Since the abolition of the arguably unnecessary long-gun registry earlier this year in February, it is easy to see that sales and purchase of long-guns has become much less of a hassle for licensed gun owners.
All one needs to do is simply take a look on eBrandon.com classifieds to see dozens of hunting rifles or shotguns being sold by the owner, a sight not seen even a year ago.
"I have noticed a significantly increasing interest in firearms licensing," said Greg Steele, a firearms instructor in Brandon and man very involved in the world of legal firearms.
"It's safe to assume there will be a continued growth in interest now that the new convenience is there." Before the law was abolished, if a person had a firearms license, they were able to buy, sell, or trade weapons between people with an equal license. A unique registration number was created when purchasing a gun, and if a person wanted to sell they could initiate the transfer either on their own or through a business. But before the transfer was completed, there had to be a mandatory conversation between the registering body, the purchaser, and the vendor. At this point, the registration would be satisfied that the parties involved all check out properly, and the sale could be approved. The entire process took roughly 30 minutes, according to Steele, but occasionally it would be reviewed at a second level.
While non-hunting weapons, such as handguns, still require a registration process, hunting weapons such as rifles and most shotguns no longer do.
Now, everyone still requires a firearms license to have a gun in their possession, but it does not require a registration process to transfer the weapon. "When I talk to my contacts looking to sell guns, I recommend people are still satisfied that the purchaser has a firearms acquisition license," said Steele. "For example, if someone has, say, 25 rifles or shotguns through the years, and decides they want to sell, I tell them to get a receipt book to keep track of where they are being sold. Write down the address, phone number, license number and expiry date, and that's all. The seller would be covered with just that information. So there could certainly be more private firearms sales thanks to the new convenient transfer. People don't need to wait in line to deal with the government, and because of that I've been seeing a growing trend of people getting involved in the training programs. I've been finding that the number of people registering for courses is growing more and more each year." Obtaining a firearms license still requires several steps. A potential license-holder must show proof of completion of the firearms education training course, an eight-hour course that includes a written and handling test open to anyone 12-years-old or older. Once a person is a legal adult at age 18, they can apply for a possession/acquisition license, which allows not only the ownership of firearms, but also allows the purchase of new ones. Applying for the possession/acquisition license requires identification, an interview process that includes questions regarding job loss, divorce, mental conditions, criminal charges or convictions, and living conditions. Applicants must also provide two character references who have known them for at least three years.
"The interview goes forward in all cases," said Steele. "There will be police record checks and interviews with both references. It is quite in-depth."
The application process takes a minimum of 45 days from date of application.
While it is now easier to transfer ownership of a gun, Steele says it is a necessity that some requirements, such as the possession/acquisition license, stay in place.
"You wouldn't climb into a semi trailer and drive it down the highway without proper qualifications," he said. "Purchasing a potential weapon should be no different."
"Our lawful citizens are already taking the training, and at an increasing rate as people come back to shooting sports," Steele continued.
"The removal of the long gun registry was a positive step. If you don't have a license, you still can't legally have a gun. I think firearms ownership is at a reasonable balance of requirements."