CANADIAN September/October 2016 FIREARMS JOURNAL

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Fully Committed On All Fronts CANADA’S NATIONAL FIREARMS ASSOCIATION

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

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COLUMNS 54 32 NFA BOOK SHELF SMALL & SLEEK 4 Victoria Cross Heroes Of World The skinny on the Howa ON THE COVER War One: 628 Extraordinary MiniAction rifl e Stories Of Valour LOWELL STRAUSS 5 BILL RANTZ FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK 36 The Never-Ending Battle FEATURES RELOADING THE RUSSIANS AL VOTH A tale of two cartridges 16 BOB SHELL 6 THE CASE AGAINST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE BILL C-71 40 Pushing Back VINCENT HARINAM & GARY MAUSER THE FORGOTTEN FEW SHELDON CLARE Medium bores & their 19 lack of popularity 10 MATCH REPORT JEFF HELSDON VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The Algonquin Cup, Gun Bans Sundridge, Ont. 46 BLAIR HAGEN LINDSAY FLYNN A SHOOTER’S CHRISTMAS Suggested gifts for gun owners 12 AL VOTH PRESERVING OUR 20 FIREARMS HERITAGE TOBIN ARMS Canada’s premier Canada’s 100 Days Canadian September/October 2016 GARY K. KANGAS shotgun manufacturer DUANE RADFORD Firearms Journal NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 14 POLITICS & GUNS 24 Canadian Culture – French Roots THE SAVAGE FOX BRUCE GOLD A tribute to a fi ne double JEFF HELSDON 50 LEGAL CORNER 28 A Looming Handgun & Assault THE SAVAGE Weapon Ban: What Does B-MAG 17 WSM Fully Committed On All Fronts It Really Mean? A new level of rimfi re performance CaNaDa’s NatiONal FiREaRMs assOCiatiON PM 40009473 Return undeliverable to: Canadian Firearms Journal, GUY LAVERGNE THOMAS TABOR P.O. Box 49090, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6H4

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

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 3 On The Cover

his month’s cover is T another image from the camera of Paul Seymour of Newfoundland. It speaks toward the handgun ban being proposed by some big city mayors, and under consideration by the federal government. The image communicates that this is nothing more than a mob-inspired lynching of one particular fi rearm type. Even those who adamantly support this hanging don’t claim it will stop criminals from using guns. But apparently it will make them feel better. They seem to think the death of property rights, killing off another freedom and criminalizing law-abiding gun owners is inconsequential.

Canadian Firearms Journal

The Of cial Magazine of

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

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

4 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 From The Editor’s Desk Al Voth

The Never-Ending Battle

hen this magazine reaches you in as well. However, for some real inspira- mon cartridges of that time, the 7.62x54R W early November, another Canadi- tion about sacrifice, be sure to attend the and the 7.62x39mm. an winter will be starting. Naturally, your Remembrance Day ceremonies in your Thanks to cheap surplus ammuni- experience of winter will vary depending area. tion, that latter cartridge is still very on where you live. This great country is so If you appreciate history, you’ll also much alive in Canada, so Lowell Strauss large and so diverse that the flowers may want to check out Duane Radford’s look discusses a modern alternative to that still be blooming in front of your house, at Tobin Arms. This Canadian firm was SKS we all have sitting in the safe. The or the sea/lake ice could already be thick. active in producing the finest factory rifle is Howa’s MiniAction and it’s a bolt But one constant across the country in shotguns ever made in Canada and gun chambered for the 7.62x39mm. I’ve November is the remembrance of those reading through this article was a revela- had a chance to shoot this rifle, and with in Canada’s Armed Forces who sacrificed tion for me. The workmanship displayed its small size and detachable magazine, their lives in defense of freedom. It’s on their top-line guns is stunning. And it’s a great way to launch some of that fitting that our current battle to stave off just in case Duane’s article gives you surplus ammunition downrange. the erosion of freedom takes place during an urge to buy a fine, modern shotgun, If you prefer the smaller calibres, this time of year. Jeff Helsdon takes a look at Savage’s Tom Tabor introduces us to the 17WSM Unfortunately, our battle is with fel- interpretation of the classic Fox double. in Savage’s B-Mag rifle. This is one low Canadians, with people who want While it’s not cheap, it is within reach of chambering that’s still on my personal to exchange hard-won freedoms for an a serious shotgun aficionado. acquisition list, and Tom’s report has it illusion of safety. Fortunately, this battle At the other end of the quality spec- moving up a notch in my priority rank- is fought with facts, truth and ballots, not trum, Bob Shell takes a look at the utili- ing. The plan is to have one available by bullets. But you still need “ammunition” tarian guns and cartridges of the Soviet next spring and introduce some gophers for the fight and some of that is pro- era. These were rifles that never won any to this speedy .17. vided in these pages. But the battle also beauty contests, but they always worked. There’s lots of other good content here requires sacrifice, and I trust you’ll find He provides some good information on as well, so enjoy what we’ve lined up for some inspiration for that in this issue how to handload for the two most com- you. It’s your magazine.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 5 President’s Message Sheldon Clare

Pushing Back phrase that I have been hear- Blair to look into banning handguns and to mention Kim Campbell’s gun grab, A ing far too much of lately is “… “assault weapons” – whatever those are. C-17). There needs to be fundamental because it’s the right thing to do!” This What you should take from this is that firearms law reform, not just piling on is a false liberalism premise used to the Liberals are considering something more useless gun laws and bureaucracy cover up a lack of critical analysis. It like UK and Australian gun bans, which that only impedes the lawful activities of also reveals shallow attempts to market have failed to increase public safety or the innocent or denies people the ability poorly understood policies thought to be reduce criminal behaviour. If you believe to protect themselves from bad actors. vote-getters. Most recently, I heard it in for one moment that this is about any- What has the NFA been doing in that the Canadian government presentation thing but seizing your property, realize regard? We have been active in meeting at the UN Arms Trade Treaty Conference that the Australian ban included pump government and opposition members, of States Parties 4, about Canada signing shotguns. And yet the statistical analysis we have contributed to the delay of C-17 onto the Arms Trade Treaty. Liberals are by McPhedran and Baker is clear that by making suggestions to politicians also using that phrase to promote highly the ban has had no effect whatsoever on about delaying the progress of this bill. offensive ideas, such as banning firearms. crime rates or death rates. The Canadian We have been getting a very positive Sometimes I hear gun owners talk research confirms that none of Canada’s reception and building good alliances. about compensation for their losses in politically motivated gun-control games We have been getting into the media and the face of gun confiscation. Please don’t, have had anything whatsoever to with trying to present a consistent message. this is not about compensation; we’ll public safety. It has always been a Unfortunately, we have seen some oth- keep our property, thanks very much. distraction from other policy failures or ers used by media to help promote the Compensation is an easy thing for gov- gaffs, and at the worst-targeted identifi- gun control agenda. This is dangerous ernment to do, it’s merely bribing you to able groups. at a time when the message needs to be comply using your own money. No, this is The Reform movement took years to consistent and based on research. We a fight to be fought tooth and nail. Some- be successful and only gained power by can win this fight but promoting failed times you hear well-meaning people forming a coalition of the right. Shatter- existing gun control regimes is not going say that the existing laws just need to be ing that coalition now is a bad idea. While to help us in the long term. enforced. No! The existing laws are ter- it’s true that many of those Reform goals Our lobbying efforts are getting real re- rible, and they need to be repealed and remain unfulfilled, the only leader and sults, we are taking the fight forward and replaced with sensible rules that support party positioned to beat the Liberals in building electoral machines to go after a free society while limiting legal access 2019 is the Conservative Party of Andrew swing ridings. We have taken the fight to to known bad actors. Our current firearm Scheer. The NFA rated Mr. Scheer highly the source of much domestic gun control laws are an unreasonable, tortuous mess, during the leadership race, but not Mr. by challenging false perceptions at the which have failed not just firearms own- Bernier – the reasons for that are now UN, and by calling out the motivations ers, but Canada. Gun control is based on obvious. While Mr. Bernier may well have and false information used to push gun a lie – it doesn’t do anything for public some points worthy of debate, his actions control internationally. We had a strong safety. will in no way aid our cause. Scheer’s contingent present at the recent Halifax The last government to engage in Conservative Party has learned much CPC convention, and while two motions a wholesale gun ban project was the from 2015. It will be the only option to of interest failed to gain support from Progressive Conservative regime of Brian beat the Trudeau Liberals and their calls the delegates, we did make strong con- Mulroney and Kim Campbell. As we for gun bans and more firearms control nections and obtain firm commitments know, that didn’t work so well for them. bureaucracy, but that only happens if you of support for our goals. As I have said Efforts to increase gun control also didn’t work to make it so. previously, when people have asked how go well for the Liberals in the 1990s, Now it’s about the pending election. We they can help: get involved in the selec- nor for Paul Martin when he decided have been working hard in the nomi- tion and election process for candidates, on some bad advice to announce that a nation process to identify and support donate money and time to NFA and handgun ban would be a Liberal policy. pro-rights and pro-freedom candidates worthy politicians. Call, meet and write The Liberals lost the subsequent election – and thank you for getting involved in politicians to agitate for change. Giving in to the Conservatives, but they have never that process. This election is about put- to bullies and Liberal gun control is the rescinded that policy. We have seen the ting a government into place which will wrong thing to do. No matter what sort of youth wing of the Liberals call for Austra- reverse the actions taken by the Liberals, firearm you own, or how you view your lian-style gun bans, and we have now and maybe even start to roll back the rights, this is our fight and it couldn’t be seen Justin Trudeau authorize MP Bill outrageous former bill C-68 of 1995 (not more serious.

6 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Message du Président Sheldon Clare Repousser les politiques anti-armes e nos jours il y a une expression financières pour les armes qui pourront l’accès aux armes par de mauvais acteurs D que j’entends beaucoup trop leur être confisquées. Je vous prient de connus. Nos lois actuelles sur les armes souvent: “Parce que c’est la meilleure cesser ce discours - il ne s’agit pas de se à feu sont un marasme tortueux et chose à faire!” C’est une fausse pré- faire compenser; Nous garderons notre déraisonnable qui ont laissé tomber non somption libérale utilisée pour masquer propriété privée, merci! Une compen- seulement les propriétaires d’armes à feu un manque d’analyse critique. Je l’ai sation financière est facile à faire pour mais le Canada tout entier. Le contrôle entendue récemment lors de la présenta- un gouvernement - il s’agit seulement des armes est basé sur des mensonges - il tion du Gouvernement du Canada à la d’acheter vos armes avec votre argent ne fait rien pour la sécurité publique. Conférence des États Parties 4, du Traité pour vous obliger de vous conformer. Le dernier Gouvernement qui a voulu sur le commerce des armes de l’ONU. Ils Non, nous devons nous battre bec et entreprendre une interdiction d’armes l’ont déclarée pour justifier l’adhérence ongle. Parfois on entends de bonnes gens était les Progressistes Conservateurs de du Canada au Traité sur le commerce des qui disent que les lois actuelles doivent Brian Mulroney et de Kim Campbell, cette armes. Les Libéraux l’utilise aussi pour être mieux appliquées. - NON! Les lois stratégie n’a pas été une réussite pour eux. promouvoir leurs idées hautement offen- actuelles sont affreuses, elles doivent Les efforts d’augmentation du contrôle sives telles que bannir des armes à feu. être abrogées et remplacées par des lois des armes des Libéraux durant les années Parfois j’entends des propriétaires raisonnables qui respectent les principes 1990 n’ont pas été un succès non plus. d’armes à feu parler de compensations d’une société libre tout en empêchant Paul Martin, lui aussi a suivi un mauvais conseil en annonçant qu’une interdiction d’armes de poing deviendrait une poli- tique de son Parti. Les Libéraux ont perdu l’élection suivante en faveur des Conser- vateurs mais ils ont toujours conservé leur politique. Les jeunes Libéraux réclament des interdictions d’armes similaires à celles de l’Australie et maintenant Justin Trudeau demande au Ministre Bill Blair de se pencher sur la possibilité de bannir les armes de poings et les “armes d’assaut” - quelles sont elles au juste? Donc le Libéraux considèrent établir des interdictions d’armes comme l’ont fait l’Australie et le Royaume-Uni. Ces interdictions ont échouées à augmenter la sécurité publique ainsi qu’à réduire les comportements criminels. Si vous vous imaginez que l’objectif de ces interdic- tions soit autre chose que de saisir vos biens, rappelez vous que celles en Aus- tralie incluaient aussi les fusils à pompe. Pourtant les analyses statistiques faites par McPhedran et Baker sont claires, ces interdictions n’ont eu aucun effet sur le taux de criminalité ni le taux de décès. Les études Canadiennes confirment aussi qu’aucun des jeux politiques de contrôle des armes n’ont eu comme but la sécurité publique. Le contrôle des armes Cana- dien a toujours été une distraction pour cacher des gaffes ou l’échec de politiques établies et au pire vise des groupes iden- NFA Regional Director Charles Zach with tifiables. Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer./Voici le Directeur régional de L’ACAF M. Charles Zach, Le Reform Party et son mouvement a accompagné du Chef du parti Conservateur du pris des années avant d’atteindre des ré- Canada M. Andrew Scheer. sultats et a accédé au pouvoir seulement

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 7 après que la droite ce soit réunie - faire Loi C-68 de 1995 (sans mentionner C-17 avec des machines électorales qui visent éclater cette union maintenant est une de Kim Campbell qui a interdit plusieurs les circonscriptions fragiles. Nous avons mauvaise idée. Quoique plusieurs objec- armes). Nous avons besoin de réformes attaqué la source des concepts de con- tifs du Reform Party n’ont toujours pas fondamentales en regard des lois sur trôle des armes en contestant les percep- été atteints, le seul Chef et Parti qui puisse les armes à feu, pas la superposition de tions erronées véhiculées par l’ONU et battre les Libéraux en 2019 est Andrew nouvelles lois et bureaucraties qui ne font en dénonçant les motivations et fausses Scheer du Parti Conservateur. L’ACAF que nuire aux activités légitimes des gens informations utilisées pour promouvoir avait hautement classé M. Scheer durant honnêtes ou bien qui les empêchent de le contrôle mondial des armes. Nous la course à la direction du Parti mais pas se défendre contre des malfaiteurs. avons envoyé un robuste contingent à M. Bernier - les raisons sont aujourd’hui Qu’est-ce que l’ACAF fait pour effectuer la convention du PCC à Halifax. Malgré évidentes. M. Bernier a de bons points qui ces réformes? Nous avons rencontré des que deux motions d’intérêt n’ont pas été méritent d’être débattus mais ses gestes membres du Gouvernement ainsi que appuyées par les délégués, nous avons vont nuire à notre cause. Le Parti Con- de l’opposition. Nous avons contribué obtenus des engagements fermes envers servateur de Scheer a beaucoup appris au délai de l’entrée en vigueur du Projet nos objectifs et avons établi des contacts depuis 2015. Son Parti est notre seule op- de Loi C-71 en faisant des suggestions solides. Comme je vous l’ai déjà dit, tion pour battre les Libéraux de Trudeau au politiciens pour ce faire. Nous avons lorsqu’on me demande comment aider à et leurs appels d’interdictions d’armes été bien reçu et travaillons à créer des la cause, je vous réponds: Impliquez vous et l’augmentation de la bureaucratie de alliés. Nous avons contacté les médias dans la sélection et l’élection de candi- contrôle des armes qui accompagne ces et essayons de présenter un message dats, faites des dons et soyez bénévoles politiques. Cette victoire n’est possible cohérent. Malheureusement nous avons avec l’ACAF et des politiciens favorables que si vous vous impliquez. été témoins des médias ayant servi à pro- à notre cause. Faites des appels télépho- Voyons à l’élection Fédérale qui est à mouvoir l’agenda du contrôle des armes niques, écrivez et rencontrer les politici- nos portes. Nous avons travaillés très fort - ceci est dangereux à un moment où ens pour demander du changement. Se pour identifier des candidats qui sont l’information doit être cohérente et basée soumettre à l’intimidation et le contrôle pro-droits et liberté pendant le processus sur des études sérieuses. Nous pouvons des armes des Libéraux n’est pas la de nomination - et je vous remercie pour gagner cette lutte mais la promotion de bonne chose à faire. Peu importe quelles votre aide. L’objectif de cette élection est régimes de contrôle des armes qui ont sortes d’armes vous possédez ou com- d’élire un Gouvernement qui renversera échoués, nous nuira à long terme. ment vous percevez vos droits, ceci est les actions prises par les Libéraux et pos- Nos efforts de lobbying atteignent de notre lutte et elle n’a pas été plus sérieuse siblement défaire les anciens Projets de résultats réels - nous allons de l’avant qu’aujourd’hui. Nathaniel Milljour Nathaniel

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November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 9 Vice-President’s Message Blair Hagen

Gun Bans

cting on the demands of the cities automatic rifles. Canada has selectively believe in the sanctity of the rights and A of Toronto and Montreal, Prime registered, restricted and prohibited property of Canadians, and to those Minster Justin Trudeau has ordered certain semi-automatic firearms who advance the sick and twisted ideol- Justice Minister Bill Blair to study the through legislation, mostly occurring ogy and agenda of civil disarmament. possibility of enacting legislation to ban during the early 1990s. Guns were This is the agenda of a small but vo- all handguns and assault weapons in targeted because they looked scary cal segment of Canadian society who Canada. By "assault weapons," we can or were semi-auto versions of famous believe in a vision of Canada which is assume he means any or all semi-auto- military rifles. Some were even confis- largely based on "not being American." matic rifles. cated outright. I've covered the chaos, To them, guns, especially handguns, are The demands for these bans came the confiscations and the controversies an American thing that have no place in after a particularly egregious random of those times in other columns. their peaceful, progressive Canada. And shooting in Toronto, committed by a It is important to remember that over taking them away from the less enlight- mentally deranged individual with half of the registered handguns in Can- ened, who insist on possessing them, is connections to the drug underworld, in seen as a final triumph of that ideology. which a young woman and a child were Some civil disarmament advocates al- murdered. As has become the usual in low that hunters should continue to be Canada, the tragedy was hijacked by the "What they mean, of course, is allowed to do their dirty business deep media and the civil disarmament lobby in the woods, but the controls on their to advance the concept of a gun ban. semi-automatic rifles. Canada arms should be such that the gun is Mayor John Tory of Toronto, embroiled has selectively registered, handed in after the hunting trip, never in his own re-election campaign, im- to be seen again until the next season. mediately demanded that the federal restricted and prohibited Toronto and Montreal of course government empower cities like Toronto certain semi-automatic firearms justified their demands based on the to ban handguns within their city limits, out-of-control criminal gang violence using the simplistic buzz-line, "Who through legislation, mostly going on in those cities, complete with needs a handgun?" fabricated statistics attempting to sug- Why its lawful owner, of course. occurring during the early gest that the majority of crime guns are This was a strange move on the part of 1990s. Guns were targeted now being sourced from "so called" Tory, as he seems to have conveniently law-abiding owners through theft or forgotten that it was just four years ago because they looked scary or illegal purchases and transfers. The in another election campaign where he federal government itself has attempted questioned the wisdom and necessity of were semi-auto versions of to justify its actions and legislation such bans. Maybe he will adopt a differ- famous military rifles." based on assertions that gun crime has ent position in another four years. skyrocketed since 2013, blaming the for- Shortly afterwards, Montreal city mer Conservative government’s limited council adopted a resolution demand- firearms law reforms. ing that the federal government ban ada were banned under the Liberal’s The facts are these: Gun crimes in all handguns and assault weapons in Bill C-68 in 1995 and have been under Canada have been steadily falling since Canada. The use of the term "assault a delayed and incremental confisca- the 1970s, despite various gun control weapon" is particularly concern- tory initiative ever since. Selective bans legislation, with 2013 being unusual in ing. True assault weapons, select-fire and confiscations took place under the recording the lowest number of gun military rifles and carbines, have not former Conservative government and crimes in recent history. After 2013, gun been available in Canada since the late will take place again if the Liberal gov- crime stats started to rise again to what 1970s, and even before were heavily ernment’s current legislation, Bill C-71, were considered normal levels. Not controlled, registered and regulated. It is passed. Over 14,000 semi-automatic that we should consider any gun crime has not been possible for the average rifles of two different types are targeted normal, but the already low Canadian Canadian to hold a registration for a by this legislation. gun crime stats were manipulated by select-fire military rifle for 40 years. But complete handgun bans are sym- the federal government to justify their What they mean, of course, is semi- bolic. They are symbolic both for us who latest assault on guns in Bill C-71. 10 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Unfortunate hearsay and politically because it would reduce the number of aggressive demands of Firearms Act motivated and unsubstantiated state- guns "out there." That's right. The rights regulations and bureaucracy. But this ments from some law enforcement and property of Canadians must be sac- latest outrage is particularly offensive, officials were fed into the controversy rificed for some kind of nebulous and because it asks us to hand over our by suggesting that the majority of crime ultimately pointless feel-good exercise rights and property so that Mayor John guns were being sourced from legal because we aren't Americans. Tory and Montreal city council can vir- owners. I don't know about you, but the fact tue signal to their voters that they are What has been conveniently left out of that the federal government would doing something. I don't share their these debates, once again, is the issue even seriously consider, let alone com- vision of Canada, and you probably of the criminal demand for guns. Civil mission, a study on how to confiscate don't either. disarmament lobbyists and politicians the rights and property of Canadians This issue is going to roll out politi- have even conceded that although gun sickens me. We've all suffered the cally over the next several months, and bans and confiscations wouldn't neces- insults of mandatory licensing, a brief as it does I can promise you the basis sarily have any appreciable effect on period of universal firearms registra- on which the firearms issue will be the demand for or the supply of crime tion, attacks on our character by craven fought in the next federal election has guns, they should be affected anyway politicians and the bizarre, passive- been laid.

We don’t believe in a gun-free Canada, and you probably don’t either. In the upcoming federal election, make sure your voice is heard. ISTOCK

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 11 Preserving Our Firearms Heritage Gary K. Kangas Canada’s 100 Days

The handguns of Captains Taylor and Holland with First World War artifacts.

ightning war or blitzkrieg is a word as “Guts and Gaiters Currie,” and was flanked by the French and Australians, L coined by the German Army High knighted by King George V on July 12, led by British tanks. There was no artil- Command in the 1930s. The strategy and 1917. The foregoing events were a pre- lery bombardment to alert the enemy tactics were copied from the battle plans lude to the 100 Days. of the assault, and the surprise was of the British and Commonwealth allies The final 100 days of the First World startling. The swift Canadian onslaught from the First World War. One of the key War, Aug. 8, 1918, to Nov. 11, 1918, came drove the enemy from their trenches and architects of lightning war was General to be known as the 100 Days Offensive. the Canadians advanced 20 kilometres Sir Arthur Currie, a Canadian. Following And because of Canada’s major role in three days. The German High Com- the second battle of Ypres, Currie was in this final drive, it is also known as mand was caught off guard and badly promoted to major general. After the Canada’s 100 Days. In a series of battles shaken. In General Ludendorf’s words, battle of Vimy Ridge, he was promoted during this time, Canadian and allied “August 8th was a black day for the to lieutenant general and commander of forces pushed the German Army from German army.” The Allies’ advance on a the entire Canadian Corps. The British Amiens, France, west to Mons, Belgium. broad front was made possible because wanted to use the Canadians attached It was a drive that resulted in German they had sufficient resources to sustain to various British units, but Currie’s surrender and the end of the war. attacks on a massive scale without having mandate was to have all Canadian forces The lightning war strategy was em- to resupply and regroup. fighting as one unit. He met opposition ployed and began with the Battle of The Canadians were then redirected from the High Command, but after nega- Amiens on Aug. 8, 1918. Secrecy and to the Arras area and the German main tions, Currie prevailed. The Canadian deception were pivotal to success, and to- defenses at the Hindenberg line. During Corps fought as a unit from then on, wards this end a portion of the Canadian the week of Aug. 26 to Sept. 2, 1918, the including throughout the 100 Days. Corps were sent to Ypres to make their Canadians overran the enemy defenses, Currie was a brilliant tactician with the presence known to the Germans, who re- their rapid advance catching the Germans ability to adapt tactics to the strategic sit- garded the appearance of the Canadians by surprise once again. The fighting was uation. His preparations were extensive, as a prelude to an attack. The members brutal, with the Canadians suffering using intelligence and reconnaissance of the Canadian Corps then returned to 11,400 casualties. The Canadian Corps to mount well-prepared, sharp attacks Amiens and prepared their battle plan then regrouped and were supported by to hold specific areas. He is considered that night. The Mounted Rifles had been the British, the combined forces began the to be one of the finest commanders in reconstituted and were ready to ride. engagement on Sept. 27, 1918, to smash PRIVATE COLLECTION X3 COLLECTION PRIVATE Canadian military history. He was known The Canadians spearheaded the action, the Hindenberg line with tactics prepared

12 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Captain Taylor's name engraved on slide.

“The conduct of this officer on this and other occasions have been universally sound, vigourous, tactful and always efficient.” Thoughout the war Taylor carried a Colt 1911 semi-auto pistol in a Canadian style holster with attached mag pouch. The Colt has his name engraved on the right side of the slide. Captain Walter Holland served in the 50th Regiment, Gordon Highlanders of Victoria, BC. This unit was initially com- manded by Currie, who was a lieutenant colonel at that time. The Gordons sailed for England on Oct. 13, 1914. Captain Hol- land also carried a Colt 1911 semi-auto pistol throughout the years 1914 to 1918. Captain Holland's engraved 1911. These two dedicated individuals were in units that were involved in most of the major battles where Canadians were en- by Currie. This included an attack through of Victoria. Captain Taylor, who was a gaged. Ypres 1915 to 1917, Gravenstafel, St. a 2,600-yard long, dry canal and the most member of the 49th Battalion, was on Julien, Festubert, Mount Sorrel, Somme, massive artillery barrage of the war. In the active duty from Aug. 15, 1915, to Oct. Possieres, Thiepval, Ancre-Heights, Arras end, the Canadians and the supporting 29, 1918, when he was transferred to the 1917 to 1918, Vimy 1917, Arleux Scrape British plowed through three lines of the 49th Battalion headquarters in England. 1917 to 1918, Hill 70, Passendaele, Amiens, German defenses, with the Canadians Captain Taylor was present at the Battle Drocourt- Quent, Hindenberg Line, Canal capturing Burion Wood and the town of of Courcelette on Oct. 8, 1916, while he Du Nord and the pursuit to Mons. Cambrai by Oct. 11, 1918. The Canadian was acting adjutant and was mentioned The Armistice was signed in a rail car Corps was on its way to Mons. in various communications. Quotes from outside Compiegne, France, Nov. 11, The Canadian Corps became the pride these CEF dispatches include: 1918. We must pay tribute to all those of our nation, as the officers and men of “…diligent in the discharge of his du- involved in this great conflict and never the Corps served with valour and distinc- ties under trying circumstances, going forget their service to Canada and the tion. Members of the various units, the without sleep for 60 hours.” preservation of our firearms heritage. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Canadian Divisions “The conduct of this officer has been and the 3rd Canadian Cavalry Division brought to notice on other occasions, Sources: comprised all the front-line units, from notably while acting as staff officer in Veterans Affairs, Canadian Highlanders to Mounted Men. an improvised brigade. On the 2nd to Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Canadian Two officers who served in the First 4th of June, 1916, he moved across open Expeditionary Force Despatches, World War and survived were Captain ground and under heavy fire on several Canadian Scottish Regimental Walker Lewis Taylor of Edmonton and occasions, seeing to the disposition of his History, Personal Papers Private Captain Walter Glen Cuyler Holland troops and consolidation of ground held.” Collection.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 13 Politics & Guns Bruce Gold Canadian Culture – French Roots

Canada’s history is not as peaceful as our current government would have us believe.

he present grows out of the past ruled France since the middle ages. This proprietary colony set up by a royal T and history is the discipline that feudal system of government divided charter. After several corporate bank- lets us keep track and sort out the true society into three estates: the clergy ruptcies, Cardinal Richelieu founded from the false. Not surprisingly, history (first estate), the nobility (second estate) the Company of 100 Associates (1627) is often twisted or invented to support and the commoners (third estate). The and gave it an exclusive right to rule. political agendas. The Trudeau govern- king stood above all as an absolute The company received dominion over ment’s desire to link Canadian values monarch. The right to arms was strictly New France from Florida to the Arctic with a mythical history of an unarmed tied to social class and was limited to in return for supporting the church and nation of peacekeepers is a blatant the nobility. The right to hunt was also importing French Catholics to populate example of this. A brief history high- severely restricted to prevent common- the new land. lights this deviation from the truth of ers from hunting rather than labouring Despite the colonizing requirement, our history. for the landlord class. The sword was New France, in its early years, had very When New France was colonized in severely restricted because it was the few French settlers. Quebec City, found- the 16th century, France was under the distinguishing sign of nobility. ed in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, ISTOCK rule of the Ancient Regime that had New France started as a corporate started with only 28 settlers. This lack

14 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 of colonists was not a major concern to Ojibwa and Cree. Unfortunately for the French rule was also the loss of the rigid the company, because the colony was Iroquois, their plan to taking over the and burdensome feudal system. This a commercial enterprise based on the lucrative middleman position in the fur change, despite modern rhetoric, did fur trade. It could rely on Natives doing trade failed when the Ottawa stepped not reduce the Quebecois to the level the hunting and transporting the furs to in to replace the Hurons. This did not of an unarmed subject population. The French traders in Montreal and Quebec, relieve the military pressure on New brutal feudal law system was replaced so few settlers were needed. Most of France. The desperate colony appealed by the much fairer system of English the company’s employees served under to France for support, but France, beset Common Law and the people contin- a five-year contract of indenture. The by civil war (The Fronde) and engaged ued in their possession and use of arms. harsh winters, lack of French women in war with Spain until 1659, had no The British treatment of the French and fear of the Iroquois led most of help to send. military was instructive. The French them to return to France at the end of In 1661, the colony begged the French regulars returned to France. The militia, their contract. Crown for help only to be told that the the bulk of New France’s military, were To cement the vital trading relation- defense of New France was a company disarmed and then re-armed following ships with the local Algonquin, Huron problem, not the Crown’s. Beset with an oath of allegiance and continued and Montagnais tribes, the French en- these problems, the Company of 100 under their own officers. The French, tered into a military alliance with them Associates went bankrupt in 1663 and now Canadian, officers were tasked against their traditional enemy, the New France became a Crown colony. with raising and commanding the first Iroquois. In 1609, Champlain accompa- With responsibility now firmly back British/Canadian armed force raised nied a tribal raid south into what is now with the government, the Crown began in Montreal, Que., and Three Rivers. Lake Champlain and was instrumental offering incentives to settlers, resulting These French-Canadian militia officers in winning a battle against the Iroquois. in the population of New France rising were intrusted with running Courts of During the battle, Champlain killed two to 3,000. In 1664, The French Crown Justice, public affairs and public works Iroquois chiefs with his Arquebus. This sent the Carignan-Salières regiment such as roads and bridges. It is a singu- military action cemented the French- (1,000 men) to New France to support lar fact, now often ignored in Canada, Huron alliance at the cost of turning the the colony. Much of France’s motivation that these militias, largely under their Iroquois into a deadly enemy. The battle was the hope that New France would own officers, did sterling service in marks the point where firearms were be a source of wealth to support Louis operations against the western Indians introduced into the pre-existing tribal XIV’s European Wars. and in repelling the American invasions wars, where they were soon recognized The Crown established a feudal sys- of 1775 to 1776. Their defence of British as a technology with decisive military tem in New France and directed its de- Canada occurred even though a mere and trading advantages. Not surpris- velopment to meet the Crown’s needs. 15 years had passed since the surrender ingly, the French company made no In 1669, Louis XIV ordered that men of New France and France becoming an attempt to restrict the colonist’s arms between the ages of 16 and 60 do mili- ally of the Americans. along class lines, a policy that would tary service in each parish’s militia. This From this brief history and the ones have led to starvation and military formalized the arming of the people of preceding it we find that all three of our suicide. New France, and by 1720 the Canadiens countries founding peoples, Indig- An English challenge to New France formed the majority of New France’s enous, British and French, were armed was not long in coming. The English military with a quarter of the popula- nations. The right to arms was funda- Company of Adventurers to Canada tion enrolled. The French and Indian mental to their way of life. This is a far (different from the Hudson Bay Com- Wars (1754 to 1763) over land and trade cry from the modern statist creed of a pany) was formed in England by Royal saw French Canada facing odds of 30 to helpless, unarmed people with only a Charter to develop settlement and one against the larger English colonies. grudging, conditional, even contested, trade in the St. Lawrence River. In 1629, With odds like this, even the wholly right to self-defence. A people who during the 30 Years War, the company militarized colony of New France could had no right to redress against the gained royal support for an expedition not prevail. Military defeat was followed “authorities” if their promises of safety which captured Quebec City (popula- by political abandonment and France’s and protection turned out to be false. tion 85). New France was later returned surrender of New France in 1763. Not surprisingly, these short histories of to France in 1632 as part of the settle- This short history reveals that French Indigenous, British and French culture, ment of the 30 Years War (Treaty of Canada, one of Canada’s founding of Canadian culture, are not welcome to Saint-Germain-en-Laye). A condition of cultures, was a wholly militarized elites who “know better,” much less to a the return was that Louis XIII of France society with a level of military activ- prime minister arrogant enough to de- had to pay Charles I of England’s wife’s ity that could be compared to Sparta. clare in public that we have no identity dowry. This underlines how warfare is part of or history worthy of note. The next military challenge to the Canada’s history and has determined existence of New France was the our existence as a country. Iroquois Confederacy launching the The fall of New France led to a re- References Beaver Wars over control of the fur markable transformation. The French trade. The war escalated in 1649, when officials who were the colonial elite The Canadian Militia, A History of the Origin and Development of the the Iroquois destroyed the Hurons who returned to France. The bulk of the Force. Captain Ernest J. Chambers, were the middlemen in the trade be- population accepted the political Mortimer Press, Montreal, 1907. tween the French and the more western changes in large part because the loss of

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 15 ISTOCK

16 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 THE CASE AGAINST BILL C-71 BY VINCENT HARINAM & GARY MAUSER

he Toronto and Fredericton T shootings all but guarantee that gun control will become a key political issue in next year’s federal election. With their momentum interrupted by their indecisiveness on the Trans Mountain pipeline, the Liberal Party sees gun control as a possible “wedge” issue. Offi cially known asAn Act to Amend Certain Acts and Regulations in Rela- tion to Firearms, Bill C-71 assumes that constricting the lawful sale and use of fi rearms will reduce criminal violence. The draft legislation proposes new provisions which augment existing measures. These include: extending background checks to cover a buyer’s life history (instead of just the past fi ve years), reinstating the requirement for request permits to transport restricted fi rearms to gun shops or gun shows, and unleashing the RCMP to restrict or prohibit fi rearms. Firearm vendors must also retain sales information for 20 years, a move decried by some as a backdoor gun registry. According to Minister Goodale, Bill C-71 is a response to substantial increases in gun violence since 2013. It is legislation driven and justifi ed by the empirical evidence. Or so it would seem. In actuality, the statistical basis for Bill C-71 is particularly weak. Its reliance on faulty assumptions regard- ing crime and fi rearms breaks with the government’s promise of legislation tempered by evidence-based decision making. Minister Goodale’s assertion that “gun homicides are up by two-thirds since 2013” should concern Canadians. After all, that’s quite an increase. But why select 2013 as the baseline for Statistics Canada (0.38 per 100,000). increased precipitously. Gun homi- comparison? That year, 2013, was a year By selecting a year of record lows, cides have not exploded. They have of historical lows, a statistical outlier marginal increases in succeeding regressed to normal levels prior to of sorts. years are made to look like signifi cant 2013. In fact, Canada’s crime rate has According to Statistics Canada, 2013 surges. This explains Minister Goo- steadily declined since the 1990s. had the lowest police-recorded crime dale’s decision to use four years (2013 What’s more, Bill C-71 misunder- rate since 1969. In fact, it had the lowest to 2016) of crime data instead of the stands the nature and frequency of vio- rate of criminal homicides in 50 years standard fi ve. Selecting 2012 as the lent crime. Most crimes in Canada are (1.45 per 100,000), as well as the lowest point of comparison would weaken neither violent nor involve a fi rearm. rate of fatal shootings ever recorded by the perception that gun violence had In 2016, violent crime made up 20

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 17 cent increase in gang-related homi- cides over that period. In 2016, 54 per cent of all fi rearm-related homicides were gang related. However, this rise in gang violence is concentrated in urban zones. From 2013 to 2016, gang-related homicides doubled in metropolitan areas. Though rates of fi rearm violence in urban and rural areas are compa- rable, a large proportion of violent crime occurs in rural First Nations reserves. In fact, Minister Goodale suggested that new drug markets were driving gangs into indigenous communities. Crucially, Bill C-17’s focus on the legal means of fi rearm ownership disregards illegal channels. The fi rearms used by gangs are generally smuggled into Canada as part of the drug trade. Analyses of guns recov- ered from criminal activity in various Canadian cities show that over two- thirds had been smuggled. This is not to suggest that illegal fi rearms cannot be acquired do- mestically. However, the claim that there has been an increase in straw purchasing, where gang-affi liated The Algonquin Cup, Sundridge, Ont. people with clean criminal records BY LINDSAY FLYNN get fi rearm licences to traffi c guns, is not supported by any statistics. In general, the claim that there has been an increase in illegal fi rearms obtained from “domestic sources” is not backed by Statistics Canada. However, there is a large pool of fi rearms in Canada with questionable legality. When fi rearm licensing was introduced in 2001, between one-third and one-half of then-law-abiding Canadian gun owners declined to ap- ply for a license. Though civilian gun owners ranged from 3.3 million to 4.5 million in 2001, fewer than two million licenses were issued. Many gun own- ers remain outside the system. Instead of calling for more laws, per cent of all Criminal Code offences. measure based on lives lost, why perhaps a better approach would be In fact, 78 per cent of violent crimes hasn’t Bill C-71 targeted knives? After to focus on the following areas: did not involve a weapon. When a all, of the four years used in Minister 1) Enhancing the treatment of men- weapon was used, either a knife or a Goodale’s assessment, three (2013, 2014 tal illness; blunt instrument was preferred. “Other and 2015) have had more knife homi- 2) Focusing directly on gangs and weapons” account for 19 per cent of cides than gun homicides. organized crime; weapons-related offences. Only three Nevertheless, Bill C-71 fails to ad- 3) Investing in Canada Border per cent of violent crimes involved a dress the area where gun violence has Services Agency to address the fi rearm in 2016. This rate oscillated actually risen over the past 20 years: smuggling of drugs and fi rearms between 1.9 per cent and 2.3 per cent gangs. Gang violence has steadily risen into Canada. between 2009 and 2014. Since 1995, since the 1990s, increasing from under In sum, a more measured approach knife-related and fi rearm-related ho- 10 per cent of all homicides in 1999 to is required. Measures like Bill C-71, micides have kept apace, perpetually 24 per cent in 2016. which focus exclusively on law- trading places as the most common Importantly, the 20 per cent increase abiding Canadians, appear more as homicide method in Canada. in homicides between 2013 and 2016 red herrings than effective crime- If we are adopting a public safety was driven by an astonishing 68 per reduction strategies.

18 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 MATCH REPORT The Algonquin Cup, Sundridge, Ont. BY LINDSAY FLYNN

or the last four years, the Eagle if they were one of the lucky ones possible without all the selfless F Lake Gun Club has organized and going home with an item from the volunteers and supportive sponsors. facilitated a Tier 2 IDPA match that exciting prize table – over 40 random- Sponsors that made this event pos- has competitors coming from Ontario, draw prizes, with nine of them being sible were: Solely Outdoors, Rouge Quebec and two US states. Planning a handguns and rifles. Accolades went River Arms, Aztech Armory, Chris and Tier 2 sanctioned IDPA match begins to first, second and third place of each Maya Miller, DirectBelt, Duins Pin- nearly a year out from the anticipated division, as well as all the specialty eridge Resort, Eagle Lake Gun Club start date, and since this is the largest classes. Like previous years, this was Trap Division, Eagle Lake Marine, IDPA match in Ontario (and maybe another successful competition, and NFA, Ron Henry Jewellers, North-Tel Canada), this year was no different. everyone left tired but happy. In the Communications, Kidd’s Home Hard- Ninety-three competitors from six months to come, make sure you watch ware Building Centre, John’s Tackle divisions competed over the course for details of the 2019 Algonquin Cup Box, Fritz Deninger Olympic Printing, of two days, Aug. 12 and 13. While at the Eagle Lake Gun Club. PROnature Temiscaming and Mus- scores were finalized, shooters learned This event would not have been koka Trapper.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 19 TOBIN ARMS Canada’s premier shotgun manufacturer BY DUANE RADFORD

n 2013, Dr. Jim Stewart of Stewart has thoroughly researched the Etobicoke, Ont., donated eight Tobin guns, starting when he first began Tobin Arms Mfg. Co. Ltd. guns to collect them in the early 1980s. Im- and a hand-carved decoy portant contributions, particularly about collection to the Canadian the gun’s technology, were made by the IMuseum of History (CMH) located noted American collector, David Nor- in Gatineau, Que. In a media release, een. Stewart’s article, “Tobin: The Little- the museum reported, “The Canadian known Canadian Company that Made Cultural Property Export Review Board Exceptional Shotguns,” was published has certified the combined value of both in Canadian Antiques and Vintage, May/ collections at more than $1 million.” June 2016. It is the definitive research The gun collection consisted of a .22 record of the guns, including a list of calibre single-shot Boy Scout rifle and all the known references. The story I six of Tobin’s seven grades of 12-gauge recount below is based on Noreen’s shotguns, including the top two grades. article, Stewart’s articles and personal It was missing only one of the middle communications with him, plus CMH grades, of the seven manufactured by Frank M. Tobin was born in records. the company. Jim is a retired business Halifax, NS, on Jan. 24, 1862. As a result of the publication of executive, writer, consultant and re- Stewart’s aforementioned article, a spected collector of wildlife Canadiana. Robin Craig, past president and director good example of a Pigeon Grade Tobin, He is the author of numerous articles of the Canadian Decoy and Outdoor the long-missing grade mentioned on business and antiques, as well as Collectibles Association, and also an old above, turned up in the US and Stewart two books about Canadian waterfowl friend of Jim Stewart, arranged a special acquired it. In late 2017, it joined its six decoys. tour of this fascinating collection of Tobin siblings in the museum to complete the While military firearms are archived at Guns. We were able to see the Stewart collection. (Stewart, Jim, “The Collec- the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Collection of Tobin Shotguns and some tor’s Dream – The Long-Sought Missing the CMH has a small collection of non- of the 150 antique waterfowl decoys Piece,” Hunting and Fishing Collectibles, military guns. Last year, an old friend, Stewart donated to the museum in 2015. January/February 2018).

20 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 HISTORY OF TOBIN ARMS MFG. CO. LTD. option of single triggers and automatic (a chemical treatment of metal) black Tobin Arms Mfg. Co. Ltd. got its start ejectors for an additional price. At the fi nish. as a fi rearms manufacturer specializing time, most double-barreled shotguns in double-barreled shotguns in 1905 featured double triggers, deemed more TRAP GRADE, NO. 70, 12 GAUGE in Norwich, Conn. It closed after a few reliable and cheaper. Double triggers This gun is in fi ne condition, and Stewart years and in 1909 the rights to the name were also apparently better suited to reports it is one of the best of several trap and technology were purchased by a the straight English stocks characteristic grades he has owned or seen. It has the lawyer and businessman named Henry of period shotguns. None of the many original Silver’s recoil pad and particular- A. Little from Woodstock, Ont. Little Tobin guns Stewart has examined were ly fi ne wood. These recoil pads were man- formed a Canadian company, which marked with a grade name or number. ufactured by S.W. Silver & Co., a British built a new factory and manufactured Until the 2017 fi nd mentioned above, he fi rm. All of the dozen 12-gauge trap shotguns from 1909 until 1914 when it had never seen a Pigeon grade and noted grades he has seen feature a fl ying duck closed, never having achieved profi t- that 16-gauge Tobin shotguns are rarer engraved on both side plates. Stewart ability. The company charter was not than 12 gauges. The following is a short believes the 16-gauge guns were virtually surrendered until 1921. Records show description of each of the Tobin guns. identical to the 12-gauge guns, save for a that 8,000 to 10,000 guns were made dur- difference in bore and some engraving – ing the four years it was in business in LEADER GRADE, NO. 25, 12 GAUGE a dog’s head is engraved on both sides of Canada, with a similar number of guns The leader-grade hammer gun with the receiver of the museum item. manufactured in America. Little was double triggers was probably built for the president of the Canadian company. budget-conscious shooters who pre- PIGEON GRADE, NO. 100 Frank Major Tobin, a Canadian who had ferred the always-reliable old technology This particular grade was not part of the been president of the American com- with visible evidence of the gun being Tobin collection originally donated to pany, was listed as vice-president of the cocked and ready to fi re. This grade the museum in 2013, but an example was Canadian company. features a small silver bead at the end of recently found and added to the collec- What made Tobin shotguns stand out the barrel. Stewart reports that very few tion, as mentioned above. was their exceptional quality and the Tobin hammer guns have been found. range of grades matching those made MODEL GRADE, NO. 200, 12-GAUGE by high-grade American and British STANDARD GRADE, NO. 40, 12 GAUGE This rare grade was also beautifully companies. Tobin’s line included seven This is the most commonly found Tobin engraved, although less extensively than grades of high quality, double-barreled gun, with the one in the museum collec- the regal grade, both of which are the shotguns in 12 and 16 gauges at the start, tion in very good original condition. It only grades with engraving on the bar- and later a promotional .22 rifl e. Tobin has fi ne wood and what Stewart believes rels, as well as the action and the fi ttings. Arms was the only Canadian company is the original recoil pad. Fine scroll engraving appears on the to manufacture such quality fi rearms. receiver and trigger guard as well. The simplest and cheapest Leader BLACK DIAMOND, NO. 55, 12 GAUGE grade was a hammer gun, while the These guns are rare according to Stew- REGAL GRADE NO. 250, 12-GAUGE other six grades were hammerless. All art, who claimed most buyers appar- The top grade, judged by Stewart as one grades featured a Simplex action, a ver- ently purchased either standard-grade of the best, if not the best, Canadian- sion of side-lock action based on an 1893 or trap-grade guns. The Black Diamond made factory shotgun in existence, US patent. The top fi ve grades offered an name comes from the pyro-oxidized features a single selective trigger and

This Tobin Arms regal-grade shotgun may be the best Canadian-made factory shotgun in existence.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 21 A Tobin Arms trap-grade shotgun in particularly fine condition.

Some of the engraving on the Tobin Arms regal-grade shotgun.

The only external-hammer gun made by Tobin Arms was the leader grade. It was the lowest- priced shotgun in their line.

22 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 automatic ejectors, and comes in its own case. The stock is fitted with the original CANADIAN MUSEUM DECOYS Silver’s orange rubber butt pad. Pheas- There are 150 hand-carved duck ants are engraved on both side plates OF HISTORY and goose decoys that were with a setter engraved on the closed RESEARCH POLICY assembled over 30 years by receiver. It has Circassian walnut (a type The Canadian Museum of History Stewart and donated to the CMH. of English walnut wood, patterned with generously allows research related The collection includes some swirls and curves in shades of brown to their artifacts. Researchers of the finest works by many of or with occasional black streaks) in the can search objects on their online the best Ontario decoy carvers straight English stock. The engraving catalogue and inform museum of the late 19th and early 20th is beautiful and the forend is carefully officials which ones they’d like centuries. Hand-carved black checkered. to view: www.historymuseum.ca/ ducks, redheads, canvasback, This particular gun was custom made collections/. CMH recommends as scaup and widgeon decoys were for J.A. Mitchell, believed to have been much advance notice as possible, made available for our viewing. the president of Canada Permanent, so the museum staff can prepare The bodies of the decoys are a company that helped finance the items. Museum officials generally made from white cedar with a Woodstock factory. This financial institu- limit the number of objects to pine head, featuring German- tion, founded by local businessmen in 15 to 25 based on the size of made glass eyes with lead on the London, Ont., in 1864 as the Huron & the consultation room and the bottom as ballast. The auction Erie Loan and Savings Company Canada workload of their collection’s value of these decoys ranges to Trust, could trace an ancestry, through coordinators. A collections the high five figures. mergers, to 1855 and the establishment coordinator arranges the items of the Canada Permanent Mortgage Cor- requested for research purpose poration by many of the same individu- by appointment in a private als who established the Bank of Toronto. consultation room. It appears this gun was never fired. Exhibits are stored on shelves in Notes On Sources vaults in the Curatorial Building at a temperature of 20 degrees • http://www.historymuseum.ca/ 22 RIFLE, NO SERIAL NUMBER - search “decoys” Tobin also sold simple, functional Celsius and 50 per cent humidity. .22-calibre rifles apparently as some sort The firearms are not oiled or given any special treatment. • Media Release. Canadian Museum of promotional gimmick. Stewart says There were no signs of rust on of History acquire outstanding they’re not shown in the Tobin catalogue any that I viewed. Researchers collection of antique decoys. but were often seen in ads, sometimes are required to adhere to the Gatineau, Quebec. Oct. 16, 2015 referred to as a Tobin Boy Scout rifle and following rules: are rare. • Noreen, David, J. The Tobin Arms • No food or drink is permitted in Manufacturing Company. The On behalf of all Canadian gun enthu- the consultation room Double Gun Journal. Spring, 1997 siasts, I’d like to thank Jim Stewart for • Use pencils only if taking notes his generous donation of the Tobin gun • Museum staff will do all artifact • Stewart, Jim, “Tobin: The Little- and decoy collections, truly national handling (using gloves) treasures. To quote Canadian Museum known Canadian Company that • Photographing objects is made Exceptional Shotguns,” of History records, “With documentation, allowed for personal use only catalogues, literature, etc. this collect Canadian Antiques & Vintage, Professional photographs can be May/June 2016 [sic] represents a unique Canadian col- obtained of the museum objects, lection, which taken together, should be but these are not of magazine • Stewart, Jim, “The Collector’s much more valuable than as separate quality. The museum has a Dream – The Long-Sought guns.” Further, I’d like to thank him for minimum two photos of each gun: Missing Piece,” Hunting and graciously sharing his research papers two full-length photos and usually Fishing Collectibles, January/ and photographs and for his help in one or two close-ups of details. February 2018 other ways.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 23 24 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 THE SAVAGE FOX A tribute to a fine double BY JEFF HELSDON

s side-by-side shotguns grades, all of which were box locks with Fox gun. Savage manufactured this gun go, the Fox name has internal hammers. Initially there were until 1988. withstood the test of time three grades, in 12-gauge only. In 1912, Browning’s launch of the Superposed and market forces better 16 and 20-gauge guns were added. Other over/under with its single selective trig- than most. Its most recent grades were gradually launched, includ- ger, introduced in 1931, accelerated the revivalA is a tribute to a classic. ing the economical Sterlingworth, all the demise of the side-by-side. Fast-forward Following the invention of the double way up to the FE Grade. In 1935, these nearly a century and Savage has rein- barrel in 1875, the side-by-side was the were priced from $39.50 for a Sterling- troduced one of these Fox classics with go-to gun for many hunters and target worth, up to $500 for an FE. a few new twists, calling it the Savage shooters. These early guns were mostly The A.H. Fox gained some notori- Fox A. two-trigger designs, but the single selec- ety when an FE Grade 12-gauge was tive trigger did gain popularity as the presented to former President Theodore TODAY’S FOX 19th century turned into the 20th. At that Roosevelt prior to his African expedition. Today’s Savage Fox A is manufactured time, the over/under began a gradual He wrote home, describing the Fox, "I by the Connecticut Shotgun Company, a climb as the gun of choice for double- had a Fox No. 12 shotgun: no better gun company that has been making rep- barrel aficionados. Names like Fox, was ever made." licas of the original A.H. Fox shotgun LeFevre, Parker, Ithaca and Winchester But the decline of the side-by-side had since 1994. They are the only high-grade were once held up as fine examples of begun, and besides the challenges fac- side-by-side shotgun manufacturer in North American-manufactured side-by- ing side-by-sides in general, it became America. Prices on these Connecticut- side options. apparent Fox’s skill was as a gunmaker, made Foxes ranges from $19,500 to not a businessman. The Fox Shotgun $30,000 USD. Its RBL model, which BEGINNINGS Company was bought out by Savage in the Savage Fox A is similar to, starts at Ansley H. Fox started his A.H. Fox Shot- 1929, and the original A.H. Fox design around $5,000. gun Company in 1906 in Philadelphia, was produced until 1946. About the Savage’s A has an MRSP of $4,999 PA. This was the heyday of side-by-sides same time, Savage introduced the Sav- USD and I’ve seen them in Canada at and Fox quickly became known as a age Fox B, which was based on a Stevens just over $6,000 CAD. There is only one quality, America-made option. The A.H. 311. It was an Anson and Deeley box lock option as far as style of stock or triggers Fox gun was made in several different and wasn’t as slim and trim as the A.H. are concerned, that being an English

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 25 Savage’s version of the Fox uses a Purdey-style under-lug system.

Titanium nitride plating on many internal parts indicates this gun is built for durability.

26 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 (straight) grip with a splinter forend and double triggers. However, there are options for barrel length and gauges, namely 26 or 28-inch barrels in both 20 and 12-gauge options. An Anson and Deeley box lock action is standard on the A grade, with one upgrade from the original – a Purdey barrel and splinter forend were another under-lug lockup system. The stock is pleasant surprise. I expected the barrels American black walnut with oil fi nish to be done in a traditional bluing, but and hand-cut checkering, dimensions instead they were tastefully fi nished are 14-and-a-half-inches in length of with a matte surface. This gun came with pull and one-and-a-half-inches of drop 28-inch barrels and two-and-three-quar- at the comb. The gun has a brass bead ter-inch chambers. front sight, interchangeable chokes The plastic butt plate is fi nished with and an automatic safety. The receiver is horizontal lines to keep it from slipping best scores with the Savage Fox, as my bone and charcoal case coloured, while off the shoulder, and the double triggers rhythm was thrown off a few times when the barrels are a matte blue. There is a are fi nished in gold titanium nitride. The the gun didn’t fi re due to the automatic small amount of engraving on both. The same fi nish is found on the hammers, safety. However, I was amazed how I gun comes with fi ve choke tubes: skeet, sears and ejector cocking arms. Consid- felt the gun was on target even when improved cylinder, modifi ed, improved ering this is the same as what is used the trigger didn’t release. Although modifi ed and full. The thread is coarser on drill bits, it says this gun is built for some doubles are tight when new, this than on many choke tubes, making them longevity. And fi nally, “Savage Fox A” is one opened easily from the fi rst time I faster to screw in and out. tastefully engraved on the receiver. opened the action. And the Holland & After assembling the gun, I threw it to Holland-style ejectors functioned fl aw- FIRST IMPRESSIONS my shoulder and was amazed at how lessly, throwing the empty shells well Savage doesn’t hide the fact this is a well it fi t. Repeating the exercise several clear. Connecticut gun. The box containing the times always resulted in the gun coming Area fi rearms instructor Bert Cronk- case is stamped Connecticut Shotgun up naturally and my shooting eye look- wright, who shot with me and is a Manufacturing Company and it’s the ing right down the barrel. more regular skeet shooter, kept closer only fi ne side-by-side manufactured in track of his score and remarked he was North America that has been launched AT THE RANGE amazed his score was close to what he in recent years by a major manufacturer. This gun is designed to swing fast, so it usually shoots. He also said this is not Since the heyday of the side-by-side, didn’t seem appropriate to shoot it at something that typically occurs with him there haven’t been a lot of new mod- my home club’s trap range. Since they when using an unfamiliar gun for the els on this side of the pond. Browning don’t have skeet, I travelled to nearby fi rst time. produced its BSS from 1971 to 1987. The Waterford Sportsman’s Club. While I’ve Since this is an upland gun, I thought Winchester Model 23 was another recent shot skeet before, I’m no regular at it. it only fi tting to try it in the uplands. classic, being produced from 1978 to So, I was a little apprehensive of some With grouse and woodcock not open yet, 1987. Remington, which owns the rights of the characteristics of this gun I’m this meant doves were the only option. to Parker, reintroduced this gun about a not used to, such as the double triggers Hot weather during the time leading up decade ago, but this was a short run and and straight stock. Yes, I have owned a to my press deadline restricted me to apparently not a huge success. Beretta side-by-side before and shot it well, but only one outing and no doves. But it did has dropped its side-by-side, but recent- it had a pistol grip and a single selective demonstrate how easily this gun carries. ly brought one back as the 486 Parallelo. trigger. The 26-inch barrel 20-gauge I was using But, at $7,300, it’s not cheap either. From the fi rst bird out of the house, I tipped the scales at only 6.6 pounds and The Savage Fox A comes in a custom found the gun pointed well and was on carried as if it were even lighter. velvet-lined case that speaks to the fi ne target. It was a natural fi t. The straight Time will tell if Savage will follow the gun inside. Unwrapping the tissue paper stock took absolutely no adjustment. pattern of the original Foxes, with other revealed the case-hardened receiver, In two rounds, I only got caught four gauges released at a later date, or if there which gives the gun a classic look. The times on the double triggers. The auto- will be options with a single selective oil-fi nished stock is fi ne walnut with matic safety was my largest hang up, as trigger or pistol grip. In any case, anyone hand-cut checking and nice grain, but I hadn’t shot a gun with one before and looking for a classic gun for the grouse not the fancy walnut seen on custom kept forgetting to take it off every time or woodcock woods needs to look no guns. Continuing to unwrap the gun, the I opened the gun. I can’t say I shot my further than the Savage Fox A.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 27 28 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 THE SAVAGE B-MAG 17 WSM A new level of rimfire performance BY THOMAS TABOR

avage Arms is clearly one of Hornady also began offering 17 WSM In order to take full advantage of the the most noteworthy suc- ammunition, and still do today. cartridge's 18 per cent greater powder cess stories in the shooting An interesting note is that Savage's capacity over that of the 17 HMR, Win- industry. At one time, only a centrefire rifles are built at their US -fa chester began offering a loading with few decades ago, a firearm cility, located in Westfield, Mass., while a 25-grain bullet. Obviously this larger Scarrying the Savage name might be their rimfire production generally comes and heavier bullet exits the muzzle a bit scorned for the low quality the company from the company's Canadian facility in slower (2,600 feet per second), but it still had become known for. But no longer Lakefield, Ont. There are, however, three exceeds the velocity of the 17 HMR even is that the case. Through a careful and exceptions to that production strategy. when loaded with its usual and consid- well-orchestrated reorganization of The B-Mag, the A17 and the A22 Mag- erably lighter 17-grain bullet. both the procedures used by Savage num rimfires are constructed at the US and a re-found dedication to quality, factory. UNIQUE B-MAG CHARACTERISTICS the company was given renewed life, The B-Mag was a new design for Savage pulling it out of bankruptcy and away BALLISTIC SUPERIORITY Arms and as such it broke many of the from the brink of disaster. As a result, The B-Mag rifle and the new 17 WSM long-standing traditions surrounding Savage has become a major player came about at a time when many rimfire rifles. Rather than targeting the within the world's firearms industry. A shooters had become infatuated with youth market, as many rimfires have prime example of these advancements the Hornady-developed 17 HMR. And can be found within the rimfire B-Series that mindset provided an enormous The 17 WSM (right) line up and, in particular, the rifle that challenge to the new cartridge. Never- dwarfs the smaller 17 started off that series: the B-Mag. theless, when a ballistic comparison is HMR cartridge. made between these two cartridges, no THE FORMING OF A JOINT VENTURE one can argue against the phenomenally Introduced in 2013 at the Las Vegas better performance of the 17 WSM. SHOT Show, the new B-Mag struck a When the 17 WSM is loaded with its note with shooters on two significant typical 20-grain bullet, that bullet exits fronts. First, this was a new rifle de- the muzzle at 3,000 feet per second and signed from a blank sheet of paper; and when it reaches the 200-yard mark it second, it was responsible for ushering is still traveling at over 2,000 feet per in the most powerful rimfire cartridge second. That is a 28 per cent velocity of this era, the 17 WSM (Winchester edge over the 17 HMR. Furthermore, Super Magnum). But while Savage has when those bullets have been zeroed enjoyed a long tenure and expertise in to impact dead-centre at 100 yards, you producing firearms, they didn't have can expect a trajectory drop of a little the necessary experience, knowledge or more than four inches at 200 yards with equipment to produce the ammunition the WSM, while the HMR will be down for their new B-Mag. Hence, a joint ven- well over 10 inches at the same distance. ture was formed between Savage and In addition to those higher velocities Winchester, with the partners agreeing and flatter trajectories, you can expect that Savage would produce the B-Mag the WSM to retain energy better and rifles and Winchester would produce be able to buck the effects of the wind the ammunition. Later on, both Federal, better than the 17 HMR, or even the 22 under the American Eagle brand, and WMR.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 29 banana-style magazine of many rimfire rifles, the B-Mag comes with an eight- shot removable, rotary style magazine, which I found to be very reliable. And while Savage has still incorporated some plastic within its magazine design, wherever there is a significant degree of contact and potential wear, the company has opted to make those parts from metal. Like the vast majority of bolt-action rifles, the barreled action is secured to the stock with two bolts, but how Sav- age does this is a bit different. The bolt heads are actually hidden from view underneath the trigger guard. To sepa- rate the barreled action from the stock, you must first remove the magazine and then insert the blade of a small screw- driver into a slot located in the front of that compartment. Doing so releases the synthetic trigger guard, exposing the two Allen-headed bolts, which secure the barreled action to the stock. Unlike most bolt-action rifles, the B-Mag cocks as the bolt is being closed. Some shooters have found they don't like this feature because it requires a slight amount of forward pressure be applied to the bolt in order to close it. This is the only rifle of the B-Series I know of that is designed in this way; the remaining rifles cock in the more Savage’s rotary magazine functioned traditional manner as the bolt handle perfectly. is raised. I found it took me a while to get used to the cock-on-closing design, but before long I became comfortable with it. done in the past, the B-Mag was de- Savage’s famous Accu-Trigger. One of veloped for an adult audience and was the significant advantages to this par- THE TEST B-MAG sized accordingly. I was amazed when I ticular trigger design is that it’s capable The Savage Arms B-Mag rifle I obtained compared it side-by-side with Savage's of being set to a very light pull weight, for testing came with a trim sporter- Axis II centrefire rifle. While the B-Mag while still being perfectly safe for field style barrel and a black composite stock. was slightly smaller overall, and lighter use. While it seems that most Accu-Trig- The barrel has a 1:9 twist rate and came than the Axis II, the general appearance gers are adjusted using a special tool with no iron sights, but the receiver and handling abilities of the both rifles that comes with the rifle, in the case of was drilled and tapped at the factory were remarkably similar. Many of the the B-Mag trigger there is a knurled dial for mounting a scope and a Weaver- traits and characteristics common in located at the rear of the trigger assem- style base was included with the rifle. larger centrefire rifles have been incor- bly for that adjustment. Once the stock The very trim 56-centimre (22-inch) porated into the B-Mag. For example, has been removed, all that’s necessary sporter barrel measured only a mere 13 most other rimfire rifles have barrels to adjust the pull weight is to turn that millimetres (0.523 inches) at the muzzle that have been pinned or press-fitted dial clockwise to increase it and counter- and only slightly larger at 22 millimetres into their receivers, but Savage uses a clockwise to decrease it. In this case, I (0.86 inches) at the breach. But if you system common to centrefire rifles and found the pull weight to be adjustable prefer, there are also bull barrel models threads the barrels of the B-Mags into from about two pounds, six ounces, up available and models with laminated the receiver. to four pounds, four ounces. stocks. Of course, the B-Mag is equipped with Rather than possessing the usual The stock comes with molded-in tex-

30 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 The author mounted a Redfield Revenge 3-9x42mm scope equipped with an Accu- Range Accu-Plex reticle on the B-Mag rifle.

pounds. Varmint HV ammunition loaded with As far as ammunition goes, the cost 20-grain polymer-tipped bullets were of a box of 17 WSM is certainly more fired through the rifle, sometimes than an equal amount of 17 HMR. It’s under less-than-favourable winter- hard to say exactly how much, because time conditions. While the winds were prices seem to be all over the place for fairly calm throughout the testing a box of 50 cartridges. I’ve seen it for period, the temperatures had dropped only $1 more, or it can be $10 more. You to less-than-favourable levels. Never- Typical 17 WSM are advised to shop carefully. A more theless, the Savage B-Mag shot great accuracy. pertinent consideration might be the and when all of the 100-yard three- availability of that ammunition. Certain- shot groups were reviewed, I found ly, with the current popularity of the 17 they averaged a mere 22 millimetres HMR over that of the 17 WSM, it would (0.875 inches). The smallest of those be logical to assume it’s much easier to groups measured 9.5 millimetres find the HMR, and that could be consid- (0.375 inches) and, possibly due to the ered a downside to this new cartridge. frigid temperatures and my own chilly shaking, the largest taped out at 38 ture at both the pistol grip and forearm ACCURACY & PERFORMANCE millimetres (1.25 inches). areas. The safety is a push/pull two-po- After receiving the Savage B-Mag, I I typically view the 17 HMR as a 100- sition design, located directly behind the mounted a Redfield Revenge 3-9x42mm yard cartridge. Sure, many could argue bolt on the tang, with the bolt release lo- scope and headed out back to my rifle they have made some phenomenal shots cated along the left side of the receiver. range. beyond that range, and I have myself, The elongated, semi-tactical-appearing Overall, I found the rifle performed its but I’m still of the opinion the 22 LR and bolt handle knob has a 6.35-millimetre mechanical functions perfectly. The car- the 17 HMR work best within that 100- (0.25-inch) diametre hole through it and, tridges fed from the detachable rotary yard limit. In the case of the 17 WSM, while the stem of the bolt handle seems magazine smoothly and consistently however, I see it as being effective far quite broad across, it is fairly thin. These every time. I particularly liked the B- beyond that range, possibly out as far characteristics obviously were incorpo- Mag’s light weight, its smooth lines and as 200 yards. That flexibility, particularly rated in order to keep the overall weight the fact that it was designed and sized when used for varmint and small-game of the rifle down, allowing it to tip the for an adult. hunting, is where the 17 WSM has a scale at a very light four-and-a-half Many rounds of the Winchester noteworthy edge over the 17 HMR.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 31 SMALL & SLEEK The skinny on the Howa MiniAction rifle BY LOWELL STRAUSS

The Howa MiniAction comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

few of my favourite things The idea of a lightweight, intermedi- concept in the 1980s. Many shooters are mini, and most of ate-range rifle intrigues me. I like the liked the idea and today Ruger, Savage, them are bad for me. For idea of a rifle with low recoil, yet it has Steyr and Mossberg all build scout example, I like Cadbury’s enough power to take down medium- rifles. Most are built on a short-action mini Easter eggs and mini sized game such as deer and wild platform and chambered for calibres marshmallowsA in my hot chocolate. But boar. I certainly appreciate a rifle that like the 308 Winchester. what about a mini-action rifle? Is mini could double for bear protection in the I like scout rifles, both commercial a good thing in a close-range bush gun, woods. Sound familiar? Jeff Copper and milsurp builds. But I wanted a rifle or in a training rifle? defined and promoted the “scout rifle” with less recoil that would still kill a

32 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 deer out to 200 metres. And I didn’t particularly want the forward-mounted, long-eye-relief scope that tops scout rifles. The 7.62x39mm seemed like an excellent choice of cartridge, but now I needed a rifle to suit my specific wants. In Canada, most 7.62x39mm ammuni- tion is shot through the SKS; it’s fun to shoot, but in the few rifles I’ve tried, accuracy was nothing to brag about. A field-stripped And then I stumbled upon the Howa Howa MiniAction. MiniAction. Note the three- Gun manufacturers like Ruger, CZ position safety. and Howa build bolt-action rifles for The bolt is easy to disassemble for small cartridges. Favourite chamber- cleaning. ings for these small cartridge bolt-ac- tions include 223 Rem. and 7.62x39mm or newer cartridges like 6.5 Grendel, 300 Blackout and 450 Bushmaster. But Howa has created a mini-action that is smaller and lighter than a standard short-action. The Howa is available in 6.5 Grendel, 223 Rem. and 7.62x39mm. The last two are economical to shoot, thanks to their service rifle history, but I opted for the latter calibre because I wanted a general-purpose game rifle. The Howa MiniAction is unique in that it’s one of the shortest, lightest centrefire actions on the market. A long-action weighs about 15 ounces for my liking. I’d like to see more ag- just about perfect for a field gun. and its bolt is 7.4 inches long. Short- gressive texturing, and a little time A one-piece, push-feed bolt with action bolts are two ounces lighter with spent with a Dremel or a hot soldering dual-opposed locking lugs is found 6.9-inch bolts. The MiniAction bolt iron would improve that gripping sur- on all Howa 1500-series rifles. The bolt is just six inches long and its action face. The stock includes front and rear is easy to disassemble for cleaning. weighs 10.2 ounces. Also, reducing the sling swivel studs. This rifle uses a three-position lever bolt's mass and length allows the bolt A super soft and squishy recoil pad, safety. With the safety in the rearmost to be cycled faster. So, with all things curved to fit a real shoulder, varies in position, the bolt is locked and the gun being equal, a mini-action is faster to thickness from 7/8-of-an-inch in the won’t fire. The middle position is safety cycle than a short-action, which in turn middle to one inch on the outer edge. on, but the bolt still operates. And the is faster than a long-action. Its fit isn’t perfect on mine, as the pad is forward position is safety off. I like the marginally larger than the buttstock. bolt locked down when the safety is on HOWA MINIACTION STANDARD RIFLE 7.62X39MM Howa offers three barrel contours for because it means the action can’t ac- Howa firearms are made in Japan, this rifle, including a 20-inch, #1 contour cidentally open when brushed against imported by Legacy Sports Interna- lightweight, a 22-inch standard and a clothing or a pack in the field. The bolt tional and have a reputation for being 20-inch heavy barrel. All barrels for this release button is located at the back of accurate rifles at an attractive price. cartridge use a 1:9.45-inch right-hand the action on the left side of the rifle. When starting this project, I didn’t have twist and four-groove rifling. I chose the My rifle shipped as a package and any expectations – good, bad or oth- 22-inch standard rifle barrel (muzzle di- included a base/ring combo and a erwise. The rifle is available in several ametre of 0.57 inches) hoping to squeeze Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9x40 rifle- camouflage or solid-colour finishes, but all the velocity I could out of this small scope with mil-dot reticle. The scope I chose black for the synthetic, pillar- cartridge. The barrel has a matte-black is clear and sharp and worked well for bedded stock which holds the action. finish with a standard crown. close-range precision testing. I find the The barrel is fully free-floated, but with The MiniAction uses a polymer five- reticle crosshairs a little too thick, mak- minimal clearance (about 0.012 inches). round detachable box magazine, which ing them fine for medium-size game On my rifle, there is a slight flaw in the works for both the 7.62x39mm and 6.5 or steel gongs, but difficult to use for stock’s forend, so the barrel channel is Grendel. The magazines feed flawlessly, longer-range precision work. off-centre – the barrel lies closer to the fit snugly in the rifle and are easy to left side. However, the action fits well in insert and remove. The trigger is good PERFORMANCE the stock, as does the polymer trigger for a rifle in this price point. It’s a two- To test the rifle’s accuracy, I selected guard/magazine well. The forend and stage trigger with a smooth, light first Winchester 123-grain FMJ Target pistol grip are textured, but not enough stage and breaks clean at 2.5 pounds – ammunition and 123-grain Czech

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 33 Full Metal Jacket bullets are most common for the 7.62x39mm. They are available as military surplus or modern commercial ammunition. Soft-point hunting ammunition is more difficult to find, but it’s out there.

Republic-made surplus ammunition. only 14 feet per second from fastest to on ammunition type and barrel contour For my benchmark tests, I shot five five- slowest, compared with 108 feet per (lightweight, standard or heavy barrel). shot groups at 100 yards. It came as no second of variation for the surplus am- Their tests confirm the importance of surprise that I shot my best groups with munition. Winchester had more consis- finding accurate ammunition for your the Winchester – the best single series tent ballistics and the results certainly individual rifle. group measured 1.18 inches. The best showed on paper in group size. This Howa 1500 MiniAction rifle is a group from the surplus ammunition At the range, I found that as the #2 great out-of-the-box bolt-action rifle. measured 1.92 inches. Not too bad for contour barrel heated up, the point of The MiniAction’s short bolt throw was surplus and much better than any SKS impact shifted and the groups opened. smooth and fast, and the trigger was I’ve used. I set up my LabRadar to check I shot the best groups by letting my crisp and light. The 22-inch #2 barrel the velocity of each shot and got some barrel cool a few minutes between keeps this rifle light and easy to carry. interesting results: both types of ammu- shots. This is common for light, con- Accuracy was OK, given the limited nition recorded average velocities over toured barrels. If rapid, multiple shots variety of ammunition I tested, and I’m 2,400 feet per second, with Winchester’s are more your thing, I’d suggest looking confident that with handloading and ammunition 60 feet per second slower into the Howa MiniAction heavy barrel. further testing I’ll find better loads. than the surplus. However, the velocity Independent testing by Legacy Sports Hunting ammunition in 7.62x39mm of the Winchester ammunition varied shows a range of accuracy depending is tougher to find, but it’s out there.

34 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Military surplus ammunition is easy to find and cheap to shoot. Its accuracy is acceptable for training. My best five- shot group with 1990s vintage Czech Republic- made ammunition was 1.92 inches.

Thanks to abundant surplus ammuni- stocks by MDT and Boyd’s, triggers FINAL THOUGHTS tion, a rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm by Timney and Jard, optic mounts by The Howa MiniAction is a great choice allows for cheap practice. Talley, Leupold and others. It’s nice to for an entry-level bolt-action rifle. It’s I started this project thinking of the know all of this is available should you available in several finishes, calibres Howa MiniAction as a handy field rifle, choose to customize or upgrade. and barrel configurations to match but given its performance from the Out-of-the-box performance is good, your shooting interests. With plenty of bench, I think the Howa MiniAction but a few DIY improvements will likely inexpensive ammunition available, this is also an ideal training rifle for new improve accuracy and handling. For ex- rifle, chambered in 7.62x39mm, makes shooters or even for PRS (Precision ample, I plan to remove material in the a great training rifle. Handloading or Rifle Series) training between competi- barrel channel for a little extra clear- commercial soft-point ammunition is tions. There’s a lot you can learn from a ance and to ensure the barrel doesn’t an option for hunting. Many upgrades rifle with mediocre ballistics. contact the forend under recoil. Sweaty exist to customize the Howa Mini. For hands on plastic slip, so roughing the the price, this is a fun yet practical rifle IMPROVEMENTS texture on the synthetic stock will help to have in your collection. It turns out Another advantage of the Howa Min- there. Down the road I’ll also experi- that a mini-action is good for me, and iAction is the aftermarket accessories ment with action screw torque to try to not as hard on my waistline as the mini available for it. There are chassis and find its sweet spot. treats I like!

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 35 NATHANIEL MILLJOUR NATHANIEL

36 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 RELOADING THE RUSSIANS A tale of two cartridges BY BOB SHELL

n the last 125 years, two cartridg- Several companies produce ammuni- es have dominated the Russian/ tion and there is a plentiful supply of Soviet nation and their sphere military ammunition, which usually of influence. The 7.62x54R is the isn’t reloadable due to Berdan primers larger of the two and has been and steel cases. If you cast bullets your- Iaround since the early 1890s. It is still self or can find a commercial source used by various forces and is the stan- of them, these non-jacketed slugs will dard chambering for the classic Dragu- work fine too. Reloadable brass is nov sniper rifle. The other cartridge is available from a few sources, as well as the smaller 7.62x39mm. It was brought reloading dies. Therefore, if you have out in 1948, after being approved in a good rifle, there is no reason not to 1947. While both use the same diame- shoot it or take it hunting. I’m of the tre bullets, there is a lot of difference in opinion that a typical Mosin-Nagant their performance. will shoot as well as any of its contem- poraries given the same condition. 7.62X54R Probably the most desirable Mosin- This cartridge was developed for the Nagant in regard to accuracy is the Fin- Mosin-Nagant rifle and has been ish M28-30. These rifles were built with around since 1891. Total rifle units superior materials and construction, as manufactured approaches 40 million, well as tighter headspace. The triggers making it very common. As a result, are better, and they have a metal sleeve prices are reasonable for most models in the handguard to reduce the har- on the surplus market. Like many Rus- monics of the barrel. With high-quality sian goods, it is rugged and reliable, ammunition, they can hold their own though not particularly attractive. One anywhere. curious feature about the Mosin is it Included are some favourite loads for has an adjustable firing pin and comes a personal Mosin-Nagant which has with a tool which measures and adjusts had the barrel cut to 22-inches. It isn’t it if necessary. Although I have worked pretty, but I have done a lot of shoot- with several rifles, none ever had a ing with it. Since I paid $20 for it at problem with the firing pin length. a gun show years ago, it doesn’t owe The rifle’s magazine is a five-shot, in- me a thing. As with all loading data, line, non-removable type. The cartridge approach these loads with caution, is a large rimmed, bottlenecked item start a few grains below my listing and with a case that is 54 millimetres long. carefully work your way up. Differ- With a full-power load, it will approach ent rifles react differently to the same a 30-06 Springfield in power, meaning ammunition. Winchester large rifle it is capable of taking most large game. standard primers were used in all the Commercial bullets come in .310 to handloads. (See charts). .311-inch diametre, and there is a good The Winchester factory ammunition selection of styles and weights. How- shot well and was accurate. According ever, I have found that Mosin-Nagant to the box, it was made in Czechoslo- bores come in anything from .308 to vakia. My best groups at 100 yards with .316-inch diametre, meaning for best an original sniper rifle were just less accuracy you should slug your barrel than two inches for three shots. Most and match your bullet to that diametre. ran between two and three inches for

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 37 Sizing dies for the 7.62x39mm, like this Lyman, usually come with two expander buttons – a .308-inch one and a .311- inch one.

The 7.62x39mm (left) and three shots. Probably a better scope made from steel covered with a the 7.62x54R are popular and possibly a steadier shooter copper wash. Be aware that reload- and useful cartridges from could have reduced those groups a able cartridge cases can be found in the Soviet era. little. The trigger pull contributed both large and small primer sizes. nothing to the accuracy of the rifle, Be sure to sort your cases with this as it was on the heavy side. If you in mind, prior to loading them. don’t mind altering your rifle from I’ve done comprehensive test- its original configuration, Timney ing with many types of bullets makes a replacement trigger for and loads, including with some the Mosin-Nagant that will set you newly released powders, trying to back about $150. I haven’t used it, determine what will feed reliably but it should be a huge improve- in semi-autos and how to extract all ment. of the round’s potential. With some of these loads, the shooter has a vi- 7.62X39MM able deer rifle at moderate ranges. The other dominant cartridge of the As with any semi-auto, you should Soviet era was 7.62x39mm. This case always make sure the primer is is much smaller than the 7.62x54R, fully seated in order to prevent as it is designed for a smaller rifle, slam fires. and so it has less effective range. I tested a few semi-auto rifles and However, that smaller size means the Ruger American bolt action. it’s lighter and a soldier can carry The latter, with its 16.25-inch bar- more ammunition. The rifle/ammu- rel, is a handy rifle and the short With carefully tailored nition combination has an effective barrel doesn’t lose much velocity. handloads, an SKS range of about 300 metres with the Reduced loads and cast loads are will often shoot standard 123-grain military bullet. viable with this rifle because it surprisingly well. Like its larger cousin, that bullet is doesn’t depend on cycling to oper- .311 inches in diametre. The case is, ate. I have come to really like that of course, 39 millimetres long and little rifle and I would recommend there is commercial brass available it for someone who prefers the bolt for reloading from several com- action over a semi-auto. (See chart). panies, including Starline. Bullets Both the 7.62x54R and the are plentiful and come in both .308 7.62x39mm are enjoyable cartridges and .311 diametres, as there are to shoot and equally as enjoyable modern production guns for both to handload ammunition for. There sizes. Most reloading dies have are challenges to working with both two expander plugs to cover either of them, particularly the varying diametre. The military cases are not bores sizes, but it’s overcoming suitable for reloading, as they have those difficulties that’s so satisfy- Berdan primers and frequently are ing.

38 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Mosin-Nagant rifles, like this one, are still widely available and reasonably priced.

LOADS FOR THE 7.62X54R (MOSIN-NAGANT, 22-INCH BARREL) Load Bullet Velocity Comment 52 grains IMR 4895 110-grain Rn 3,082 Good pest load 45 grains H4895 150-grain Speer 2,625 Consistent Military ammunition 150-grain FMJ 2,564 MIld Hungarian factory 150-grain soft point 2,731 Good load 43 grains IMR 4895 165-grain soft point 2,510 Has potential 51 grains WIN 760 180-grain soft point 2,599 Accurate Winchester factory 180-grain FMJ 2,435 Consistent Winchester factory 180-grain soft point 2,444 Good load 43 grains IMR 4895 200-grain Speer 2,344 Mild

LOADS FOR THE 7.62X54R (MOSIN-NAGANT 91/30 SNIPER RIFLE, 28-INCH BARREL)

Load Bullet Velocity Comment 56 grains 760 150-grain soft point 2,896 Consistent 54 grains 760 165-grain soft point 2, 747 Good deer load 53 grains 760 180-grain soft point 2,636 Good overall load Winchester factory 180-grain FMJ 2,618 Consistent

49 grains AA 4350 200-grain soft point 2,502 Accurate

46 grains AA 4350 220-grain round nose 2,227 Mild 48 grains IMR 4350 220-grain round nose 2,438 Maximum

LOADS FOR THE 7.62X39MM Load Bullet Velocity Comment Wolf factory ammunition 122-grain HP FMJ 2,401 Consistent Milt ammunition 124 grains 2,443 Consistent 25 grains H4198 123-grain Hornady 2,297 Consistent 18 grains of 5744 125-grain cast RN 1,822 Cycles in semi-auto

22.5 grains H4198 150-grain Sierra 1,996 Decent

26 grains of IMR 3031 150-grain Sierra 2,042 OK 26 grains of H-322 150-grain Sierra 1,984 Consistent

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 39 40 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 THE FORGOTTEN FEW Medium bores & their lack of popularity BY JEFF HELSDON

f manufacturers want their new and ammunition. When it began to the cartridge hasn’t taken off as hoped, calibre to be unsuccessful on fade, it’s military replacement, the 308 it does seem to be gaining in populari- the North American market, Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO), also a ty. Savage’s introduction of several new they should make it a medium .30 calibre, rose to prominence. rifles in 338 Federal seems intended to bore.I Depending on the source, me- Another theory suggests the medium boost its following. dium bores are defined as cartridges bores aren’t popular because they have “Sales of 338 Federal remain strong, with a bullet diametre between .33 more recoil. While that may or may not and rifles are offered by many manu- and .39 inches. While many of these be the case, it’s interesting to note the facturers like Savage Arms, Kimber, cartridges have a small but devoted most popular medium bores are the Armalite, Sako and more,” Hinton said. following, most shooters aren’t even magnums, the ones with the most kick. “Federal has loads from 185 to 200 aware of the existence of some of Here’s a quick rundown of some of grains in copper solid, cup in core and them. Ask most hunters or shooters to the medium bores for which ammuni- bonded bullet options. The future re- name a calibre in this spread, and they tion is still being manufactured by the mains bright, and with more and more may be able to come up with one. But larger ammunition companies. Which AR10 platform rifles in circulation, we then Federal only produces ammuni- ones do you have experience with? expect to see continued interest and tion for 10 cartridges in that range, growth.” Winchester has nine and Remington 338 FEDERAL only seven. The 338 Federal bucks the trend of 9.3X62 MAUSER So why the North American aversion recent medium bore introductions At the turn of the last century, German to the medium bores, some of which in that it’s not a magnum. It is also settlers in Africa were complaining pack more punch and velocity than the first cartridge to bear the Federal to their homeland about the lack of .30s? Jared Hinton of Vista Outdoors name. At the time of its introduction firepower to control dangerous game. explained the most popular theory: in 2006, the 338 Federal was hyped as At this point, smokeless powder hadn’t “Surplus arms/ammunition from the having velocities 200 feet per second been around that many years. Mauser Second World War and Korea were faster than its 308 Winchester parent was already producing its famed prolific and inexpensive following the cartridge, shooting flatter than a 30-06 bolt actions, but not in a chambering post-war(s) period. An entire genera- and having more power than a 7mm suitable for taking on a lion. So, Otto tion of hunters and shooters alike were Remington Magnum. Beck invented a new cartridge with a raised shooting inexpensive surplus “The .338 Federal very well might be 9.3-millimetre bullet and a cartridge ammunition, and this likely explains the perfect big-game cartridge,” Hinton length of 62 millimetres. It was intro- the .30 calibre preference of North said. “Short-action compatibility allows duced in 1905, and since Mauser built American shooters.” its use in lightweight rifles and AR10 guns for it, the cartridge came to bear This theory certainly explains why platform rifles alike. The 338 Federal its name. This cartridge remains popu- the 30-06 Springfield is the most delivers the range and terminal energy lar in Africa and Europe, but it didn’t popular of the .30 calibres, particularly to take down any North American big- grab much of a foothold in North in the US. In Canada, the 303 British game animal.” America. However, in recent years it’s (.311-inch bore) ruled the post-war The first company to offer the new gained a small following on this side of period because of cheap surplus rifles cartridge in a rifle was Sako. Although the pond.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 41 Of the many medium bore cartridges available, few enjoy widespread commercial success.

338 MARLIN EXPRESS medium bores in North America, and it range shooters, traces its origins to a The newest of the lever-action calibres is well known for punching with more desire by the US military for a pow- intended to bring more power to that authority than the .300 magnums. First erful long-range sniper calibre. In platform, the 338 Marlin was intro- rolled out of the Winchester plant in 1982, Research Armament Industries duced in 2009 through a partnership 1958, the base cartridge is a 375 H&H. It was asked by the Marines to do the between Marlin and Hornady. It was is popular as a bear gun, as well as being development work. Originally, the 378 intended to duplicate the ballistics of liked by moose and elk hunters. The Weatherby cartridge case was used, a 30-06. calibre’s roots go back to experiments necked down to .338-inches. This didn’t by Charles O’Neil, Elmer Keith and Don work well, and the company switched 338 REMINGTON ULTRA MAGNUM Hopkins in the 1940s. They necked up to a 416 Rigby case. Finnish cartridge Released in 2000, when the company a 30-06 to take a .33 calibre bullet and manufacturer Lapua started making was rolling out its Ultra Mag line up, also necked down a 375 H&H. When bullets in the new cartridge and it won the 338 Remington Ultra Magnum Winchester introduced its .338, it also the 1986 1,000-yard Navy competi- (RUM) was Remington’s medium-bore introduced the 458 and 264 Winchester tion in its early configuration. When solution. It is based on the 300 RUM Magnums, all three of which are based financial troubles spelled the end of cartridge. on the 375 H&H case. Research Armament, Lapua took over development of the cartridge and 338 WINCHESTER MAGNUM 338 LAPUA MAGNUM made further refinements, particularly This is likely the most popular of the This calibre, popular among long- in strengthening the case. The resulting

42 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 Although it boasts great ballistics, the 338 Federal has been slow to catch on with hunters.

cartridge was the 338 Lapua Magnum. but also in Remington’s Model 8 semi- 30-06 Springfi eld. It was developed in automatic. That rifl e was introduced in 1922 as a wildcat cartridge and named 348 WINCHESTER four cartridge options: 25 Remington, for Colonel Townsend Whelen, the This was a specialty cartridge devel- 30 Remington, 32 Remington and 35 commander of the Frankford Arse- oped for one gun. In this case, the gun Remington, but only the 35 Remington nal. There was some controversy as was the Model 71 lever action. Its claim is still seeing use today. to whether Whelen developed this to fame is a unique bullet diametre of Like the 30-30 Win., the 35 Remington cartridge or if it was James Howe, who .348-inches. This was one of the most is a cartridge best suited for hunting also worked in the arsenal. But Whelen powerful lever-action cartridges manu- deer or bear in the woods. Remington’s did give full credit to Howe. Interest- factured. 200-grain bullet is heavier than the ingly, it stuck around for 60 years as 170-grain projectile common in the a wildcat until Remington released a 35 REMINGTON 30-30 Win., so it can boast more power, rifl e in 35 Whelen. In the early to mid-part of the 20th which is something Remington hyped century, this was likely the most popu- in the early years. Marlin has contin- 356 WINCHESTER lar medium bore cartridge. When it ued to produce the 35 Remington in its Introduced in 1982, this cartridge and was introduced in 1906, it was Reming- lever-action rifl es. its sister, the 307 Winchester, were at- ton’s solution to combat the popular tempts to revitalize lever-action sales 30-30 Winchester. It was chambered for 35 WHELEN with loads more powerful than the many lever-action guns over the years, This cartridge is simply a necked-up common 30-30 Win. Production of guns

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 43 The big .338’s include, left to right, the 338 Win. Mag., 338 RUM, 340 Weatherby Mag., 338 Lapua Mag. and the 338-378 Weatherby Mag.

chambered in 356 Win. ceased in the it can take down the largest game. For mid-1990s, sealing its fate. some species, it is legislated as the minimum calibre. 375 H&H MAGNUM This is one of the oldest medium bores 370 SAKO MAGNUM still around. It was introduced by Hol- This cartridge resulted from a part- land and Holland in 1912 as the 375 nership between Federal and Sako, Belted Nitro-Express. Belted cartridges similar to the 338 Federal’s story. The are now common on magnums, but two companies introduced it in 2008, this was only the second one to feature calling it the 370 Sako Magnum on this it. side of the pond. It’s referred to as the The development of the 375 H&H, as 9.3x66mm Sako on the other side. it’s commonly known, can be attributed With a longer cartridge case than the to competition heating up in Europe older 9.3x62mm, it has a little more amongst gun manufacturers. When power and a flatter trajectory. Gener- Mauser introduced the 9.3x62mm in ally, it is loaded with 286-grain bullets. 1905 for that company’s bolt-action rifles, it became the gun and calibre 375 RUGER for European and African hunters. Brit- Introduced in 2007 through a partner- ish gun makers scrambled to produce ship between Ruger and Hornady, this a competing cartridge, one of which is a big-game calibre that has the 375 was the 375 H&H. When Winchester H&H in its sights. The intention was to introduced their Model 70 in 375 H&H, build a standard-length cartridge with it boosted the cartridges popularity in more power than the venerable 375 North America, as did noted gun writer H&H cartridge. Jack O’Connor when he called the 375 H&H the “Queen of the Medium 375 REMINGTON ULTRA MAG first, introduced in 1963 as an answer Bores.” Also introduced in 2000, this cartridge to the 338 Winchester Magnum, but Although this calibre is a little over- is again based on a necked-up 300 with more velocity since its longer case kill on most North American big game, RUM. It is intended for hunting the could hold more powder. Weatherby with the exception of grizzlies, it is largest game. than upped its own ante, introducing one of the most common in Africa. It the faster 338-378 Weatherby, which is viewed as one of the most versatile WEATHERBY’S OFFERINGS is a necked-down 378 Weatherby and cartridges on the Dark Continent. With Known for its line of speedy, hard- based on a design by Elmer Keith and lighter bullets in the 200 to 270-grain hitting magnum cartridges, Weath- Bob Thomson. range, it is flat-shooting and ideal for erby has four calibres that fall in They also created the 375 Weath- small to medium-sized game. Load it the medium-bore range. Their 340 erby, which was originally designed to with a 300-grain or heavier bullet and Weatherby Magnum was one of the compete with the 375 H&H and adds

44 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 The medium bores have their greatest potential as hunting cartridges for big game.

about 200 feet per second in veloc- the medium-bore lost calibre line. market these days is the 6.5mm ity. But Roy Weatherby wanted to see Creedmoor. No, it’s not a medium further improvements and brought out 38-55 WINCHESTER bore, but nor is it a .30 calibre. If this the 378 Weatherby a decade later. It’s Another cartridge from the late 1800s, is a sign the North American shooter even faster. the 38-55 Win. is a rimmed cartridge is moving away from a fixation on the intended for use in lever-action rifles. .30 calibre bullet, maybe there is hope 375 WINCHESTER Winchester still produces guns in this the next fad will be a medium bore. Another cartridge that was mated to calibre, and it enjoys some popularity Even if this doesn’t happen, a me- one gun, the 375 Win. was introduced among lever-action aficionados. dium bore is a great addition to a gun in 1978 with the Model 94 Big Bore. That’s quite a list. But there are cabinet for the hunter in thick brush, When Winchester dropped the calibre even more. Most of them even more hunting dangerous game or headed to in the mid-1980s, the 375 Win. joined obscure. The hottest calibre on the Africa.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 45 A SHOOTER’S CHRISTMAS Suggested gifts for gun owners BY AL VOTH

Santa Claus is probably a gun owner. After all, there are so many goodies available for shooters that he must have a hand in it somehow. Besides, living at the North Pole gives him unlimited real estate for shooting, and only the elves are around to complain about the noise. But then again, he likely has suppressors available anyway. Having used suppressors a fair amount in the US, I’d certainly like to ask Santa to bring me one, but of course that would be illegal, and who wants to get in trouble with Santa? Just in case you’re wondering what to ask your personal Santa for this Christmas, the following is a short list of items I’ve found useful over the past year. None of this requires a PAL, so feel free to point it out to whoever acts as Santa in your house. ISTOCK

46 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 $150 Crosman Airguns Everyone should own a good selection of airguns. That’s especially true of air-powered handguns. If you don’t, you’re missing out on a ton of fun. They typically require no licence or registration, are cheap to buy and shoot, make little noise, and can often be used indoors or in the backyard. The most recent air-handguns I’ve been playing with are Crosman’s SR357 and an 1875 Reming- ton replica. Both are smoothbore BB-fi ring guns, powered by standard 12-gram CO2 cylinders that fi t inside the grip frame. They operate almost ex- actly like real handguns, right down to the “car- tridges” which load into the cylinders. Each of these cartridges holds a single BB in a friction- fi t manner, ready to be propelled out the barrel. Shoot, unload the empties, reload and repeat. Because they are so realistic in operation, they are perfect for training new shooters in the op- eration of double-action and single-action revolv- ers. Pricing is about $150 for either model.

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 47 Birchwood Casey Targets Targets are another of those items shooters can never have enough of. And Birchwood Casey has more variations than anyone else I know of. The options include simple paper targets, lifelike game targets and their innovative Shoot-N-C targets. There are enough options to have the needs of both handgunners and rifl e shooters covered. At the range, I fi nd their paper targets serve my needs well, as I always have a spotting scope available to see hits. But in the fi eld, that’s not always the case, so I like their more expensive Shoot-N-C targets because the “splatter ring” created by the bullet makes the hit much easier to see. I’ve taken to carrying a collapsed cardboard box with a package of self- adhesive targets stuffed inside behind the seat of the truck. It takes up almost no room and it gives me a way to set out a target even when the ground is frozen. Prices run between $5 and $30, depending on style and quantity.

MTM Case-Guard Ammunition Boxes The plastic, hinged-top ammunition boxes made by MTM don’t need much of an introduction to Canadian shooters. They’ve been available for years, and you’ll see one in almost every hunting truck or on every range’s shooting bench. The only thing better than an MTM ammunition box is more of them. And that’s where Christmas comes in. Pricing starts near $5 and goes up to about $14, making them cheap enough to have lots. You probably have several already, but I know you need more. So, tell Santa the calibres you need boxing for and send him/her to the local gun shop to fi ll your stocking with these “stuffers.”

Hornady Match Grade Bushing Dies If you’re a handloader, it’s likely that one of the reasons you started down the cartridge reloading path was to get better accuracy from your rifl es. But it’s also likely that most of your reloading dies are consumer-grade products, which means they will do a fi ne job of $120 safely remanufacturing your empty cartridge cases, but they won’t get you maximum accuracy. One of the keys to handloading for maximum accuracy is to use better quality dies. Hornady’s Match Grade bushing dies are an excellent example of the breed. Not only are they built to tighter tolerances than standard dies, but they also have no expander button on the spindle. Instead, neck sizing is controlled by replaceable bushings inserted into the die body. This produces straighter ammunition and better controls neck tension. The seating die also has a micrometer stem to help in getting accurate overall cartridge lengths. Hornady offers these upgraded dies in 24 different calibres, with several bushing options for each one. A die set will cost about $120, but you should remember to specify a bushing ($20) or two as well. 48 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 $50 TacStar Brass Catcher If you shoot a semi-auto centrefi re rifl e and want to save your empty cartridge cases, this gizmo is a God-send. Even if you don’t want to save the empties, using the Brass Catcher means you don’t have to spend time on hands and knees picking up brass. The unit simply clamps to the Picatinny rail of fl at-top rifl es, with no fi rearm modifi cations needed. The mounting bracket is adjustable and low profi le, so it can be positioned to clear optics or scopes. The heat-resistant catch bag can hold up to 120 cases. When the bag needs emptying, simply pull it off the mounting rail and dump out the shells. The bag also can be unsnapped from its aluminum defl ector plate for thorough cleaning. While it’s not advertised as such, the unit will also work on some bolt-action rifl es equipped with a Pic rail. If you’re shooting bolt guns in tall grass or deep snow, the post-shooting scrounging for brass is no longer necessary. It’s so handy, you’ll want one on every Pic rail- equipped rifl e you own. What we really need is one Brass Catcher bag and a handful of rail clamps, but so far, they aren’t offering just the clamp for separate purchase. Hopefully, that will change. Price is in the $50 range for the complete unit.

Vortex Guide $150 BinoPack Carrying shooting gear in the fi eld is often a challenge, and this binocular harness/pack is an excellent option. I used it on a guiding job this fall and it performed perfectly, keeping a Vortex range-fi nding binocular handy, secure and protected. The pack has fi ve pockets of varying sizes and a number of attachment points for other items. There are even four shell loops sewn inside one of the pockets. Besides the binocular, I carried a digital camera, game calls, licenses and snacks in this pack. The strapping is fully adjustable, comfortable and even allows you to shoulder a full backpack without interference. If you’re going to carry a binocular, this is a great way to do it. As I write this, it appears to be on sale, with prices hovering around $150 CAD.

There you have it, half-a-dozen gift ideas which should help you out this Christmas. Now you just have to communicate your wishes to Santa. But don’t write him a letter. Save your letter-writing efforts for the Prime Minister instead, and tell him what you think of his gun control agenda. Merry Christmas! November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 49 Legal Corner Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

A Looming Handgun & Assault Weapon Ban: What Does It Really Mean?

In essence, a firearms ban will only affect people who are not criminals./ Essentiellement, une confiscation de masse n’affectera que les personnes qui ne sont pas des criminels.

BACKGROUND Tory ignores (possibly on purpose) is majority of those shootings are gang In the wake of the recent Toronto that the possession of handguns (and and/or drug related and have nothing Danforth Street shooting and the of all other firearms) is already a crime to do with the legal ownership of apparent rise in gang related shootings in Canada, except for a few statutory handguns and other restricted firearms in some of Canada’s main urban exceptions. Indeed, your gun licence for sporting purposes. centres, many voices have called for is merely that: a temporary amnesty Shortly after the Danforth Street even stricter gun control in Canada. allowing you to possess something incident, the overwhelming majority which is otherwise illegal. If you do of members of the Toronto city council THE POLITICIANS DOING THEIR THING not believe me, read Section 91 of followed in the footsteps of Mayor Tory, Toronto Mayor John Tory immediately the Criminal Code. The fact that the calling for Ottawa to ban handguns called for a ban on the sale of handguns Toronto shooter illegally possessed and all semi-automatic firearms. A few in Toronto, blaming the recent spree and obtained his handgun and that he weeks later, the Montreal city council of gun violence on the availability of had ties to known criminal elements followed suit. The council members handguns to Canadians. are also seemingly unimportant details unanimously passed a resolution One of the key considerations that Mr. to Mr. Tory, as is the fact that the great calling upon Ottawa to ban handguns

50 www.nfa.ca September/October 2018 and assault weapons (whatever that is), effect of re-classification is to prevent do it. They only have to say so clearly further stating that all such firearms further import/marketing of the in the legislation that confiscates your should be reserved for law enforcement newly prohibited firearms. However, firearms. Why would they do otherwise? agencies and the armed forces. Similar in most instances, existing owners It is not as if handgun owners were a language can be found in paragraph 2 who had legally acquired the targeted group of people likely to ever vote for (c) of the Toronto council resolution1. firearms (no pun intended) before the the Liberals. Here is an excerpt: ban came into effect were allowed to If you believe that there is hope to “2. City Council request the keep them, and, in some instances, contest such legislation in court, think Government of Canada to strengthen use them for limited purposes, again! That issue (of expropriation its proposed gun control legislation in such as target shooting. This was without compensation) was adjudicated Bill C-71, An Act to amend certain Acts accomplished through a process known by the Supreme Court of Canada in and Regulations in relation to firearms, as grandfathering. The best-known 2003 in Authorson v. Canada2 . That case by: example is subsection 12(6) of the dealt with federal legislation denying (...) Firearms Act, whereby individuals who valid financial claims by Canadian c. prohibiting the availability, sale, already owned short-barrel handguns, Armed Forces veterans. If anything, possession and use of handguns, assault .25 and/or .32-calibre handguns were given the underlying facts, that was the rifles and semi-automatic firearms grandfathered. kind of case where the Supreme Court in Canada, with the exception of the However, this looming “ban” might be could have seized the opportunity to Canadian Armed Forces, police services a different kind of beast. “Confiscation” rule in favour of the aggrieved party, if or other entity that is authorized to means the legal obligation to surrender only because the circumstances were so possess firearms with legal obligations property to the state, under pain of egregious. Unfortunately, the Supreme imposed by the municipal, provincial sanction. Since this is firearms we are Court’s language is unequivocal. Here and federal governments.” talking about, those sanctions will be are some key excerpts: What is amazing is that the language criminal in nature. And in case you “Does the Bill of Rights require that used in both instances is echoing the forgot, the federal government has a Parliament give just compensation infamous declaration of Allan Rock, detailed list of each and every handgun to the veterans? The governmental then-minister of public security and (and other restricted and prohibited expropriation of property without main sponsor of the 1995 Firearms firearm) you currently possess; it is compensation is discouraged by our Act (Bill C-68), who once essentially called the Canadian Firearms Registry. common law tradition, but it is allowed declared that he had entered federal Should confiscation become the flavour when Parliament uses clear and politics with the firm belief that, in of the day, they will no doubt put it to unambiguous language to do so3.” Canada, only police and the military good use. Of course, handguns and “The Bill of Rights does not protect should have guns. other firearms in the possession of against the expropriation of property As I am writing this column, Prime criminals and other gang members are by the passage of unambiguous Minister Trudeau has just issued not registered. In essence, a firearms legislation4.” a mandate letter to Bill Blair (the ban will only affect people who are “The Bill of Rights protects only rights current minister of border security not criminals. As to the latter, it will that existed at the time of its passage, in and organized crime reduction) which be business as usual. How ironic is 1960. At that time, it was undisputed, as contains, amongst other things, the it that the only people who will be it continues to be today, that Parliament following statement: unaffected by a policy that is supposed had the right to expropriate property if “In particular, I will expect you to to fight gun violence are the very it made its intention clear.” work with your colleagues and through people who use firearms for violent “This right has long been recognized. established legislative, regulatory, and purposes? Of course, to a politician, At the turn of the century, Riddell J. of Cabinet processes to deliver on your that is a meaningless and unimportant the Ontario High Court recognized the top priorities: consideration. After all, in politics, Crown’s right to take property without (...) Support the Minister of Public oftentimes giving the impression compensation5.” Safety and Emergency Preparedness of dealing with an issue (real or Should the current or a future on the passage of Bill C-71, and imaginary) is more important than the parliament pass legislation truly work together on additional policy, results achieved. banning handguns and other firearms, regulations or legislation that could You might think that should handguns Bills C-68, C-71 and other recent gun reduce crime involving the use of and other firearms be confiscated control legislation will suddenly start firearms and keep Canadians safe. You by legislation, you will be properly looking like mere speed bumps on the should lead an examination of a full ban compensated for your loss. That highway to hell. If we sleep on this one, on handguns and assault weapons in would be a legitimate expectation, if we will get a very rude awakening. Canada, while not impeding the lawful not for the reality of Canadian law. use of firearms by Canadians.” Although the common law stands for the rule that whenever property is WHAT IT REALLY MEANS expropriated, the owner is entitled to References This language goes far beyond re- fair compensation, that common law 1CC 44-14, July 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 classifying firearms as prohibited. rule can be overridden by clear and and 30, 2018 Indeed, politicians and the media are unambiguous language in a statute. 2 talking about outright confiscation. In other words, if parliament wants to (2003) 2 SCR 40 3 In the past, whenever firearms stiff you by taking your firearms away Id, at paragraph 14 were banned, it was usually a matter without any financial compensation, 4Id. at paragraph 51 of re-classification. The immediate they absolutely, positively can and will 5Id. at paragraph 52-53

September/October 2018 www.nfa.ca 51 Rubrique Juridique Guy Lavergne, Attorney at Law

Les implications d’une potentielle interdiction des armes de poing et des soi-disant armes d’assaut

You might think that should handguns and other firearms be confiscated by legislation, you will be properly compensated for your loss. That would be a legitimate expectation, if not for the reality of Canadian law./Vous vous attendez peut-être à recevoir une compensation financière, dans l’éventualité où vos armes à feu vous seraient confisquées. Ce serait là une attente raisonnable, mais non conforme au droit canadien.

CONTEXTE arme à feu) soit déjà un crime au Canada le conseil municipal de la ville de Toronto Dans la foulée de la tuerie récemment (sauf exception prévue par la loi) ne adoptait, par une forte majorité, une survenue dans le quartier grec de semble pas pertinent. En effet, votre résolution demandant au Parlement Toronto et de l’accroissement apparent permis d’arme à feu n’est en fait qu’une fédéral de bannir les armes de des fusillades impliquant des membres amnistie temporaire, vous autorisant poing et toutes les armes à feu semi- d’organisations criminelles dans les à posséder un objet dont la possession automatiques. Quelques semaines plus grands centres urbains canadiens, des serait autrement un crime. Si vous en tard, le conseil municipal de Montréal voix se sont élevées pour réclamer un doutez, je vous incite à lire l’article 91 emboîtait le pas. A l’unanimité, il contrôle encore plus accru des armes à du Code criminel. Le fait que le tireur demande au gouvernement canadien feu au Canada. de Toronto ait obtenu et possédé son d’interdire la possession des armes de pistolet de façon illégale et qu’il ait eu poing et des soi-disant “armes d’assaut” LES POLITICIENS S’EN MÊLENT des liens connus avec des individus ajoutant que ces armes devraient être John Tory, maire de Toronto, demanda criminalisés semblent également être, réservées aux forces de l’ordre et aux immédiatement au gouvernement pour M. Tory, des faits non pertinents, forces armées. La résolution passée à fédéral d’interdire la vente d’armes tout comme d’ailleurs le fait que ces Toronto était au même effet. En voici un de poing dans les limites de la Ville de autres incidents soient, pour la plupart, extrait : Toronto, blâmant la disponibilité des le lot de bandes criminalisées et/ou “(Traduction de l’anglais) armes à feu pour la vague récente de reliés au trafic des stupéfiants. En cela, ils 2. Le conseil municipal demande au violence. N’ont rie à voir avec la possession légale gouvernement canadien de renforcer Pour M. Tory, le fait que la possession d’armes à feu à des fins sportives. le projet de loi C-71 relatif au contrôle d’une arme de poing (ou de toute autre Peu après la tuerie de la rue Danforth, des armes à feu, soit la Loi amendant

52 www.nfa.ca September/October 2018 certaines lois et règlements en relation habilités à les conserver et même à les financière a déjà fait l’objet d’un avec les armes à feu, comme suit : utiliser à des fins précises, en se voyant jugement de la Cour suprême du (…) en interdisant la disponibilité, la conférer des droits acquis. L’exemple le Canada en 2003 . La cause concernait la vente, la possession et l’utilisation des plus connu est l’article 12(6) de la Loi sur validité d’une loi fédérale qui éteignait carabines d’assaut et des armes à feu les armes à feu, qui reconnait des droits rétroactivement certaines obligations semi-automatiques au Canada, sauf pour acquis aux propriétaires de pistolets financières du Gouvernement du les forces armées, les corps policiers et et révolvers à canon court, et armes de Canada envers des vétérans des forces autres entités autorisées à les posséder poing de calibre 25 et 32. armées canadiennes. Vu les faits sous- avec des obligations conséquentes Cette nouvelle interdiction potentielle jacents, particulièrement révoltants, cette imposées par les gouvernements semble être d’un autre ordre. La affaire aurait pu offrir à la Cour suprême municipaux, provinciaux et fédéral.i“ confiscation entraîne l’obligation légale une occasion en or de réformer la règle Il est remarquable que dans les deux de remettre un bien à l’état, sous peine de droit commun. Malheureusement, cas, les mots utilisés paraphrasent la de sanctions. Comme on parle d’armes l’arrêt de la Cour suprême est sans déclaration d’Allan Rock, parrain de à feu, les sanctions seront de nature équivoque. En voici des extraits: la Loi sur les armes à feu de 1995 (C- criminelle. Au cas où vous l’auriez “La Déclaration canadienne des droits 68) qui avait déclaré avoir fait le saut oublié, le Gouvernement du Canada oblige t elle le législateur à accorder en politique fédérale avec la ferme possède une liste détaillée des armes une juste indemnisation aux anciens conviction qu’au Canada, seuls les corps de poing, autres armes restreintes et combattants? Notre tradition de common policiers et forces armées devraient avoir prohibées que vous possédez. Advenant law n’est pas favorable à l’expropriation des armes à feu. une confiscation de masse, le Registre sans indemnisation par le gouvernement, J’écris ces lignes alors que le premier canadien des armes à feu révélera sa mais le législateur peut néanmoins la ministre Trudeau vient de signer une vraie raison d’être. Bien entendu, les prévoir à condition que ce soit en des lettre de mandat à Bill Blair, ministre de criminels n’ont pas enregistré leurs termes clairs et non ambigus.iii» la Sécurité frontalière et de la Réduction armes à feu. Conséquemment, une “La Déclaration canadienne des droits du crime organisé, lui donnant confiscation de masse n’affectera que les n’offre aucune protection contre instruction d’agir dans le sens suivant: personnes qui ne sont pas des criminels. l’expropriation par l’adoption d’une “Plus particulièrement, je m’attends à Ces derniers n’auront pas à s’inquiéter et mesure législative non ambiguë.iv» ce que vous travailliez avec vos collègues ils continueront à agir comme ils le font “La Déclaration canadienne des droits ne et dans le respect des lois, règlements et déjà. Il est tout de même ironique que protège que les droits qui existaient au processus du Cabinet établis pour mener les seules personnes qui ne seront pas moment de son adoption en 1960. À cette à bien vos grandes priorités: affectées par une loi qui vise soi-disant époque, tous s’entendaient pour dire, (…) Appuyer le ministre de la Sécurité à prévenir l’utilisation des armes à feu comme aujourd’hui, que le législateur publique et de la Protection civile dans à des fins de violence, soient justement avait le droit d’exproprier des biens à l’adoption de loi C-71, et collaborer les personnes qui agissent en ce sens. condition d’exprimer clairement son avec ce dernier afin d’élaborer d’autres Bien entendu, cette absurdité ne ralentira intentionv.” politiques, règlements ou lois qui en rien l’ardeur des politiciens. En “Ce droit est reconnu depuis pourraient contribuer à réduire le politique, il est plus important de donner longtemps. Au tournant du siècle, nombre de crimes mettant en cause l’impression de s’attaquer à un problème le juge Riddell de la Haute Cour de l’utilisation d’armes à feu et à assurer la (réel ou imaginaire), que de mettre en justice de l’Ontario a reconnu le droit sécurité des Canadiens. À cet égard, vous application des solutions pratiques. de l’État de s’approprier des biens sans devrez vous pencher sur la possibilité Vous vous attendez peut-être à recevoir indemnisationvi.” d’interdire complètement les armes de une compensation financière, dans Advenant que le parlement qui siège poing et les armes d’assaut au Canada, l’éventualité où vos armes à feu vous présentement, ou suite à une prochaine sans entraver l’utilisation légitime seraient confisquées. Ce serait là une élection, interdise la possession des d’armes à feu par les Canadiens.” attente raisonnable, mais non conforme armes de poing et autres armes à feu, au droit canadien. Bien que le droit les projets de loi C-68, C-71 et autres LE VÉRITABLE SENS DE CES INITIATIVES commun reconnaisse qu’un exproprié a, mesures de contrôle des armes à feu Les termes utilisés vont bien au-delà de en principe, le droit à une compensation vont soudainement vous sembler être de la simple reclassification des armes à financière, cette règle peut-être écartée simples obstacles sur la route qui mène feu en tant qu’armes à feu prohibées. En par la législation. Il suffit au législateur en enfer. Si nous laissons faire, nous effet, tant les politiciens que les médias de le faire de façon claire et non- sommes promis à un réveil brutal. qui leur font écho parlent de confiscation. ambigüe. Dit autrement, si le Parlement Par le passé, lorsque des armes à feu fédéral devait décider de confisquer vos devenaient prohibées, c’était surtout armes à feu sans compensation aucune, c’est là leur droit le plus strict et vous References une question de classification. L’effet i immédiat du changement de classe n’y pourrez rien. Pourquoi agiraient-ils CC 44-14, July 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 30, 2018 est d’interdire la mise en marché et/ autrement? Après tout, les propriétaires ii ou l’importation des armes à feu d’armes à feu n’ont pas l’habitude de Authorson v. Canada, (2003) 2 nouvellement prohibées. Toutefois, voter pour le Parti libéral. RCS 40 iiiId. au paragraphe 14 dans la plupart des cas, les propriétaires Une contestation judiciaire serait ivId. au paragraphe 51 existants qui avaient acquis légalement vraisemblablement vouée à l’échec. La vId. au paragraphe 52 ces armes à feu avant l’entrée en vigueur question du droit de l’état d’exproprier viId. au paragraphe 53 de la prohibition, étaient habituellement des biens et droits sans compensation

September/October 2018 www.nfa.ca 53 NFA Book Shelf Bill Rantz Victoria Cross Heroes Of World War One 628 Extraordinary Stories Of Valour

MacKay Clout- 19, 1916. man, Corps of • Robert Shankland – received the Royal Engineers, Victoria Cross for his actions at Pass- was awarded the chendaele, Belgium, on Oct. 26, 1917. Victoria Cross He survived the war and passed away for his actions on Jan. 30, 1968. Nov. 6, 1918. The horrors of the First World War Recipients have been well documented in many are honoured books, including Martin Gilbert’s The individually with Battle of the Somme, where the car- their name in nage of trench warfare is described in large red font, graphic detail. In this battle alone, 102 followed by date Victoria Cross medals were awarded of birth/death, in a ght that saw over a million military unit, casualties, including both dead and photograph and wounded, in just 141 days. Clearly, location/date the anyone who enlisted to defend their Victoria Cross country could accurately be described was earned. The as a hero. actions for which Victoria Cross Heroes of World War One each medal was is well researched and supplemented awarded are pro- with hundreds of photographs and vided in detail. newspaper clippings from the First If known, the World War era. Readers will quickly current location come to appreciate that the freedom of their Victoria we enjoy today as Canadians was paid Cross is stated. for by the blood of our armed service The majority are personnel throughout history. on public display at museums with military heritage. he Victoria Cross is the highest Notably, Lord Ashcroft of Great Britain T military honour presented by the has assembled a collection comprising British Empire and Commonwealth of 10 per cent of all Victoria Cross medals Nations. During the First World War, ever presented. They are on display in Title: Victoria Cross Heroes 1914 to 1918, 628 service personnel the Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial Of World War One were awarded the Victoria Cross for War Museum, London, England. 628 Extraordinary Stories Of Valour extraordinary valour while facing a Canadians account for 71 of the First Author: Robert Hamilton hostile force. Robert Hamilton, author World War Victoria Cross recipients. and editor, has united all these First The valour each demonstrated in Publisher: Atlantic Publishing 2015 World War recipients of the Victoria battle should evoke pride throughout Photographs: Cross into one publication. our nation. The author notes three Black & white archive Victoria Cross Heroes of World War residents of Pine Street in Winnipeg, One presents the gazetted details of Man., were awarded the Victoria Cross. ISBN: 978-1-909242-42-5 each act of valour equally, regard- This street was renamed Valour Road Pages: 384 less of country of origin or rank. They in 1925 to honour them: are presented in the order the Victo- • Frederick William Hall – killed at Size: Hard cover with dust ria Cross was won, beginning with Ypres, Belgium, April 24, 1915. jacket, 10 by 12 inches Maurice James Dease, 24, of the Royal • Lionel Beaumaurice Clarke – won Fusiliers who was killed in action the Victoria Cross at Pozieres, France, on Aug. 23, 1914. The last entry, Brett on Sept. 9, 1916, died of injuries Oct.

54 www.nfa.ca November/December 2018 NOTICE OF RESULTS OF ELECTIONS FOR OFFICE OF DIRECTORS – Fall 2018

The NFA is pleased to announce that the 2018 fall election for directors is now completed. We would like to congratulate the new board of directors who shall take office immediately. The elected by acclamation are:

British Columbia - Yukon Ontario Blair Hagen serving a 1 year term Rick Igercich serving a 1 year term Sheldon Clare serving a 2 year term Charles Zach serving a 2 year term

Alberta – NWT & International Quebec Dwayne Gorniak serving a 1 year term Jerrold Lundgard serving a 2 year term Charles Cote serving a 1 year term

Saskatchewan Maritimes/Newfoundland & Labrador Vacant at this time. Robert Bracken serving a 2 year term Manitoba – Nunavut Sheldon Messervey serving a 1 year term Welcome to the NFA team !

November/December 2018 www.nfa.ca 55