I am planning a driving trip to Canada and was wondering if I could take my concealed carry weapon with me, I have a permit. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this?
I am planning a driving trip to Canada and was wondering if I could take my concealed carry weapon with me, I have a permit. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with this?
This is a start: http://www.canadawelcomesyou.net/firearms.html
Short answer is "No"
Do a Google search for "handguns crossing into Canada."
No - Not even in your vehicle...pistol
Canada has no legal concealed carry for civilians. The "Travelers Guide to the Firearm Laws of the 50 States" says "Canada prohibits the importation of any handgun without an Authorization to Transport (ATT). These ATTs are rarely issued to Americans and are given to Canadiens on a highly discretionary basis. Travelers without an ATT who attempt to enter Canada with handguns will have their weapons confiscated, their vehicles impounded and could face prosecution. Securely casing the handgun and stowing it in the trunk will not prevent seizure. Mere possession of a handgun anywhere in a vehicle without an ATT is illegal."
http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rights...nstocanada.htm
Approval of the Non-Resident Firearms Declaration allows only standard rifles and shotguns commonly used for hunting and target shooting to be transported into or through Canada.
Handguns with at least 4-inch barrels are considered "restricted" firearms and are allowed in Canada, but require the completion an approval of an Application for an Authorization to Transport Restricted Firearms.This Non-Resident Firearm Declaration costs $50 Canadian.
Handguns with barrels shorter than 4-inches, fully automatic, converted automatics, and assault-type weapons are "prohibited" and not allowed in Canada. In addition, certain knives, even those used for hunting and fishing, may be considered prohibited weapons by Canadian officials.
Other Things You Need to Know
In all cases, travelers must declare to Canadian Customs authorities any firearms and weapons in their possession when entering Canada. There are often facilities near border crossings where weapons may be stored, pending the traveler's return to the United States, but this should be done before attempting to enter Canada.
Canadian law requires that officials seize firearms and weapons from persons crossing the border who deny having them in their possession.Seized firearms and weapons are never returned.
By far the easiest way to transport firearms is to have them crated and shipped to your destination via a commercial carrier.
The ENEMY is listening.
HE wants to know what YOU know.
Keep it to yourself.
Your permit is good for where it was issued. I can't even imagine why you'd think you could use it in Canada. It's not even valid in most states in this country. You get caught at customs with a handgun you might as well file for Canadian citizenship because you're probably going to be there a while.
Most states honor reciprocity of concealed carry permits, so long as you verify and abide by the laws of the state you are in concerning concealed carry. However, like it has already been said here, you are asking for a very bad trip if you show up at the border with a handgun
Carry it to the border, go to the bus station and rent a locker, put the gun in the locker and retrieve it when you come back across.
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I have crossed the border a few times in a car and was waved through both on crossing into Canada and back into the US. Now, whether I had a gun with me at the time, I guess I'll just take the 5th on that. They don't check every car and person, but if they did check you, you would probably end up losing a bit of money on the process.
Of course, it's possible to drive to Alaska and bypass Canada via the Alaskan Maritime Highway system (i.e. ferries).
In 2010 I rode the bike to Alaska via the top of the world highway and camped quite a bit. There were four of us, we all bought flare guns and it was right next to my sleeping bag every night.
If you're using the word "most" meaning a majority, this is incorrect. Most states DO NOT have across the board reciprocity with other states. Anyone who thinks that's true is going to get into some trouble some day that won't be easily gotten out of. Statements like this given on the internet are worth every you paid for them. Check the states you'll be traveling through to see if they honor before leaving home. The word "most" is pretty vague, it doesn't tell which ones will and which ones won't. Typical internet "facts".
Canada customs always ask if you have any firearms. They will generally tell you that you are in no trouble if you tell declare you have it, they will not let you in with a hand gun, but do not consfiscate or prosecute if you declare you have it, now if you claim you don't and they find it, it is a WHOLE new ballgame.
Might be a good excuse to buy a Kel-Tec shotgun, after all it does fit nicely in my tour-pack.
One thing that I noticed in Canada though was that it seems that all the shooting ranges were private gun clubs. I never saw a public range. I suspect that if you drove far enough north, you could go shoot in the frozen tundra without being a member of a gun club.
Now, having said that, some people do go up there for IDPA and such competitions at the gun clubs. From what I understand, do it legally, you have to have a written invitation though and fill out the appropriate forms (and pay the government).
I always check when traveling to verify what the laws are in the states I am going through. But, if you are from a "shall issue" state and are going through other "shall issue" states you will find your CHL is good in most of them. It's those states next to the oceans you have to watch out for.
I have a Canadian Purchase and Acquisition License, and also restricted and non-restricted licenses. To take a handgun in to Canada, I must first contact the Provincial Firearm Officer in each Province I would be traveling through, British Columbia and Alberta in my case. I would have to be able to show a notification from a registered shooting range with a scheduled shoot. The gun would need to be in a locked case, and never be left unattended.
I found it is easier for me to go to Canada with my long guns, and borrow a hand gun for competition.
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I been through a few times. Handguns are a NO_NO we even got put in a room and questioned about my wifes Mace/bear spray. It was forgotten and had a date 5 yrs past so they didn't fine her.
Ship or fly with Canada prohibited stuff.
I'm just the welder, go ask him>
Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.
Maryland Recognizes NO permits from other states except for on duty armored car guards. They have police cars with license plate readers so if your state flags you have a permit you might get pulled over, it has happened. Maryland is a MAY issue state that requires a "Good and Substantial Reason" to get a permit. The state police decides on what permits to issue so very few are granted. If you transport through Maryland be certain you follow all federal rules and don't stop in Maryland.
Washington DC is even worse you can be arrested for having one empty brass cartridge case in your car. People in the area do a brass check before going to DC. And one short section of the Washington DC beltway is actually part of the district.
Last edited by Blacksmith; 07-23-2015 at 04:44 PM.
Blacksmith
S. G. G. = Sons of the Greatest Generation. Too old to run, too proud to hide; we will stand our ground and take as many as we can with us!
BP | Bronze Point | IMR | Improved Military Rifle | PTD | Pointed |
BR | Bench Rest | M | Magnum | RN | Round Nose |
BT | Boat Tail | PL | Power-Lokt | SP | Soft Point |
C | Compressed Charge | PR | Primer | SPCL | Soft Point "Core-Lokt" |
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