I've been doing some reading in regards to carrying weapons north of the border. I had read previously that you can forget about handguns and assault weapons. I read today that weapons fall into three categories: allowed, restricted, and prohibited. Assault weapons and handguns fall into the prohibited category, but rifles with less than an 18.5 inch barrel fall into the category of restricted; which means that it is required to have an "Authorization to Transport" from each province that the rifle is carried. My factory manufactured Henry .45-70 has an 18.43 inch barrel! I have a small problem of understanding why these restrictions are on a factory manufactured weapon. My intent is for protection and possibility of participating in an Alaskan hunt.

Protection is NEVER accepted for taking a weapon into Canada.Lever action rifles typically have shorter barrels for ease of use in brush, carrying on horseback etc.But it still is a 'restricted' weapon and as far as Canada Laws are concerned you will need all paperwork in order to transport into/thru Canada

If you 'anticipate' a hunt in Alaska or Canada is not justification to carry weapons through Canada. If you have a valid license to do so in either country and your weapon is an approved type for that hunt, as usually described by ft/# energy at muzzle, then permission to transport may be permitted if the firearm has not been modified from the original manufacturers specifications. Educate me. A 45-70 with a 18.43" barrel? Not quite original, for a 45/70 is it?

Looking at the Henry 45-70 offerings. I see some pretty cool classic looks..and then I see the Henry Tactical Defense Platform. Which kind are you thinking of?If this...I don't see it coming in.Gary Haupt

SDcampowneroperator wrote:If you 'anticipate' a hunt in Alaska or Canada is not justification to carry weapons through Canada. If you have a valid license to do so in either country and your weapon is an approved type for that hunt, as usually described by ft/# energy at muzzle, then permission to transport may be permitted if the firearm has not been modified from the original manufacturers specifications. Educate me. A 45-70 with a 18.43" barrel? Not quite original, is it?Yes. It's manufactured at that length by Henry.

garyhaupt wrote:Looking at the Henry 45-70 offerings. I see some pretty cool classic looks..and then I see the Henry Tactical Defense Platform. Which kind are you thinking of?If this...I don't see it coming in.Gary HauptThis one is modified...Henry doesn't sell them like this.

Carrying Weapons North of the Border | Good Sam Community

crabbin_cabin
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2015
Burbman said:
"I drove through customs pulling the TT and they didn't even stop me..."

OH yeah? When/ where? prove up that statement or quit writing fiction!
phillyg
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2015
CN is very restrictive and I find the rules confusing. Can you instead have your weapon(s) shipped to a gun shop in AK for your to pick up there?
ScottG
Nomad
Apr 07, 2015
cewillis wrote:
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Protection is NEVER accepted for taking a weapon into Canada.

Protection IS accepted -- but only protection from animals. And if your trip plans include places where a dangerous animal encounter is possible. I've taken a short barrel shotgun into Canada twice (to Yukon and NWT), and though Canada to Alaska once -- always with necessary permits.
Do it right, and there aren't any problems.

OB is right in that if you claim a fire arm for protection it raises a red flag to the border guards.
Russell_Clifton
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
We are leaving for Alaska in a few weeks and I was all set to take my 12 gauge with me. Now I have read that no weapons are allowed in the BC provincial parks. Since I am planning on staying in several of these parks, I think I should leave the gun at home. What has been your experience with this issue?
cewillis
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Protection is NEVER accepted for taking a weapon into Canada.

Protection IS accepted -- but only protection from animals. And if your trip plans include places where a dangerous animal encounter is possible. I've taken a short barrel shotgun into Canada twice (to Yukon and NWT), and though Canada to Alaska once -- always with necessary permits.
Do it right, and there aren't any problems.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2015
I drove through customs pulling the TT and they didn't even stop me...
shutdown
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
perhaps someone with more knowledge then me will correct me BUTTTT....when i looked you had to have an airtight reason to get past canadian customs. the only thing that, at the time i think would have been a 'valid reason' was 'protection from wildlife in the north woods'. but you have to prove that you are going to the 'north woods'.
richarfg
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
Thanks Tom/Barb...By your post, I recognized that the less than 18.5 inch barrel pertains to semi-automatic rifles; and not lever action. At any rate, I will call the Chief of Firearms tomorrow for further clarification. I appreciate all the input.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
richarfg wrote:
I've been doing some reading in regards to carrying weapons north of the border. I had read previously that you can forget about handguns and assault weapons. I read today that weapons fall into three categories: allowed, restricted, and prohibited. Assault weapons and handguns fall into the prohibited category, but rifles with less than an 18.5 inch barrel fall into the category of restricted; which means that it is required to have an "Authorization to Transport" from each province that the rifle is carried. My factory manufactured Henry .45-70 has an 18.43 inch barrel! I have a small problem of understanding why these restrictions are on a factory manufactured weapon. My intent is for protection and possibility of participating in an Alaskan hunt.

The prohibited hand guns are the ones that have a barrel length of 4.25" or less

here are the definitions copied from the Canadian Fire Arms Centre.

Firearm Definitions Non-restricted firearm:
an ordinary rifle, shotgun or combination gun that is not described below as being restricted or prohibited.
Restricted firearm:
A handgun that is not a prohibited firearm.
A semi-automatic, centre-fire rifle or shotgun with a barrel length less than 470 mm (18.5 inches) that is not a prohibited firearm.
A rifle or shotgun that can fire after being reduced by any temporary means (folding, telescoping) to an overall length of less than 660 mm (26 inches). Any firearm classified by the Governor in Council and prescribed under the Criminal Code as being a restricted firearm (including some long guns).
Prohibited firearm:
A prohibited handgun, that is, with a barrel of 105 mm (4.25 inches) or less, or designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge.
A rifle or shotgun that has been changed to make it less than 660 mm (26 inches) in overall length.
A rifle or shotgun that has been changed to make it 660 mm (26 inches) or more in overall length, but with a barrel less than 457 mm (18 inches). Automatic firearms or converted automatic firearms.
Any firearm classified by the Governor in Council and prescribed under the Criminal Code as being a prohibited firearm.
sue_t
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
For the facts about bringing a firearm into Canada
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm

Restricted firearms have numerous requirements, from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/restr-eng.htm:

Individuals require:
• a firearms licence that is valid for restricted firearms in order to possess or acquire a restricted firearm and to obtain ammunition.
• a registration certificate issued under the Firearms Act for all restricted firearms in their possession.
• an Authorization to Transport, issued by the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of their provincial or territorial jurisdiction, in order to transport a restricted firearm from one location to another.

Individuals must store, display and transport their restricted firearms according to the applicable regulations.

Note, if a firearm is not declared and one is subsequently found, the border agents can seize your vehicle. End of vacation.