Prepared by Detective Constable Blain JOYNSONNishnawbe-Aski Police - Guns and Gangs Unit

FIREARMS & WEAPONS

Monday, April 24, 2023

What Is A Firearm?

Firearms are Divided into Three Classes:

1)Prohibited firearms

2)Restricted firearms

3)Non-restricted firearms (meaning firearms which are not prohibited or restricted)

Different Long Gun Actions

Pump Action

Lever Action

Bolt Action

Break Action

Prohibited FirearmsHandguns that:Have barrels less than 105 mm in length,Fire .25 or .32 calibre ammunition,Exclusion - (any handgun prescribed for use in sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union).

Prohibited Firearms Firearm ADAPTED from a rifle or shotgun by cutting, sawing

or any other alteration.

And as a result of the adaptation is: Less than 660 mm (26 inches) in length, or is 660 mm in length and has a barrel less than 457 mm (18 inches)

in length.

Seized by the NAPS Guns & Gangs Unit

Prohibited Firearmss

Prohibited Firearms(.25 and .32 Calibre Pistols)

Prohibited Firearms

An automatic firearm

Home Made Firearms - Prohibited

Prohibited Firearms Any firearm prescribed to be a prohibited firearm

Seized by the NAPS Guns & Gangs Unit

Restricted Firearmss

A firearm that:Is not a prohibited firearm,Has a barrel less than 470 mm (18.5 inches) in length, andDischarges centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner.

Restricted Firearms

A firearm that is designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm (26 inches) by folding, telescoping or otherwise,

A collapsible gun, or gun with a folding stock,

A firearm of any other kind that is prescribed to be a restricted firearm.

Restricted Firearms

Any handgun which is not prohibited

Restricted Firearms

Non-Restricted Firearms

Non-Restricted Firearms

Non Firearms

Antique Firearms (Manufactured prior to 1898, do not discharge centre fire or rim fire ammunition)

Signalling Devices Starting Devices Nail guns, other industrial devices Slaughtering or tranquilizer devices Device with attached lines (rescue)

Non Firearms

Any other barreled weapon where it is proved that the weapon is not designed or adapted to discharge a shot, bullet or other projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second or to discharge a shot, bullet or other projectile that is designed or adapted to attain a velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second. (500 FPS). Example - certain pellet / bb guns.

Non Firearms

Prohibited Device Electrical / mechanical device that is designed / adapted to operate the trigger of a semi-

automatic firearm for the purpose of causing it to discharge cartridges in rapid succession, “Bull-pup Stock” - Permits rifles and shotguns to be reduced significantly in length, A handgun barrel that is equal to or less than 105 mm in length, but does not include any such

handgun barrel that is prescribed, where the handgun barrel is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union,

A device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm (Silencer),

A cartridge magazine that is prescribed to be a prohibited device (Basically, high or over capacity magazines), or

A replica firearm.

High Capacity Magazines (Prohibited Device)

Maximum Magazine Capacity For A Handgun = 10Maximum Magazine Capacity For A Rifle (Centre fire) = 5

Seized by the NAPS Guns & Gangs Unit

Prohibited Device

AmmunitionThe four parts of a cartridge:

1)Case (holds everything together)2)Primer (ignites the charge)3)Propellant Charge (blasts the projectile out of the gun)4)Projectile

*Centre-Fire and Rim-Fire*

Rim-Fire Ammunition

Centre-Fire / Rim-Fire Ammunition

Prohibited AmmunitionAmmunition, or a projectile of any kind, that is prescribed to be prohibited ammunition (SOR/98- 462, Part 5).

Capable of penetrating body armour (fired by a semi-automatic handgun or revolver,Projectile that ignites on impact,Projectile that explodes on impact,Flechettes discharged from a shotgun.

Prohibited Ammunition

Licensing of FirearmsThere are (see Firearms Act for details):

Possession licencesPossession and acquisition licencesMinor’s possession licencesNon-resident 60-day possession licencesConfirmed customs declarations in lieu of licence for

non-residentsRestricted weapons licencesBusiness licencesProhibited licences

Storage, Display and Transportation of Firearms by Individuals Regulations

Sources of Illegal Firearms Obtained from:Break and Enters (residential, business)SmugglingPreviously unregistered firearms (Grandpa’s war mementos)Illegally modified firearmsFirearms obtained legally prior to regulation changes, andOutside Influences

Sources of Illegal FirearmsSeized by the NAPS Guns & Gangs Unit

Sources of Illegal FirearmsMagazine/Mail Orders

Sources of Illegal Firearms War Mementos

Sources of Illegal Firearms Illegal Modifications (SKS - legal with 5 round capacity)

Sources of Illegal Firearms Modifications (SKS - illegal with large capacity magazine (prohibited device) - more than 5 rounds

Illegal Modifications (Modified Blank Pistols)

Seized - Sold on the Streets in Thunder Bay

Seized by the Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit

Smuggling - Illegal Modificationstions Extensive plans available on the internet Parts smuggled across the border or sent through the mail

Replica Firearms Resembles a firearm exactly or with near precision Is not in itself a firearm Is not an antique firearm

Replica Firearms Airsoft guns that closely resemble real firearms are classified as replica firearms, and are

prohibited. Clear plastic, miniaturized versions, or models resembling antique firearms may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Any firearm, including air guns, that have a muzzle velocity greater than 152.4 metres per second (500 ft/s), a muzzle energy greater than 5.7 joules (4.2 ft·lbf) is considered a firearm for the purposes of the Firearms Act and must be registered.

Airsoft guns meeting one of the above two requirements are also treated as firearms under the Criminal Code and are subject to safety regulations when transported.

The Canada Border Services Agency generally seize all airsoft guns imported by individuals, only allowing importation to merchants with a Business Firearms Licence endorsed for replica firearms.

**It is illegal to sell replica firearms to individuals, though it is not illegal to possess them.**

Replica Firearms - Problems

In Thunder Bay, replica firearms have been used to commit crimes and have been used in the intimidation of members of the public by criminal elements,

Almost impossible to tell whether a replica firearm is real from at a glance,

When carried concealed, charges of carrying a concealed weapon are still an option by police.

Replica Firearms

Replicas vs. Real Firearms

Prohibited Weapons

Prohibited Weapons

Modern Influences

Nishnawbe-Aski PoliceGuns & Gangs Unit

Detective Constable Blain JOYNSONCell: (807) 630-9759Email: blain.joynson@naps.ca

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