As per usual in Canada our laws are very much open to interpretation where they are not as well detailed… But let’s start with a link to the actual law (this will open in a new window)
The law covers what makes a firearm Antique and specifies which calibers make a firearm NOT antique. Some interesting considerations for this:
– There is an explicitly defined list of no-go calibers, but can antique guns be rechambered and keep their Antique status? At this time – yes, giving us several potential scenarios.
1. A firearm that is antique – is in caliber not on the no-go list rechambered to another caliber not on the no-go list: This firearm remains antique. (e.g. Colt 1873 that is originally in 41colt and is rechambered to 38special)
2. A firearm that is antique – is in caliber not on the no-go list rechambered to another caliber on the no-go list: This firearm is not antique. (e.g. Mauser 1871 that is originally in 43mauser and is rechambered to 12ga)
3. A firearm that would be antique but is in caliber on the no-go list rechambered to another caliber not on the no-go list: There was a time when these would gain antique status according to the Firearms Lab and would get the Antique Status letter. (e.g. Colt 1873 that is originally in 45colt and is rechambered to 38special) This is no longer the case. One can be expected to have to prove that the firearm was in a caliber not on the no-go list originally.
In addition, under Canadian law the receiver of the firearm IS the firearm. So having an Antique receiver and not being in an exempt caliber are the two defining characteristics. Some interesting considerations for this:
1. All other parts except the receiver of an Antique firearm can be of new manufacture.
2. Barrel length is not a factor so an Antique handgun can have a short barrel and not be prohibited. One can install a newly manufactured barrel that is as long or as short as possible and still have the handgun retain Antique status.
3. Action type is not a factor for an Antique handgun. If one can add parts to a revolver frame to build a semi-automatic magazine fed handgun, it would still retain Antique status.
