Probably not the smartest thing for me to post about since but looks like the RCMP’s new interruption of the gun magazine laws means the what I’m guessing are possibly millions of “high capacity” Ruger 10/22 mags are now prohibited devices. If I’m convicted of owning one magazine, it’s a minimum of 3 years in jail for owning something that’s available in stores right now and perfectly legal for me to have yesterday.
While the 24 hours following the initial news that the Canadian Firearms Program had issued an internal document indicating all 10+ round Ruger 10/22 magazine prohibited was relatively quiet, with no new documentation nor statements made available, Calibre has been made aware that a memo has been circulated to police departments nationwide this morning advising officers of the following:
“Prohibited 10/22 Platform Magazines
Issue
This concerns the classification of 22 Long Rifle (22LR) calibre cartridge magazines designed or manufactured for Ruger 10/22 rifles, Charger pistols and related firearms, commonly referred to as the “10/22 platform”.
History
The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) has responded to numerous queries from individuals and firearms businesses concerning the classification of magazines designed or manufactured for Ruger brand 10/22 rifles and Charger pistols, plus clones of such firearms made by other manufacturers. The overall issue was that any 10/22 platform magazine which exceeded ten shots capacity was a prohibited device. This information was also well circulated on Canadian online forums specializing in firearms issues. The CFP specifically addressed one of the more common overcapacity 10/22 platform magazines, the Ruger BX-25 magazine, which contains 25 cartridges and is described by Ruger as being manufactured for both the Ruger 10/22 rifle series and 22 Charger pistol series, identifying the BX-25 magazine as a prohibited device (CFP Bulletin 72, 2013-09-05).
Additionally, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) decided that a similar magazine, the Ruger BX-25×2 magazine (50 shots), was a prohibited device (AP-2013-059).
Magazines up to 110 shot capacity are available. Although the 22LR cartridge is less powerful than most, it is nonetheless lethal, and combined with high capacity magazines, presents a public safety hazard and an officer safety concern when responding to incidents involving these magazines.
Notwithstanding the steps taken to inform the Canadian public and firearms businesses, it appears that prohibited 10/22 platform magazines continue to be imported into Canada and sold by unqualified businesses and individuals.
Rationale
In short, 10/22 platform magazines are designed and/or manufactured for both rifles and handguns. While rimfire calibre rifle magazines are not regulated, the capacity of handgun magazines is universally limited to ten cartridges, and in consequence, 10/22 platform magazines are prohibited devices if the ten shot limit is exceeded. Whether the magazine is intended by the importer to be used in a rifle is not relevant to the classification determination.
Summary
All 22 Long Rifle calibre magazines for the 10/22 platform, regardless of brand, are prohibited devices at any capacity exceeding ten shots. The ten shot limit applies irrespective of the type of firearm it is used in. Magazines exceeding ten shots capacity are not prohibited devices if reduced in capacity to ten shots or less by pinning or by other means described in the magazine regulations.
Action Required
CFP will continue to distribute the information to law enforcement (CACP, CROPS, NWEST, Public Safety Canada), businesses and clients (through CFO’s offices) concerning the classification of those magazines.”
Source: Calibre Magazine
Thank you Canada and the non existent property rights, it makes me wonder how many crimes are committed with Ruger 10/22s and where the 25 round magazine has made a difference. I get it, the RCMP doesn’t want private ownership of firearms and this also gives the public the illusion that something is being done about gun crime but criminals don’t acquire their guns and stuff legally anyway and you can be damn sure that one wouldn’t let a $0.05 rivet stop them from removing it and loading mags to full capacity.
I guess it’s time to write my MP and quote my Liberal membership number, hopefully I’ll get a dignified response but we’ll see.
Can your RCMP just make these declarations and not allow citizens who legally purchased the magazines to be compensated in some form? If so the Canadian system sucks big time.
Because the gun laws are vague they’re open to interruption and the government uses the RCMP as its expert witness so while they can’t create laws themselves, the organization has the ability to work in the grey areas. The few Canadian gun orgs are organizing but I doubt anything can be done for the next few years, the Liberal party’s membership is full of anti gunners so I’m not surprised at their lack of action or even tacit approval of this measure.
For better or worse, gun owners here are in bed with the Conservative party and I think that’s to the detriment to our cause.
Looking at your history the Harper Conservative Party was in power for ten years. In that timeframe, aside from abolishing the Gun Registry, did this party do anything to improve Canadian gun ownership rights or clarify the “grey areas”?
From the sounds of things Canadians need to mobilize and form a movement to lobby for gun rights. I understand you do not have a 2A but certainly the right of the gov’t to remove legally obtained property cannot be tolerated in the long run.
What will you do?
Unfortunately not. The Conservatives when in power give us token gestures but didn’t do anything solid because the general public here is anti gun. There are a few gun groups in Canada but it’s very disorganized and they’re generally more busy fighting among each other.
Sigh there isn’t much I can do since I’m a member of the Liberal party I’m going to write my member of parliament, quote my displeasure at this move and quote my ID number. Going to take it upw tih my local riding association too, all politics in Canada happens at the party level before going to the national stage.
Well good luck! Perhaps you need to post a video discussing this situation and hope that it goes viral.