Thread: Whats your opinion on automatic weapons?

Originally Posted by earcutter

Bob where in Canada do YOU live?? Not that it should matter being its a federal thing.

When I let my FAC expire, to update it, I had to take a two day course and provide more information than I ever did to get my passport! Plus I had two (or was it three) phone interviews on the issue from police forces!! Moreover - they asked about my mental health.

That was in Ontario! And only for a long-gun! Try getting a hand-gun!

David

I live in Ontario and had handguns from the early 1970s to early 1990s. I have owned long guns and still do for a lot longer. The long guns did include, at onr time, a Long Branch C1A1 8L series among them. IIRC I got rid of the pistols and C1A1 in the early 90s when they were bringing in much tighter gun controls and I did not want to put up with the hassles anymore. Long winded way of saying I live through the period of severe tightening of gun regulations. When FACs were brought in I just borrowed the book for the course, read up on it in the morning and wrote the test that afternoon. I still consider the course rinky dink but I guess better than nothing. Never got any call from the police though but did have to get my common law spouse to verify it was OK with her too. We are still together more than 20 years latter so I guess it was OK even though she is anti gun. That must have been the mental health test.

I spent too many years watching hunters at the range in the fall "sight in" their 300 mags with high power variable scopes off sand bags and be content with one 3 shot group covering an area 2 feet square. Likely the only time in the year when they fired their rifles. I asked some once why they did not practice more and was asked if I knew what ammunition costs? I know some very good shots among hunters but they are mostly avid year round shooters too. Most hunters are not that avid in my area. A written test is OK but there should be a shooting proficiency test at an actual range too that you have to qualify in. That should be followed up by a yearly proficiency test which you have to pass in order to get that years hunting license. I don't have a lot of respect for the average hunters that I have seen and don't think a lot are capable of producing clean consistent kills. Safety is also an issue for me because of what I think is lack of familiarity in a lot of cases.

Bob

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Parker --
You're partially correct. It's inclusion in the Bill of Rights rests largely upon an historical basis, dating to the British policy of making the possession of arms a crime prior to the War of American Rebellion. Thus, the practice of confiscation of arms became routine. When the Union was formed, however, the nation's leaders realized that each State, to insure its own security, required a well-regulated militia consisting of as many of its able-bodied male citizens as any emergency might require. In order to have a well-regulated militia, the right to keep and bear arms was essential.
It is important to note, however,that the provisions of the 2nd Amendment apply only to the National Gov't. The States can, and do, regulate the possession of arms. In essence, the 2nd Amendment provides for the individual States to maintain their own militias -- today's National Guard. That is the original intent: to allow the individual States to arm their own militias. However, through tradition and subsequent laws, private ownership of arms has become the norm.

Good point maple. Didn't take that into account. What do you guys think? Even though the states have every right to control arms, do you think the SHOULD? I don't think so, but that's just me.

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

Good point maple. Didn't take that into account. What do you guys think? Even though the states have every right to control arms, do you think the SHOULD? I don't think so, but that's just me.

Parker --
That is just one of the differences in our respective educational achievements: you're in junior high, I have a Master's. You'll get there, though. Some universities even offer gymnastics scholarships -- they have uniforms and everything!

Originally Posted by BobH

I don't have a lot of respect for the average hunters that I have seen and don't think a lot are capable of producing clean consistent kills. Safety is also an issue for me because of what I think is lack of familiarity in a lot of cases.

Bob

I agree with you on that 100%! Thanks for posting! But it is way more regulated in Ontario in my opinion.

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Parker --
That is just one of the differences in our respective educational achievements: you're in junior high, I have a Master's. You'll get there, though. Some universities even offer gymnastics scholarships -- they have uniforms and everything!

Man do I still wish I did it!!!!! Dad pulled me out cause I never overcame sicknesses. I really miss it!

Originally Posted by earcutter

I agree with you on that 100%! Thanks for posting! But it is way more regulated in Ontario in my opinion.

Been in Ontario all my life. Regulating licenses is one thing. Encouraging proficiency is another more costly thing to do especially when various government agencies were running around at that time trying to close ranges for environmental and other reasons. Fewer ranges to practice on means even fewer proficient shooters. Just a little short sighted. Have a good night, I off to do a deckhead survey.

Bob

Originally Posted by earcutter

When I let my FAC expire, to update it, I had to take a two day course and provide more information than I ever did to get my passport! Plus I had two (or was it three) phone interviews on the issue from police forces!! Moreover - they asked about my mental health.
That was in Ontario! And only for a long-gun! Try getting a hand-gun!

I'm surprised that they went through the interviews, especially the references, for a PAL. It's a routine thing for rPAL and there is a good prep thread on CGN. Following the advice also helps keep the waiting period within reasonable limits

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Training my butt, it's just a feel good thing. The fact is when "highly trained" LEOs find themselves in a shootout how many bullets are expended hitting the bad guy a couple of times and how many LEOs are killed or wounded in such events. if they can't do it how does someone with some two bit course perform in a panicked situation?

It's one of those situations where unless you are in it you have no idea how it goes down. You may be hoping and preying you would act in a certain way but when it comes down to it it's a test and each individual acts according to his individual gifts he is born with. That's why the military gives medals and often times the heroes, are guys, just by looking at you would never think they did the things they did.

Most LEO's aren't highly trained. They have pretty easy proficiency exams, but typically have no interest in their guns and it shows when SHTF. There are shining examples of enthusiasts who train regularly in every service and there are even services with proper training budgets, but all of that goes against the general trends.

Here's my .40cal ASSAULT RIFLE ( circa 1770's)


Yes I am very proficient with it. 2 rounds a minute and 3 on rapid fire setting.

I can wear out a business at 50 yds all day long with it shooting it just like I am in that pic.

If I REALLY want to get serious and wear out stuff at over 500 yds, I drag this old darlin out.


My eyes aren't what they used to be but I still ain't no slouch.

I was taught to shoot at an early age by men who used rifles like that in Europe and the Pacific in WWII.

Those old boys DAMN sure knew how to shoot. Thanks to them, I do too.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

I'm surprised that they went through the interviews, especially the references, for a PAL. It's a routine thing for rPAL and there is a good prep thread on CGN. Following the advice also helps keep the waiting period within reasonable limits



Most LEO's aren't highly trained. They have pretty easy proficiency exams, but typically have no interest in their guns and it shows when SHTF. There are shining examples of enthusiasts who train regularly in every service and there are even services with proper training budgets, but all of that goes against the general trends.

Things must have changed a bit up in Canada since I have been gone. Heck I recall for my hunting licence I had to be able to identify bird silhouettes and be able to identify tracks in the snow lol.

Anyway - beat this though.

So I was at the range here in KS when a class came in to do their concealed carry proficiency test - there was a guy who was legally blind and he passed!! Sure he failed the first time - but they gave him another go! True story!