Chris,
No offence taken at all (if worried about that)
I agree with you, that we should not HAVE to worry about "modifying" firearm parts to satisfy stupid gun laws, but the fact remains that we DO need to be law-abiding citizens and follow the rules of the law.
We all know that laws are open to the interpretation of lawyers/judges, and what is allowed to pass as a dewat is at the whim of what the RCMP deems they could "reactivate", but by my mind it's better to err on the side of caution. Interpreting laws as they pertain to firearms usually leans towards the negative side of things, whether we like it or not. It's not fear-mongering, rather stating fact.
I'm not suggesting Jordan cut the barrel in four pieces, replace a section of barrel with PVC and paint it pink, but permanent modification done to an artifact that has no cosmetic effect on said item...I don't see where the huge issue is. Difference of opinion Chris, I'm sure.
Jordan, rather than taking the advice of all the "experts" on the forum (myself included) why not contact the CFC
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/default_e.asp, or the local CFO (chief firearms officer)
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/compliance...st_e.asp?PC=ON and ask the people most directly involved in it, either by phone or e-mail. And if they say you can have it, make sure to get it in writing...I'm sure we'd all be quite interested to see what is said.
Oh, and while you're browsing around the CFC site, why not check out
http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/compliance...contacts_e.asp to inquire about taking your firearms course
Tim