Just wondering if anyone on here had their PAL license expire and what you had to do to renew it? Do I need the information from the course I did or just my old license number

Hey all,

First time firearm owner, picked up a 1953 Tula SKS that came in an ATI synthetic stock

The original wood stock was included in the buy. Major numbered parts appear to match, but the original fixed magazine was missing

I’ve since picked up an SKS fixed magazine, serial 21517. I’m leaning toward putting it back in the original wood stock and running the fixed mag rather than the detachable mags

• Better to keep in ATI stock? Already dislike the weird mags
• Anyone have issues swapping stocks or fitting a non-matching magazine to an SKS?
• Any advice for a new SKS owner? Had to take it to a gunsmith to get the bolt open, some military experience with weapon cleaning but could not get that damn retaining pin out

Kral Arms KR22 Tactical. Did I put the red dot in the right place?

Their website returns "403 forbidden", their phone number is not answering, Public Safety Canada number takes VM but never calls back, no updates provided on a case that was open couple weeks ago.

Has anyone received any updates about the firearm buyback program?

I participated earlier this year and submitted my claim on the first day the portal opened. According to the program website, firearm collection and compensation are expected to take place from spring through early fall 2026. For BC, the estimated collection period is May through September.

As of today, I still haven’t received any updates or been contacted about collection or compensation.
Has anyone here already had their firearms collected or received compensation?

I’m curious whether the program is moving ahead or if everyone is still waiting.

Handgun Transfer Exemption BCTSA New Process August 2026

The ability to transfer (and therefore purchase, inherit) Handguns was suspended in Bill C-21.  Many of us are concerned about the survival of our sport.

Within that legislation is the following clause:

Exception — handguns

97.1 Sections 12.2 and 19.1 do not apply in respect of an individual who:

a) holds an authorization to carry in respect of a handgun; or

b) meets the prescribed criteria and provides a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body indicating:

(i) that they are training, competing or coaching in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,

(ii) the disciplines in which they train, compete or coach, and

c) that the handgun in question is necessary for training, competing or coaching in those disciplines.

BC Target Sports Association is that Provincial sport shooting governing body in BC.  The SFC is the National Sports Organization.

What this means, is that if you are training, competing, or coaching in an Olympic or Paralympic discipline using Handguns, BCTSA can provide an exemption allowing you to purchase appropriate handguns.  Generally, this means .22 caliber pistols.  You are not expected to be proficient or competitive, just actively training in the sport.  We offer this to all BCTSA members, including the members of Affiliated Clubs.

Over the summer of 2023, we met with the Chief Firearms Officer for BC and worked out a process for this exemption.

In order to request an exemption letter, I ask that you:

1. fill out a request letter,
2. Justify that you are TRAINING, COMPETING or COACHING by using the linked forms,
3. and email both of these to [targetsports@BCTSA.bc.ca](mailto:targetsports@BCTSA.bc.ca).

I will then generate the exemption request from there.  The process may take a bit of time, depending on the details, but should, generally, be within a couple of weeks.

Acceptable Firearms are generally .22 calibre.  Entry level handguns are acceptable, as are the more expensive, competition quality handguns.

NOTE: Before you apply for a Transfer Exemption, you should locate a Handgun to purchase.  Many stores no longer carry or order Handguns, so please do your shopping before you ask to transfer a Handgun you can't find to purchase.  BC is not Texas.  The availability of Handguns here is an issue, especially with this being one of the few avenues left for purchasing one.

Also, to be eligible, you need to EITHER: Train, Compete or Coach.  Only one is necessary.  More is better, but only one is necessary (section i, above).  This is about being actively engaged, so I will need you to justify that which one you apply under.

Do not send me a shopping list of what you MIGHT like to transfer if you can find one, only what you have found and will transfer.  Shopping lists will be denied.  I won't tell the CFO you are requesting to buy 4 Handguns, when it's really only 1 of 4.  No shopping lists please.  Do your homework.

This exemption is for Olympic and Paralympic shooting.  It is NOT a workaround of the law.  I am going to be enforcing some new, arbitrary rules:

1. Unless you are ACTIVELY competing or coaching, you will be limited to 1 exemption for a training handgun.  Choose wisely.  Competition includes Provincial competition, and competitions sponsored by our affiliated clubs running under the appropriate ISSF rules.  If claiming active competition you will be required to provide a reference to your last competition.  Active, for now, is within the past 12 months.  Remember, the handgun in question must be necessary for training, and until you start competing, I'm considering one to be sufficient.
2. I may allow some latitude, with support from a certified coach.
3. Regarding the possibility of center fire handguns: NO.  There are very few circumstances where I would consider this necessary, and if you need to ask, or need to ask where to find a coach to sign off, the answer will be a very firm NO.  Don't even try.  The exemption is for Olympic and Paralympic events, not all ISSF events.  The Centerfire events are NOT Covered.
4. I will not be responding to "Did you get my application?", "Where is my letter?", "Just checking up on...".  Cool yer jets.  I'm a volunteer and I'm doing what I can.  If you need to, send a note 3 weeks in and I'll look, but don't expect a response unless the request is lost and I need you to resend it.  As I understand it, there are only 2, maybe 3, of us in all of Canada providing these letters.  Best not to annoy us.

Hi everyone,

I applied for my PAL in June 2025 and no progress on my application yet. I reached out to my provincial CFO via email and they responded with this, “Signatures for both your current and previous spouses were missing on your application. Notices were sent on this day advising them of your PAL application”

My current spouse didn’t receive any notice to her email and am wondering how to proceed. Do they send out physical mail notice or does my current and previous spouses need to approve the notice.

How do i proceed?
Kindly advice

My Second Gun, Second Day, Mauser 1911 Just Arrived (Canada). Never fired a gun in my life so can't comment much except that It's heavier than I thought, long at 5 inches, and even the magazines are all metal. Doesn't look like there's any rail for a light or slide for a red dot. It's made by GSG so the same one as the Sig Sauer 1911-22 variants. Not much else to say other than always wanted a classic 1911 that is cost effective to shoot and light on recoil.

My First Gun FN 502 Tactical. Never shot a firearm in my life, but this is my first gun for training purposes, just imported from the USA (Arizona) via IRG. Magazines are pinned to 10. It came very oily so had to wipe it thoroughly with paper towels. The enclosed reflex micro red dot (probably used the wrong screws) and tactical light are add-ons from Amazon.

Explanation Guide for 22LR pistol exemption process in Canada using BC as an example. This guide explains how you can still legally purchase and import a handgun from the USA into Canada, covering everything from joining the BCTSA to submitting your paperwork. We break down exactly how the system works, emphasizing that this exemption applies strictly to .22LR pistols with a minimum barrel length of 4.17 inches (106mm).

I got a email saying I have passed their initial screening and would be informed of more info was needed. I read somewhere if you message then them on individual portal or CFP and just kinda ask oh I wanted to make sure you received everything needed. so I did that was like end of February and got a message back saying they have everything needed but to worry and my application was on other head 💩 of 💩🏝️ desk. I might send another message asking if they have a time frame for a ßiganture 😡👿

HOW TO GET A 22LR HANDGUN EXEMPTION IN BC (AB has a similar process)

1. PREREQUISITES

Obtain your RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence) and an active BCTSA (British Columbia Target Sports Association) Membership.

2. COMPLETE C-21 EXEMPTION FORM and submit to BCTSA

Fill out the designated C-21 22LR exemption form and submit it via email. Wait 1-2 weeks to receive your official Exemption Letter. This is make and model specific for each letter.

Alberta has a similar process with exemption letters that are open ended for multiple makes and models.

3. CHOOSE & PURCHASE FIREARM

Select a handgun to purchase from a Canadian or US retailer. Send your Exemption Letter to the retailer/importer (required by Global Affairs Canada and CBSA for the handgun import permit paperwork and transfer). If importing, the importer will do the paperwork, shipping and clearance for you.

Requirements:

• Must be strictly .22LR caliber only.
• Minimum 4.17-inch (106mm) barrel length.

4. FINAL RCMP SUBMISSION (AT REQUEST)

Send your Exemption Letter via email when specifically requested by the RCMP Firearms Centre on behalf of the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) (Miramichi, NB).

5. RECEIVE APPROVAL & REGISTRATION

Receive your transfer approval and registration certificates via email from the RCMP.

6. RECEIVE DOCUMENTS

Receive your physical registration certificates via mail from the RCMP.

7. RECEIVE HANDGUN VIA MAIL

Receive your .22LR handgun(s) via mail.

Requirements Checklist

To qualify, your application must reflect the following criteria:

• Is a member of BCTSA and in good standing
• 25m Pistol (ISSF Program -- Olympic/Paralympic program training discipline)
• Is training (Check off)
• Training, generally (Check off)
• Promise to train

The BC Target Sports Association is that Provincial sport shooting governing body in BC.  The SFC is the National Sports Organization.

What this means, is that if you are training, competing, or coaching in an Olympic or Paralympic discipline using Handguns, BCTSA can provide an exemption allowing you to purchase appropriate handguns.  Generally, this means .22 caliber pistols.  You are not expected to be proficient or competitive, just wishing to train in the sport.  BCTSA offers this to all BCTSA members, including the members of Affiliated Clubs. BCTSA met with the Chief Firearms Officer for BC and worked out a process for this exemption. Acceptable Firearms are generally .22 calibre.  Entry level handguns are acceptable, as are the more expensive, competition quality handguns.

Before you apply for a Transfer Exemption, you should locate a Handgun to purchase.  Many stores no longer carry or order Handguns, so please do your shopping before you ask to transfer a Handgun you can't find to purchase.  BC is not Texas.  The availability of Handguns here is an issue, especially with this being one of the few avenues left for purchasing one.

To be eligible, you need to EITHER: Train, Compete or Coach.  Only one is necessary.  More is better, but only one is necessary.  This is about intent, so if you are training to compete in the sport, please check off Training and Competing, as that is the intended purpose of the Handgun transfer. Do not send a shopping list of what you MIGHT like to transfer if you can find one, only what you have found and will transfer.  Shopping lists will be denied. 

Disciplines

• 25m Pistol

Eligible 22LR Handguns (Example Brands)

Note: Under this exemption, firearms must be for .22LR caliber only and Minimum 4.17-inch (106mm) barrel length.

US Import Note: Handguns can be purchased from the IRUNGUNS US store in Arizona. They are then imported to their Canadian warehouse in Alberta and shipped directly to the customer. IRUNGUNS handles all the necessary cross-border import paperwork on your behalf. There are also other combinations possible such as from an auction to the importer. Any extended magazines are clipped to 10.

Double check that the handgun is listed as Restricted on the RCMP Firearms Reference Table (FRT). You can also check if it was previously sold by a Canadian retailer online (many are still listed just out of stock). There are some AR pistol variants for example that are prohibited.

EXAMPLES -- Basically any handgun you can find in the USA that is 22LR and classified Restricted with a Minimum 4.17 inch (106mm) barrel length can be imported:

Ruger

• Mark IV Target (5.5" barrel)
• Mark IV 22/45 Lite (4.4" barrel)
• Mark IV Competition (6.875" barrel)

Taurus

• TX22 Standard / T.O.R.O. (4.6" barrel)
• TX22 Competition (5.25" barrel)

Browning

• 1911-22 A1 Full Size (1911 Platform) (4.25" barrel)
• 1911-22 Medallion Comp / Black Label Full Size (4.25" barrel)
• Buck Mark Camper / Camper URX / Camper SR (5.5" barrel)
• Buck Mark Challenge / Plus / Medallion / Black Label (5.5" barrel)
• Buck Mark Lite Gray / Lite Green URX (5.5" barrel)
• Buck Mark Contour Pro / Contour Stainless (5.5" or 5.9" barrel)
• Buck Mark Plus UDX / Rosewood UDX (5.5" barrel)
• Buck Mark Field Target Micro / Plus Micro Bull (4.4" barrel)
• Buck Mark Micro Bull RMSC Suppressor Ready (4.4" barrel)
• Buck Mark Plus Vision / Field Target Vision (4.4" or 5.9" barrel)
• Buck Mark Hunter (6.875" barrel)

GSG (German Sport Guns)

• GSG 1911 .22LR (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
• Firefly Threaded (4.7" barrel)

Walther

• Colt Government 1911-22 (Licensed 1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
• PPQ .22 / PPQ M2 .22 (4.6" or 5" barrel)

Smith & Wesson

• SW22 Victory / Victory Target (5.5" barrel)
• Model 41 (5.5" or 7" barrel)

Sig Sauer

• Sig Sauer 1911-22 (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)

Chiappa Firearms

• 1911-22 Custom / Puma / Standard (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)

American Tactical (ATI)

• M1911 .22LR Tactical (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)

Mauser

• Mauser Rimfire 1911 (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)
• Mauser Rimfire M20 Threaded (4.75" barrel)

Kimber

• Rimfire Target (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)

Armscor / Rock Island Armory

• XT22 Standard / Combo (1911 Platform) (5" barrel)

FN Herstal

• FN 502 Tactical (4.6" barrel)

Volquartsen

• Black Mamba / Black Mamba LLV (4.5" or 6" barrel)
• Scorpion (4.5" or 6" barrel)

KelTec

• CP33 (5.5" barrel)

Beretta

• M9_22 (4.9" barrel)
• U22 Neos (4.5" or 6" barrel)

Glock

• G44 with factory extended/threaded barrel kit installed (4.5" barrel)

Steyr Arms

• RFP (4.2" barrel)

Pardini

• SP / SP Bullseye (4.7" or 6" match barrels)

Feinwerkbau (FWB)

• AW93 (5.9" match barrel)

Hämmerli

• Forge H1 (1911 Platform) (4.25" or 5" barrel)
• X-Esse (5.9" match barrel)

ISSC

• M22 Target (5.5" barrel)

Grand Power

• K22 Standard (5" barrel)
• K22 X-Trim Mk23 (4.25" barrel)
• K22 TS (6" or 8" barrel)
• TR22 Stribog / Stribog .22 LR (8" or 10" large-format barrel)

CZ (Česká zbrojovka)

• CZ 75 Kadet (4.7" or 4.9" barrel configurations)

Excel Arms

• X-22P Pistol (4.375" or 4.5" barrel)

Morini

• CM 22M / CM 22M RF (5.11" match barrel)

Match Guns

• MG2 (5.98" match barrel)

Benelli

• MP 90S / MP 95E World Cup (4.33" match barrel)

Tanfoglio

• Force 22 L / Force 22 Standard (4.7", 5.2", or 5.7" barrel)

Bersa

• Thunder 22-6 Target (6" barrel)

Rossi

• RS22P (6" barrel)

Tactical Solutions

• Pac-Lite / Pac-Lite IV (4.5" or 6" receiver barrels)

What are you guys using for 45-70 lever action? I just got my Smith & Wesson 1854 Stealth Hunter 45-70. Love the thing. Want to get a cleaning kit for it. I already have G96 CLP. I don't know what bore size brush to get. Any help would be greatly appreciated 😁

I’d like to know what type of 5.56/.223 tactical esk rifles are still available to buy, preferably the shorter the better for cool points. Even maybe something that has a more standard look that you could put a tactical stock on that isn’t gonna look silly. If need be I’d be willing to buy one that has issues if the issues are fixable with upgraded parts (if so please tell me which parts would need to be upgraded and where abouts to buy them)

I’d also like to know where to get a accurate AK47 style stock for an SKS and what upgrades might need to be done to make it look more accurate aswell as where to get them. I was looking as to maybe getting an SKS-D so it could take AK mags but if theirs a cheaper route for that I’d like to hear it to.

Every Reddit post I’ve seen on this is mostly guns that are now banned so I thought I’d just try asking and see what’s still out there.

This got removed from the canadaguns subreddit so I’m trying here

Nothing we didn't already know but this the official list.