The unit’s one-button operation is easy to use and connect to the app, and the app is intuitive

and user-friendly. I coach my son, > who is starting in target shooting and biathlon. The MantisX helps me, as The shotgun app includes a plot of barrel movement a coach, to give feedback, especially and velocity, as well as during dryfire sessions where there’s quick tips for correcting no target to indicate holding errors. movement errors The X10 worked on every gun I tested, from PCP air pistols and rifles to cartridge-firing handguns, rifles and shotguns, both in dry fire and live fire modes. your shooting skill. The app also allows While still useful for performance for notetaking on individual shots. As analysis, I found the shotgun app simple as it is, I like this feature. Refer- lacks the detailed coaching tips I encing notes is a great way to learn. For find so valuable for the pistol/rifle example, if I was tired or had too much application. Nevertheless, Mantis coffee during the day, I note that in the regularly updates their apps and is app, that way I better understand any adding user-requested features, so I anomalies. expect more features to appear in the For each shot, Mantis X detects the shotgun app. direction of the barrel movement dur- You can’t go wrong buying a Mantis ing the trigger pull. If you tend to shoot X10. It will pay for itself many times right, the right sector lights up. After over in saved ammunition, and the a few shots, the training device shows extra training and feedback will the pattern of your movement. undoubtedly improve your shooting; I know it has sure helped me. Now, GROUP come hell or high water, I don’t have Want to turn your at-home training an excuse to skip training, even dur- into a social event? The app allows ing a pandemic. that too. Join an online shooting group within the app to track, follow and train together. RESOURCES: OVERALL IMPRESSIONS Mantis https://mantisx.com/ The Mantis X10 Elite Shooting Performance System is a comprehen-

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s the name implies, Ruger’s Guide AGun was developed specifically to possess the traits hunting guides fre- quently look for in their personal rifles. As a result, a great deal of emphasis was placed on the Guide Gun’s ability to be fast handling and quick to point, both important characteristics if the critter you are pursuing has a desire to eat, maul, gore or stomp you. While these traits are certainly valuable ones to consider when hunting dangerous game, they are often equally important when it comes to many other types of hunting and shooting scenarios. Outwardly, the Guide Gun reminds me somewhat of a jungle carbine-style rifle, possibly one of the old Lee- Enfields from the Second World War era, but I can assure you the similari- ties end right there. At the heart of the Guide Gun is Ruger’s time-proven Model 77 Hawkeye action. Then, build- ing on that solid foundation, Ruger engineers incorporated a wide variety of innovative advancements to enhance its field ruggedness and make it a more versatile rifle.

THE TEST RIFLE Designed to withstand anything nature can throw its way, the Guide Gun features all stainless-steel construc- tion, with Ruger’s Hawkeye grey matte colour finish and a Green Mountain laminated stock. My test rifle arrived chambered for the fairly new and impressive 375 Ruger cartridge. But it is also currently available in 30- 06 Sprg, 338 Win Mag or 416 Ruger. Earlier there was a chambering in 300 Win Mag, as well as a few other less mainstream choices, but in recent years

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_36-39_COMPACTPOWER_FINAL.indd 36 2020-10-16 1:09 PM The Guide Gun comes with a , a counterweight replacement and a simple thread protector cap.

The Scout-style stock comes with spacers allowing the length of pull to be adjusted from 12-and-a-half inches to 14 inches (32 centimetres to 36 centimetres.)

those cartridge offerings have appar- ergy. And if you were looking to shoot feature of the Guide Gun is its Gunsite ently been dropped from the Guide a little lighter bullet, the 270-grain Scout-style stock, which allows the Gun line. slug performs even better ballistically. shooter to easily vary the length of pull The 375 Ruger is certainly an impres- Typically, that bullet exits the muzzle from 12-and-a-half-inches to 14 inches sive round, capable of stopping any at about 2,840 feet per second and (32 centimetres to 36 centimetres). This critter currently residing in North produces about 4,835 foot-pounds of is accomplished by removing or adding America, or for that matter, any beast energy. With a reasonable zero of 1.8 any combination of the supplied three living on planet Earth. When sighted- inches (46 millimetres) high at 100 half-inch (13 millimetres) spacers be- in to impact 2.4 inches (61 millimetres) yards, this bullet is down only about tween the recoil pad and the buttstock high at 100 yards, you can expect its big eight inches (20 centimetres) at 300 of the rifle. 300-grain bullet to drop only 10.8 inch- yards. Ballistically, both loads outshine The Guide Gun also comes equipped es (27 centimetres) at 300 yards. That the old favourite 375 H&H Mag and with Ruger’s LC6 trigger, a non-rotat- bullet launches from the muzzle at does so from a cartridge case about the ing Mauser-type controlled round feed about 2,660 feet per second to produce same length as the standard ‘06. extractor, a three-position safety, cold a whopping 4,713 foot-pounds of en- Another favourable and versatile hammer-forged barrel, quick point-

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_36-39_COMPACTPOWER_FINAL.indd 37 2020-10-15 11:35 PM For the accuracy testing, Tom shot the ing express-style sights, swivel studs is screwed in to replace it. When this Guide Gun off the bench with both a barrel-band mounted stud is done, the barrel’s harmonics remain utilizing a Lead Sled. and a forend stock stud, a set of one- the same, with no change in the bullet inch scope rings and an integral scope impact point. This eliminates the need mounting base. to rezero the gun each time the brake is protects the from poten- removed or reinstalled. Being somewhat tial damage. HOLDING THE GUIDE GUN ACCOUNTABLE of a sceptic by nature, I wondered if The test rifle arrived with its trigger Many shooters today prefer the benefits those claims were accurate. So, I con- set at what I thought was a reasonable associated with having a rifle equipped ducted my own testing with the muzzle pull weight averaging 4.5 pounds (five- with a muzzle brake, which results in brake in place and with it replaced by pull average), with a variation just shy of reducing both the felt recoil and the the counterweight. The results of that 12 ounces. I quickly mounted a Leupold muzzle jump of the rifle. However, the testing can be visually seen in the ac- Vari-X II 3-9x40mm scope on the rifle downside to these devices is an increase companying photo comparing those two and headed out to see how it would in noise at the shooter’s position and installations. The reader can make up perform on the range. Once I got the for anyone else close by. Because of this, their own mind whether the amount of scope zeroed and began shooting for ac- in some shooting situations it may be deviation between these two 100-yard curacy, I quickly became impressed by desirable to temporarily remove the groups is worthy of concern or not. I feel the trigger’s performance. I found the brake from the barrel. Unfortunately, the difference is so minimal it would go pull to be crisp, void of excessive creep when this is done it generally results in unrecognized under practically all field and generally smooth in its movements. changing the bullet’s point of impact. conditions. Because I was going to send quite a few Ruger has taken an ingenious ap- Ruger provides another option if the rounds through the rifle, I decided to do proach to this problem by including an shooter prefers to not use either the my bench testing with a Caldwell Lead alternate counterweight replacement muzzle brake or the counterweight. Sled loaded with an estimated 25 or 30 for the muzzle brake. If the shooter For those individuals, the company pounds of additional weight. The Lead chooses to remove the muzzle brake, includes a simple threaded cap which Sled certainly helped to soften the felt it is unscrewed and the counterweight matches the contour of the barrel and recoil and encouraged a higher degree

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_36-39_COMPACTPOWER_FINAL.indd 38 2020-10-15 11:35 PM The bullet impact points were almost of steadiness. THE WAY I SEE IT identical, whether the Firing factory-loaded Hornady Overall, I came away impressed by the muzzle brake was in 270-grain SP-RP cartridges, I registered Ruger Guide Gun. Its durable con- place or replaced with what I felt were very good three-shot struction should certainly be capable the factory-supplied counterweight. groups at 100 yards, consistently of resisting whatever the weather and measuring around one inch (25 mil- hunting conditions might throw its limetres), with the smallest group being way. For a calibre bordering on big bore a perfectly shaped seven-eighths-of- status, the 375 Ruger shot accurately an-inch (22 millimetres). Once satis- and I found the trigger much to my ity and other attributes built into this fied as to the accuracy of the 270-grain liking. I felt the factory-set pull-weight rifle are just what I’ve been looking load, I moved on to the factory-loaded of 4.5 pounds was a good setting for a for, and as such it has become part of 300-grain Hornady DGS SPF ammuni- hunting rifle and the spread between my personal collection. Just don’t tell tion. Like many rifles, I found this one the weights of pull wasn’t as great as my wife, who, for some totally illogical preferred one load over another, and in many other triggers I have tested. The reason, seems to think I have enough this case that preference was clearly for fast handling capabilities and potential firearms. the lighter 270-grain ammunition. Even for lethal knockdown power would, in though the 300-grain loads shot what I my estimation, make the Guide Gun believed were acceptable groups for a chambered in 375 Ruger a great choice powerful rifle, the groups produced by for anything from elk or moose all the SPECIFICATIONS the 270-grain loads were clearly tighter way up to and including the largest and Manufacturer: Ruger and more consistent. While those nastiest of bears, or any other potential- Model: Guide Gun earlier rounds routinely produced ly dangerous game. In my mind, a large Calibre: 375 Ruger three-shot, 100-yard groups in the one- part of what makes this rifle special is Weight: 8 to 8.12 pounds (3.6 to 3.7 inch-and-under category, the 300-grain its flexibility. The ability to easily adjust kilogram) cartridges only seemed to be capable of the stock’s length of pull and being able Overall length: Adjustable, varying groups measuring about two inches (51 to remove the muzzle brake without from 40.5 to 42.5 inches (103 to 108 millimetres). changing the impact point certainly are centimetres) Of course, by handloading, a shooter worthwhile attributes. Sights: Safari style iron sights could likely improve on the accuracy As a gun writer, I test a lot of rifles, Action: Bolt and at the same time have access to a which are generally sent to me on Trigger: Ruger LC6 much broader selection of bullet styles a loan basis from the manufactur- Barrel: 20 inches (51 centimetres) and weights. I was, however, happy to ers. In most cases, after I have run Stock: Green Mountain laminated accept the performance of the 270-grain them through their paces and have Magazine: Box type holding three loads due to the fact this particular completed my work, they are usually cartridges in all calibres, with the exception of the 30-06, which holds bullet weight provided the best overall packaged up and shipped back. In this four. An additional round can be fed ballistic performance of the two factory case, however, rather than sending the directly into the chamber. rounds, including better accuracy, flat- Guide Gun back to Ruger, I chose to Price: MSRP $1,740 (Canadian) ter trajectory and more retained energy call it my own and wrote out a cheque at extended ranges. for its purchase. I believe the versatil-

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_36-39_COMPACTPOWER_FINAL.indd 39 2020-10-15 11:35 PM COMMEMORATIVE GUNS

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_40-43_COMMEMORATIVEGUNS_FINAL.indd 40 2020-10-16 10:29 AM COMMEMORATIVE GUNS

TOP: This Browning irearms have been a large part of These guns make a lasting impression Buckmark special FNorth America’s history, so it’s no with their blend of artistry, history and edition features surprise tributes to some of the signifi- craftsmanship. walnut grips with special checkering cant milestones of both Canadian and Mention commemorative guns, and NRA/Browning American history have been immortal- though, and most people think of the etching on the barrel. ized through commemorative guns. Winchester Model 94 commemoratives. Events like Winchester’s centennial, Danny Michael is the associate curator Canada’s centennial, the United States’ at the Cody Firearms Museum at the bi-centennial, and famous people like Buffalo Bill Centre of the West. Through John Wayne have been the object of its history, Winchester kept a reference Winchester’s commemoratives. Other collection of every gun manufactured. companies, such as Remington, Marlin In the 1950s, a museum was opened at and Browning also have struck special the factory in New Haven, Conn., to dis- edition guns. play these guns. In 1976, the company I clearly remember seeing my first made a decision to loan the collection commemorative at a fundraising dinner to the Cody Museum. The museum still when I was 15. It was a Ducks Unlimited holds the Winchester reference collec- Gun of the Year with special engraving tion after the company donated it. and gold inlay. I also recall a neigh- “Winchester, as a company, dating bour, who was a collector, showing me all the way back to the days of Oliver some of his Winchester 94 collectables. Winchester, had a sense of their own

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_40-43_COMMEMORATIVEGUNS_FINAL.indd 41 2020-10-16 10:29 AM history,” Michael told me. “And it’s out of that mentality where the com- The Antlered Game Model memoratives started to grow.” A part 94 commemorative, also pictured in the of this may have been Winchester’s opening photo with Goble marketing slogan, initially associated Firearms owner Wayne with the Model 1873, as, “The gun that Goble, is typical of many won the west.” commemoratives with “For Winchester, it emerged as a detailed engraving on the , a medallion inlaid marketing idea,” Michael said of the in the stock and a special slogan. “Certainly, it was true to a cer- finish on the receiver. tain extent because they sold a ton of rifles and a lot did go est.w But the slo- gan about winning the west emerged as a 20th century marketing ploy.” Michael said the idea that the Win- chester lever-action actually did win the west is debated today. Some argue the trap door Springfield rifle, which was standard issue to the military of the day, “won the west.” Romance aside, Winchester intro- duced the first commemorative in 1964 to celebrate the state of Wyoming’s Diamond Jubilee. Two years later, the next commemorative followed when Winchester had its centennial. More than 100,000 of the centennial guns the pace of several per year, until 2005. Roosevelt commemorative was struck were issued. “They were popular and Some of the highlights include Buf- in his beloved Model 1895. sold pretty quickly,” Michael said. After falo Bill, Cowboy, NRA, Wells Fargo, The Canadian commemoratives the Nebraska Centennial in 1966, the Legendary Lawman, Antlered Game, that started with the centennial gun fourth commemorative was the Cana- several Native tribes, John Wayne, An- demonstrated the American company dian Centennial in 1967. There were nie Oakley, Ducks Unlimited, National didn’t forget its northern neigh- 20,000 of these made and it sold out. Wild Turkey Foundation and Win- bour. These guns differed from their A flurry of models followed, often at chester’s 125th anniversary. The Teddy American counterparts, as most were

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_40-43_COMMEMORATIVEGUNS_FINAL.indd 42 2020-10-16 10:29 AM This Citori 725 guns went for large dollars. Although pays tribute to the it helped a good cause, that hasn’t wild west with its translated into a good financial invest- special engraving. ment. “People are usually disappointed in what they get for them,” Goble said. “Remington did three different 870s for DU and people don’t get a lot more for them than for other used 870s.” Today, the vast majority of guns auctioned or raffled at DU events lack any special engraving or medallions. Recently, there were special guns for the 75th and 80th anniversaries of the organization, but normally there are no special markings. Goble’s staff was responsible for the handiwork of inlaying Ruffed Grouse made in Winchester’s Cooey factory in originally retailing for,” Goble recalled. Society medallions into the stocks of Coburg. They include North West Ter- “That was ’72 or ’73.” guns for dinners. The company also ritories, an RCMP issue, CP Rail, Al- Some of the more valuable mod- imported the National Wild Turkey berta Diamond Jubilee, Saskatchewan els are actually the Canadian ones. Federation guns for a few years. Again, Diamond Jubilee, Calgary Stampede, Numbers of these were more limited, Goble said these aren’t worth much, if Louis Riel, Ontario Conservation Of- and Goble said some American col- any, more than a standard model. ficers and Ducks Unlimited – Canada. lectors seek them. He reports seeing As a buyer of used guns, and many Some of these, such as CP Rail, had an the RCMP commemorative, which was estates, Goble is finding a lot of fami- employee-only issue. issued in a public model and another lies are selling their heir’s guns and Several commemoratives paid for employees only, go from its origi- are disappointed with what commem- tribute to the history of the west, and nal value of $189 to $500 quickly. But oratives bring. On the positive side, he included the Little Big Horn, Sioux now he said they aren’t worth much added, “Was it really a good invest- and Cherokee. According to Wayne more than a Sioux or a Little Big Horn ment? If you had pride of ownership Goble, owner of Goble’s Firearms in model. Typically, today, Goble said, a and enjoyed it, that’s good.” London, Ont., these were popular in used commemorative in the original Today, Winchester is still producing Europe because of the spaghetti west- box would fetch between $700 and commemoratives, but in more models erns – Italian-made westerns popular $900. “A standard pre-‘64 30-30 carbine than just the 1894. There are still two in the 1960s that made actors like Clint will bring as much or more if it’s in models of 1894 listed on the website Eastwood famous. good shape,” he added. to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary Michael said there is still a big Remington has also made com- of the model. There are also com- market for commemoratives, as some memoratives over the years. Of note, memorative editions in the Model collectors focus exclusively on these is a Model 742 released to celebrate 1892, Model 1866 and Model 1895. Colt guns. Although it’s no longer like the Canadian centennial in 1967. More currently doesn’t have any special edi- it was in the heyday, there are still recently, in 2016, the company released tions, nor do other companies that I’m commemoratives being issued by eight special edition firearms to aware of, but there is little doubt these Winchester, Colt and other companies. celebrate the 200th anniversary of its will resurface at special moments in “Certainly, they’re still doing smaller founding. These, of course, included its either the company’s or North Ameri- issues of commemoratives and there flagship Model 700, but also a pistol, can history. are other companies doing it too,” he Model 7600 pump rifle, Model 1100 If you’re considering buying one of said. “There are even companies which semi-automatic shotgun and Model these guns, experience suggests they buy up guns and then issue their own 870 pump-action shotgun. aren’t always an investment which will commemorative as well.” Although there are currently no com- increase in value, at least in Canada. For many people, the commemora- memorative firearms in its line-up, Ru- However, acquiring one can still be tive guns represented an investment, ger has issued several over the years. worthwhile for those who appreciate a hope they would increase in value. These include a Canadian centennial fine craftsmanship and history. Goble, who has been in business for 10/22, a special edition to commemo- 43 years, said that theory didn’t play rate the 50th anniversary of the 10/22 out. He is one of the larger used gun and several pistols. SIDEBAR dealers in Canada and is often buying On the handgun side, Colt manufac- One good resource, both for collections and retailing the guns. tured a lot of commemorative models commemorative guns and “What happened is they made too as well, both in revolvers and Model any Winchester gun, is www. many,” he said. “They made too many 1911s. “We didn’t see them much up winchestercollector.org This of each model and too many models.” here in Canada, but in the States, they website provides a summary of the For instance, he said the NRA com- were huge,” Goble said. commemorative guns and also is a resource for any Winchester gun memorative issued in 1971 didn’t In the heyday of Ducks Unlimited owner to find out when their gun was sell that well. “I can remember them fundraising dinners and the accompa- manufactured. being on sale for less than they were nying auctions, DU commemorative

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_40-43_COMMEMORATIVEGUNS_FINAL.indd 43 2020-10-16 10:29 AM PERFORMANCE CENTER PRECISION

n 1947, Smith & Wesson started draw- ridge front sight and the gold inlaid seal Iing up plans for their newest hand- of the Performance Center. This pistol gun, the Model 41. This was to be a semi- comes with the 5.5-inch barrel, but a fea- auto handgun chambered for the 22 LR ture common to all three frames is the cartridge and intended for the growing switch-barrel design, which allows any sport of target shooting. After 10 years of 5.5 or seven-inch barrel to be used on testing and refinements, it was released any frame. Of course, you can purchase to the general public in 1957, with Smith the seven-inch barrel separately, and a & Wesson producing an initial 679 units. little web surfing shows it’s available for After the first year in production, 9,875 somewhere around $530 CAD. Model 41s were offered to consum- I managed to source a Performance ers. The pistol’s popularity grew, and it Center 41 for some testing and cer- remained in production until 1992 when tainly enjoyed working with a gun that able target rear and Partridge front sight. it was dropped from the line. However, screams performance and has undoubt- The rear sight is adjustable for windage it returned in 1994 and remains in their edly benefited from revisions through- and elevation, while the skeletonized catalogue, with three variations currently out the years. The on the front sight is removable, and I think available. barrel will accept any sight designed its skeletonized design adds a distinc- There are two standard models of the for a Pic-rail, with my choice being a C- tive look. The integral Picatinny rail is 41 in S&W’s lineup, with the only differ- MORE STS reflex sight. I found the sight machined as part of the barrel; therefore, ence being the barrel length – either 5.5 is equipped with a number of features the front and rear sights and any mount- inches (140 millimetres) or seven inches to complement the Model 41, and the 3.5 ed optics always maintain zero when the (178 millimetres). The third model is MOA red dot allows for straightforward barrel is removed for cleaning. significantly different in that it is called target acquisition without covering the As expected, fit and finish are superb. the Performance Center model and has target. C-MORE specializes in competi- This model’s lines reflect the heritage some additional features. These extras tion sights, so they know their stuff. of the original, but with ultra-modern include a rich blue finish, custom wood The Model 41 Performance Center detail. S&W have always had a beautiful, grips, a Picatinny rail, skeletonized Pat- comes with a micrometer click adjust- in-depth, rich bluing process, and the

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_44-45_PERFORMANCEPERSION FINAL.indd 44 2020-10-15 3:00 PM Model 41 reflects that with the words RIGHT: Pulling the “Performance Center” and the S&W trigger guard down allows field stripping Performance Center logo in gold across and adjusting the slide. Simply put, this pistol is a the trigger pull. work of art that puts holes in targets. The target trigger is broad and BOTTOM: The Model grooved for the comfortable place- 41’s trigger is wide and grooved. ment of the trigger finger. On my sample, the trigger broke at 2.14 pounds. S&W says it sets the trigger at 3.25 to 3.75 pounds, and why this sample was lighter, I’m not sure. I’m certainly not complaining. The Model 41 also employs a trigger stop to adjust the over- SMITH & WESSON PERFOR- travel. This is accomplished MANCE CENTER MODEL 41 while the trigger guard is in SKU: 178031 the down position for disas- TYPE: Blowback, single-action, sembly, then by inserting a semi-auto correctly sized hex wrench to SAFETY: Thumb safety make adjustments. CALIBRE: 22 LR The slide and magazine CAPACITY: 10+1 rounds release are accessible with the TRIGGER: Target trigger (2.75 shooting thumb, but require pounds) canting the pistol slightly to achieve BARREL LENGTH: 5.5 inches/140 this action. The safety sits behind the and Lapua Center-X gave the best millimetres slide release. The checkered wood tar- performance, with all five bullet holes OVERALL LENGTH: 10.5 inches/26.67 get grips are a rich brown, with a beau- touching in most groups I fired. The centimetres tiful grain pattern running throughout. non-match 40-grain Winchester Super WEIGHT: 42.6 ounces/1,207.7 grams They are also ergonomically designed X had the largest groups at 1.8 inches. GRIPS: Wood target to support the shooting thumb and Clearly, the Model 41 is capable of FRONT SIGHT: Removable Partridge trigger finger. Both sides bear an shooting better than its handler. REAR SIGHT: Adjustable engraved S&W logo to finish them off. The Performance Center Model 41 FRAME SIZE: Full size The magazine well is flared for easy offers great versatility, whether used BARREL SLIDE & FRAME MATERIAL: magazine insertion. Push it home with in competition or just good, old-fash- Carbon steel a thumb to seat the magazine securely ioned plinking. Overall, it’s a tack- SLIDE & FRAME FINISH: Blue and a clear, audible click is heard. driving target gun and plinker. If you PRICE: $2,000 CAD The front strap is grooved, and the have the means to afford one, I highly MANUFACTURER: Smith & Wesson, grip fit my extra-large hands very well, recommend it. The 41 design has been 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Spring- making it easy and fun to shoot. The around for over 60 years now, and with field, MA (International) Model 41 comes with two 10-round proper care this version of the Model PHONE: 1-413-781-8300, website: magazines. While they’re built well, 41 should serve Canadian shooters for www.smith-wesson.com loading is awkward. I feel they could at least that long again. have easily addressed this with a larger protruding thumb button to ease potentially sore fingers while ACCURACY RESULTS | S&W PERFORMANCE CENTER MODEL 41 loading multiple magazines. Other 22 LR AMMO BULLET AVERAGE SD AVGERAGE manufacturers have corrected this in WEIGHT VELOCITY (FPS) GROUP later models in response to consistent CCI Select Competition 40 grains 1,072 12.9 1.3 inches customer concerns. The Model 41 also has the S&W trademark magazine Federal Gold Medal Match 40 grains 961.3 11.0 0.7 inches disconnect feature, something I have never been fond of in any make or Lapua Center X 40 grains 967.7 7.2 0.7 inches model handgun. Lapua Midas + 40 grains 976.4 10.1 1.0 inches I used seven varieties of 22 LR am- munition, consisting of match and Remington Club Xtra 40 grains 970.9 2.4 0.9 inches standard ammunition. The pistol Remington Match EPS 40 grains 972.9 5.2 1.3 inches proved completely reliable as I didn’t experience any ammunition related Winchester Super Speed 40 grains 1,144 18.5 1.8 inches stoppages at all. The precision, button- rifled barrel was designed to optimize NOTES: Accuracy results are averages of five, five-shot groups at 25 yards from a sandbag rest. Velocity figures are a 10-shot average recorded on a Caldwell G2 the match ammunition, and it did chronograph placed 15 feet from the muzzle. just that. Federal Gold Medal Match

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_44-45_PERFORMANCEPERSION FINAL.indd 45 2020-10-15 3:00 PM SHOOTER’S CHRISTMAS

know. It’s hard to believe Christmas is just over a month Iaway. But the smart Santa will do his/her shopping early this year, especially if looking for gun-related gifts. There’s high de- mand for just about everything shooting related, especially in the US. And since most of our gun products come from there, we’ll likely be seeing shortages in Canada soon. Of course, the best Christmas present Canadian shooters could get would be to see Trudeau and his gang of Liberals kicked out of govern- ment. So, we’ll all ask Santa for that one, but in the interim, here are a half-dozen products I’ve been using over the last year which might just fill a need for a Canadian shooter. Point these out to your personal Santa, or just treat yourself.

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_46-49_SHOOTER'SCHRISTMAS_FINAL.indd 46 2020-10-16 10:15 AM 1 FORSTER BENCHREST POWDER MEASURE Powder measures like this Forster Benchrest model are volume measures, meaning powder is dispensed into a cavity which is adjustable for volume, and then dumped directly into a car- tridge case. I’ve never thought of them as being particularly accurate until I started using this one. Forster has obvi- ously worked some of their magic into this machine, as it throws wonderfully uniform charges when set up carefully. 1 For me, that setup includes sturdy mounting, keeping the hopper at a reasonably uniform level and throwing at least 40 preliminary charges which are recycled back into the hopper, thus allowing the powder therein to settle to a uniform density. Once I think I have the setting right, I throw 10 charges into a single container, then weigh that, averaging it out by moving the decimal one spot to the left. In a recent loading session, with two different cartridges, using two different powders, the aver- age weight was bang on to 1/10th of a grain. Once set up, it takes about five seconds to fill a cartridge case. It’s ac- curate, fast and looks to be pretty much bomb-proof. Cost of the measure is about $200 CAD and I note that X-Reload.com is one Canadian retailer who usually has it in stock. The stand, if you need one, is an extra $30.

2 REAL AVID SIGHT PUSHER Open sights on rifles and handguns are regularly seen mounted in dovetails. And for good reason. Dovetails are du- rable and they allow lateral adjustment. They also allow for replacement of the sight if needed. And since the universe seems to operate on the law that any dropped gun will always land on its sights, adjustment and replacement are commonly done on dovetail mounted sights. Unfortunately, it’s usually done with a punch and hammer, resulting in 2 damage to the gun and the sight. I’m speaking from personal experience here. A much better method of adjusting/ replacing dovetail mounted sights is the Master Sight Pusher from Real Avid. It’s designed to hold a pistol slide firmly in non-marring jaws, while a movable block, mounted on a threaded rod, pushes the sight in the direction

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_46-49_SHOOTER'SCHRISTMAS_FINAL.indd 47 2020-10-16 10:15 AM selected. It takes some time to set this rig up properly, but it’s worth it in the precise movements it’s capable of and the lack of damage which results. This is an exceptionally sturdy tool, which can be used at home or at the range while sighting in. Priced around $200 3 CAD, it’s available from any Canadian Real Avid dealer, of which there are many.

4

3 GALCO GUN BELTS 4 BERETTA SHOP Every gun owner needs a good belt. cobra-style buckle. It comes in four Located at the Stoeger Canada web- And good belts can be hard to find – I sizes, fitting waists from 34 to 50 site (www.stoegercanada.ca/store), the mean really good belts. Yes, you can inches, and is available in black or flat Beretta Shop is, in my opinion, one of find something good enough to hold dark earth colours. For the more tra- the best kept secrets around. However, up your pants anywhere, but good ditionally minded, Galco’s SB2 Casual if you own any guns originating from belts are scarce. In my experience, the Holster Belt is made from a double the Beretta/Benelli/Sako/Tikka/Uberti/ best belts are made by people who thickness of leather, has a solid brass Stoeger family, it’s a place you should make holsters, so when I’m in the buckle, comes in several widths, a definitely visit before Christmas. They market for a new belt, my first stop wide range of sizes and three colours. have a ton of branded merchandise, is a holster manufacturer. As most It’s a gorgeous piece of leather and, including clothing, bags, boots, cases, shooters know, Galco makes excellent like all leather belts, takes a little time knives, optics and even firearm parts holsters, and I can tell you their belts to break-in and adjust to your body. and accessories. Pictured here are a are great too. Some Canadian dealers carry Galco, Beretta-branded 12 gauge shell belt and I’ve been wearing their EDC Holster with their products also widely avail- a shell bag from the store. Belt, and although we don’t “EDC” able online. If you order online, be Prices range from a few bucks to a few here in Canada, it’s still a great belt sure to visit Galco’s website and famil- thousand, so there’s something for every with a bit of a tactical look. It strikes iarize yourself with their belt measur- budget. One of my favourites, at a $12.99 a good balance between stiffness and ing system first. Do not assume you price, is a Tikka branded facemask to flexibility, in the form of an updated know the correct size to order. Expect help shooters navigate the COVID-19 Ranger-style belt featuring an adjust- to drop about $100 for one of these rules. Pay the store a visit and expect to able billet strap and a quick-release, top-quality belts. be surprised at what’s available.

48 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_46-49_SHOOTER'SCHRISTMAS_FINAL.indd 48 2020-10-16 10:15 AM 5 EFFECTIVE RANGE TARGETS are hung at 100 yards and engaged Skill assessment is the focus of Ef- with five rounds from a realistic field fective Range Targets (ERT), and in position. To read the target, simply this age of long-range shooting it’s a select the smallest scoring ring which desperately needed system. The goal encloses all five shots. The distance in- is determination of a hunter’s maxi- dicated by that ring shows the furthest mum effective shooting distance from range at which you should be shoot- a variety of realistic field positions. ing at that species of animal from the Towards that end, the inventors of this position just used. target system have developed a series These targets make for great compe- of targets based on the vital zones of tition with buddies and are a no B.S. most North American game animals, assessment of how good you can really including deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, shoot a rifle in a realistic hunting situ- coyote and bighorn sheep. ation. Some Canadian retailers have A quick glance at these targets shows them, and they are also available from 6 REGULATOR MUZZLE BRAKE what appear to be typical scoring the company website at www.effecti- The last three rifles I purchased were rings, but which are actually distance- verangetargets.com. Prices start at $10 all threaded for muzzle devices. This simulation rings. In use, the targets US for a bundle of targets. is common practice now and it’s a Galco Gun Belts shame not to take advantage of that Effective Range Targets threading. Of course, we can’t install suppressors here in Canada, but 5 muzzle brakes are still okay. The most flexible brake I know of is a Canadian product made by Matador Arms. Its uniqueness lies in the ability to adjust the brake for the amount of gas which is redirected. When fully open, its triple chamber port works like any effective brake and drastically reduces recoil and muzzle rise. Naturally, this increases noise around the shooter’s position as well. So, during shooting sessions when this isn’t desirable, the brake can be com- pletely “turned off” by simply twisting the front cap. No tools are required and it stays solidly in the selected posi- tion. Additionally, there are about 60 other positions between fully open and fully closed, so the brake effect can be tuned to the shooter’s preference. It’s available in four bore sizes, including .223, 6.5mm, .308 and 9mm, each with appropriate thread patterns. Price is around $200 CAD, which is great value for a brake with this kind of flexibility.

6

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 49

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_46-49_SHOOTER'SCHRISTMAS_FINAL.indd 49 2020-10-16 10:15 AM Legal Corner Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

This flintlock Pennsylvania n both my legal practice and prescribed to be an antique firearm” rifle is classified as an antique, Ias a firearms enthusiast, I refers to those firearms that have been even though it is a modern often encounter confusion and designated as antiques by regulation reproduction by Traditions misconceptions when it comes to the (i.e. prescribed.) Firearms. rules applicable to the possession, A list of firearm types deemed Cette carabine à chargement par storage, transportation, usage and to be antique can be found in the la bouche est considérée comme transfer of antique firearms. Often, Regulations Prescribing Antique une arme à feu historique en people believe that since antique Firearms (SOR/98-464.) There is a wide raison de sa platine à silex, firearms are not subject to licencing array of such firearms. In brief, the list bien qu’elle soit de fabrication or registration, their use is not is as follows: moderne. otherwise regulated. This is not so. In A reproduction of a flintlock, wheel- this column, I will try and clarify the lock or matchlock firearm, other than a applicable rules. handgun, manufactured after 1897; Rimfire rifles manufactured before What Is An Antique Firearm? 1898, other than those capable of Any review of the applicable rules discharging 22 Short, 22 Long or 22 must start with a proper understanding Long Rifle ammunition; of what is an antique firearm in Medium and large bore (8.3 Canada. A two-prong definition of millimetres or greater, as measured “antique firearm” can be found at from land to land) centrefire rifles subsection 84(1) of the Criminal Code: manufactured before 1898, other than antique firearm means: magazine-fed repeating rifles (i.e. (a) any firearm manufactured before single shot, and double barrel rifles); 1898 that was not designed to discharge Shotguns manufactured before 1898 rimfire or centrefire ammunition capable of discharging only rimfire and that has not been redesigned to ammunition; discharge such ammunition, or A shotgun manufactured before 1898 (b) any firearm that is prescribed to that is capable of discharging centrefire be an antique firearm. cartridges, other than 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 Paragraph (a) of that definition or 410-gauge cartridges; is quite straightforward, as it only A handgun manufactured before 1898 covers firearms that have a date of that is capable of discharging only rim- manufacture which predates 1898, and fire cartridges, other than 22 Short, 22 do not use either rimfire or centrefire Long or 22 Long Rifle cartridges; cartridges. Thus, it includes all kinds of A handgun manufactured before 1898 muzzle-loading firearms manufactured that is capable of discharging centrefire prior to 1898, as well as original (as cartridges, other than a handgun opposed to modern reproduction) cap designed or adapted to discharge 32 and ball revolvers. Short Colt, 32 Long Colt, 32 Smith & Paragraph (b) i.e. “any firearm that is Wesson, 32 Smith & Wesson Long,

50 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 50 2020-10-16 12:59 PM 32-20 Winchester, 38 Smith & Wesson, Inapplicability of Sections 91 to 95 requirements. 38 Short Colt, 38 Long Colt, 38-40 of the Criminal Code (possession Further beware, since regulations Winchester, 44-40 Winchester or 45 offences): prescribing rules applicable to import/ Colt cartridges. Antique firearms are subject to export of firearms are nevertheless In a nutshell, prescribed antique neither licencing, nor registration. applicable, pursuant to Subsection firearms include, essentially, long guns Thus, they can be acquired without 84(3.1) of the Criminal Code. that are muzzleloaders (including a firearms licence. However, the Inapplicability of Section 117.03 modern reproductions) featuring a acquisition of cartridge ammunition of the Criminal Code (seizure upon primitive ignition system (other than for an antique firearm requires failure to show licence, registration or a percussion cap) manufactured after a firearms licence, although the authorization): 1897 and firearms manufactured before assembly of ammunition from This provision is redundant, since 1898, capable of only discharging components does not. antique firearms are subject to obsolete, non-commercially available Possession of antique firearms, neither licencing, registration, nor cartridges. including handguns, is not limited authorization (to transport or to carry.) It also appears, although this is not to specific places, such as ranges. settled law, that by “manufactured” Further, they do not require an Applicable Rules (Storage, what is meant is the date that the authorization from a Chief Firearms Transportation, Usage, etc.) individual firearm was actually Officer to be transported or carried Pursuant to subsection 84 (3.1) of manufactured, as opposed to the (more on that later). However, they the Criminal Code, antique firearms date a particular design was put in cannot be possessed in locations are subject to regulations enacted production. Thus, otherwise identical or in circumstances where the law pursuant to Section 117 (h) of the samples of a particular firearm specifically prohibits the possession Firearms Act, and subsection 86(2) may belong to different categories of firearms (e.g. demonstrations, of the Criminal Code. Again, in lay (e.g. antique versus restricted or schools in Quebec, etc.) terms, this refers to everything having prohibited), based solely upon the In theory, it is possible to openly to do with the storage, usage, display, date on which they were officially carry a loaded antique handgun. transportation, shipping and export/ manufactured, even though those dates This does not mean law enforcement import of firearms. This is an important may be mere days apart. agencies and officers are fully distinction, and one which is the source aware of this technicality, and if of a great deal of confusion. Thus: Antique Status Letters you elect to do so, you do it at your Antique firearms must be stored Firearms verifiers are individuals own risk. Further, concealed carry in the same manner as any other appointed pursuant to the Firearms of an antique handgun remains comparable firearm that is not an Act to determine the classification of prohibited, since antique firearms are antique. specific firearms. Verifiers can issue nevertheless considered as weapons Antique firearms may not be stored, antique status letters. An antique status under the Criminal Code. Finally, shipped or transported when loaded. letter serves as proof that a specific open carry (whether loaded or not) Antique firearms may not be loaded firearm qualifies as an antique firearm. is not permitted while using a motor (or carried while loaded) in locations Although Canadian firearms law does vehicle (see the rules applicable where the discharge of firearms is not spell out that a firearm may not to transportation below.) Carrying prohibited, including pursuant to be considered as an antique firearm a loaded antique firearm is also provincial or municipal legislation. until such time as an antique status prohibited in certain locations where The latter severely restricts a person’s letter has been issued, it is preferable firearms may not be discharged (see ability to openly carry a loaded antique to obtain one to avoid any potential below.) handgun, since the discharge of issue with law enforcement or the Inapplicability of Sections 99 to firearms is expressly prohibited in most criminal justice system. An antique 101 of the Criminal Code (trafficking urban areas and on most public roads. status letter is also extremely useful offences): Antique firearms may only be when attempting to transfer an antique Transferring an antique firearm discharged in circumstances where it firearm, as it avoids any doubt as to the (which includes not only selling, but is safe to do so. Negligent discharge of status of the firearm and the applicable also lending, selling, gifting, bartering an antique firearm (just like any other rules underlying the transfer and the and shipping) is not subject to any firearm) is an offence under subsection future use of the firearm. formality such as licence verification 86(1) of the Criminal Code. (none is required) or CFO approval. Finally, antique firearms are treated Exemption From Certain ˜Rules Inapplicability of Sections 103 to just like any other firearm if they are Per subsection 84(3) of the Criminal 107 of the Criminal Code (export or used in the commission of a criminal Code, antique firearms are exempt import offences). offence. Also, an individual who is from the application of Sections 91 to Antique firearms may be imported under an undertaking not to possess 95, 99 to 101, 103 to 107 and 117.03 of the to Canada or exported from Canada. firearms or subject to a firearms Criminal Code, as well as the provisions Beware, however, that the country prohibition order may not possess of the Firearms Act (in its entirety). Let to which you are exporting or are antique firearms. me translate this in lay terms: importing from may have different

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 51

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 51 2020-10-16 11:41 AM Rubrique Juridique Guy Lavergne, avocat

ans ma pratique juridique et Den tant qu’amateur d’armes à feu, je constate souvent une certaine confusion, ainsi que des croyances erronées, lorsqu’il est question des règles applicables à la possession, à l’entreposage, au transport, à l’utilisation et au transfert d’armes à feu historiques (communément appelées armes à feu antiques). Les gens croient erronément que puisque les armes à feu historiques ne sont pas assujetties Modern in-line muzzleloaders, à l’obtention préalable d’un permis like this Remington 700 ou à l’enregistrement, leur utilisation Ultimate, are not antiques. n’est pas autrement réglementée. Or, ce n’est pas le cas ! Dans cette chronique, Les armes à feu à chargement je tenterai de clarifier les règles par la bouche de conception moderne, comme cette carabine applicables en la matière. Remington 700 Ultimate, ne sont pas considérées comme des Qu’est-ce qu’une « arme à feu historique»? armes à feu historiques. Toute discussion des règles applicables doit commencer par une bonne compréhension de ce qui est considéré comme une « arme à feu historique » au Canada. Une définition à deux volets désignant certaines armes à feu 1898 qui peuvent tirer des cartouches de « arme à feu historique » se trouve à historiques(DORS/98-464).. Il existe un à percussion centrale, à l’exception l’article 84 (1) du Code criminel : large éventail de ces armes à feu. En de celles conçues ou adaptées pour arme à feu historique Toute arme à voici un résumé: tirer des cartouches de calibre 32 feu fabriquée avant 1898 qui n’a pas été Reproduction d’une arme à feu à Short Colt, 32 Long Colt, 32 Smith conçue ni modifiée pour l’utilisation de platine silex, à platine à rouet et à and Wesson, 32 Smith and Wesson munitions à percussion annulaire ou mèche, autre qu’une arme de poing, Long, 32-20 Winchester, 38 Smith and centrale ou toute arme à feu désignée fabriquée après 1897. Wesson, 38 Short Colt, 38 Long Colt, comme telle par règlement. Carabines à percussion annulaire 38-40 Winchester, 44-40 Winchester ou La première partie de cette définition fabriquées avant 1898, autres que celles 45 Colt. est assez simple, car elle ne couvre capables de tirer des munitions de En bref, les armes à feu historiques que les armes à feu qui ont une date calibre 22 court, 22 long ou 22lr. désignées par règlement comprennent de fabrication antérieure à 1898 et Carabines à cartouche unique (de : les armes d’épaule à chargement par qui n’utilisent ni les cartouches à calibre de 8,3 mm ou plus, mesuré entre la bouche (y compris les reproductions percussion annulaire, ni les cartouches les cloisons) à cartouche à percussion modernes) comportant un système à percussion centrale. Ainsi, ce volet centrale fabriquées avant 1898; d’allumage primitif (autre qu’une comprend toutes sortes d’armes à feu Fusils de chasse fabriqués avant 1898 amorce) fabriquées après 1897 et à chargement par la bouche fabriquées uniquement capables de tirer des des armes à feu fabriquées avant avant 1898, ainsi que des revolvers à munitions à percussion latérale; 1898, capables de tirer uniquement amorce et poudre noire originaux (e.g. Un fusil de chasse fabriqué avant 1898 des cartouches obsolètes et non Colt 1851, etc…) (par opposition aux capable de décharger des munitions à communément disponibles dans le reproductions modernes de ceux-ci). percussion centrale de calibre autre que commerce. Le second volet, c’est-à-dire « toute 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 ou 410; Il semble également, bien qu’il ne arme à feu qui est désignée comme Une arme de poing fabriquée avant s’agisse pas d’une règle établie de façon telle par règlement» couvre un 1898 qui est capable de décharger définitive, que, par « fabriquée » ce échantillonnage plus vaste. uniquement des cartouches à percussion qu’on entend, c’est la date à laquelle Une liste des types d’armes à latérale, autres que des cartouches de l’arme à feu en question a été fabriquée, feu réputées être des armes à feu calibre 22 court, 22 long ou 22lr. par opposition à la date à laquelle on a historiques se trouve dans le Règlement Les armes de poing fabriquées avant commencé à produire un type particulier

52 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 52 2020-10-16 11:41 AM d’arme à feu. Ainsi, par ailleurs, des l’exige pas. du Code criminel (Saisie en cas exemplaires identiques d’une arme à feu La possession d’armes à feu d’omission de présenter un permis, un particulière peuvent appartenir à des historiques, y compris les armes de enregistrement ou une autorisation) : catégories différentes (p. ex. antiquités poing, n’est pas limitée à des endroits Cette disposition est redondante, par rapport à armes à feu prohibée ou précis, comme les champs de tir. De puisque les armes à feu historiques à autorisation restreinte), uniquement plus, l’autorisation d’un contrôleur des ne sont soumises ni à l’autorisation, ni en raison de la date à laquelle elles ont armes à feu n’est pas requise, pour leur à l’enregistrement ni à l’autorisation été fabriqués « officiellement », même si transport ou cession. Toutefois, elles (pour le transport ou le transport) ces dates peuvent différer de seulement ne peuvent pas être possédées dans quelques jours. des endroits ou dans des circonstances Règles applicables (Entreposage, où la loi interdit expressément la transport, utilisation, etc.) Certificats d’armes à feu historiques possession d’armes à feu (p. ex. lors Conformément au paragraphe 84 Les vérificateurs d’armes à feu sont des de manifestations, dans les écoles au (3.1) du Code criminel, les armes personnes nommées en vertu de la Loi Québec, etc.) à feu historiques sont assujetties sur les armes à feu pour déterminer la En théorie, il est possible de porter aux règlements adoptés en vertu de classification d’armes à feu spécifiques. ouvertement une arme de poing l’alinéa 117 h) de la Loi sur les armes Ils ont la possibilité d’émettre des antique chargée. Cela ne signifie à feu et au paragraphe 86(2) du Code «certificats d’armes à feu historiques». pas que les forces policières sont criminel. Encore une fois, en termes Un tel certificat sert de preuve qu’une pleinement conscientes de cette simples, il s’agit de tout ce qui a arme à feu spécifique est considérée technicalité et si vous choisissez de trait à l’entreposage, à l’utilisation, à comme étant une arme à feu historique. le faire, vous le faites à vos propres l’exhibition, au transport, à l’expédition Bien que la législation canadienne risques. De plus, le port dissimulé et à l’exportation/importation d’armes sur les armes à feu ne prévoit pas d’une arme de poing antique demeure à feu. Il s’agit d’une distinction expressément qu’une arme à feu interdit, puisque les armes à feu importante qui est source de beaucoup ne puisse être considérée comme historiques sont néanmoins considérées de confusion. Ainsi: une « arme à feu historique » tant comme des « armes » en vertu du Code Les armes à feu historiques doivent qu’un tel certificat n’a pas été émis, criminel. Enfin, lors du transport dans être entreposées de la même manière il est préférable d’en obtenir un pour un véhicule moteur, une arme à feu que toute autre arme à feu comparable éviter tout problème potentiel avec historique doit être déchargée et, s’il qui n’est pas une arme historique. les autorités policières ou le système s’agit d’une arme de poing, verrouillée Les armes à feu historiques ne de justice pénale. Un tel certificat et remisée dans un coffret. Le port peuvent pas être entreposées, est également extrêmement utile d’une arme à feu historique chargée est expédiées ou transportées lorsqu’elles lorsqu’on désire céder une arme à feu également interdit à certains endroits sont chargées. historique, car il évite tout doute quant où il est interdit de tirer avec une arme Les armes à feu historiques ne peuvent à la classification de l’arme à feu, quant à feu (voir ci-dessous). pas être possédées lorsque chargées aux règles applicables à la cession, et à Inapplicabilité des articles 99 à 101 du dans des endroits où le tir d’armes à celles qui encadrent l’utilisation future Code criminel: feu est interdit, y compris en vertu de la de l’arme à feu. La cession d’une arme à feu historique législation provinciale ou municipale. (qui comprend non seulement la vente, Ceci restreint considérablement la Exemption de l’application de certaines règles mais aussi le prêt, la vente, le don, le capacité d’une personne à porter En vertu du paragraphe 84(3) du Code troc et l’expédition) n’est soumis à ouvertement une arme de poing antique criminel, les « armes à feu historiques aucune formalité telle que la vérification chargée, puisque le tir d’armes à feu est » sont exemptées de l’application des du permis ou de sa validité (aucun expressément interdit dans la plupart articles 91 à 95, 99 à 101, 103 à 107 et permis n’est requis) ni à l’approbation des zones urbaines et sur les routes 117,03 du Code criminel, ainsi que des du Contrôleur des armes à feu. publiques. dispositions de la Loi sur les armes à Inapplicabilité des articles 103 à 107 Les armes à feu historiques ne feu (dans son intégralité). Permettez- du Code criminel (infractions relatives à peuvent être déchargées que dans des moi de traduire cela en termes simples: l’exportation ou à l’importation). circonstances où il est sécuritaire de Inapplicabilité des articles 91 à 95 Les armes à feu historiques peuvent le faire. La décharge négligente d’une du Code criminel (infractions de être importées au Canada ou exportées arme à feu historique (comme de possession) : du Canada. toute autre arme à feu) constitue une La possession d’une arme à feu Toutefois, assurez-vous que le infraction au paragraphe 86(1) du Code historique n’est soumise ni à l’exigence pays d’où vous exportez ou d’où criminel. d’un permis, ni à l’enregistrement. vous importez, n’a pas d’exigences Enfin, les armes à feu historiques sont Ainsi, elles peuvent être acquises additionnelles. traitées comme n’importe quelle autre sans permis d’armes à feu. Toutefois, De plus, les règlements prescrivant arme à feu si elles sont utilisées dans la l’acquisition de cartouches pour une des règles applicables à l’importation perpétration d’une infraction criminelle. arme à feu historique nécessite un ou à l’exportation d’armes à feu sont De même, une personne assujettie à permis d’armes à feu, bien que la néanmoins applicables, conformément une ordonnance de possession d’arme fabrication de munitions à partir de au paragraphe 84(3.1) du Code criminel. à feu ne peut posséder une arme à feu composants (pour usage privé) ne Inapplicabilité de l’article 117.03 historique.

November/December 2020 www.nfa.ca 53

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 53 2020-10-16 11:41 AM NFA Book Shelf Bill Rantz Gun Control In The Third Reich – Disarming the Jews and “Enemies of the State”

un Control in the Third Reich even restrictions on reload- Gopens with a lengthy list of ing cartridges. Adolph Hitler review comments by academics seized power in 1933 and used praising author Stephen Hal- the existing registration records brook’s extensive research. It is to identify, disarm and attack noted hundreds of books have “enemies of the state.” Nazi party been written about Adolph Hit- members were exempted from ler’s ruthless dictatorship which some firearm restrictions in a 1938 fail to mention the disarming of law signed by Hitler. Weeks be- Jews and other “enemies of the fore the 1938 Night of the Broken state.” Glass, these same records were “In Stephen Halbrook’s ex- used to locate and arrest Jewish traordinary book, Gun Control in gun owners. the Third Reich, the consequence The slaughter of millions of of disarming a population, mak- people during the Holocaust is ing them vulnerable to imprison- well documented. While the dis- ment and annihilation, is told armament which proceeded this with frightening detail. It is a his- annihilation was not the cause, it tory with poignancy.” – Herbert obviously prevented any potential I. London, President, London resistance. After reading Gun Center; former President, Hud- Control in the Third Reich, you son Institute. will be left to ponder the firearm Newly discovered documents freedoms we once enjoyed in from German archives, diaries Canada. Many have been limited, and newspapers of the time share controlled or even terminated by the history of how the Third Reich ing. This book needs to be read in its our successive governments. used gun control to effectively repress entirety to fully understand how an Priced at $19.50 USD, Gun Control enemies and consolidate power. Hal- entire population can be deprived in the Third Reich and a companion brook has presented this information of basic human rights in less than 20 publication by Halbrook, Gun Control in an easy-to-read, thought-provoking years. in Nazi-Occupied France, listing at publication supported by extensive Shortly after the First World War, $23.95 USD, may be purchased online footnotes and a detailed bibliography. Germany’s Weimar Republic intro- directly from The Independent Insti- Gun Control in the Third Reich is di- duced gun registration and prohibi- tute. Amazon currently offers both vided into four units, which represent tion as a means of controlling political in Kindle editions for under half the distinct historical periods between violence between Communists and book price. the end of the First World War and the emerging Nazi party. As of Jan. the 1938 Night of the Broken Glass. 13, 1919, all firearms and ammunition Events occurring during the Second were to be surrendered immediately Title: Gun Control in the Third Reich World War are discussed in a conclud- or face five years in prison and a hefty Author: Stephen P. Halbrook ing chapter. fine. Punishment for even possessing Part I: Dancing on a Volcano: The a firearm could be brutal. After a 1920 Publisher: The Independent Institute 2013 Weimar Republic general strike and attack led by Com- Part II: 1933: Enter the Fuhrer munists, the Freikorps battalion shot ISBN: 978-1-59813-161-1 Part III: Gleichschaltung: Forcing 10 Red Cross nurses on sight because (hard cover), 978-1-59813-161-8 (paperback) into Line they were carrying pistols. Part IV: Reichskristallnacht: Night of The 1920 Law on the Disarmament Pages: 247 the Broken Glass of the People and the 1928 Law on Size: Hard cover, six by nine inches Conclusion: Whither the German Firearms and Ammunition continued Photographs: Archive – black Resistance? to restrict ownership of firearms by and white Providing a detailed synopsis of Gun introducing registration, licensing, Control in the Third Reich is challeng- confiscation of military firearms and

54 www.nfa.ca November/December 2020

CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_54-55_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 54 2020-10-16 11:53 AM NFA Half Page 2020 RL 1100.qxp_Canada NFA Ad 6/8/20 10:52 AM Page 1 Which Dillon is Right for YOU?

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CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_54-55_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 55 2020-10-16 11:54 AM CFJ_NOVEMBERDECEMBER20_54-55_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 56 2020-10-16 11:54 AM