A bit of background first:

All of the Canucks on the forum here will be familiar with the Possession and
Acquisitions License required to own firearms.
For those who aren't Canucks, or for those Canucks who don't know of this, in
order to own a firearm in Canada (long rifle), you need to have a Possession and
Acquisitions license. This is only for long rifle (hunting rifle, shotgun, etc). This
doesn't apply to handguns, some semi-autos, full autos, etc...

To get the license you have to take a course, take a test, then (providing you
pass the test), fill out registration forms, bundle them up with a passport
photo, and the registration fees, send them off, wait 45 days, then (if you've
passed a criminal check), get your P.A.L license.

In September of this year, I took the "course", wrote the test (passed with
98%), then sent off my mug photo, the forms and the fees.
4 weeks went by, no response, then 5 weeks, then 6 weeks, and I'm getting
concerned a little.

On Tuesday when I got home, a pleasant surprise was waiting for me in the
mailbox....you guessed it, my PAL came in the mail.
I was happy, did the happy dance, phoned everyone I knew... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />


Now I have to figure out what kind of rifle I'm going to buy, then start saving
up for it...oh, and have to start saving up for bullets too.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Just wanted to pass on the happy news to all.
Like the saying goes, I'm certifiably legal now, not legally certifiable... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Cheers all
DotD

Grats!

Congrats on the PAL!

I don't know what your primary use for this rifle will be, or whether or not you will be able to buy more than one, but if you are looking for an all arounder that you can count on ALWAYS I would highly suggest trying to find a nice Model 70 Winchester. When I say Model 70 I mean control round feed Model 70, and not one of the push feed model 70 that they made for a few years. Not that there is anything wrong with the push feeds, but if you are going to buy a Model 70 you might as well get the "Real Deal". The original Model 70s are called pre 64's, and they will be a little on the $$$$$ side, but you should be able to find a newer Model 70 Classic which is the re-release of the CRF action Model 70 that won't break the bank.

As for caliber choice, well, here's where everybody will give you their opinion and their's will always be the best...LOL! If you are looking for "One-Rifle" do-it-all set up I would suggest one of the .300 mags. My personal fav is the .300 Win Mag simply because ammo is easy to find if you don't reload, and recoil is mild for a belted magnum. In the non magnum class the 30.06 is always a classic stand by as is the .270Win. A couple of my personal favs are the .280Rem and the .308Win.

If you decide to go the lever action route I would suggest looking at the Marlin 1895 series rifles chambered in 45-70. They can be had in anything from 18.5-22" barrels and a few different configurations. I have a couple of them that I hog hunt with and they are they slickest, fastest handling little rifles you can imagine. That carry great in a saddle scabbard and when chambered in 45-70 you will never be under gunned.

Gratz!

It's thread like this that makes me feel how lucky I am to be in America. No license needed to buy rifles(including semi-auto). and we allow concealed carry here too.

I would start out small if money is a concern. something like a .22? Dirt cheap ammo means you can shoot all day with spare change.

my DO-it-all rifle would be the AR15. I'm not sure if you can own one over there tho..

Congrats on the PAL, DotD. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like a very complicated process to have to go through... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" />

Happy hunting... for the rifle that is. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Congrats!!! Another fellow Canadian gun owner. I myself am on a firearms purchasing "BREAK" After the first 50 guns.....It gets a little harder to figure out which one you need next. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info Tolly,

I'm a lefty, so a bolt action is going to cost me more than regular unless I can
find a good used one. Like you mentioned, the bank is the primary concern on this.

I'm primarily going to be using it for predator protection when I go fishing.
Not really a hunter (wife is a vegan vegetarian, so no red meat at home.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> )
I like to fish though, and most of my fishing happens in bear country.

I agree with you on the Marlins.
Marlin has a 1895G Guide lever action in .45/70 with an 18.5" barrel, which
looks like it would be perfect for my needs.
Also, I was looking at the Mossberg shotguns. A shotgun with slugs would offer
me good solid bear protection. Mossberg sells their 12 gauge 500 Persuaders in
a combo unit (28" and 18.5" interchangeable barrels).
Cabellas Canada has some good deals on Marlin's, and also on Mossberg

Like I said, my primary concern would be protection from bears.
Not really keen on being eaten if you know what I mean. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Cheers

Bramel,

50 guns!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />
I'm just a babe in the woods compared to you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Remington 870 Express.

Good for bears and bad guys.

Here's my gun.

Good for you, congrats.

newDOGma,

That's a nice one, I've been thinking about a shotgun for awhile, but just might get me another semi-auto pistol, a .45ACP this time around.

a Shotgun will be my choice if its gonna be use for bear protection. a 12G remington 870 will do the job.

a bit off topic but can you guys own semi-auto pistol in Canada?

You will love the 1895G Marlin if you decide to go that route. I own an 1895G and a 22" barrel 1895 and I love both of them. The 1895G is so quick handling and natural pointing. If you are recoil sensitive put one of the Limbsaver recoil pads by SVL on it and your kids can shoot it. I can't say enough about these rifles.

The shotgun would edge out the Marlin if you were also going to use it as a self defense type of weapon. The combo deals where you can buy either the Mossberg 500/590 or Remington 870 with two barrels(an 18.5-20"&26-28") are definitely the way to go if you buy a shotgun. That will basically give you two guns.