CANADIAN MAY/JUNE 2020 FIREARMS JOURNAL
JULY/AUGUST 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_JULY AUGUST20_01_COVER.indd 1 2020-06-12 1:01 PM TPR9 -THUNDER PRO REDESIGN 9MM Introducing the TPR9, an advancement upon the successful Thunder 9 Pro pistol. The improvements include a • IMPORTS slimmer grip, significantly shorter trigger re-set, frame serrations and forward slide serrations. The Thunder Pro • ONLINE RETAIL platform was developed in the 90’s for law enforcement and military service and has been tested under the most • DISTRIBUTION adverse conditions for top of the line accuracy and dependability. The fit, finish and all-around build quality of the TACTICALIMPORTS.CA TPR9 is incredible, only matched by pistols costing several times more. The pistol is 100% ambidextrous with slide [email protected] release and safety/decocker levers located on both sides of the grip as well as featuring a reversible magazine catch. 800.994.6223 The levers and magazine catch are designed and positioned for exceptional ergonomics and well suited for modern high thumb grip. Fitted with a steel guide rod and a polygonal rifled barrel for ease of cleaning as well as increased accuracy and barrel life. Controls are oversized to work well with gloves or in high-stress scenarios. New and improved trigger is crisp with one of the shortest re-sets on the market. Now available in Tan finish. Starting at just $589.
2 www.nfa.ca November/December 2019
CFJ_JULY AUGUST_02-03_CONTENTS.indd 2 2020-06-12 1:31 PM CANADIAN July/August 2020 FIREARMS JOURNAL 50 28 COLUMNS POINT BLANK SWAROVSKI OPTIK You Will Always Be Your 70 years of Austrian excellence 4 Own First Responder KEVIN WILSON ON THE COVER CHRIS MCGARRY 32 5 51 PRECISION MEASURING FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK LEGAL CORNER Forster helps shooters Confusion Surrounding The Liberal’s Gun Ban measure the impossible New Gun Laws Of May 1, 2020 AL VOTH AL VOTH GUY LAVERGNE 36 6 54 FIRST-PERSON SHOOTER PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE NFA BOOK SHELF Video recording for No More Mr. Nice-guy Confusion By Design the shooting sports BILL RANTZ LOWELL STRAUSS SHELDON CLARE TPR9 -THUNDER PRO REDESIGN 9MM 8 FEATURES 43 THE LICENSE QUESTION Introducing the TPR9, an advancement upon the successful Thunder 9 Pro pistol. The improvements include a • IMPORTS VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE slimmer grip, significantly shorter trigger re-set, frame serrations and forward slide serrations. The Thunder Pro 16 Should firearms owners • ONLINE RETAIL platform was developed in the 90’s for law enforcement and military service and has been tested under the most The Only Solution CLAY BUSTER be licensed? • DISTRIBUTION BLAIR HAGEN adverse conditions for top of the line accuracy and dependability. The fit, finish and all-around build quality of the Reviewing the GARY MAUSER TACTICALIMPORTS.CA TPR9 is incredible, only matched by pistols costing several times more. The pistol is 100% ambidextrous with slide [email protected] Franchi Affinity Sporting release and safety/decocker levers located on both sides of the grip as well as featuring a reversible magazine catch. 800.994.6223 10 JEFF HELSDON 46 The levers and magazine catch are designed and positioned for exceptional ergonomics and well suited for modern PRESERVING OUR PANDEMIC PANIC? high thumb grip. Fitted with a steel guide rod and a polygonal rifled barrel for ease of cleaning as well as increased accuracy and barrel life. Controls are oversized to work well with gloves or in high-stress scenarios. New and improved FIREARMS HERITAGE 20 COVID-19’s effects trigger is crisp with one of the shortest re-sets on the market. Now available in Tan finish. Starting at just $589. Cap Guns – Icons Of An Era DREAM GUNS on the firearms industry GARY K. KANGAS & SYBIL KANGAS A guide to obtaining JEFF HELSDON the perfect rifle TIMOTHY FOWLER CANADIAN MAY/JUNE 2020 14 FIREARMS JOURNAL POLITICS & GUNS JULY/AUGUST 2020 Government By Dogma 24 BRUCE GOLD SHOOTABLE HISTORY Uberti’s 1860 Henry rifle 48 BY NORMAN GRAY ONE GUN'S STORY
Fully Committed On All Fronts Rescue Mission CANADA’S NATIONAL FIREARMS ASSOCIATION PM 40009473 Return undeliverable to: Canadian Firearms Journal, ERIC JOUBERT P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4
CFJ_JULY AUGUST20_01_COVER.indd 1 2020-06-11 2:55 PM
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.
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 3
CFJ_JULY AUGUST_02-03_CONTENTS.indd 3 2020-06-12 1:32 PM On The Cover
his issue’s cover has a fittingly Tdark theme to it, as it shows a western turkey vulture cruising a storm front, looking for something dead to become its next meal. The storm clouds and this legendary harbinger of death symbolize the fight Canadian gun owners find themselves in. The storm is here, and our enemies are hovering, waiting for firearms ownership in this country to die a slow, incre- mental death. To the informed, this isn’t a surprise. It’s the fight for life we’ve been expecting, and which we will win. We look forward to the day when our cover will feature a sun rising into a clear sky, without a vulture in sight. Thanks to Lowell Strauss for this bit of image poetry captured on the Saskatchewan plains.
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 July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 4 2020-06-12 1:02 PM From The Editor’s Desk Al Voth
Confusion Surrounding New Gun Laws
he old cliché about transitioning know 8 gauge and larger shotguns are thering will look like. Never mind the Tfrom the frying pan into the fire prohibited, but the 10 and 12-gauge promise (threat) to allow cities to ban seems to fit the situation gun owners models remain in a grey area. It’s clear handguns from inside their borders, find themselves in these days. There that some large-calibre rifles are now as soon as legislatively possible. The we were, navigating our way through illegal, but we don’t know where the uncertainties and the level of confusion a world-wide pandemic by caring for line is or how to measure a firearm to are both enormous. At least one thing ourselves, our families and our neigh- determine if it’s “capable” of reaching is constant and unchanging, it’s the cry bours, when the government dumped the evil 10,000 joule energy limit. It’s of the anti-gun lobby that this is “just us into the fire. The only thing I can also clear some of the black powder a good first step.” Which, notably, is think of which would rate higher on the cannons used by hobbyists and re- what they said of all the other gun laws scale of political opportunism is if the enactors are now prohibited, but some passed in the last 40 years. That recur- Liberals were to call an election before might be exempt as antiques and some ring phrase makes it clear their final they have to raise taxes to pay for all might fall under the “designed for step is complete civilian disarmament. the benefits being handed out these signalling” exemption in Section 84(3) However, the shooting ranges are days. But then, I expect that call will of the Criminal Code. Do you want to reopening from the COVID-19 shut- occur this fall. bet a criminal record and perhaps a down as I write this, and the weather As this issue goes to print, the level prison term that your interpretation of is turning summery. So, I refuse to let of confusion surrounding the May this confusion is the same one a judge the politicians dictate my mood. I’m 1 Order in Council is still at a fever would arrive at? going to do some shooting myself, and pitch. Yes, we know lots of modern And then there’s the issue of com- introduce some new people to the gun sporting rifles are banned, but other pensation in the promised buy-back sports as well. Recruiting new shooters similar rifles aren’t, and there’s no program, as well as the uncertainty who vote is one effective strategy for clear reasoning why the difference. We about what the promised grandfa- defeating this government.
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 5
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 5 2020-06-12 1:02 PM President’s Message Sheldon Clare
Confusion By Design
We have initiated a significant legal challenge of the Liberal Order in Council, which we, and our dream team of legal experts, have carefully considered. We are confident of success.
Nous avons entrepris une poursuite légale d’envergure envers le décret du gouvernement. Nous l’avons étudiée amplement avec notre équipe d’experts et sommes confiants d’être vainqueurs.
ow! What other printable word are, specifically targeted. The ments will be made that such a mea- Wis there to describe the Trudeau trigger for such a ban was to be, sure will remove firearms from homes, Liberal’s far-reaching grand assault on as we have seen, a high-profile shoot- and thus prevent suicides and domes- the property and rights of millions of ing event. The Nova Scotia rampage tic violence with firearms. There won’t Canadian firearms owners and busi- fit the bill nicely in keeping with the be any attention given to the facts that nesses. Many ordinary semi and bolt- left-wing philosophy of never letting a suicidal individuals are not deterred by action rifles, as well as shotguns, are good crisis go to waste. a lack of method, and that less than one now prohibited, and their ownership Phase two is push a forlorn hope of a percent of domestic violence incidents will not be grandfathered. The hallmark municipal handgun ban. This is really a involve firearms of any kind. Once of the Liberal gun grab is confusion distraction ploy, as it is well suspected most firearms are under such control, by design. We have been receiving in the Liberal cabal that such an effort the next measure will be to deny access information from inside sources about will fail in the face of uncooperative to them, except for limited identified the extent of the Liberal’s plan for municipalities, premiers, and problems groups, such as Aboriginal people with civil disarmament, but it has been so with the division of federal and provin- treaty rights related to firearms and wide sweeping that we thought it to be cial powers in the Constitution Act. The hunting and some other limited excep- information intended to embarrass us. real goal is the full ban of handguns, tions. Voila, game, set and match, and Unfortunately, our worst fears appear as previously articulated by former they will have all the guns. well-founded. Liberal leader Paul Martin. Again, the Do you want that in our “free” coun- The plan, as pieced together from initiation of such a measure is to be try? I sure don’t. several anonymous sources within the triggered by a convenient shooting No mention that firearms sports are government, bureaucracy and even event, which historically tends to ramp more popular than hockey. No indica- the Liberal party is to first use Orders up public demand to “do something,” tion that self-defense is a legitimate in Council to enact a sweeping ban of even if such support is soft and fades right and reason for use of a firearm. semi-automatic firearms, and anything quickly in the face of accurate informa- No concern about the direct attack on else which can be claimed to have even tion. our culture and the deeply personal a slim relationship to military appear- After that, or perhaps concurrently, attack on you and your property, as
ance. The cultures of sport shooting and the next phase is to bring in a program well as upon the livelihoods of mil- ALEXLMS/DREAMSTIME historical re-enactment were to be, and of central storage of firearms. The argu- lions of people who engage in business
6 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 6 2020-06-12 1:02 PM ALEXLMS/DREAMSTIME CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 7 y tive, even aggressive, infightingfor coming fall. We needyou tobeasser could beany time, butmostlikely this preparing forthenextelection, which politically andlegally. We arealready anywhere –ifyou move, they win. are Canadians, andwe aren’tgoing intended todivide andconquerus. We are completefabricationswhich are NRA here. You andIknow thoseattacks the USandthereisnoplacefor aren’t really Canadian, orthatthisisn’t rights shouldmove away, andthatthey jabs thatthosewhosupportfirearms We have already heard thepreliminary existed herefromthevery beginning. culture thatexistsinCanadaandhas is aboutdestroying therobustfirearms sale andrepair. Make nomistake, this use offirearms, nottomentiontheir activities relatedtotheownership and that you willnotgive upyour property, our rights. Many ofyou have toldme The NFA isfightingback, both - liberal andred erals andtorollback decadesoffailed only partypositionedtodefeattheLib support theConservative Party. Itisthe to getpoliticalinabigway. Join and and ifyou really meanit, thenyou need with muc cess. We have asolidteamoflawyers considered. We areconfidentofsuc team oflegalexperts, have carefully Council, which we, andourdream challenge oftheLiberalOrder in heart arenottobetrusted. deep seatedandclaimsofachange of rather thanless. Such sentimentsare previously advocated formorecontrol you. Bewary ofany candidatewhohas those candidateswhowillsupport leadership electionandsupportonly If you areamember, participateinthe repeal theseover 50years ofbadlaws. and thatyou demandthey review and sure they know why you arethere, We have initiatedasignificantlegal h experiencerelatedtothe Tory gunlaws. Make - - precedents age ourefforts, orotherwisesetbad thing we needarecaselossesthatdam have limitedchance ofsuccess. The last legal ventures designedforshow that situation. Bewary ofsupportingother forward acompellingaccountofher we have astrongclientwhocanbring complex aspectsofthisarealaw, and anything withoutyour support. you foryour efforts, we couldnotdo this publicandpersonalfight. Thank ca no sequences ofdefeatsodire. GotoNFA. never beenmoreserious, northecon political andlegalefforts. The needhas contribute atNFA.ca tosupportour der ourresourcesonfalsehopes. our generationandwe mustnotsquan silly sandboxgames. This isthefightof It isnotaboutego, showmanship or supported. We areinthisbattletowin. cause damage, andthey shouldnotbe It isessential–no, w andmake your contributionto . Somechallenges willonly critical–thatyou 2020-06-12 1:02 PM - - - Message du Président Sheldon Clare Conçu pour créer de la confusion
ow! Il n’y a aucune autre parole Wqui est permise d’imprimer pour décrire l’assaut de grande envergure commis par les Libéraux de Trudeau envers les droits et les biens de mil- lions de propriétaires d’armes à feu. Plusieurs carabines ordinaires à verrou et semi automatiques et plusieurs fu- sils sont désormais prohibés. De plus, leur possession ne sera pas protégée par une clause grand-père. La marque de commerce de cette saisie d’armes If allowed to continue, par les Libéraux est qu’elle est con- the Liberal Party çue pour créer de la confusion. Nous will systematically recevons régulièrement des rensei- destroy Canada’s firearms culture. gnements de nos sources internes à propos de l’ampleur du plan Si on les laisse Libéral en regard du désarmement faire, le Parti civil, mais jusqu’à date nous pensions Libéral va détruire, qu’elles nous étaient transmises avec et ce de manière systématique, la l’intention de nous embarrasser. Mal- culture Canadienne heureusement nos pires craintes sont des armes à feu. bien fondées. Le plan, selon plusieurs sources anonymes à l’intérieur du Gouverne- ment, des fonctionnaires et du Parti Libéral lui-même est qu’en premier tion Canadienne. Leur objectif réel est il ne restera qu’à empêcher leur accès, lieu toutes les armes semi-automa- d’interdire complètement les armes de à l’exception de certains groupes bien tiques qui peuvent quelque peu soit-il poings tel que Paul Martin, ancien chef identifiés comme les autochtones dont ressembler à une arme militaire soient du Parti Libéral l’avait promis. Et com- l’accès aux armes est protégé par des prohibées par Décret. La culture du tir me d’habitude l’élément déclencheur traités pour qu’ils puissent chasser sportif et des reconstitutions histo- sera la prochaine fusillade, dont l’effet pour se nourrir et d’autres exceptions riques devaient être et sont spécifique- prévisible auprès de la population sera très limitées. Et voila! Le tour est joué, ment visés. L’élément déclencheur de de demander à l’État de “faire quelque ils auront toutes les armes à feu. ces interdictions devait être, et l’a été chose” même si cette demande fléchie Est-ce que c’est ça que vous voulez comme nous l’avons vu, une fusillade lorsque les informations véridiques à dans votre pays “libre”? Moi c’est sûr hautement médiatisée. Le massacre en propos de la fusillade sont publiées. que non! Nouvelle-Ecosse fut idéal comme outil Par la suite, ou concurremment, la 3e Aucune mention que les sports de de la gauche, dont leur philosophie phase sera d’instaurer un programme tir sont plus populaires que le hockey. est de ne jamais gaspiller une tragédie d’entreposage central des armes à feu. On ne parle jamais que l’usage d’une pour arriver à leurs fins. Leur argument sera qu’il faut retirer les arme à feu est légitime pour défendre En deuxième lieu, ils vont essayer armes à feu des résidences pour préve- sa propre vie. Personne ne se préoc- désespérément d’instaurer une in- nir les suicides et la violence conjugale cupe de l’attaque directe sur notre terdiction des armes de poings dans avec les armes à feu. Aucune attention culture et des attaques profondément les municipalités. Ceci n’est qu’une ne sera portée aux faits que ceux qui personnelles sur vous, vos biens et sur distraction, puisque même la cabale veulent se suicider ne sont pas dé- le gagne pain de millions de personnes Libérale soupçonne que plusieurs couragés par la perte d’un moyen pour qui ont des commerces reliés à la pos- municipalités et premiers ministres le faire et que moins de un pour-cent session, l’usage, la vente et les répa- provinciaux ne seront pas coopératifs d’événements de violence conjugale rations d’armes à feu. N’ayez aucun et que le projet échouera. De plus, ce sont commis par quelqu’arme à feu doute, leur objectif est de détruire la
projet heurte le partage des pouvoirs qu’il soit. Une fois que toutes les armes culture robuste en regard des armes à NEXUSBY/DREAMSTIME à plusieurs niveau selon la Constitu- à feu seront contrôlées de cette manière feu qui existe présentement au Canada
8 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 8 2020-06-12 1:02 PM NEXUSBY/DREAMSTIME CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_04-09_EDITOR_PRESIDENT_FINAL.indd 9 NFA HalfPage2020RL1100.qxp_CanadaAd6/8/2010:52AM1 Which DillonisRightforYOU? Which DillonisRightforYOU? v dre vos droitsdemanièreconvaincante ment cetautomne. Vous devez défen- river n’importequand, maisprobable- pour laprochaine électionquipeutar juridiquement. Nousnouspréparons - siv nadiens etnoussommesicipourrester et nousconquérir. Noussommes Ca qu’elles sontconçuespournousdiviser attaques sontdepuresfabricationset place ici. Noussavons tousqueces États-Unis etqueleNRAn’apassa ou bienquenousnesommespasaux qu’ils nesontpasvraimentCanadiens droits desarmesàfeudedéménager, qui demandentàceuxappuientles avons subislesattaquespréliminaires et quiexistedepuisledébut. Nous Parti Conservateur, c’estleseulparti insistance. Devenez membresdu devez agirpolitiquementavec grande Si vous êtesvraimentsincèresvous remettrez pasvos biensauxautorités. d’entre vous m’avez ditquevous ne designed toloadmoderate .32 S&WLongto.45Colt. It comestoyou fromthe oire mêmeagressivement. Plusieurs Our automatic-indexing L’ACAF sedéfendpolitiquementet handgun calibersfrom Square DealB quantities ofcommon factory setuptoload progressive reloader ilnrcso.o •Call800-762-3845fora FREEcatalog,askforstock#O29-14690 dillonprecision.com ilnrcso.o •Call800-762-3845fora FREEcatalog,askforstock#O29-14690 dillonprecision.com ous déménagez, ilsontgagnés. one caliber. Reloader, capable of loading load magnum rifle calibers. An automatic casefeeder is The World’s Most Versatile calibers. Manual indexing and an option powder bar allow you to available for handgun over 160 calibers. RL 550C - - al magnum méfiant detoutcandidatquiain dats quiagirontenvotre faveur. Soyez une cliente solide qui pourra fournir un une clientesolidequipourrafournirun dans lacomplexitédecetteloieta ronnés, ayant beaucoupd’expérience Nous avons uneéquiped’avocats chev cause etnoussommessûrsderéussir. d’experts aprofondémentétudiéla des Libéraux. suite d’envergure contreleDécret leur faireconfiance. avoir changé d’idée, vous nedevez pas sentiments profondsets’ilsaffirment des armesdanslepassé. Cecisontdes la nécessitéd’augmenterlecontrôle chef etappuyez seulementlescandi membres, participezdansl’électiondu existent depuis50ans. Sivous êtes qu’ils abrogentcesmauvaises loisqui devenus membresetquevous exigez vous qu’ilssachent pourquoi vous êtes Progressistes Conservateurs. Assurez lois crééesparlesLibérauxet réformer desdécenniesdemauvaises capable dedéfairelesLibérauxet Nous avons entreprisunepour casefeeder andaseparate Truly thestateofart, p Available inallpopul automatic indexing,an station foranoptional istol andriflecalibers. powder-level sensor. our XL750features optional automatic Notre excellente équipe Notreexcellenteéquipe XL 750 ar - voqué vons includes aswager toremove The Super1050loadsupto capable ofreloadingallthe common handguncalibers 1200 roundsperhourand - the crimpfrommilitary primer pockets, andis - and several popular Super 1050 rifle calibers. sans votre appui. v tte publiqueetpersonnelle. Mercipour Allez àNFA.ca etcontribuezàcettelu pas êtregaspilléessurdefauxespoirs. génération, nosressourcesnedoivent d’enfants. Ceciestlabatailledenotre voir avec l’ego, letapeàl’oeiloulesjeux cette luttepourlagagner. Ceci n’arienà conséquences d’unedéfaitesigra Cela n’ajamaisétésisérieuxniles ridiques etnotreimplicationpolitique. aider àfinancernospoursuitesju vous fassiezdesdonsàNFA.ca pour être encouragées ront seulementdutortetnedoivent pas notre cause. Certainespoursuitescause produire desjurisprudenceshostilesà peuvent nousnuireoubienquipeuvent de créerdespoursuitesperdues qui de réussir. Ilfautéviter àtoutprix coups d’éclatsetn’ontpeudechances initiatives légalesquinesontquedes vit. Soyez méfiantsd’appuyer d’autres témoignage convaincant decequ’elle os efforts, nousnepourrionsrienfaire Il estessentiel, nonc’estcritique, que . Noussommesdans system thatmeanssmoother
operation withlesseffort, Win./7.62x51 cartridges. along withanupgraded eccentric bearingdrive primer pocket swager. features aninnovative Our newestreloader Loads upto.308 L1100 RL - 2020-06-12 1:03 PM ves. - - Vice-President’s Message Blair Hagen
The Only Solution
The biggest target of this OIC is the AR-15, demonstrating the shallowness of the Liberal actions.
he Liberals have prohibited, by Or maybe he doesn’t. istered firearms given by the Liberals TOrder in Council (OIC), over 1,500 This is one of the unintended, or regarding targeted firearms are ludi- firearms of a wide variety of types and maybe intended, consequences when crous. For example, the Liberals guessti- configurations. the Coalition for Gun Control writes mate there are only about 16,000 Ruger Stripped of their majority government your OIC for you. Mini-14s in Canada. But this popular in the last election, the Liberals man- The biggest target of this OIC is the sporting rifle has been imported in the aged to eke out a minority government AR-15, and that demonstrates the utter tens of thousands per year since the from ridings won in big-city Canada shallowness of the Liberal’s actions. mid 1970s. For semi-auto M14 clones, last November. With the ability to pass This rifle has bounced back and forth the Liberals guesstimate about 6,000. legislation without question or op- between the non-sensical non-restrict- These firearms have been imported in position taken away from them, they ed and restricted classifications for the tens of thousands per year since have employed the most insidious and over 40 years, a target of the ideological the 1980s. Anyone with an even remote slimy tools at their disposal to ban and whims of politicians and bureaucrats. understanding of these firearms knows confiscate your property, the OIC. At It is the modern sporting rifle used for there at least 10 times the number the time of this writing, the OIC list is hunting and target shooting in most of claimed by the Liberals in Canada. still evolving and changing as the Liber- the world. It is the rifle used in Domin- So where did those figures come als consult with the Coalition for Gun ion of Canada Rifle Association (DCRA) from? The old Liberal long gun registry. Control on just what property they want and provincial rifle association competi- That’s right, the old riddled with errors, confiscated from you. tions. These will be no more under the non-compliance, routinely ignored by The OIC is so fantastically encompass- Liberal plan. Canadians, C-68 gun registry that was ing, the Liberals have banned ICBMs, As I have said before, the AR-15 is a finally put out of its misery in 2012. The RPGs, nuclear missiles, 12-gauge symbol to the civil disarmament lobby Liberals only recognize their own num- shotguns and flare guns. Some by make of the type of firearms they don’t want bers, and to hell with their failures, and and model based on looks, and some Canadians to have. And therefore, it has the rights and property of Canadians
by bore diametre. Over the past week, become a symbol for us, the No Com- along with them. The National Firearms I’ve received hundreds of e-mails from promise symbol NFA members are so Association estimates over 200,000 Canadians asking just what the real de- familiar with now. Of course, a variety firearms are affected, most of them tails are. Does this mean shotguns are of other semi-auto rifles were targeted unrestricted and unregistered. banned? Nobody knows for sure at this as well, principally the Ruger Mini-14 The Liberals have given themselves
point. Ask the minister of public safety. and variants, and semi-auto M14 clones. two years to try and figure out how they RUGER FIREARMS Maybe he knows? The numbers of non-restricted, unreg- are going to confiscate your property. Milljour Nathaniel
10 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_10-11_VICE-PRESIDENT-FINAL.indd 10 2020-06-12 1:04 PM This is not just a plea to get a license. is aimed squarely at you. Again, this is further criminalize Canadians who have This is just not an appeal to register not about public safety, this is about the no business being targeted this way. your gun. They are actually coming for most aggressive form of virtue signal- By not having the courage to take this your rights and property. If you do not ing, the theft of the rights and property before Parliament in legislation, the comply, you will be prosecuted and of Canadians. Liberals essentially admitted defeat maybe even jailed. Another fact the Liberal’s move on the issue of gun control. They have This is nothing more or less than Lib- proves beyond a shadow of a doubt is made an unbelievably bad mistake eral economic and social warfare. Drive that registration invariably leads to con- here, on par with the mistake of the Canadian businesses to bankruptcy, fiscation, which is exactly why the long C-68 gun registry. With no clear man- cause job loss and government de- gun registry failed so badly. Canadians date, there is no righteousness to their pendence for employees, manufacture had seen governments register, restrict, actions. The opposite actually, as it lays The Only Solution criminal offenses. It’s grief and misery prohibit and confiscate firearms in the the undisputable basis for the repeal of directed upon their most hated and past, both in Canada and other coun- this OIC by the next government. disdained segment of Canadian society, tries. That observation led to a difficult So, I am going to lay it on the line, you and I – Canadians who have com- decision, a decision they should never right here, right now. plied with firearms laws. have been required to make, that if the The Liberals currently have a minority Think hard about that. They are war- government wished to make them crim- government in Ottawa. Minority gov- ring against the hard-fought freedoms inals, they would have to be criminals. ernments usually fall within a couple of previous generations, of our parents It is sick. of years, and another federal election and grandparents, undermining the Most of the firearms affected by this is called, giving that government the very foundations of English common OIC will never be surrendered and will opportunity to achieve a majority of law which have been enjoyed by Ca- remain, out there, in the possession of seats in Parliament or be defeated and nadians for centuries. And it was done Canadians who wish to prove their con- replaced. The Conservative Party of to satisfy the egos of civil disarmament tempt for the Liberal gun grab agenda. Canada has already committed to undo fantasists in the Liberal Party and their This is Liberal economic and social this OIC and repeal the Liberal Bill supporters in the civil disarmament warfare. Drive Canadian firearms busi- C-71 legislation imposed last year. lobby. nesses to bankruptcy, cause job loss and The only solution to this mess will be This is a very personal attack on government dependence for employees the defeat of the Liberals in the next the rights, freedoms and property of and manufacture criminal offenses. federal election. The Liberals must be Canadians. Please understand that. This Grief and misery by government edict defeated in the next federal election.
RUGER FIREARMS Nathaniel Milljour Nathaniel Nathaniel Milljour Nathaniel
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_10-11_VICE-PRESIDENT-FINAL.indd 11 2020-06-12 1:04 PM Preserving Our Firearms Heritage Gary K. Kangas & Sybil Kangas Cap Guns – Icons Of An Era
n this difficult time, governed by a Inasty virus and an anti-gun frenzy of unprecedented viciousness, per- petrated by a government focused on cultural and social re-engineering, not Photo cutlines 01, Photo from Kangas Archive: A punishing criminals, we wish to share a collection of cap pistols. Top: Smoker genuine feel-good story. It’s about cap 45. Second row: Last Minute P38, guns and their golden age. Nichols Dynamite Derringer, Kilgour The post-Second World War era was Mountie. Third row: Kilgore Bronco a time of prosperity, low crime rates, Gary cut down to a two-inch as a hide- out gun, grips broken and lost, Hubley family unity and the return of soldiers, Champ pistol. Bottom: Our daughter’s including our own fathers. Gary’s dad Daisy Mustang 49 pocket Colt. built air bases, while Sybil’s was an RCAF Squadron Leader. This was also a 02, Photo from Kangas archives: Gary time of community spirit, and a period and his friend Tap playing cowboys. during which the cap gun reigned 03, Photo from Thorington family supreme! archives: Our friend Jay after church, white shirt, bow tie, gunned up with his THE EARLY DAYS Kilgore Bronco. The history of cap guns goes back to 04, Photo from Barrell family archive: another time of reconstruction, the Sybil in her Roy Rogers best. period after the US Civil War. During this era, firearms manufacturers began producing some of the early types of cap guns to replace firearm sales now lost. Until this time, cap guns did not play an important role as toys. These early models were unsophisticated, cast iron cap guns and firecracker guns of single-shot configuration. They remained popular toys from the 1870s to the start of the 20th century. Then, the dawn of that century marked the emergence of dedicated toy manufac- turing and the beginning of the serious A collection of cap pistols. Top: Smoker cap gun era. 45. Second row: Last Minute P38, Nichols Dynamite Derringer, Kilgour Mountie. Third Stevens Toys of Cromwell, Conn., row: Kilgore Bronco Gary cut down to a dates to 1843. They began casting fire- two-inch as a hide-out gun, grips broken cracker pistols in 1859 and started mar- and lost, Hubley Champ pistol. Bottom: Our keting cap guns in the late 1870s. One daughter’s Daisy Mustang 49 pocket Colt. of the earliest recognizable toy makers was established in 1894 by John Hubley. He began producing cast iron cap guns to the early 1960s), there were many Cap Guns, Marx Cap Guns and, of in 1909, then in the 1930s production of companies marketing cap guns. Buzz course, Mattel Toys. Some were distrib- die cast zinc alloy cap guns started. In Henry Cap Guns, manufactured by utors and merchandisers only, market- the 1950s, Hubley created plastic cap the Leslie-Henry Cap Gun Co., made ing cap guns in their own name which guns until their acquisition by the Lido cap guns for many distributors. Daisy were manufactured by others. Toy Co. in 1965. However, they were out Air Rifles, who had been in business Then there were cap gun produc- of business by the early 1970s. since 1882, began to market cap guns ers. One of the best remembered was by various makers in their own name. Kilgore Mfg., formed in 1912. They
THE GOLDEN AGE Other familiar names included Esquire were the largest manufacturer, creat- ARCHIVES KANGA During the golden age of cap guns (1946 Toy Cap Guns, Halco Cap Guns, Kenton ing cast iron and die cast zinc cap guns.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL.indd 12 2020-06-12 1:04 PM Gary and his friend Tap playing cowboys.
Our friend Jay after church, white shirt, bow tie, gunned up with his Kilgore Bronco.
Sybil in her Roy GROWING UP WITH CAP GUNS Rogers best. The golden age era was a grand one to grow up in. At age seven, Gary’s Another of the larger producers was first cap guns were a pair of Kilgore the Nichols Co., started by Talley and HEROES WITH GUNS six-shooters, while his brother’s pocket Lewis Nichols in 1946 and located in The matinee idols of the late 1930s and pistol was a Kilgore cast iron Mountie Pasadena, Texas. Nichols cap guns 1940s ‘B’ western movies fueled the dating to the 1930s. Gary then acquired featured sophisticated revolvers cap gun trade. Going to the Saturday a Canadian-made P38 manufactured with caps placed in cartridge cases morning serials was a standard social by Last Minute Industries, St. Cath- that were loaded into the cylinder. gathering in the 1940s and early 1950s, erines, Ont. In 1950, his collection grew In 1950, their Stallion 45 was intro- with boys and girls dressing in their with a Smoker 45, a Kilgore Bronco duced. It was a cap gun sensation! favourite hero’s cowboy outfits. The ‘B’ six-shooter, Nichols Stallion 45 and a The Stallion 45 was a full-sized 1873 movie detectives were also great moti- Nichols Dynamite Derringer with its Colt-style revolver with a revolving vators for cap gun sales. Then television carrier and two bullets. Then he ac- cylinder, proper loading gate and took over and our heroes moved to the quired a Hubley Champ cap pistol and, two-piece cartridge case and bullet small screen. The Lone Ranger, Roy by the age of 12, Gary was one of the that contained the caps completely so Rogers and Dale Evans, Gene Autry, best-armed cap gunners in the neigh- smoke would come out of the barrel. Hopalong Cassidy made the move. But bourhood. By the age of 13, he was bird Gary was one of the first owners of a a new style of show was also created, hunting with his father and his mother Stallion 45 and the envy of all the cap including Bonanza, Gunsmoke, Have had given him an antique revolver, so gun kids. Gun Will Travel, Lawman, Bat Master- cap guns faded from his interest. Some Another full-sized Colt-style cap son, Maverick, Cheyenne, Rawhide and were lost, others traded; gone but not gun introduced in 1950 was the F Troop. Then there were the popular forgotten, many were put in a box and Smoker 45 created by Product En- female westerns, Big Valley with Bar- Gary still has them. Gary knew of girls gineering Co. of Portland, Oregon. bara Stanwick and the Annie Oakley who had cap guns, but did not meet Gary was one of the first to have one series. The television detective and one until he was 18, that being Sybil, of those as well, and he still owns it police shows were the next favourite who was 16. He became Sybil’s life today. The Smoker 45 was unique in genre. Programs like Dragnet, Highway partner. that you poured flour in the barrel Patrol, Mike Hammer, Boston Blackie, As for Sybil, after the war, her dad and when you pulled the trigger the Richard Diamond, The Thin Man, Peter became an executive with the Simp- cap made a bang and the barrel made Gunn and Hawaiian Eye rounded out son’s Department Store chain. In 1949, a puff of “smoke.” our evening entertainment. she hit the jackpot when Dad acquired Of the variety of caps used, the most When the 1960s began to unfold with for her a full Roy Rogers clothing set. popular were the perforated roll caps its social unrest and military issues, This included hat, shirts, pants and which you loaded into your gun, pro- the cowboy idols began to fade. By the pistols in a pre-introduction release of viding the junior cowboy with a 100- mid ‘60s, westerns were at their lowest this product to the market by Simp- shot revolver, just like the ‘B’ western ebb. The toy companies began to merge sons. Our daughter also had a cap gun, guns. There were round caps fitted to with other makers, many simply closing a Mustang cap gun of 1960s vintage the Nichols-style bullets and greenie their operations. Others continued with made by BCM and marketed by Daisy. stick-m-caps to fit in the Mattel Toy limited production. By the late 1960s, They aren’t real guns, but we think
KANGA ARCHIVES KANGA ARCHIVE FAMILY ARCHIVE; BARRELL FAMILY ARCHIVES; THORINGTON KANGA Co. “Shootin’ Shells,” as well as disc the sun went down on the golden age cap guns are an important and pivotal caps to fit on the back of cylinders. of cap guns. part of our firearms heritage.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL.indd 13 2020-06-12 1:04 PM Politics & Guns Bruce Gold Government By Dogma
he recent gun ban has yet again assumption of criminality was legally Rifles like the Norinco M305 are apparently prohibited, in part, revealed the breathtaking shal- established based on the mere posses- T because of their “modern” design. lowness of our “progressive” govern- sion of what had been lawful property. But only the Liberals could call a ment and its commitment to politically Accordingly, it is the law-abiding 65-year-old design modern. correct dogma. Often associated with gun owner who must report changes communist movements, political cor- of address or face jail. Persons with rectness means exactly what it says: prior criminal convictions for violent tion, administrative reporting – I could the action or statement is correct in the offenses need not do so because there go on – failed catastrophically and cost political sense of conforming to dogma is no underlying assumption of current 22 people their lives. or policy. For the Trudeau government, illegality despite past behaviour. As law-abiding gun owners are a culture a direct consequence of this “techni- MILITARY-STYLE GUNS that “fetishizes firearms,” making the cality,” millions of law-abiding gun The current ban on “assault-style” fire- country inherently more dangerous. owners guilty of no crime are subject arms is a textbook example of dogma The current gun ban is social engineer- to daily background checks and listed based on lies. Trudeau’s justification ing based on this dogma and masked in the police information system. While for the new regulation is that they are behind public safety. the serial killer in Nova Scotia was not unsuitable for civilian use because they being watched at all. His, prior to the pose a serious threat to public safety. GUNS murder, crimes of acquiring illegal In reality, these guns (Blair stated there Firearm’s law is being pursued guns, a fake police car, etc. passed un- are 250,000 of these rifles) have been through incrementalism, which then noticed. Thanks to the Liberal decision in civilian use since the 1880s and are supports larger changes when the tim- to criminalize firearms ownership, the rarely used in crime. After a century ing is right. In 1977, laws were passed entire system of control was directed of civilian use, the supposed over- requiring a permit to purchase a fire- away from the killer and onto those whelming dangers of these guns has arm. In 1991, the RCMP was no longer least likely to commit crimes. simply not materialized except in rare required to prove their refusal of a The politically correct dogma of gun incidents decades apart. permit was justifiable. In 1995, every prohibition had been served, the real- The next lie is the assertion these fire- law-abiding firearm owner in Canada ity of criminals and actual crime was arms are primarily designed for mili- became a criminal with the Liberal’s ignored. As a direct consequence, the tary purposes and capable of holding passage of the current Firearms Act. police had neither the resources, nor large capacity magazines. This asser- With the Firearms Act (C-68), the legal grounds to watch people banned tion rests on the lie that there is a basic mere ownership of a firearm became from gun ownership. As a result, when difference in design and function be- a crime. Since imprisoning millions political correctness met reality, the tween military and civilian rifles. This of law-abiding Canadians who had bureaucratic monstrosity of laws for is not true and has never been true. become criminals by legislative fiat restricting access, storage, carrying, Even going back as far as Brown Bess was unworkable, a licensing system transporting, registering, limiting muskets, there has been no difference was added. However, the foundation ammunition availability, gun classifica- in basic technology and engineering,
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL.indd 14 2020-06-12 1:04 PM with a lively and continuous interac- tion between military and civilian designs. Large-capacity magazines are already illegal. Does double il- If the bore of a legal make us safer? Military intent is shotgun includes another lie, since these guns, except- the clearance for ing those that were already banned, a removable choke are civilian versions lacking, amongst tube, 12-gauge other things, the fully automatic ca- shotguns with this diametre greater pability of modern military rifles. than 20 millimetres A third lie is the unstated assump- might be prohibited. tion that we can reduce violent crime The RCMP says it by disarming the victims and relying doesn’t. The CBSA on a firearm control program wholly seems to say it does. What would a focused on law-abiding owners. This judge say? policy ensures both the safety of the criminal and the helplessness of the victim. This was true during the Montreal Massacre (the police stood sion, this is clearly not adequate. The criminality now depend on how the outside and let the women die un- recent list is fraudulent political the- bore is measured. The RCMP are of aided) and during the recent killing atre, since the category will also apply the opinion that they are legal be- in Nova Scotia. to “all variants of the principal model, cause they currently measure the bore A fourth lie is that this gun ban is current or future, whether they are ex- between the barrel throat and choke. the will of the people. Beginning Oc- pressly listed or not.” This “system” will However, the Canadian Border Servic- tober 2018, an exercise in engagement be in continuous disorder as further es Agency defines bore as, “the inside regarding Reducing Violent Crime: A bans are imposed to prevent manufac- of the barrel, the throat to the muzzle” Dialogue on Handguns and Assault- turers complying with the law. Another (memorandum D19-13-2), which makes Style Firearms was conducted, with barrier to a fair trial is the lack of a them prohibited. The OIC says “any 134,917 online responses and 1,200 legal definition of “variant.” In current firearm with a bore diameter of 20 mil- written submissions. Some 77 per practice, “variant” can mean it looks limetres or greater” with nothing about cent of respondents did not want similar despite having a completely how it is measured. The Liberals have further limits to accessing assault different mechanism, or different car- given this decision-making power to weapons (undefined). Some 81 per tridge, or different origin, or different the RCMP, which amounts to the opin- cent did not want further limits to ac- materials. Or it could be mechanically ion of some nameless technician. This cessing handguns. similar but looks different. opinion is then used to control imports These ever-changing Orders in and exports, confiscate guns and arrest CONFUSION REIGNS Council, now creating criminal law, people. This opinion can only be chal- From the very beginning, the Liber- are a reversion to colonial governance, lenged detail by detail in expensive als have refused to create a legal defi- prior to the establishment of elected or court cases. The defining Firearms Ref- nition for what they are banning. The responsible government. Our gun laws erence Table, the compendium of the lack of a legal definition for “assault- will henceforth change without notice RCMP opinions, has 180,000 different style firearms” or “tactical/military at random intervals, with no clear way firearms listed and adds about 8,000 a design” is a profound and fatal flaw to determine if they are legally consis- year. It is currently a restricted docu- in any subsequent legislation. It is tent with other laws or the Charter. For ment unavailable to gun owners. debatable how anyone can receive a example, in 1998 the minister of justice This mess is now being used to gov- fair trial over something with no fixed tabled amendments to the 1996 gun ern the $5.6 billion sports shooting and legal definition. The current hodge- law that ran to over 1,000 pages. Orders hunting industry with 48,000 jobs. It podge of “semi-automatic action with in Council are not widely publicised, is also how over 2.2 million of the sustained rapid-fire capability” (no often poorly written, unclear or even most law-abiding people in Canada definition of “rapid fire”), a ”tactical/ lacking in a legal basis of enabling are treated. military design with large magazine legislation. They are not consolidated, capacity” (the rifles are civilian vari- meaning the entire published mass is ants, not military designs; magazine a maze of current, revised, superseded capacity is a characteristic of the and canceled documents mixed in with REFERENCES magazine, not the rifle), “are of mod- all the other Orders in Council. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FIRE- ern design” (no definition of modern) An example of this legal mish mash ARMS REGULATORY CHANGES, and “are present in large volumes is the shotgun controversy. Twelve- MAY 1, 2020 CANADA GAZETTE in the Canadian market” (does this gauge shotguns have a bore just under PART II – OTTAWA, FRIDAY, MAY mean unusual semi-autos are safer?) the 20 millimetre bore limit. However, 1, 2020 – EXTRA VOL. 154, NO. 3 is unworkable. the addition of a choke at the muzzle Firearms and Other Weapons. Considering they are planning to end increases the bore to just over the put people in prison for mere posses- legal limit. Prohibited designation and
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_12-15_POLITICS&GUN_FINAL.indd 15 2020-06-12 1:04 PM CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_16-19_CLAYBUSTER_FINAL.indd 16 16 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020 Reviewing theFranchiAffinitySporting BUSTER CLAY BY JEFF HELSDON JEFF BY 2020-06-12 3:18 PM
TK The Franchi Affinity is an inertia-driven semi-automatic, made in the Benelli factory in Italy.
mong the new guns introduced Aevery year, there’s occasionally a real winner that misses the attention it deserves. The Franchi Affinity Sporting is one of those. The Affinity is a semi-automatic that quickly gained a reputation for offering a lot of value for the money. A lot of fanfare accompanied its introduction in 2012. While the initial introduction of the Affinity was surrounded with a lot of hype, the Sporting model, which followed a year later, was quieter. That lack of coverage doesn’t mean the Af- finity Sporting isn’t a great clay buster. My first experience with ym trial gun was at the 5-stand range at the Ham- ilton Gun Club. This is a challenging range, where I would normally choose cylinder or skeet for some shots and full for others. With only one choke, I used improved cylinder. While I would like to say I broke more than 20 on the first round, no one kept score. I also had some challenges with The bolt handle, bolt seeing the targets coming from mul- release button and tiple throwers. A few tips from Isaque loading port are all Mendes, the club’s 5-stand director, oversized. solved the problem when reshooting those targets. I can say I crushed the first pair with the gun and shot respect- ably once I caught on to seeing the tar-
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_16-19_CLAYBUSTER_FINAL.indd 17 2020-06-12 3:18 PM TK The recoil pad can be changed to adjust length of pull. It also features a gel insert. gets. I was thoroughly impressed with how the gun shot, how natural and responsive it was, the good balance and my ability to break clays with it. I wish I could say I had impressive scores on the trap range as well, but that planned testing was aborted with gun range closures due to COVID-19. I am looking forward to the day when I can shoot trap with it. THE MECHANICS The Affinity is an inertia-driven semi- automatic. Therefore, “It’s driven by the power into your shoulder,” said Kira Bernardo, parts and service technician lead for Franchi importer Stoeger Canada. “If you shoot it and hold it in your hand, it’s not going to cycle. It needs something to kick back against.” Getting technical, when the trigger is squeezed, its sets in motion a series of actions. Initially, everything in the gun moves backwards except for the bolt. A curved track in the bolt allows it to move forward, turning the bolt head even more tightly into the bar- rel extension during ignition. At the same time, the inertia spring between the bolt head and body is com- pressed, allowing the cartridge drop lever to drop so a shell can move from the magazine to the carrier. As the recoil cycle starts to wind down, the rearward motion of the gun slows and the inertia spring pulls the bolt back. This action unlocks the rotating bolt head, pushing the extractor against the spent shell and allowing it to grab hold of the empty. The bolt continues OFFERINGS Cerakote-coated barrels. The Catalyst backwards, ejecting the shell and The Affinity is available in a wide va- is designed to fit women, has a walnut compressing the recoil spring into the riety of models. The Affinity 3 and Af- Monte Carlo stock and shorter length stock. The recoil spring then thrusts finity 3.5 are the core of the line, and of pull the bolt forward, lifting the new shell are offered in synthetic black, Realtree into the chamber. This whole process Max-5 and Mossy Oaks Bottomlands, THE SPORTING MODEL taking just a fraction of a second. plus walnut stocks. That numerical Specific to the Sporting, the receiver Inertia guns have advantages and designation indicates their maximum has a white anodized finish with a disadvantages over gas. They don’t shell length of three or 3.5 inches, chrome-accented bolt and trigger. The tame recoil as much, but since the gas with the three-inch version available only engraving is the manufacturer’s isn’t driving the cycling of the gun, in 12 and 20 gauge. The Compact is name and “Affinity 3 Sporting.” The and exits the barrel instead, they are offered only in synthetic stock options stock and forend are A-grade walnut, cleaner to operate, have fewer parts, in three-inch, with the difference with tastefully done checkering and and don’t need as much maintenance. being a shorter length of pull on the “Franchi” engraved on the forearm. With fewer moving parts and no gas stock and availability in 20 gauge only. The checkering is a unique but attrac- chambers or action bar linkage in the The Companion is a recent addition, tive pattern, slightly different than the forend, the front of the Affinity is slim- with AA-grade walnut and engraving typical diamond shape, and providing mer. Less parts also means less weight, which pays heed to German short- a solid grip. making the Affinity lighter than a typi- haired pointers. The Elite is avail- The matte finish, blued barrel is cal gas gun, and improving balance. able in various configurations with ported and is chrome lined for easier
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_16-19_CLAYBUSTER_FINAL.indd 18 2020-06-12 1:05 PM The barrel of the gun is ported, and the choke tubes are of the extended variety.
cleaning and longevity. This model is thread. Cylinder and improved modi- “Where they really differ is the available in a 30-inch barrel 12 gauge fied chokes are available aftermarket. quality of the wood and the parts,” and 28-inch barrel 20 gauge. Both the The rib is a raised rib, sloping up Bernardo said. bolt handle and bolt release button from the receiver more sharply than For all but the most ardent shooters, are oversized for easier manipulation. on many guns, and it then gently any fears about the longevity of the The loading port is also oversized. tapers to a red fiber optic front sight. gun can be addressed by the seven- The TSA recoil pad is unique to the There is no middle bead on this gun, year warranty. Affinity and differs from the technol- a feature some clay shooters like, and My dream sporting gun is a Beretta ogy used by Franchi’s sister guns. The others don’t. A400 Black Sporting, which seems to Benelli uses chevrons in the stock Disassembly of the gun begins by be the preferred gun for many com- to assist with taming recoil, while unscrewing the ratcheting forend cap, petitive shooters wanting a semi-auto. Beretta semi-automatics rely on a then sliding off the barrel and forend How does the Affinity Sporting stack combination of the recoil pad and – this is done with the bolt closed. up against its parent company’s top Kick-Off technology. The Franchi re- Assembly is simply reversing the pro- gun in the category? It doesn’t have lies on a gel insert in the TSA pad. “If cedure. The trigger group is removed the carbon fibre rib or weights on the it starts to wear out, you can replace by punching out a pin in the receiver. forend to change the balance – both the gel,” Bernardo said. “It helps with Locking the bolt back is completed by features that won’t make a difference the longevity.” pushing a switch in front of the trig- to the average shooter. I’ve found A variety of shims make the gun ger guard. The ambidextrous safety is the 10-millimetre wider rib on the adjustable for drop and cast. Length behind the trigger. Beretta helps target acquisition, but of pull is adjustable by changing the Shooting 60/40, I found I didn’t need the eight-millimetre rib on the Fran- recoil pad, with the standard provid- to cover birds to break them, some- chi Sporting is close, and wider than ing a 14-and-three-eighths-inch thing ideal for a clays gun. After find- many field guns. length of pull, and optional pads ing out the actual percentage from The Franchi, tipping the scale at available to increase length of pull to Bernardo, I found she also shoots an 7.1 pounds in 12 gauge, is slightly 14 and a half, 14 and three quarters Affinity, which, in my estimation, is a lighter than the Beretta. Although I or 15 inches. For those with shorter vote of confidence for the gun. didn’t shoot as many shells through arms, Bernardo said switching to the the Franchi as the Beretta, the recoil Compact or Catalyst stock is COMPARISONS seems quite manageable. Costing an option. The Franchi Sporting offers a lot of less than half the price of the Beretta, The gun is supplied with extended gun for the money, coming in at $1,335 the Franchi Sporting could end up choke tubes in improved cylinder, MSRP. It is made in the same Italian being the next addition to my gun modified and full, with Beretta Mobil factory as Benelli semi-automatics. cabinet.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_16-19_CLAYBUSTER_FINAL.indd 19 2020-06-12 1:05 PM DREAM GUNS A guide to obtaining the perfect rifle BY TIMOTHY FOWLER RUGER FIREARMS INC. AGENCY GRAVEL
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_20-23_DREAMGUN_FINAL.indd 20 2020-06-12 1:05 PM DREAM GUNS
A Custom Shop Marlin hether you dream in AAA wal- tom selectors, which allow customers Modern Hunter 1895. Wnut and blued steel, Cerakote to choose from a fixed set of options. and stainless or aluminum and carbon This service walks customers through fibre, most gun owners have a custom base model, calibre, level of trim and gun reserved for their future selves – if other choices to get a gun close to their only in their dreams. Some of us dream dreams, with some manufacturers of big bore bolt-actions or double rifles offering an incredible collection of op- in elephant-worthy calibres, hand-built tions. The resulting gun is a product of to accompany a dream safari. Others your various menu choices. And lastly, dream of an extraordinarily accurate, some manufacturers offer specially blue printed, carefully tuned, fast-twist manufactured guns branded as custom precision rig settled into a custom chas- shop firearms. This category is one sis. Some of us dream of the lightest where the manufacturer anticipates possible, most weather-resistant, easily a need and fills it with a limited run carried mountain rifle. And yet others offering. You have no choice in how the obsess over a leather-wrapped, lami- gun is configured. nate-stocked lever action in a thumper cowboy cartridge. Then, some of us FIND A KNOWLEDGEABLE RETAILER want a super accurate custom rimfire Getting the dream rifle you want re- that matches our most used centrefire quires finding a retailer who will work medium bore. with you and work with the custom Some of the best-known manufac- shop. In larger stores, there is almost turers of guns found on the Canadian always a gun aficionado behind the market offer these kinds of firearms. counter who knows exactly how to They typically use one of three levels work with your manufacturer to help of custom shop services: full custom, you get what you want. In smaller a selection of set custom options, or a stores, it is often the owner who has finished product branded as custom. the relationship with importers and The full custom service is an interac- various custom shops. Be prepared tive process where the customer directs to wait six months or longer and be details of the gun. This service presents ready to pay at least a deposit when all the options a manufacturer offers, you order. Once the order is executed, plus anything you can dream up, from you have purchased that gun, even if it exhibition-grade walnut to fuchsia is months away. splatter Cerakote. These folks have a “It’s hard sometimes to use your team of talented gunsmiths and en- imagination to create a product. We
RUGER FIREARMS INC. AGENCY GRAVEL gravers who hand-assemble your rifle have a very in-depth assortment of with love and attention. Next are cus- custom rifles we can offer, but not a lot
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_20-23_DREAMGUN_FINAL.indd 21 2020-06-12 3:23 PM BROWNING: Custom builds are focused on shotguns and handguns.
of representation in Canada to sell CADEX: Doesn’t advertise a custom shop, but they feature Canadian-made, military-grade guns for the civilian market. them properly to the end-user,” said Hugo Laliberté, SVP with Gravel CZ: Maintains a custom shop for pistols but doesn’t offer custom long guns. Agency, importer of Remington and Marlin firearms in Canada. “When MARLIN: Click on custom guns on their website’s menu bar and a couple of you order a Remington or Marlin more clicks lands you on “Get Started.” Click that and an email opens – these guys want to talk with you about your dream. custom shop rifle, they are built by hand. Once you feel one of these REMINGTON: Click the custom shop tab at the top right of the menu bar and custom guns and cycle the action, see base custom rifles in various formats. Beyond those base choices, Reming- you feel how much tighter the toler- ton offers complete customization if customers want something special. ances are, how much that product RUGER: The custom shop produces some “custom” products for sale. Look for feels like quality – it feels above and the Custom 10/22 22 Long Rifle and a selection of upgraded pistols and revolvers. beyond,” said Laliberté. Moving through the steps from SAKO: Scroll down a level on the website and select, “Build Your Custom Rifle.” fantasy to holding the gun of your Work through the various options offered and at the end you get a suggested dreams is a challenge unless you MSRP in euros, and a product number. have a good idea of exactly what you SMITH AND WESSON: Their performance centre provides upgraded and tuned want. Because custom guns are, by firearms, mostly handguns. Long guns are limited to the T/C 22, an upgraded nature, custom and therefore costly, and tuned version of their autoloading 22 Long Rifle. dealers are hesitant to stock them in the hope they might connect with TIKKA: No custom shop, but they do offer some interesting customizable op- tions for grips, stocks and forends. customers. However, there are a few exceptional dealers who bring in WEATHERBY: Custom selector is at the top left of their menu selector and custom guns on spec, anticipating quickly takes you through selecting base model, options and gives users an what select customers might like. opportunity to submit a deposit. These guys want to close the deal. Reach out Ask your favourite retailer what to your Weatherby retailer to work with them if your dream gun is a Weatherby. they can do for you. WINCHESTER: Offers “exclusive products” commissioned for sale through se- Here is list of major brands of lect dealers. See your retailer about what might cross the border to Canada. rifles available in Canada and Benelli, Franchi, Henry, Howa, Kimber, Mossberg and Savage don’t advertise a information from their websites on custom shop. custom offerings: Once customers work through the Sako configurator, the selection process generates a product code which customer take to their retailer. That rifle might be in Canadian inventory, or it might be a special order. This was the only com- Custom guns are pany I found that had their website set up to generate a product code for a an expression of complex optioned order. “The configurator is like the build your own option of the personality and car manufacturers. You add your options and at the end you get the product passions of the owner. you want,” said Shany Poulin, marketing manager with Stoeger Canada. GRAVEL AGENCY INC. AGENCY GRAVEL INC. AGENCY GRAVEL
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_20-23_DREAMGUN_FINAL.indd 22 2020-06-12 1:05 PM Exhibition-grade walnut and engraving can add significantly to the cost of your dream gun.
CHOICES & OPTIONS Shooters love their sport and the rifle is a big part of the pleasure of shoot- ing. Getting exactly what you want requires considering this list choices and options: Format and manufacturer. Lever gun, bolt action or semi-auto; hunting or The author chose precision; collector or working gun? a custom shop Calibre. The concept of form fol- Remington Model 547 lowing function suits the choice of in 17 HMR to match calibre. Long-range precision shoot- his Remington 700 centrefire hunting rifle. ers are sweet on 6.5 Creedmoor, while African hunters might lean toward a bolt gun in 375 H&H Magnum or 416 Rigby. A 444 Marlin or 45-70 Govern- installed. Telescopic sighted guns off-the-shelf firearm. However, there ment might make a perfect lever gun might have a base machined right is no substitute for a custom-made for a boreal forest adventure. Rimfire into the action. gun which satisfies your desire for shooters will choose from 22 Long Trigger. Custom triggers are often the perfect rifle. The only question Rifle or other rimfire cartridges. an upgrade option. remaining is when we get to start liv- Stock material, shape and length of Finish. Wood can be finished in ing the dream. pull. Traditional wood leans heavily hand-rubbed oil, matte or high It’s worth noting that because of on walnut stocks, but there are other gloss. Fibreglass and carbon fibre the current COVID-19 reality, some options in wood, including laminate, can be painted or printed. Cerakote notable manufacturer offices were maple and others. Figure and finish has opened tremendous options for closed, and the writer was unable are personal taste and can add a sig- colour finishes. Metal can be blued, contact them. Most of these manu- nificant cost. Carbon fibre, fibreglass French grayed, colour case-hardened facturers are outside of Canada. and combinations of aluminum make or stainless. Importers and retail dealers some- weather-impervious stocks and chas- Accurizing. Some custom shops of- times don’t get access to the full line sis to enhance accuracy. fer bedding and accurizing as part of of guns on offer on their website due Barrels. Barrels come in more op- the custom gun process, while others to the border, but every one of them tions now than ever. A dreamer can charge a premium for blueprinting would love to sell you your dream choose from blued, stainless, Cera- actions and fine detailed accurizing. rifle. Please do your own research kote-finished, carbon fibre wrapped Occasionally, a dream rifle costs not when considering your custom gun and/or fluted. much more than a regular production options, and recognize that world
GRAVEL AGENCY INC. AGENCY GRAVEL INC. AGENCY GRAVEL Sights or no sights. Many traditional one and others cost as much as four currency fluctuations impact the guns will have specialty open sights or five times the price of a standard final price of your dream gun.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_20-23_DREAMGUN_FINAL.indd 23 2020-06-12 1:05 PM CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_24-27_SHOOTABLEHISTORY.indd 24 24 www.nfa.ca 24 July/August 2020 SHOOTABLE HISTORY Uberti’s rifle 1860Henry BY NORMAN GRAY GRAY NORMAN BY
2020-06-12 1:06 PM
UBERTI enjamin Tyler Henry worked as a Bgunsmith and then as a foreman in the employment of Oliver Winchester at his New Haven Arms Company. His job at the time was to make improvements on Winchester’s newly acquired patent for the Volcanic repeating rifle. It was this work that, on Oct. 16, 1860, earned him a patent on the Henry repeating rifle. And the timing couldn’t have been better, as in 1861 the Civil War erupted in America, and by mid-year 1862, Henrys were be- ing put in the hands of Union soldiers. OLD WEST LO The Henry also found favour with civil- ians, but it was the American Civil War that elevated the rifle to legendary sta- tus, as accounts from the battlefield were numerous, praising victories to its use. Henry’s rifle allowed one soldier to en- gage multiple targets quickly, a feat that would have usually taken a dozen skilled soldiers, armed with muzzleloaders, to accomplish. In the Battle of Altoona Pass, Major William Ludlow reported that 16 of his soldiers, armed with Henry repeating rifles, laid down such a volume of fire that no man could stand in front of them and live. He also stated that the Confederate forces would not assault the fort again in fear of Henry’s firepower. An unknown Confederate officer, after a battle with the 7th Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, said something to the effect, “It’s that damn Yankee rifle you could load on Sunday and shoot all week.” There is no doubt that it contributed to many victories and, in turn, helped facilitate the north winning the Civil War. The Henry rifle went on to serve the civilian population for many years after
A barrel sleeve is twisted aside to load cartridges into the tubular magazine.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_24-27_SHOOTABLEHISTORY.indd 25 2020-06-12 1:06 PM the Civil War, seeing extensive use in Open Top Model 1871 and 1872 and some people may want to hunt with a the west to significant effect. One such Model 1860 Long Cylinder Conversion. rifle like this, allowing them to hunt and event was the defeat of General George Colt also produced a single action Army shoot as our ancestors did. Reliving that Armstrong Custer by Crazy Horse at the revolver that fired the 44 Henry Rimfire. history may be one of the most popular battle of the Little Bighorn. It also helped The shared chamberings between rifle reasons, for a rifle like this. It’s not the pave the way for Oliver Winchester’s and revolver meant the owner need only original gun used in the battle of Altuna Volcanic rifle to become the much-im- carry one calibre of ammunition for both Pass, but you can still reach back into proved 1866 Yellow Boy. rifle and revolver, a common practice in history and experience some of it. The Henry has also played parts in the Old West. The Henry is a simple hammer-fired, some great western movies; one of note In 1871, the 44 Henry Rimfire was lever-action design, which in the 1860s was Dances with Wolves, starring Kevin improved by George R. Stetson. By was groundbreaking technology. Even Costner, who played Lt. John J. Dunbar. changing the bullet shape, swaging, today, it’s still a simple but effective In a significant scene in the movie, he and pre-lubing the bullet, he made it design, and after some time behind the uses his trusted 1860 Henry to stop an much more efficient. US patent 120403 trigger, you’ll find that maybe the tricki- injured buffalo that was charging down a was awarded to Stetson on Oct. 31, 1871, est part of shooting the Henry is loading Native American boy. Through the magic and assigned to the Winchester Repeat- it. To load the Henry, open the action by of Hollywood, he was victorious, killing ing Arms Company. The cartridge is no moving the cocking lever fully forward, the buffalo, just feet from the boy. longer commercially available, and what then load the tubular magazine by push- is left is expensive and snapped up by ing the brass magazine follower upwards THE HENRY’S CARTRIDGE collectors. towards the end of the barrel as far as The 44 Rimfire or 44 Henry Rimfire, as it will go. While holding the follower in it was commonly labeled, was named UBERTI’S 1860 HENRY place, rotate the top sleeved portion of in honour of its creator. The bullet most Uberti has a simple solution to an obso- the barrel clockwise. widely used in the initial chambering lete, unobtainable cartridge; purchase Insert a cartridge into the magazine was a 216 to 220-grain heeled lead bullet any of their three replica 1860 Henry tube, rim first. With the rifle pointed loaded with 27 grains of black powder. models in a modern chambering. The away and at a slight forward angle, al- Initially, rounds utilized a flat-nose 1860 Henry Trapper is chambered only low the round to slide down the tubular bullet but were replaced in favour of a in 45 Colt, but their longer-barreled magazine. Capacity is eight plus one round nose to help with reliable feeding. brass and steel models are chambered on the 18-inch model and 13 plus one The 44 Henry performed much like in either 44-40 WCF or 45 Colt. Both car- on the 24.5-inch models. After loading, a modern 200-grain 45 ACP, having a tridges were born of the Old West and and while holding the follower in place, muzzle velocity of around 1,125 feet are available at almost any ammunition rotate the barrel sleeve counter-clock- per second and was generally effective dealer or can be handloaded. wise and allow the follower to travel up to 100 yards. The cartridge stayed in Why would anyone want to shoot and downward. Closing the action will now service many years, and was chambered own a replica of an old, outdated rifle? chamber a round from the magazine in other firearms such as the Winchester Certainly, cowboy action competitors tube, and the hammer will be cocked. Model 1866, S&W No. 3 revolver, Colt trying to replicate a certain character or Keep in mind that the only safety at this period will want something as close to point is you, as firearms of the time did the original as possible. And, of course, not employ manual safeties. The lever shooting a replica negates the need to safety on this rifle just keeps the action Uberti’s Henry uses risk damaging a very expensive original, from being cycled to chamber a round. If the same operating and certainly improves ammunition a round is in the chamber and the ham- system as the original. availability. But besides target shooting, mer is cocked, it will fire.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_24-27_SHOOTABLEHISTORY.indd 26 2020-06-12 1:06 PM RANGE TIME Shooting the Henry was a real journey Uberti 1860 Henry back in time, and it wasn’t hard to imag- (Trapper model) 45 Colt ine what it was like for the first soldiers to have this rifle and its firepower at Manufacturer Bullet AV (fps) SD their fingertips. The Uberti 1860 Henry is a simple design and does not have the TEN-X Ammunition 200-grain LRNFP 1,262 8 bells and whistles of modern firearms, so there isn’t much to describe. Uberti has DoubleTap Ammunition 255-grain HCS 1,277 7 built a fine replica; now, you just have to Liberty Ammunition 78-grain HP 2,366 30 go out and enjoy its history. As long as you live within the realization that with modern ammunition it can be used for Notes: Velocities are derived from a 10-round average recorded on a hunting, and you work within the limits Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2 placed 15 feet from the muzzle. of the ammunition being used, it will Abbreviations: (AV): average velocity; (SD): standard deviation; (HP): hollow point; (LRNFP): lead round nose flat point; (HCS): hard cast solid give you some great conversation at the dinner table.
With the magazine loaded, the rifle is ready for the A. UBERTI 1860 HENRY range or the hunt. TRAPPER MODEL: 342910 CALIBRE: 44-40/45 Colt (45 Colt For the record, I can’t find evidence tested) of a trapper model ever manufactured TYPE ACTION: Case hardened, by Henry or Winchester. If you don’t breech-loading lever action mind that it’s six inches shorter and CAPACITY: Tubular magazine, denies you some extra rounds and a bit capacity eight plus one of velocity, then you can own and shoot the Trapper that never was. SAFETY: Lever lock FRAME: Forged brass THE MANUFACTURER WEIGHT: 8.25 pounds/3.6 kilograms A. Uberti is located in the village of Gardone Val Trompia in the Italian Alps. Benjamin Tyler Henry BARREL: 18.5 inches/46.9 They manufacture faithful replicas of centimetres octagonal tapered many historic firearms, giving consum- steel ers the choice of over 22 black powder RIFLING: One to six-inch, right-hand revolvers, 179 cartridge revolvers and Their replicas are actually better than twist 69 cartridge rifles. the originals, as Uberti manufactures STOCK: Walnut with a brass If you’re a reenactor, a fan of the Old their firearms with modern CNC buttplate West or would just love to own a piece machines and materials. This allows FOREND: None of history from the era, chances are their firearms to be far more durable Uberti has it. In my opinion, some of than the originals and allows us to use REAR SIGHT: Ladder style the most authentic, hand-finished rep- modern ammunition without fear of FRONT SIGHT: Steel blade licas in the industry are manufactured injury or damage to a historic firearm. CANADIAN DISTRIBUTOR: by Uberti. Their attention to detail and I’m sure the soldiers and civilians of Stoeger Canada craftsmanship is masterfully represent- the past would have approved of these ed in all their historic replica firearms. well-made replicas.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_24-27_SHOOTABLEHISTORY.indd 27 2020-06-12 1:06 PM SWAROVSKI OPTIK 70 years of Austrian excellence BY KEVIN WILSON
Fascinated with optical physics and astronomy, Wilhelm Swarovski was an avid amateur astronomer. In the 1930s he was already experimenting with advanced methods for producing and grinding crystal prisms
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_28-31_SWAROVSKI OPTIK.indd 28 2020-06-12 1:07 PM This photograph, taken in 1943, shows Wilhelm Swarovski in his workshop.
Swarovski’s dS 5-25x52 P is their entry into the smart rifle scope category.
growing number of recreational hunt- ers, nature observers, birdwatchers and adventure tourists. It’s no secret that European crafts- manship and innovation, along with the family’s never-ending standard of excellence, has firmly established Swarovski Optik as an industry leader. Until the mid-1990s though, there were still relatively few brand manufacturers at the table, with only a small handful of competitors coming close to the pre- senting the quality and accompanying reputation held by Swarovski.
DEVELOPING AN OPTICS EMPIRE Swarovski’s perpetual motivation to im- prove on what is already good was the driving force behind the development of ast year, Swarovski Optik cel- to develop high-precision binoculars. their optics empire. Widely recognized Lebrated its 70th year in business. But it really all began in 1945 when he as the standard, their Habicht series of Known for making some of the finest made his first 6x30 binocular. By 1949, binoculars was soon followed by other glass in the world, every optics user in Wilhelm Swarovski had established a models, and in 1959 they launched their every country is familiar with the brand. company with 50 employees and began first rifle scope. Since then, Swarovski Actually, the Swarovski name is producing the famous Habicht 7x42 bin- Optik’s product lines have grown and famous worldwide for two things: ocular. After that, he never looked back. continue to develop both technically crystal and optics. While his father, and functionally. Daniel Swarovski, became legendary A FAMILY TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE Perhaps most noteworthy within the for his innovations in grinding crystal Carina Schiestl-Swarovski, a great- company’s binocular offering is the EL gemstones, in 1949 Wilhelm Swarovski granddaughter of Wilhelm Swarovski, series with its 42-millimetre objective founded Swarovski Optik KG, essen- looks back with pride on the company’s lenses. Launched in 1990, this design, tially the company we know today, as successful history, saying, “It gladdens with a wrap-around grip, has now been an independent company within the our hearts to experience nature in-depth. copied by other manufacturers. After Swarovski Group. Our vision is to give people an under- 2000, another milestone was reached, Fascinated with optical physics and standing of the joy of observation.” when Swarovski Optik developed its astronomy, Wilhelm Swarovski was an This family-owned company sets the ATS/STS 80 range of spotting scopes avid amateur astronomer. In the 1930s, highest standards for quality and design with magnesium technology. he was already experimenting with with an extensive range of products. By 2007, the optics world was begin- advanced methods for producing and Their binoculars, telescopes, optronic ning to take off. Industry-wide, many grinding crystal prisms. At the same instruments, rifle scopes, rangefind- new brands were launching in the time, he applied his expertise with ers and night sights are used the world marketplace, but Swarovski Optik glass production and coating gleaned over, not only by professional outfitters, stayed the course, with the unwavering from working in his father’s company, guides and naturalists, but also by a purpose of making only the best for its
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_28-31_SWAROVSKI OPTIK.indd 29 2020-06-12 1:07 PM client base. Recognizing global eco- nomic conditions at the time, Wilhelm Swarovski’s optics empire had become Shooters and hunters around a corporate giant serving markets the world widely recognize across the globe. Swarovski optics as some of That same year, they launched the Z6 the finest on the market. range of rifle scopes, presenting a 50 per cent larger field of view and a 50 per cent greater magnification range compared to other models. By June 2008, their 30,000th rifle scope left the factory. Despite challenging global economic conditions at the time, the Austrian company continued to push forward in developing not only its innovative product lines, but also new geographic markets around the world. In the words of Schiestl-Swarovski, “Our company focuses on people. We owe our success to the skills of our workforce. We consider it our duty to constantly improve what is good, to surprise our customers time and time again and to exceed their expectations. Our culture is shaped by the love of
beautiful products, precision fabrica- tion, attention to detail and respect for the highest standards in all activities of the company.” On the cutting edge of innovative de- sign and functionality, Swarovski Op- tik continues to maintain its reputation as an industry leader. It’s impossible to highlight their entire product line here, but three benchmark examples include their laser rangefinding binoculars, modular spotting scope and digital riflescope.
RANGEFINDING BINOCULARS Swarovski’s EL Range, and most recent addition, the EL O-Range, combine a binocular with rangefinding capabil- ity. Available in 8x and 10x magnifica- tion, both with 42-millimetre objective lenses, I find this to be an impressive binocular. The integrated laser range- finding function pinpoints distances by simply aiming and pressing the measurement button, making it an es- sential piece of gear for many guides. As both a professional guide and a hunter, it is my number one asset in the field. Particularly advantageous if you’re hunting in steep terrain, or from a tree stand, the rangefinder compensates for angle, providing the adjusted shoot- ing distances in an easy-to-see digital display while viewing the subject. With an advertised ranging ability effective
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_28-31_SWAROVSKI OPTIK_FINAL.indd 30 2020-06-12 3:15 PM to 1,500 yards, I find it well balanced, design of the STX eyepiece provides a DIGITAL RIFLESCOPE TECHNOLOGY designed for comfort and easy to hold straight view. The BTX has a binocular Regarding the dS 5-25x52 P, Dean steady. Tom Hogan, senior techni- eyepiece. Capuano, director of communica- cal advisor at Swarovski Optik North Hogan says, “Without a doubt, the tions at Swarovski Optik North America, says he has seen accurate versatility of this modular system is America, says, “We developed a readings over 2,000 yards in noticeably unparalleled. It gives users the ability smart rifle scope with this product. It clear conditions, and conversely as low to choose either the angled or straight provides hunters and shooters alike as 100 yards in heavy fog or snow. ocular, or the option of three different with an intelligent solution. Technical The EL Range is available in green, objective lenses: 65, 85 or 95 millime- and long-range optical innovations, but equally innovative, the EL O- tres. We’ve had hunting guides tell combined with the hunter’s expertise, Range is available in hunter orange, us they were stunned by the high- make it possible to be completely ac- making it highly visible and easy resolution image of the modular series, curate. This product goes a long way to keep track of in the field. When particularly with the 95-millimetre towards ethical hunting and shooting.” I asked Hogan what he felt was the objective. This is due to Swarovski’s Using digital technology, the dS strongest technical point of the EL Swarovision technology with HD glass, automatically displays the correct Range, he said, “Really, there are a field-flattener lens that gives perfect aiming point, taking into account the lots of key features that make the EL edge-to-edge clarity and eliminates distance, air pressure, temperature Range so desirable. Image clarity is distortion, as well as giving a comfort- and angle while shooting. The heads- certainly exceptional, but Swarovski able 20 millimetres of eye relief.” up display in the field of view projects really hit a home run with its light For me, one of the coolest options key data in real time measurements. transmission technology for a binocu- with the ATX/STX/BTX modular spot- This is all accomplished by pairing lar rangefinder – 91 per cent in both ting scope is the digiscoping applica- your smartphone with your riflescope barrels – significantly higher than tion. Swarovski Optik recognized the using Bluetooth. With the downloaded other optics in this class.” growing trend of distance photography dS configurator app, you can choose and even videography. In turn, they metric or imperial measurements, MODULAR SPOTTING SCOPE SYSTEM created an adaptor for point-and- input your specific ballistic data, As for spotting scopes, Swarovski shoot, digital single lens reflex (DSLR) including brand, bullet weight (factory Optik’s unique ATX/STX/BTX modular cameras and mobile phones. By or customized handload), information, spotting scope system has changed the mounting a TLS APO adaptor to your muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient way I look at, handle and use spotting camera, or the variable phone adaptor and atmospheric conditions at the time scopes. As a modular system, the ATX/ (VPA) to your mobile phone, digiscop- of sighting in. By saving this informa- STX/BTX comes with three different ing is made easy. tion in the app configurator, you are objective lens options and two eye- then able to calculate the aiming point. piece configurations, with accessories This allows you to set up your rifle- for digiscoping. Your biggest decision scope display, including desired reticle when you look at purchasing this sys- and wind strength. Swarovski’s laser tem involves deciding which modules rangefinding binocular and accessories you want. The ATX boasts 91 per cent light LIGHT & COLOUR TRANSMISSION eyepiece is angled upward. The linear transmission in both barrels. It’s clear to me that Swarovski Optik constantly strives to manufacture the best in an effort to maintain their posi- tion as an industry leader. Continu- ally refining their glass grinding and polishing process, Hogan explains, “The purpose is to get the truest colour possible to the eye and to increase con- trast. Up until 1999, Swarovski Optik used silver as that mirrored surface, giving a 96 per cent true colour trans- mission. Many less expensive brands use aluminum, which only transmits about 80 per cent true colour. When we came up with Swarobright, 99 per cent true colour transmission became possible.” Certainly, if this company can main- tain the level of quality and innova- tion they have demonstrated over the last 70 years, it’s exciting to anticipate where this company might go with their products in the future. Indeed, to say they have been an industry success story would be an understatement.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_28-31_SWAROVSKI OPTIK.indd 31 2020-06-12 1:07 PM 32 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_32-35_PRECISIONMEASURING_FINAL.indd 32 2020-06-12 2:00 PM PRECISION MEASURING Forster helps shooters measure the impossible BY AL VOTH
Above: Parts of ll handloaders know that preci- right for safety reasons, because a case the Datum Dial are available separately, Asion measuring is key to making that’s too long can cause pressures to but it’s most safe and accurate ammunition. Fortu- spike to dangerous levels. Measuring economical to buy the nately, most of the measurements we case length is easy with a standard complete kit. need for safe handloads are straightfor- caliper, as is trimming them to length ward and can be done with any good with commonly available case trim- caliper. However, for handloaders ready mers. However, there’s a cartridge case to move beyond safe and looking for measurement which is important for maximum accuracy, measurements are accuracy. This is the length from the needed which are impossible without base of the case to an arbitrary line on specialized tools. The Datum Dial, a the case shoulder, called a datum line. product of Forster, the American sup- Actually, the datum line is a circum- plier of gunsmithing and handloading ference, and it’s the point on a case tools, is a product which makes those shoulder where that cone-shaped part impossible measurements not only is exactly an arbitrarily specified diam- possible, but easy. eter. For example, the datum line on a 270 WIN case is the point where the MEASURING CARTRIDGE CASES cone-shaped shoulder is 0.375 inches in The overall length of a cartridge case diameter. The distance from the base of is a measurement which needs to be the case to this circumference point
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_32-35_PRECISIONMEASURING_FINAL.indd 33 2020-06-12 2:00 PM Left: Forster’s Datum Dial measures bullets, cartridge cases and loaded ammunition for consistency.
Below: The Datum Dial attaches to a caliper. which is supplied by the purchaser.
is also the headspace measurement for the cartridge. Interestingly, there are only five datum diameters in use, covering most of the bottleneck-shaped cartridges we shoot. Forster’s Datum Dial, as the name suggests, allows handloaders to easily measure this headspace dimen- sion, using five precise holes which cor- respond to these datum diameters. The appropriate hole is selected by referring to a supplied cartridge chart and then dialing the tool to the right one. To use it, the Datum Dial must be mounted to one jaw of a caliper – which is not included with the tool. I recom- mend a digital caliper be used, so it can be zeroed out, thus providing a direct reading with no math required. I ended up buying another caliper and devote it entirely to use with the Datum Dial. This measurement is important to handloaders because, in a perfect world, measuring trivia, then we need to found with the bullet set .005 to .010 a reloaded cartridge case has been fire- discuss measuring bullets in a manner inches from touching the rifling. But formed to a perfect fit in the rifle’s cham- similar to cartridge cases. Modern rifle mono-metal bullets usually perform ber. There’s no slop, no movement, just a bullets have a bearing surface which best if set .040 inches off the rifling zero-tolerance fit. But the world is rarely closely matches the widest diameter or more. perfect, and so we need to set our sizing (groove diameter) of the rifle’s barrel. In that perfect world we keep talking dies so there is a small amount of clear- For the 270 WIN we’ve been using as about, all the bullets in a box will be ance, allowing the rifle to keep working an example, the bullet diameter is .277 identical, particularly in length, weight, if fouling or other crud gets into the inches. That same bullet has a tapered diameter and the point on the ogive chamber. Many experts claim .004-inch cone-like section forward of the bearing where the bullet will contact the rifling. clearance is good in a semi-auto rifle, and surface, called the ogive, which leads to While length, weight and diameter are about .002 inches in a bolt-action hunting the tip of the bullet. And there’s a point usually extremely uniform, that datum rifle, with the previously mentioned zero somewhere on that ogive where the line on the ogive may not be. If it varies clearance in a bolt-action match rifle. lands of the rifle’s barrel will first con- significantly, we end up with bullets Those are all likely good target numbers, tact the bullet. This is somewhat like the which are exactly the same length but but how do you measure them? That’s datum line we’ve already discussed, but have a significantly different jump to the magic of the Datum Dial. It allows its position isn’t an arbitrary diameter, make to contact the rifling. This is never handloaders to measure and adjust and varies slightly depending on the good for accuracy. exactly how much, if any, shoulder set height of a barrel’s lands. What really Forster’s Datum Dial is available with back is being performed in the sizing matters is this line’s position in relation secondary dials which allow handload- operation. to those lands. ers to measure bullets for consistency If the bullet is jammed into the rifling, in this dimension. Between these two MEASURING BULLETS pressures can quickly rise to danger- dials, 10 different bullet diameters, If you’re still with me on this dive into ous levels. Maximum accuracy is often ranging from .17 to .338 calibre, can be
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_32-35_PRECISIONMEASURING_FINAL.indd 34 2020-06-12 2:00 PM Above: A modified cartridge case is used to measure the distance a vertical slit through the entire length from land engagement of the neck. A rotary Dremel-type tool to cartridge base. with a composite cutting blade is the best tool for this job. Deburr this cut on both sides with a small, round file and you’re done. To take a measurement, push the bul- let you’ve chosen to use into the neck by hand, adding tension, if needed, by squeezing the neck closed with your fingers. Leave the bullet sticking out of the neck in an obviously too-long posi- Left: These bullets tion. Then insert this bullet/case com- are exactly the same length, but their jump bination gently into the chamber and to engage the rifling close the bolt. In the process of cham- will vary .009 inches. bering, the bullet will contact the rifling lands and be pushed back into the case. Extract this fake cartridge carefully measured. To make a measurement, the tended to loaded ammunition. Again, to and it will allow a measurement to be unit’s body is locked onto the caliper’s ensure bullet jump to rifling is exactly taken which indicates the cartridge jaw and the case measuring dial is re- what you’re looking for. But first it’s length at which this bullet contacts the placed with the appropriate bullet dial. important to determine the CBTO (car- rifling lands. Repeat the process several Then a measurement from bullet base tridge base to ogive) length at which times to ensure accurate results. Now, to ogive datum line is performed, just the bullet touches the rifling. I usually set your seating die to create the bul- as with a cartridge case. fall back on a simple cost-effective let jump desired, as measured by the My own experiments in this area approach by making my own tool, Datum Dial, and you’re done. reveal some bullets are more consistent which is nothing more than a modified than others. As you’d expect, sorting cartridge case. AVAILABILITY bullets this way usually results in a Start with a cartridge case that’s The Datum Dial is a specialized tool, typical bell curve distribution. With been fired in your rifle, and preferably and you won’t find it at your local big well-made bullets, the outliers are only re-chambers in the rifle with some box sporting goods store. Most gun about .003 inches apart. But with poorly resistance. Then, run the case into a shops won’t even have it. I see Canada’s made bullets, they can be as far as .010 resizing die far enough that about half X-Reload (www.x-reload.com) has it inches apart. Measuring is the only way the neck is resized, but the body of for $172 CAD, which is a great buy, as to sort out the bad ones. the case is largely untouched. This will Forster (www.forsterproducts.com) has provide some neck tension to a bullet, it for the same price, but in US dollars. MEASURING LOADED AMMUNITION while ensuring the case still fills the It’s a way to measure the otherwise This measurement can also be ex- chamber entirely. The next step is to cut impossible, precisely and easily.
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_32-35_PRECISIONMEASURING_FINAL.indd 35 2020-06-12 2:00 PM FIRST- PERSON SHOOTER Video recording for the shooting sports BY LOWELL STRAUSS
Many competitive shooters use a GoPro attached to their head to help evaluate performance and diagnose mistakes.
36 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 36 2020-06-12 2:04 PM clearly remember 1992, when soles. Sadly, they are a poor proxy for I Wolfenstein 3D came out. It was real-life activities like range time or my first experience playing a first- hunting. person shooter video game, and it However, with the video capa- was thrilling! The novel part was that bilities of our modern electronic my vantage was directly behind the devices, we can now record real trig- weapon, providing a commanding ger time for viewing later. Whether view of the gameplay. This game it’s dusting clays, shooting varmints kickstarted a genre of FPS fantasy or the action shooting sports, cap- games, as well as realistic hunting turing memories and sharing our and shooting simulators. The fun experience is only a click away. But part is that they allow us an oppor- handling a firearm safely and focus- @LOGAN_3GUN tunity to shoot vicariously from our ing on the target means it’s nearly phones, computers and gaming con- impossible to record yourself. With
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 37
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 37 2020-06-12 1:08 PM The Tactacam 5.0 with FTS mount is a game changer. The setup allows the shooter to look through the scope as normal, while recording video of the shot.
the recent advent of small video cameras, mounted in strategic places, options are unfolding. So, let’s explore what it takes to star in your own shooting movie. Who knows, you may become the next YouTube sensation! PRO SHOOTER Today, we ride shotgun with Logan Martin, an Alberta-based 3-gun com- petitor, who uses his action camera to document matches. When Martin started his 3-gun career, he noticed other competitors running the course with action cameras mounted on their heads. That sparked his curios- ity. Over the years, he’s tried a few different budget cameras but has he soon realized that videos are a than your own eyes. The downside? gravitated to GoPro because of its powerful training tool too. Pouring Just like the side mirrors on your reputable brand name and optional over his own videos, he analyzes his vehicle, objects appear farther away accessories. grip and reaction time in each stage, than they are, and things look dis- “The wide-angle view from the so he can shave off time in future torted – straight lines appear curved. GoPro lens is ideal for recording hits competitions. He also learns from GoPro cameras work best for close- on reactive targets out to about 50 others’ videos. “It’s great to watch and range targets or video selfies. They yards, ” said Martin. “Beyond that, learn from the world’s best shooters are compact and offer a plethora of hits are difficult to see on the video, as they run through a stage,” says mounting options, from head, wrist though I still get some decent still Martin. and chest straps to tripods and gun shots to highlight my guns and gear.” mounts. You can even get a mount for He creates additional footage by GOPRO your gundog! Some accessories allow asking a friend to record him with a GoPro, founded in 2002, builds a mounting two cameras, positioned to smartphone. compact, high-definition action capture both forward and rearward Martin processes most of his video camera. It’s a favourite among thrill action. right on his phone. He doesn’t see seekers and adrenaline junkies who Videos download using wifi and the need to edit videos extensively want to relive the action. Shooting Bluetooth from the camera onto your because the raw and gritty 3-gun athletes successfully use GoPros to phone, and the GoPro app custom- action speaks for itself. He shares this record competition performances, izes the settings. Power users can dynamic content with social media and GoPro is also a popular camera transfer videos to a computer, where followers on Instagram, hoping to in- on the range or during a hunt. they edit using software like Adobe spire others to try the sport he loves. The ultra-wide-angle lens in a Premiere to splice together clips with For Martin, video started as a way GoPro gives videos a telltale fisheye transitions and add text. to create social media content, but look, recording more of the scene The HERO8 Black is the newest
38 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 38 2020-06-12 1:08 PM The ShotKam comes with GoPro camera and it’s loaded with the perfect angle is easy by either a quick-release mount for advanced features. For hunters and mounting the camera in differ- locking, attaching the camera to the bottom of a 12-gauge target shooters, its durable, water- ent positions or by using multiple shotgun barrel. proof housing should stand up for cameras. many years of service. Tactacam’s FTS, in particular, is a game-changer, taking rifle shoot- one enjoy recording hits at extended TACTACAM 5.0 WITH FTS ing video to a whole new level. With ranges. This setup is also perfect for The robust and weatherproof Tacta- FTS, the shooter records exactly what air gunners – with minimal recoil and cam 5.0 action camera, built spe- they see through the scope (includ- lower velocities, the video captures cifically for hunters, works well for ing the reticle) on the camera. As you pellets in flight! recording all types of shooting. This increase the scope’s magnification, compact camera is easy to use, with Tactacam’s magnification increases SHOTKAM one-button operation, a vibration accordingly. The FTS mounts in any The ShotKam camera was originally indicator, an ultra-high-quality lens position on your scope, using a series designed as a shotgun sports train- and a low-light sensor. of mirrors to bounce the image from ing tool, and it is just as comfortable Tactacam uses a unique lens design, the scope into the camera. You use in the duck blind or at a multi-gun providing a view like what we see the scope normally since it doesn’t shooting competition, recording shots with the human eye. The 5.0 model obstruct your optics. Since I’m a as short individual videos. The first has three quick operations modes: right-handed shooter, I mounted the thing I noticed about the camera standard, zoom and slow-motion. FTS on the left. Interestingly, it acts as was its incredible build quality. It’s Standard mode is ideal for general a blinder such as target shooters use, completely waterproof and designed filming and low-light conditions, as allowing me to keep both eyes open – to take the repetitive heavy recoil of a the default is 3x zoom, producing a a side benefit. 12-gauge shotgun. video without wide-angle distortion. Tactacam records video up to 4K ShotKam has specific design In zoom mode, the camera is set to 8x, resolution, including with image sta- features for training. Its lens is set perfect for recording distant objects. bilization, remote sync, live stream- at 4x magnification with an 18-de- Slow-motion mode increases the ing, the ability to control multiple gree field-of-view, the equivalent of frame rate to 120 frames per second. Tactacams (up to five with optional the human eye. Playback speed is All three modes are customizable us- remote) and wifi connectivity to the designed to replicate how our brain ing the Tactacam app. app. The Tactacam app lets users perceives a moving target. Wifi is Optional accessories include a head customize settings, and watch in real- built in, enabling users to download mount, Picatinny rail mount, under- time, playback and live-stream video. and review through a mobile device, scope-rail mount and a film-through- Tactacam was designed for hunt- so shooters celebrate the hits and your-scope (FTS) mount. Capturing ers, and its versatility lets any- learn from the misses right at the
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 39
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 39 2020-06-12 1:08 PM
The ShotKam is 100 per cent waterproof and built like a tank. Durable and easy to use, the ShotKam works in all conditions.
range. At high resolution, shots are recorded in 1080p at 100 frames per second and then automatically saved in 1/3 speed. At lower resolutions, it records up to 180 frames per second with 1/6 playback speed. The ShotKam includes a quick- release mount for 12-gauge single barrel and over/under shotguns, allowing attachment to a barrel in seconds. Optional brackets adapt the ShotKam to sub-gauge shotguns and most rifle barrel profiles. Aligning the reticle to where the gun is aimed is easy within the app. ShotKam is unique in using an accelerometer-controlled aiming system (ACAS) video camera. This tential – worth watching! This camera through the eyes of the shooter. means it buffers and only records to is an excellent tool for the clay target Rig the Tactacam 5.0 in one of their memory a few seconds before, during shooter or volume wing-shooter. mounting systems and you get close and after the shot. ShotKam detects to the action with a camera capable the gun action closing and buffers FINAL CREDITS of zooming to 8x. 20 seconds of video. If there is recoil With the advent of digital cameras, I can’t pick just one system. They during that time, it will save the vid- smartphones and compact action all produce outstanding results and eo. If you move your gun but do not cameras, recording personal trig- complement each other. If you are on shoot, then the video is deleted and ger time has never been easier. Pro a limited budget, carefully consider not saved onto its built-in 64 gigabyte and amateur shooters are digitizing the types of shooting videos you micro-SD memory card. When shoot- memories for personal enjoyment, want to record. For a 3-Gun shooter ing clay targets, all shots taken within as well as for sharing with friends, like Logan Martin, a GoPro does the five seconds of each other (true and family, sponsors or anyone else who trick. For the deer, turkey or predator report pairs) save on the same video. cares to watch. hunter, I’d choose the Tactacam 5.0. The video length depends on the I’ve touched on three video camera And for the clays shooter or water- type of target selected in the app. systems for hunters and target fowl hunter, the ShotKam is best. For bird hunting, the videos are 18 shooters. Each one has key features Take advantage of this technology to 30 seconds long – three seconds to create videos for training and and share your love of the shoot- pre-shot and three seconds post-shot forging memories. While I don’t ing sports with someone new. Who slowed down to 1/3 speed. If multiple have any personal experience with a knows, it may inspire others to go shots are taken within nine seconds GoPro, those who do, love them. In shooting, too. of each other, they are saved as one addition to filming shooting action, video. There are other settings for it works for all of life’s other adven- ground game, too. tures as well. The ShotKam integrates The ShotKam app allows full a recoil-controlled video system RESOURCES: customization for the type of gun, design, making it a powerful training TACTACAM: https://www.tactacam. including shotgun, rifle and hand- tool that only records the important com/ gun, reticle type, wake-up sensitiv- stuff. For hunting, I like to think of SHOTKAM: https://ca.shotkam.com/ ity, recoil sensitivity, recording time, the ShotKam video as a highlights GOPRO: https://gopro.com/en/ca/ playback speed and target type. Shot- reel, recording every shot. Record- Kam offers a series of instructional ing video through a riflescope makes Logan Martin 3-Gun: Instagram @ logan_3gun videos featuring pro shooters to help the Tactacam 5.0 with FTS a unique SHOTKAM you to use the camera to its full po- action camera, allowing you to see
40 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 40 2020-06-12 1:08 PM Become an NFA 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]
November/December 2019 www.nfa.ca 41
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_36-40_FIRST-PERSONSHOOTER_FINAL.indd 41 2020-06-12 1:08 PM Devenez AGENT DE TERRAIN NFA
Êtes-vous un(e) activiste voulant faire une différence et se battre pour protéger les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu? Joignez-vous à notre équipe de bénévoles dès aujourd’hui!
PROGRAMME AGENTS DE TERRAIN 1-877-818-0393 // [email protected]
42 www.nfa.ca May/June 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST0_42-45_LICENSEQUESTION.indd 42 2020-06-12 1:13 PM Devenez THE AGENT LICENSE DE TERRAIN QUESTION Should firearms owners be licensed? BY GARY MAUSER
hy believe the media when NFA Wthey call the Nova Scotia killer a “gunman?” Yes, guns were involved, but so was arson. Many victims were apparently burned to death. This was mass murder. The killer is a murderer. Focusing just on guns is a red herring. And since the killer in this case did not have a PAL, the system failed its primary goal of controlling firearms ownership. Guns are available to any criminal who Êtes-vous un(e) activiste voulant faire wants one. In the more than 20 years since Cana- une différence et se battre pour protéger dian firearms owners were first required to be licenced, licensing has unfortu- nately begun to be accepted as normal. les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu? This is shocking because the idea that a police bureaucracy would be required to monitor law-abiding people who own firearms was widely opposed before it Joignez-vous à notre équipe became mandatory. The usual justifica- tions for licensing firearms owners are unconvincing. Moreover, the system is de bénévoles dès aujourd’hui! ripe for abuse, even if one is willing to accept the concept of licensing.
PUBLIC SAFETY Government officials say that licensing firearms owners reduces violent crime. PROGRAMME AGENTS DE TERRAIN We are told that because firearms pose a threat to a peaceable society, owners of firearms should be carefully screened 1-877-818-0393 // [email protected] so that criminals, terrorists or violently insane people do not have access to dangerous weapons. In addition to an initial screening, licensing imposes continuous monitoring of owners so that threats may be more quickly discovered. Licensing also helps the police enforce restrictions on firearms handling, such as transporting firearms to the range or to a gunsmith and safe storage rules. However, research undermines the claim that licensing improves public safety. Technically strong research stud-
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 43
CFJ_JULYAUGUST0_42-45_LICENSEQUESTION.indd 43 2020-06-12 1:13 PM ies in both Canada and the US rou- Historically, tinely fail to find empirical support for the typical justification a variety of strict gun controls reducing for targeting a criminal violence. Langmann showed minority (racial or that none of Canada’s gun laws otherwise) is that worked to reduce homicide or suicide they pose a threat and Mauser demonstrated that moose to public safety. kill more people than PAL holders.
TARGETING MINORITIES Licensing remains a stain on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. For the authorities to single out a minority for special scrutiny has long been viewed as violating the principles of fundamental justice, and as such, unacceptable in most democracies. It has long been deemed repugnant to target religious and eth- nic minorities. If the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is to mean anything, it is important to respect the natural rights of Canadians who belong to social groups that are not favoured by urban elites. Of course, the typical justification for DEMONIZATION jail time. Since bureaucracies necessar- targeting a minority is that they pose Demonization of gun owners in the ily entail complex paper work, the pro- a threat to public safety. Canadian au- media leads to intimidation. The cess may be troublesome for people thorities still consider it objectionable media falsely equates guns with who aren’t comfortable navigating to systematically monitor criminals, criminal violence so it is understand- such seas, such as immigrants who do even violent criminals, after their able that the public would confuse not speak English or French as a first release from prison. law-abiding owners with criminals. language, blue-collar workers or older Firearms ownership comes to be seen residents who are challenged by filling PUBLIC RELATIONS as a questionable activity, and this out governmental forms and answer- Public relations is another reason leads to overzealous enforcement of ing complex, legalistic questions. given by authorities, who say firearms minor administrative restrictions on In contrast to hunting licences, fire- licensing is useful to reassure the pub- firearms handling, such as transport- arms licensing was imposed on fire- lic. It helps politicians feel good about ing firearms and safe storage rules. arms owners against fierce opposition. themselves because they are seen to be Licensing facilitates the punishment of The Auditor General of Canada, in her doing something, even if it’s ineffective gun owners for minor administrative 2002 review of the justice department’s in reducing criminal violence. violations. Even unverified accusa- implementation of Bill C-68, pointed Licensing as a public relations ex- tions are troublesome. Again, the legal out that one of the problems with ercise has an ugly underbelly. Public process is the punishment. A legiti- the licensing system was that some reassurance is won by stigmatizing mate concern about arbitrary arrest too administrators of the firearms legisla- hunters and sport shooters as a threat often leads gun owners to hide their tion believed that “the use of firearms to public safety. Falsely equating guns hobby from their neighbours. This dif- is in itself a ‘questionable activity,’” with criminal violence scapegoats fers little from intimidation. Is intimi- and “there should be a zero-tolerance law-abiding owners. Not only does li- dation an intended feature of firearms attitude toward non-compliance.” In censing stigmatize respectable citizens, licensing, or an accidental bug? comparison, hunting licences were but licensing exposes them to onerous originally introduced at the request of police scrutiny. In addition to an initial BUREAUCRATIC PROBLEMS fish and game clubs and hunters. screening and daily monitoring by the Even if one accepts the concept of Moreover, the appeals process, police, firearms owners are subject licensing firearms owners, the system when available, is lengthy and expen- to immediate arrest if a neighbour or is ripe for abuse. First, because licens- sive, typically requiring legal counsel. former spouse is concerned they pose ing imposes a complex bureaucratic Whether rare or frequent, appeals “a danger to themselves or others.” system that necessarily subjects decent are another complex bureaucratic Even false accusations may result in a citizens to unelected government of- maze that individuals may not be long and expensive legal process. The ficials wielding arbitrary power. This able to pursue because of finances. process is the punishment. may be true for all bureaucracies, but These problems are exacerbated by These problems are not just theoreti- firearms licensing involves severe an overly bureaucratic approach to cal. According to StatsCan data, there criminal sanctions, including prison regulations taken by unsympathetic are 10 times more non-violent “gun time. Even unintentional mistakes may administrators. The public’s fear of crimes” than violent gun crimes. result in criminal charges, including firearms, coupled with the severe
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CFJ_JULYAUGUST0_42-45_LICENSEQUESTION.indd 44 2020-06-12 1:13 PM Every year, REFERENCES Canadian moose kill Auditor General of Canada. more people than PAL holders. Report of the Auditor General of Canada to Parliament, December 2002, chapter 10, Department of Justice – Costs of Implementing the Canadian Firearms Program, pages 14 to 15, item 10.67 to 68 (No longer available on AG’s website)
Langmann, Caillin. Canadian Firearms Legislation and Effects on Homicide 1974 to 2008 https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/ papers.cfm?abstract_id=3050277
Mauser, Gary. Bill C-71 Is a Red Herring: Submission to the Canadian Parliamentary Standing penalties for violating administra- process is the punishment. Committee on Public Safety and tive rules, compounds the standard National Security bureaucratic problems. SUMMING UP https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/ It is important to respect due process. Falsely equating guns with criminal papers.cfm?abstract_id=3169575 The rights of the accused matter, as violence, scapegoats law-abiding own- well as those of the accuser. Much as ers. Maximizing harassment of gun Mauser, Gary. Most gun crimes are the Me Too movement has led some au- owners is a feature, not a bug, of gun paper crimes – just administrative thorities to believe claims about sexual control. Not only does licensing stig- violations harassment without adequate checks, matize law-abiding citizens, but licens- https://justiceforgunowners.ca/ police have tended to readily accept ing exposes them to onerous police most-gun-crimes-are-paper-crimes/ accusations against firearms owners. scrutiny and makes them vulnerable After being arrested, licence holders to false accusations. And even false are then forced to defend themselves accusations may result in a long and Mauser, Gary. Do Triggers Pull through an expensive and lengthy legal expensive legal process. The fewer gun Fingers? process to prove their innocence and owners, the easier it is to clamp down http://www.sfu.ca/~mauser/papers/ retrieve their confiscated firearms. The on the “bitter clingers.” StatsCan/BN58-Final.pdf
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 45
CFJ_JULYAUGUST0_42-45_LICENSEQUESTION.indd 45 2020-06-12 1:13 PM PANDEMIC PANIC? COVID-19’s effects on the firearms industry BY JEFF HELSDON
here have been winners and losers community. So, if their community is change in the Canadian dollar, a plan Tin the firearms industry during the supporting them being open, they are for manufacturers to increase prices six COVID-19 pandemic. When the virus staying open with safety precautions.” to 10 per cent before the pandemic hit, hit, sales started to surge in gun stores. But all is not rosy. While de Groot and people just wanting to ensure they So much so that many stores saw record doesn’t know of any businesses shut had what they needed. He is operating sales. Alison de Groot, managing direc- down by enforcement agencies, some with curbside and online sales for staff tor with the Canadian Sporting Arms are seeing less sales or are closed safety. Hipwell is concerned sales may and Ammunition Association (CSAAA), temporarily. “I have spoken to some decrease going into the year if people said sales were up 230 per cent on retailers who have been particularly don’t have as much disposal income average for ammunition and firearms, hard hit. We’re coaching them through due to employment issues arising from although it varied by region. the small business benefits available to COVID-19. Media reports of crazy sales in the them,” she said. Wanstalls owner Matt Mendel, of United States was one of the driving Even with many of the businesses Maple Ridge, BC, is also operating with forces, as Canadian firearms own- operating with curbside pick-up, there curbside pick-up, although it wasn’t a ers feared a disruption in the supply has been a negative in employees who legislated closing. He also saw a surge chain. Concern about the plummeting are laid off. de Groot explained not as in sales when the shutdowns started. Canadian dollar pushing up the price many staff members are needed for Prices have been up about 10 per cent of new ammunition was another factor. just picking and shipping, compared to for any new inventory he is receiving de Groot also said there were a small normal customer service. due to the declining dollar. number of “prepper” types who were adding to the sales increase. The Word From Retailers Is A Shortage Looming? Interviewed at press deadline in early Brian Densmore Firearms, of Middle Denise Sondjo, sales director with May, de Groot said sales are still strong Musquodoboit, NS, saw business slow Remington distributor Gravel Agency, across the country. “It’s not crazy like it some after an initial increase. “People said sales continue to be strong. “There was,” she said. At the time, many retail- are afraid they’re not going to get sup- is a huge demand, and there will most ers were operating with curbside pick- plies to shoot,” Densmore said. “When certainly be a shortage going into the up or shipping with online sales. Some the guys south of the border start stock- fall,” she said. “People should buy now, of the firearms retailers that have hard- piling, nothing gets north of the border.” for the hunting season, while they can.” ware stores were still operating with At Accuracy Plus in Peterborough, the At Stoeger Canada, General Manager open stores and obviously with safety store was operating with curbside pick- Spyros Chrysochou said the importer precautions in place, she explained. up. Following a spike in sales in March, for brands such as Sako, Tikka, Beretta Those were shut down in Ontario, but sales have been more normal, with and Benelli has limited people in the not other provinces. turkey ammunition a hot commodity. “I company’s Oshawa facility. “We con- “There are stores in more rural loca- think because of this people have more tinue to receive goods and distribute tions where it’s a true mom and pop time to hunt, so that’s what driving it accordingly,” he said. “Any on premises, shop, and those stores are open to more than anything,” said Jeff Tombs. personnel respect protocols of distanc- customer traffic, especially in Ontario He also predicts a bit of shortage in the ing, sanitizing, etc.” The company saw a and Alberta where hunting and fishing fall. surge in sales and has supplied police were named as essential under agricul- Matt Hipwell, owner of Wolverine agencies with free protective eye wear ture and food,” de Groot said. “A lot of Supplies in Virden, Man., saw some in- in appreciation for their front-line
businesses are gauging opening based crease in firearms, ammunition and ac- service. ISTOCK on the social license they get from their cessory sales. He chalked this up to the With many of its shotguns made in
46 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_46-47_PANDEMICPANIC.indd 46 2020-06-12 1:09 PM Italy, Beretta also faced some manu- facturing challenges. “While Italy has undergone a severe blow due to the virus, it has forced the temporary clo- sure of production,” Chrysochou said. “While the factories had increased production in advance and continued working until such time as mandated for complete closure, they had built up some inventory. The factories were able to stay open, and have re-opened as they have been deemed essential in their supply of military and law en- forcement and will continue to safely increase capacity with those products getting priority.” In addition, there are some Beretta products manufactured in the United States. Sako, of Finland, continues to operate its plant. “The question of supply diminish- ing is very real depending on global conditions. While we have supply now and on route, it can change at any time,” Chrysochou added. “If there is consideration to purchase, it is best not to wait. The need to buy now is also compounded by the pressure of the US dollar and the cost of goods further pressured by cost of materials driving costs and in turn possibly retails up.” Adam Patterson, marketing man- ager with Hornady importer Korth Group, said there were big spikes in the early part of March. “It’s still fairly consistent,” he said. “The orders are still rolling in for ammo and reloading supplies.” He said firearms and optics sales were also solid. “So far, there doesn’t seem to be any disruption in the supply chain from our suppliers.” Getting more specific, he said there Dan Nagy, co-owner of Eli’s Guns and Archery in Simcoe, weren’t delays from Hornady, Leupold Ont., made the decision to go or Ruger, but the MTM plant was to curbside pick-up only. recently closed in Ohio. The impact of the falling dollar was seen as soon as the Korth Group started replacing inventory. said with PALs expiring, there would be duce a valid federal business license,” In the early days, de Groot had a backlog when the Canadian Fire- de Groot said. concerns there could be large short- arms Centre in Miramichi starts again. ages, but that moderated with time. Although the RCMP have given six Better Days Ahead? “One of our biggest importers, Vista months grace for renewals, and even With numerous Canadians growing from Federal ammunition, said their provided this in writing in some cases, vegetable gardens again, many have manufacturing has ramped up and it is causing an issue for retailers. wondered if there will be an increased they’re not concerned about fulfilling “Our retailers are in a difficult situa- interest in hunting. “We do think coming Canadian orders at this time,” she said. tion because they are coming in with a out of this there will be a resurgence in “Some individual retailers are running printed piece of paper,” she said. “Many people acquiring their PAL for the first short of certain things, but for the of our retailers are not comfortable time,” de Groot said. “I think there’s a most part supply seems to be moving based on that.” genuine interest, especially among rural around the country internally or still The other issue is business licenses, Canadians interested in both the hunt- being imported from the US.” which require annual renewal, aren’t ing aspect and protection. It’s not in line being renewed. This applies to more with Canadian law, but there is a grow- Licensing Issues than just firearms retailer licenses. ing interest on the part of Canadians to
ISTOCK Shutdowns are causing a couple of “Shipments are sitting at the border get licensed. It will be interesting to see issues relating to licensing. de Groot because the receiver is not able to pro- how this plays out post-pandemic.”
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 47
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_46-47_PANDEMICPANIC.indd 47 2020-06-12 1:09 PM One gun's story Eric Joubert Rescue Mission
The two rifles the author helped save his is a tale of two rifles, one which simply chosen to surrender everything from the incinerator. Tleft Connecticut in 1883 and the to the police. other in 1887. I wish I could tell you ev- That’s when a little miracle happened. ery detail about their long life; unfortu- It appears the officer on duty that day the right information. That’s when I was nately, I can only tell you about the last had a conscience. When he saw the contacted. few years, and more specifically about guns, he recommended the person take In the lot, there were some nice guns how they were saved from destruction. them back home. “You should try to sell capable of appearing in a collector’s My modest part of the story began a them to people who appreciate these dreams, with each gun thoroughly few years ago when a friend contacted kinds of antiques. Some may still have cleaned and maintained. The most me via social media. He had just brought some value, and if my service takes beautiful was a Model 94 Winchester in a bunch of old guns home, around 20, charge of them, they will be destroyed.” 38-55 WCF dating from 1922. However, and asked if I could help identify them. For that, I say, “Bravo!” to the officer. it was the Model 1876 in 50-95 Express I’ve always been interested in firearms, Because while most of the guns were dating from 1883 that attracted most of and I believe I know more than the aver- common and had no real value, others my attention. Not in the best shape, it age person. But then the average person dated as far back as the Battle of Bato- had a stock glued together and a missing really doesn’t know much about fire- che, which involved Louis Riel. dustcover, but it was the first time I saw arms, so I’m still no expert. That being So, the man simply returned home a Model 1876. The second interesting clear, when I saw the first pictures of the with a sad face, admitting his mission to one was a Model 1886 in 45-70 Gov’t collection, I quickly asked a colleague dispose of the guns was a failure. That’s dating from 1887. Of course, there were for his help, especially in Winchester when a friend of the brother-in-law, more humble guns, like an Iver-Johnson matters. who had a cousin, made a phone call 12 gauge, but I’m betting it had some My questions revealed this lot came to my friend. When he arrived, he was great hunting heritage and good stories from a deceased collector. Most of the shown the guns all together like they to tell too. Who knows? guns were cut down Ross rifles, Car- were a pile of scrap metal. However, This all happened in a so-called re- canos, Iver-Johnsons, Mosin-Nagants, in that small community, there was a mote area in the province of Quebec. Cooey 39s and such. But there was also project taking shape to create a heritage At the time the guns were sold new an Enfield-Snider and some Winchester museum. The guns would look perfect (1860 to 1925), the area was just starting lever actions. The mourning family had on display at the museum, but they still to develop. Most people were settlers, no interest in the collection and had had to be identified and tagged with labourers and farmers, all working hard
48 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_48-49_ONEGUNSTORY_FINAL.indd 48 2020-06-12 1:15 PM The 50-95 Winchester Express is one of the rarer chamberings for the 1876 model.
The 1876 Winchester (top) is a deluxe version with a half-octagon barrel chambered for the 50-95 Winchester Express. The 1886 is a more standard version and chambered for the 45-70 Gov’t.
to build a country and raising their families. I’m no historian or economist, but I seriously doubt those families could afford the luxury of owning a nice Winchester rifle, espe- cially a deluxe version. So, where did these fine rifles come from? Some rich CEO of the time who came to hunt moose? Maybe. Why not the owner of a newly built railway who liked salmon fishing? Our deceased col- lector could also have bought them somewhere else in Canada and brought them back to his hometown. No one can tell us. The final twist of this story is the day erly stored, causing some light surface rifle, but, in my humble opinion, not a the small heritage museum decided they rust. But it’s still a rare rifle that was a real Winchester. needed more space, so opted to part special order in 1883. I’m not a collector myself, so maybe with most of the guns. I heard about this If I were a rich man, I’d be tempted I didn’t really deserve to get my hands when I happened to be in the area. The to have the Model 1876 professionally on these two nice pieces of our heritage. museum manager told me a gunsmith restored. It is also known as the centen- The good news is I’m not going to mess was supposed to come sometime during nial rifle, as it was first sold the same them up. And I’m still one of the guys the week but had already said that noth- year as the US’s centennial. Being a who saved them from the incinerator. ing in the lot was interesting or had any labourer myself, I’m proud to own such But the best part is that I have two sons value. Yes, I know! I immediately made an exceptional rifle. Especially knowing who will take over one day, and make an offer for the two rifles which had it was almost destroyed. Shooting it is sure incineration is not going to happen caught my attention before. Offer ac- not my goal. anytime soon. cepted. I later learned that my offer was The Model 1886 is a more standard three times the gunsmith’s offer. version dating from 1887 and with a five- Back home, I did some more detailed digit serial number. So, we took it to the EDITOR’S NOTE: We all know research. I had both rifles lettered by the range, feeding it some 45-70 ammuni- that every gun has a story to Cody Firearms Museum from Wyoming, tion specially prepared to make sure the tell, so if you have a gun with a the folks who are currently holding old lady could handle it. Some say the fascinating story behind it, let us the archives from the old Winchester Model 1886 might be the best lever gun know. The gun can be old or new, Repeating Arms company. I learned there is. It was designed by John Brown- and the story can be funny, sad that a total of only 63,872 Model 1876s ing and was the first lever-action Win- or historical. It doesn’t matter, as were produced. The one I have here is a chester specifically made to handle large long as it’s a great tale. If need deluxe version. It has a half-octagonal calibres to hunt big game. It quickly be, we’ll help you write the story barrel and the stock is made of black became a favourite with most hunters, or maybe even assign one of walnut burl. Unfortunately, it’s missing explaining the short production life of our writers to tackle it. Write the a dustcover, the tubular magazine was the 1876. The 1886 is still being produced editor at [email protected]. shortened and it was not always prop- today, in Japan. Probably a better-quality
July/August 2020 www.nfa.ca 49
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_48-49_ONEGUNSTORY_FINAL.indd 49 2020-06-12 1:15 PM Point Blank Chris McGarry You Will Always Be Your Own First Responder
You are your own first responder. The police exist to investigate crimes after they’ve already occurred.
civilian firearms ownership, suddenly found themselves with the desire to have them. One evening, I turned on the news to find myself watching a series of stories that at first had me knocked for six. Scores of urbanites in Toronto, Vancouver and other major cities, fearful for their lives and property, descended upon local sporting goods stores in the hopes of buying the proper means of protection. Truth truly is stranger than fiction at times. Anyway, in keeping with strict adherence to Canada’s onerous firearm licensing ommon sense should dictate that sales skyrocketed coast to coast during laws, vendors told these customers Cin times of crisis, having access this pandemic? Some sporting goods that no firearms could be sold without to firearms can mean the difference stores reported selling out their entire a PAL, which, as we all know, none of between life and death. Furthermore, stock, while one Ontario-based gun them had. it goes without saying that the job of store owner (as reported by Canada’s Given that Canada’s population law enforcement agencies is to act as National Firearms Association in the demographic is predominantly urban, a deterrent to crime and investigate National Telegram on April 2, 2020) is could this be a turning point in public offenses after they’ve already occurred, on record stating that at least half of attitudes toward civilian firearms not give every citizen individual all buyers were women who felt they ownership? Perhaps, but keep in mind protection. needed something for protection. So that continuous studies and polls In Canada, the global COVID-19 much for the anti-gun propaganda indicate that Canadians, like their pandemic brought with it not only spewed forth by the likes of Heidi counterparts in other western nations, economic malaise, but also a sharp Rathjen and the Coalition for Gun have already been losing their public increase in certain crimes in the Control, who with great folly still appetite for gun control, as well as country’s urban centres. Vancouver advocate for disarmament as a way of further restrictions, for the past few police, in addition to reporting a keeping women safe. decades. jump in hate crimes against Asian Perhaps this shift during the One need not be a Rhodes Scholar to Canadians, told of a 147 percent COVID-19 crisis has also shone a figure out that these laws have no effect increase in commercial break-ins very bright light on an issue that has on criminal behaviour. But, if there is a between March 18 and April 15, while been a lightning rod of controversy lesson to learn from this pandemic – at York Regional Police responded to a in this country for decades: firearms least with regards to civilian firearms record 22 percent increase in domestic ownership, specifically for self-defense ownership – it’s something that many violence incidents during those same purposes. on the anti side denied or simply never months. Meanwhile, Toronto Police While Canadians with PALs gave a considerable amount of thought Service reported increases not only in (possession and acquisition licenses) to until now: You are your own first shootings, but also in home invasions. were buying firearms and ammunition responder. The police exist to investigate With stable society suddenly finding like proverbial hotcakes, others who crimes after they’ve already occurred. itself in such a state of uncertainty and perhaps had little use for firearms You can choose to be a helpless victim, fear, is it any wonder that firearms in the past, or were even hostile to or you can fight back.
50 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULY AUGUST20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 50 2020-06-12 1:10 PM Legal Corner Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law The Liberal’s Gun Ban Of May 1, 2020
The government has enacted an Order in Council that instantly prohibits more than 1500 models of firearms.
Le gouvernement a adopté un décret qui rend prohibées, avec effet immédiat, plus de 1500 modèles d’armes à feu.
amongst the least violent demographic in Canada, or that you never used them for unlawful purposes. The amnesty allows you to keep your own property for up to two years without being criminally prosecuted. There is one caveat: you cannot use it, sell it or otherwise dispose of it. You cannot even take it out of your house unless you mean to get it de- activated or surrender it to police (without compensation.) If that sounds to you like theft on the part of the government, you are not alone in sharing that feeling. Despite being the his time, the topic of this column What Is An Order In Council? one acting like a thief, the government Twas self evident. If it seems a An Order in Council (OIC) is a is treating you like a criminal. little late to you, please understand legislative instrument enacted by You are now required to store your that the CFJ deadline for handing in the governor in council. The latter newly prohibited firearm safely, and columns is roughly two months before is a reference to the federal cabinet, patiently wait for the government publication. Thus, I am writing this in who acts as counsel to the Queen, to come up with legislation that will early May 2020. represented by the governor general. In provide for the forced surrender On May 1, 2020, Canada’s minority lay terms, it is a decision of the federal of your property, in exchange for Liberal government took advantage of cabinet that is rubber stamped by the yet-to-be-determined financial Canada’s worst-ever mass shooting to governor general. compensation, or not. implement a ban on more than 1,500 In this instance, the OIC does two models of firearms owned and used by things: Where Does That Power Come From? law-abiding Canadian gun owners for It amends existing regulations, to add The power to enact an OIC that hunting, sport shooting and collection multiple categories of firearms to the prescribes certain firearms as purposes. Of course, none of these new list of prohibited firearms; and prohibited is derived from Sections rules would have in any way prevented It implements a temporary two-year 84 and 117.15 of the Criminal Code. the occurrence of the Nova Scotia amnesty, with very restrictive terms. Essentially, the government can change mass murders. Indeed, the perpetrator the rules of the game, without need had obtained his firearms illegally, Why An Amnesty? for reverting to an act of parliament. by smuggling them from the United The amnesty is required because the There is no bill filed in the House States and stealing a handgun from a cabinet did not grandfather existing of Commons, no consultation of murdered RCMP officer. owners, although it had the power stakeholders, no debate and no vote. If But why let facts and the truth get to do so. In other words, the cabinet this sounds like totalitarianism, you are in the way of a political initiative made the possession of any of those not entirely wrong. that may ultimately be popular with firearms illegal the moment the OIC However, that power is not absolute, the Liberal electorate? The Liberals was released. It did not matter to them although Mr. Blair and Mr. Trudeau seized that golden opportunity and on that you had purchased those firearms act as if they think otherwise. Indeed, May 1, 2020, they came down with an with your hard-earned money, with Paragraph two of Section 117.15 of the Order in Council that instantaneously the blessing of government agencies Criminal Code provides that it cannot prohibited more than 1,500 different and often with the express approval be used to prohibit firearms that are models of firearms. of a chief firearms officer, that you are reasonable for use in connection with
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CFJ_JULY AUGUST20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 51 2020-06-12 1:10 PM hunting or sport, in the opinion of the the enabling legislation the OIC is made it clear they will not stop at this. governor in council. based upon. Indeed, although there is Other firearms will be prohibited in the a reference to future legislation in the future, until there are few, if any, left in A Court Challenge OIC, that legislation is hypothetical. the hands of hunters, collectors or sport As you may have heard, on May 6, An OIC is either valid or it is not. Its shooters. It happened in Australia, it 2020, my colleague, Solomon Friedman, validity cannot be based upon future, is happening in New Zealand, and it announced that he is launching a court hypothetical and currently non- will happen in Canada unless we do challenge, in federal court, of the May existent legislation. In lay terms, this something about it. 1, 2020, OIC. His challenge is based is an abuse of executive power by the upon the notion that the governor in federal cabinet. Canadian law is clear: council’s power to prescribe certain there can be no expropriation without firearms as being prohibited is not compensation unless there is clear unlimited and must be based upon and unambiguous language in the evidence, sound advice and reasoning, enabling statute. In this instance, the as opposed to political whim, Criminal Code (which is the enabling opportunism or ideology. statute) contains no such language. By the time you read this column, There are other aspects which will I will have filed a motion for leave to be argued, of course. intervene in that court challenge on behalf of the NFA. Hopefully, the NFA’s Please Support The NFA’s Efforts intervention in this court challenge will Legal challenges are not cheap. allow the representation before the Indeed, they require extensive court of the interest of all individuals human and financial resources. who are personally affected by this ban. Both Mr. Friedman’s client and the As an intervenor, the NFA may be able NFA need your financial support to present evidence and arguments to succeed in this endeavour. This that will supplement those brought by effort, if successful, will benefit you Mr. Friedman’s client. irrespective of whether you own any One aspect that the NFA intends of the newly prohibited rifles. If you to argue is that, in effect, the OIC believe this does not concern you, amounts to an expropriation without you are a fool. Indeed, both the prime compensation, which is not allowed by minister and Minister Blair have
Rubrique Juridique Guy Lavergne, avocat L’interdiction de certaines armes à feu par décret
ette fois-ci, le sujet de cette tir sportif ou dans le cadre d’une Cchronique s’est imposé de collection. Bien entendu, aucune de lui-même. Si cette chronique vous ces nouvelles règles n’aurait empêché semble quelque peu tardive, veuillez de quelque façon que ce soit les comprendre que la date limite de meurtres survenus en Nouvelle- Numerous bolt- remise des chroniques est d’environ Écosse. En fait, le meurtrier avait action rifles, deux mois avant la publication du obtenu ses armes à feu illégalement, including this 460 Weatherby Magnum, CFJ. C’est ainsi que je rédige cette en les faisant passer clandestinement are now prohibited. chronique au début du mois de des États-Unis et en dérobant le mai 2020. pistolet de l’agent de la GRC qu’il a Plusieurs carabines Le 1er mai 2020, le gouvernement assassiné. à verrou, dont libéral minoritaire du Canada a Dans ce contexte, pourquoi laisser cette carabine chambrée en 460 profité de la pire fusillade de masse les faits et la vérité se mettre en Weatherby Magnum, jamais survenue au Canada pour travers d’une initiative politique sont désormais interdire plus de 1 500 modèles qui pourrait s’avérer être populaire prohibées. d’armes à feu utilisés par des auprès de l’électorat libéral. Les individus qui ne sont pas des libéraux ont donc saisi cette occasion criminels, à des fins de chasse, de en or et, le 1er mai 2020, ils ont
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CFJ_JULY AUGUST20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 52 2020-06-12 1:10 PM adopté un décret qui interdisait Vous êtes maintenant tenu la collectivité des personnes qui sont instantanément plus de 1 500 modèles d’entreposer votre arme à feu affectées par cette interdiction. En différents d’armes à feu. nouvellement interdite en toute tant qu’intervenante, la NFA désire sécurité, et devez patiemment être en mesure de présenter des Qu’est-ce qu’un décret? attendre que le gouvernement éléments de preuve et des arguments Un décret est un instrument législatif adopte une loi qui prévoit la cession qui compléteront ceux présentés par adopté par le « gouverneur en forcée de vos biens, en échange d’une le client de M. Friedman. conseil ». Ce dernier est en fait compensation financière encore à Un aspect que la NFA entend le Cabinet, qui agit à titre de « déterminer. Une telle loi pourrait ne soulever est qu’en fait, le décret conseiller » de la reine, représentée jamais être adoptée! équivaut à une expropriation sans par le gouverneur général. En termes compensation, ce qui n’est pas simples, c’est une décision du Cabinet D’où vient ce pouvoir ? permis par la loi habilitante sur fédéral qui est entérinée par le Le pouvoir de « prescrire » par laquelle repose le décret. En fait, gouverneur général. décret que certaines armes à feu sont bien qu’il y ait une référence à une Dans ce cas, le décret fait deux désormais prohibées provient des législation future dans le décret, choses: articles 84 et 117.15 du Code criminel. cette législation est pour l’instant Il modifie un Règlement existant, Essentiellement, le gouvernement hypothétique. Un décret n’est valide afin d’ajouter plusieurs catégories peut modifier certaines des règles du que s’il respecte les balises de la d’armes à feu à la liste des armes à feu jeu, sans avoir besoin de recourir à loi en vertu de laquelle il est émis. déjà prohibées; et une loi du Parlement. Dans un tel cas, Sa validité ne peut être fondée sur Il met en œuvre une amnistie il n’y a pas de projet de loi déposé une législation future, hypothétique temporaire de deux (2) ans, avec des à la Chambre des communes, pas et encore inexistante. Le droit conditions très restrictives. de consultation des intéressés, pas canadien est clair: il ne peut y avoir de débat ni de vote. Si vous croyez d’expropriation sans compensation à Pourquoi y a-t-il une amnistie ? que cela ressemble à une approche moins qu’il n’y ait un libellé clair et L’amnistie est nécessaire parce que totalitaire, vous n’avez pas tout à sans ambiguïté dans la loi habilitante. le Cabinet n’a pas cru bon d’accorder fait tort! En l’espèce, le Code criminel (qui des droits acquis aux propriétaires Toutefois, ce pouvoir n’est pas est la loi habilitante) ne contient pas existants, bien qu’il ait eu le pouvoir absolu, même si MM. Blair et Trudeau de tels termes. En termes simples, il de le faire. En d’autres termes, le agissent parfois comme si le contraire s’agit d’un abus du pouvoir exécutif Cabinet a rendu illégale la possession était vrai. En fait, le paragraphe 2 de la part du Cabinet fédéral. de l’une ou l’autre de ces armes à feu du Code criminel 117.15 prévoit que Il y a d’autres aspects qui seront par leurs propriétaires légitimes, dès ce pouvoir ne peut pas être utilisé discutés bien sûr. la publication du décret. Il ne leur pour rendre prohibées les armes à importait pas que vous ayez acheté feu qui sont raisonnables pour une La NFA a besoin de vous ces armes à feu avec votre argent utilisation en lien avec la chasse ou Les contestations judiciaires sont durement gagné, avec la bénédiction le sport, de l’avis du gouverneur en longues et coûteuses. En effet, elles des organismes gouvernementaux et conseil. nécessitent des ressources humaines souvent avec l’approbation expresse et financières considérables. Le d’un contrôleur des armes à feu, Un recours judiciaire client de M. Friedman et la NFA ont que vous soyez parmi les groupes Comme vous l’avez peut-être lu ou besoin de votre soutien financier démographiques les moins violents entendu, le 6 mai 2020, mon collègue pour que cette entreprise soit au Canada ou que vous ne les ayez Solomon Friedman a annoncé qu’il couronnée de succès. En cas de jamais utilisées à des fins illégales. déposait, devant la Cour fédérale, succès, cela vous sera bénéfique, L’amnistie vous permet de conserver une contestation judiciaire du décret que vous possédiez l’une ou l’autre vos propres biens jusqu’à deux ans du 1er mai 2020. Son recours est des armes à feu nouvellement sans être poursuivi au criminel, en fondé sur les limites du pouvoir du interdites. Si vous croyez que cela raison du simple fait que vous les Cabinet de décréter que certaines ne vous concerne pas, vous faites possédez. Il y a toutefois un aléa, et armes à feu doivent être considérées de l’aveuglement volontaire. En fait, il est majeur: vous ne pouvez pas les comme prohibées. Ce pouvoir le premier ministre et le ministre utiliser, les vendre ou autrement en n’est pas illimité et doit être fondé Blair ont dit clairement qu’ils ne disposer. Vous ne pouvez même pas sur des preuves, des opinions et s’arrêteraient pas de sitôt. D’autres les sortir de votre lieu de résidence, à un raisonnement critique, et non armes à feu seront prohibées dans moins que vous ne le fassiez pour les pas exercé en raison de caprices les mois et années qui viennent, faire désactiver ou les remettre aux politiques, par opportunisme ou pour jusqu’à ce qu’il n’en reste que peu, forces policières (sans indemnité ou des motifs idéologiques. voire aucune, entre les mains des contrepartie). Si cela vous semble être Au moment où vous lirez cette chasseurs, des collectionneurs et un vol de la part du gouvernement, chronique, j’aurai moi-même des tireurs sportifs. C’est arrivé en vous n’êtes pas les seuls à partager ce déposé une requête en autorisation Australie. C’est ce qui est en train sentiment. Bien qu’il agisse lui-même d’intervenir dans cette contestation d’arriver en Nouvelle-Zélande, et tel un voleur, le gouvernement vous judiciaire au nom de la NFA. La NFA cela se produira au Canada si nous traite comme un criminel. entend y représenter les intérêts de ne faisons rien à ce sujet.
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CFJ_JULY AUGUST20_50-53_LEGAL CORNER_FINAL.indd 53 2020-06-12 1:10 PM NFA Book Shelf Bill Rantz No More Mr. Nice-guy
The contents page lists over 70 topics relevant to defending life or property. Each section is highly informative yet written in Holland’s easy-to- comprehend style. Examples of actual confrontations shared will evoke both extensive thought and questions. The final 28 pages provide Criminal Code offences and applicable prec- edents. This section could save many hours of research by lawyers and their assistants, and by extension save you many thousands of dollars in legal fees. No More Mr. Nice-guy is appropri- ate for any person who wishes to be prepared should they become the victim of theft, burglary, assault, home invasion or even an attack due to mis- taken identity. It is a book not intended to be simply read and stored away on a shelf. Readers will find it beneficial to highlight text, make notes in the margin and place markers for easy access to certain sections. It would be a thought-provoking addition to any policing or law course. No More Mr. Nice-guy is available at over 40 retailers across western o More Mr. Nice-guy is the help, but might also escalate the Canada. It can be ordered online at Nmost controversial book I have danger. www.weprotectforyou.com for $35, reviewed over the past 10 years. Holland clearly supports the rights including shipping to anywhere in Discussions regarding defend- of law-abiding citizens and exhibits Canada. Barry Holland is available for ing yourself, family and property in no empathy for criminals who wish workshops and presentations. Contact Canada will usually invoke distinctly to violate those rights. He explains him directly at nomoremrniceguy@ different points of view. Unfortunate- why citizens should prepare well in weprotectforyou.com, call or text to ly, the opinions expressed are often advance for a potentially deadly situ- 780-690-1658, or on Facebook at www. based solely on emotion and exhibit ation with knowledge, resources and facebook.com/canadafightscrime. little understanding of laws affecting tactical skills. potential encounters. The dangers one Preparation includes an extensive might face in a real-life situation are understanding of the Criminal Code not considered and neither are the of Canada and how it applies to de- Title: No More Mr. Nice-guy: A Guide legal implications. fending yourself, family and property. To Defending Yourself, Family And Property In Canada Author Barry Holland has lived a life Canadian law can be complicated, so full of occupations, training and expe- this book explains: Author: Barry Holland riences which have provided him with The laws related to defending your- Publisher: Barry Holland, Strathcona extensive knowledge related to stand- self, family and property County, Alberta 2018 ing up against criminals who wish to How to protect your home and all Black & white steal your property, harm or even kill you hold dear Photographs: you. Canadian citizens clearly hope Basic techniques and tactics to help ISBN-13: 978-1775317104 their friends or family members will you develop skills and maintain the Pages: 189 never be in such a dilemma. Although advantage in a threat situation inexperienced, most would provide How to deal with authorities after Size: Soft cover, eight by 10 inches any assistance possible, which may you prevail against a criminal
54 www.nfa.ca July/August 2020
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_54_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 54 2020-06-12 1:11 PM November/December 2019 www.nfa.ca 55
CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_54_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 55 2020-06-12 1:11 PM CFJ_JULYAUGUST20_54_NFA BOOKSHELF_FINAL.indd 56 2020-06-12 1:11 PM