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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Taking a rifle into Canada (Read 1217 times)
Bulseyetom
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #15 - Oct 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm
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I have sent an inquiry to the Canadian Customs explaining how my rifle never had a serial number and is at least 130 years old with ammo that was obsolete 50 years ago.  Will report on their reply if I get one.  I have other old rifles with serial numbers but I really like a Rolling Block.  Other choices would be my Hepburn in 40-70 SS, my Borchardt in 30/40 Ackley Improved, a High Wall in 30-40 or even a Model 94 in 38-55.  My biggest problem is if I will be able to get out of bed in another year!   Grin  Tom
  
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RJ-35-40
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #16 - Oct 2nd, 2026 at 10:33am
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While I avoid going into Canada with any Fire Arms I also AVOID, New York, MA., N.J. etc. 

At least in America we have some constitutional protections. 
As we all know, any entity, company or government agency is only as good as the local representative. Ignoring the terminally stupid autocrats is a challenge. 

Recently I got fined $1,000.00 for mowing weeds on some home building lots I own. The county official that imposed the 'penalty', she' told me it was for environmental reasons. How is it that routine maintenance is an infraction. No trees, Just WEEDS. 
Good grief. Now it will cost more for the lawyers than the fine.

We need to strip qualified immunity for government players and make them personally liable for stupid, unjustified impositions on our liberties. 

Whew, sorry for the rant..

Bulseyetom wrote on Oct 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm:
I have sent an inquiry to the Canadian Customs explaining how my rifle never had a serial number and is at least 130 years old with ammo that was obsolete 50 years ago.  Will report on their reply if I get one.  I have other old rifles with serial numbers but I really like a Rolling Block.  Other choices would be my Hepburn in 40-70 SS, my Borchardt in 30/40 Ackley Improved, a High Wall in 30-40 or even a Model 94 in 38-55.  My biggest problem is if I will be able to get out of bed in another year!   Grin  Tom

  
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RBKenn
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #17 - Oct 2nd, 2026 at 5:55pm
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I am with Marlin Guy on this one.  They don't know an assembly number from anything else.  Use the assembly number on the Receiver Tang.

  
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DognIguana
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #18 - Oct 2nd, 2026 at 7:37pm
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Hi,

Good idea reaching out to the CBSA. Regarding your serial number question the Firearms Act has a bit of leeway in that it lists a requirement for a "serial number, if any" ( (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)). I used to work in government and GoC policy is that the online version of any laws and regulations is the valid reference. 

On a side note, bring along some locks for your rifle case or a trigger lock and make sure they are in place before you cross the border. Same with ammunition; I use an old ammo can with a hasp.

Good luck.

Chuck
  
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rr2241tx
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #19 - Oct 4th, 2026 at 12:14pm
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DognIguana wrote on Oct 2nd, 2026 at 7:37pm:
... GoC policy is that the online version of any laws and regulations is the valid reference.

 
Trusting Chuck, I looked up the Canadian temporary import requirements online. Seems to me that the rules haven't really changed in any meaningful way. This topic really caught my eye because there's a 45-100 Ballard I want to take hunting in BC. The ammunition limit appears to be 200 cartridges for each rifle, which should be adequate for a hunt. One could wish that TSA and the airlines were as open about transportation requirements.
  
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RJ-35-40
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #20 - Oct 4th, 2026 at 1:25pm
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RE: " One could wish that TSA and the airlines were as open about transportation requirements. "
Rules are published on line.

I fly frequently with both hand guns and rifles.

Must be 18 years old

American Airlines requires all firearms to be completely unloaded and locked inside a hard-sided container in checked baggage, and declared in person at the airport ticket counter during check-In

Rifles-- Checked luggage, Locked case (American says 2 locks but if the center can be opened just a little a third lock is required. The rationale given to me was that if you can squeeze your hand in the case while locked at both ends it's not approved. 
Unloaded of course.
Ammo -- Checked luggage in original packaging, NOT bulk bags. 

Per TSA:
Firearms and parts must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported in checked baggage only. Certain firearm parts, including firearm frames and receivers, are prohibited in all carry-on baggage.

All firearms, and certain firearms parts as described in the Federal Register, must be declared at the airline ticket counter during the check-in process. Ammunition does not need to be declared but must be securely packaged in checked baggage.  Replica firearms may be transported in checked baggage only.


Keep in mind the airlines hire ANYBODY so baggage handling is at best a risk. Put a Air TAG in the case. In general terms the airline employees know that laws regarding fire arm's bring Federal Consequences. 
« Last Edit: Oct 7th, 2026 at 2:56pm by RJ-35-40 »  
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DognIguana
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #21 - Oct 5th, 2026 at 7:38pm
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US hunters traveling to Canada to hunt particularly BC, AB and SK) is a fairly common thing so the CBSA agents are up to speed on the regulations. Declare up front and you should have no issue at all.

  
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Bulseyetom
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #22 - Oct 7th, 2026 at 1:20pm
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I heard back from the Canadian Officials and they stated that all decisions are up to the Border Crossing Agent.  Basically, you best have a rifle with a serial number to make sure that you can import it!  I guess that means my Rollers stay home and I take my Hepburn if I decide to hunt.  Not the end of the world at all.  Tom
  
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RJ-35-40
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Re: Taking a rifle into Canada
Reply #23 - Oct 7th, 2026 at 1:38pm
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Thanks Tom….

“Up to the border crossing agent”

I rest my case your honor.
=================

In my youth I was charter pilot.

Normally we would clear customs at airports that served smaller planes.
The Bahamas was a frequent destination. Numerous islands, numerous customs and immigration personnel numerous personalities.

I kept a journal of each customs individual in the Bahamas.
What they liked etc. , There was always two big boxes of Dunkin' Donuts for not only the officials but the ground personnel.

If I was going over empty, I'd call ahead and take requests for anything they needed from Wall Mart, Publix, etc. Everything from Blue Jeans to baby diapers to specific foods. They would pay for what they ordered, so it wasn't free mind you but what it paid in return in expedited handling was priceless. 

Unfortunately the number of 'wildcards' in the US and Canada was and still is unpredictable. 


Bulseyetom wrote on Oct 7th, 2026 at 1:20pm:
I heard back from the Canadian Officials and they stated that all decisions are up to the Border Crossing Agent.  Basically, you best have a rifle with a serial number to make sure that you can import it!  I guess that means my Rollers stay home and I take my Hepburn if I decide to hunt.  Not the end of the world at all.  Tom

« Last Edit: Oct 8th, 2026 at 5:53pm by RJ-35-40 »  
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