In this post the author will try to address one of the more contentious current topics to gun owners and the public. It will again try to dispel a myth regarding a specific type of firearm in an objective manner.
Myth #4: All ‘black guns’ are assault weapons.
Politicians and the media like to call any firearm that looks like an AR-15 or Colt C-7 an “assault weapon”, “assault rifle” or “military-style assault rifle”. Assault rifle is an artificial term created in part by the anti-gun movement and was popularized in the 1990s. Many rational and objective firearms owners would generally accept that the term “assault rifle”, though wrong, could be applied to those military firearms with select-fire such that the rifle can be fired either in semi-auto (one bullet with each trigger pull, or full-automatic (keeps firing as long as the trigger is pulled). The Russian AK-47 is perhaps the best known global example of an assault rifle followed by the American M-16 which first appeared in Vietnam in 1964/65.
Automatic-fire rifles are already prohibited from public ownership in Canada and are only authorized for military and specific police use.
“Modern Sporting Rifle” is the term that industry uses to describe the civilian variants of the military versions of the AR-15, Colt C-7 or other similar designed firearms. These firearms are all semi-auto in that they fire a single bullet with each separate pull of the trigger and reload between rounds. Yes, most of them are black in colour. These firearms are currently classed as restricted firearms and require that they only be used at an approved range and possessing an R-PAL (restricted license) is a requirement of ownership. Magazines are limited to 5 rounds. Owning a magazine of greater capacity is a criminal offence. Our Canadian firearms laws are much stricter than those in the USA with respect to modern sporting rifles. In fact, the Minister of Public Safety indicated that there are roughly 250,000 in Canada.
The core issue is that in the public eye, these ‘black guns’ look intimidating and militaristic and differ in appearance to more typically seen hunting rifles. Ironically, many standard hunting firearms used for small game and duck hunting as examples, are also semi-automatic firearms.
Rather than use the industry term “Modern Sporting Rifle” government and media use the term “Military Style Assault Rifle” focusing on the look of the firearm thereby creating an emotional reaction. Modern Sporting Rifles look and function very much like the RCMP C-8 “Patrol Carbine”, the only difference being that civilians are limited to five-round magazines. The RCMP, who are responsible for gun classifications, even refer to their semi-automatic ‘black gun’ as a “Patrol Carbine''. In today’s highly political climate there are individuals who do not like the look of an RCMP officer holding a patrol carbine even though that carbine is essential to the officers’ and public safety in certain armed situations.
Owners of modern sporting rifles are highly regulated and vetted. They must have an R-PAL, can only use the firearm at an approved range, are limited to 5 round magazines, and must store and transport the firearm following the strict regulations for restricted firearms. To do otherwise is a criminal offence.
Myth #5: You can transport any firearm wherever you want
To take your handgun or restricted firearm (including modern sporting rifles) anywhere out of the place where it is registered (usually your home) you need an Authorization to Transport (ATT). No handgun or other restricted firearms can be taken anywhere without an ATT which is a condition that is attached to your Restricted-PAL. There are specific regulations as to where and how you can transport your handgun (unloaded, opaque locked container plus a trigger lock) and that transport shall be by the most direct and convenient route to and from the range. During transportation, the handgun must be locked in a container, in the locked trunk of the vehicle or out of sight, with a trigger lock on the gun itself, and of course, it must be unloaded.
Hunting rifles and shotguns which are both non-restricted have different transport and storage requirements as they are taken to the field for hunting purposes. While an Authorization to Transport is not required, there are federal regulations for transport and some provincial rules. During the course of small game, varmint, large game or waterfowl hunting, it is necessary to carry firearms from hunting area to hunting area so there are specific rules in that regard. These transport rules are enforced by the RCMP and Provincial Conservation Enforcement Officers. Having completed a Hunter Safety Course is highly recommended.
Myth #6: I can keep a handgun in my bedside table
Owning a handgun for personal protection is not a legal reason for ownership in Canada. Once home, the handgun or any restricted firearm must again be unloaded and fitted with a trigger lock or other locking mechanism. Then it must be locked in a vault, safe or room that was built or modified specifically to store firearms safely. Ammunition must also be stored separately. Anything short of this is considered as dangerous storage and is a criminal offence.
Myth #7: I can do what I want on the shooting range
In order to join most shooting ranges (MFGA as an example), prospective members must have a valid PAL and as part of their application must certify they are not under any firearm or hunting prohibitions. They must also agree to abide by all range safety rules and procedures. Failure to do so can result in suspension and reporting of violations to the NB Chief Firearms Office.
Ranges are also required by law to be inspected to meet Firearms Office safety standards and are required to maintain membership lists and transmit membership lists to the NBCFO on a monthly basis.
The full gamut of rules and regulations can be found on the detailed Canadian Firearms Program’s website.
Firearm Facts
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/2017-commissioner-firearms-report
Number of unrestricted firearms licenses in Canada: 2.1 million
Number of licences to own unrestricted firearms (generally shotguns and rifles) in New Brunswick: 68,110
Number of licences to own a restricted firearm (generally handguns and some rifles) in New Brunswick: 17,850
Number of PAL refusals (applications rejected) in Canada in 2017: 817
Number of PAL or R-PAL revocations in Canada in 2017: 2663