I asked for feedback on this issue for my trip to Africa next year and was discouraged with the red tape. My question to my Canadian friends, can I take a new rifle with me to Canada next year and give it to my guide as a tip? I'm talking is there a legal way to do it? Would I have to send it to a Canadian gun dealer, etc? Any advice would be appreciated.

I believe you can, but I reserve the right to be totally wrong! You register your firearms when you come into the country. I think you will just need to transfer the registration to the recipient. It shouldn't be a problem, but these things are changing all the time, so you should double check with the authorities on the matter (http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/default_e.asp).

Also, you may want to check on your side too, as it may not be legal for you to temporarilly export a firearm and then not bring it back.

Cheers,
Canuck

Found it for ya....

quote:

Buying or Selling a Firearm in Canada
Firearms you import temporarily, using a confirmed Non-Resident Firearm Declaration, must be taken back out of Canada. If your firearms are registered in Canada, they may be transferred (sold or given) to a properly licensed business or individual by calling 1 800 731-4000. The firearm will be registered to the new owner during the transfer process that must take place whenever a firearm changes ownership. A CFO must approve all transfers of restricted firearms.

Duties and taxes may be payable on all firearms that you sell or give to someone in Canada. For more information, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency at 1 800 461-9999 (toll free within Canada) or (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064 (long-distance charges apply).

To be able to acquire a firearm in Canada, you need a valid PAL or FAC. The firearm will be registered to you during the transfer process.

Check out this link here.... Canadian Firearms Center - Visitors Fact Sheet. Scroll down about 2/3 of the way.

You will need to do Option 2 for this to work.

Cheers,
Canuck

Thanks Canuck, it doesn't sound like I can buy the rifle here in Texas, take it on the plane with me to Alberta and give it to my Canadian friend. Am I missing something or is that the way you read it also?

Being a bit of a renegade and guerilla warrior, I'm going to cary this argument one step further. Rather than going through all the onerous requirements of importing a firearm, I can just get a buddy to bring it up, registered to him, and then transfer it to me. Am I right? Sounds like a hell of a deal, if you know someone in the US.
Grizz

Damn, I got so excited I missed the part about the temporary registration and having to take them out of the country
Grizz

quote:

Originally posted by sevenmagltd.:
Thanks Canuck, it doesn't sound like I can buy the rifle here in Texas, take it on the plane with me to Alberta and give it to my Canadian friend. Am I missing something or is that the way you read it also?

No, you can definitely do it! You have two options when you get to the border...either "declare" the firearm, or "register" it. If you register it, which is pretty quick and simple, then you can give it to your guide and he can transfer the registration (a quick phone call if you are both there). The trick is that you have to get a 5 year Possession and Acquisition Licence in order to register a firearm. That will cost about $80. And to get licenced you have to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (which is pretty simple, and you can just do the test)...not sure where you would do that.

Probably more hassle than you're interested in, but very doable and convenient if you are coming back to Canada more than once (you don't have to do the "declaration and $25" thing every time).


Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Adams:
Damn, I got so excited I missed the part about the temporary registration and having to take them out of the country
Grizz

You were right the first time Grizz! Your friend just has to register the firearm on the way into the country...then transfer it to you.

My wheels are turning already too!

Cheers,
Canuck

quote:

Originally posted by sevenmagltd.:
I asked for feedback on this issue for my trip to Africa next year and was discouraged with the red tape. My question to my Canadian friends, can I take a new rifle with me to Canada next year and give it to my guide as a tip? I'm talking is there a legal way to do it? Would I have to send it to a Canadian gun dealer, etc? Any advice would be appreciated.

No, not without a LOT of red tape on your side of the border. With the present US laws regarding terrorism simple empty brass cartridge cases and bulk bullets, scopes with certain reticules, and most gun parts can't be exported from the US without the blessing of the American government. If you do come North and gift a rifle to a Canadian the Canadian laws will allow it if our rules are followed but you could well be facing prison time when you return home to the States if you failed to get your export licence before the trip.

Alot of guns fell into lakes when the gun laws were tightened up. I suppose this one could fall into the lake during the last part of your trip.

Thanks for all the advice guys! My buddy in Alberta is one of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of hunting with, as a matter of fact, ALL the people I've met while up there have been super nice. I know my buddy has always wanted a Weatherby rifle and I just wanted to surprise him with a brand spanking new one next year when I go up. Wish it was easier than than it sounds, I'm getting to old to be taking test and dealing with the govt. red tape. The older I get, the thinner my patience level gets (when dealing with the govt.) Thanks again!

quote:

I know my buddy has always wanted a Weatherby rifle and I just wanted to surprise him with a brand spanking new one next year when I go up.

Ask your buddy if he has a PAL licence and if he does head up for your trip without a rifle. Add an extra day or so on your trip and take your buddy shopping. Find the Weatherby you want - plenty of stores in Alberta stock them - and buy it with your buddy registering it in his name. He lends it to you during your hunt and gets it back when you depart.