ontario mounting rules

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by machelko

Does anyone know the official rules and regulations for mounting and displaying deactivated firearms on historical military vehicles in Ontario. My understanding is that once a gun has been deactivated it is no longer considered a firearm and basically just a piece of metal and wood. I also thought that because they have been deactivated properly, they aren't considered replicas or movie props. Any insight would be great for us that want to mount such items on parade vehicles.

Interesting how the thread diverged from a question to a vehement agreement between likeminded fellows.

I was advised by the local OMVA leader that any deactivated firearms have to be treated like live firearms in public. That is to say, nothing left unattended or unlocked. That prevents simple theft. When the owner has to lug a rifle or smg or lmg on the shoulder all day long, the thrill of ownership loses some of its lustre.

My M38A1 has the GPMG base and mount, and I want a display visual imitation for rebuild accuracy. There is no way I can justify (pfft!) a dewat M1919. Perversely the laws about "replica" firearms complicate the effort. Something black and heavy with a hand-shaped on the back end, a rectangular rear block and a holed tube front end, might be all I can get away with.

FWIW, in the late '70s and early '80s we had zippered canvas covers for our GPMGs. There is legal jurisprudance that a rifle in a rifle case can't be considered a concealed firearm. So there is a hide in plain sight might be a legally defensible option for displaying dewat firearms.

[Harry Moon]

I agree that when and where is very important. I've done a lot of displays at a lot of different venues both with and for either our Arms collectors Society or our MV club. Whenever firearms be they Live, dewat or replica I recomend dropping a line to the local constabulary via public events liason, a heads up courtesy call, and depending on the curcumctances nieghbors and local bussiness prevents as well, this helps prevent trouble. We have the right to do things but quite frankley In most cases we are middle class white guys who would have to pay for our own lawyers up against some lieberal who is working on our unlimited tax dollars.
Now I know the discussion has been about Dewats on Mv's but I have also been involved in demo's with blanks and events at ranges and despite a lot of planning and preperation things can still go wrong and generate adverse reactions. Something about putting the Pacific fleet and a number of Japanese Warships on alert should be considered an adverse reaction to be avoided

[Seatyger]

Machelko- Please don't misinterpret anything I have posted as a poke at you. You have actually raised a very legitimate question. I believe it is important that the Whole of the MV Community becomes educated and aware.

The collective knowledge of the Members of this Forum is staggering. However, like many things, before you get an answer; the question has to be asked.

The responses so far have been interesting to say the least.

[machelko]

I appreciate all of the input and info. Being somewhat new to the MVP, it is always good to hear many different types of feedbacks from personal experiences.
As I had pretty much decided before I started this thread, it is best to play it smart with whatever you do regarding MV and dewats. As I had mentioned in the beginning, we are talking about parades and shows, not shopping at the supermall, or cruising the strip for chicks.
My understanding with most historical firearms, they had the options of hard cases and boxes, or canvas covers. To me, that seems like an easy fix. Out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps if its mounted ontop of a jeep, but with the matching canvas cover, might be OK when driving to destination. Also, getting to know your local authorities is a good thing. When they understand what you have, and have seen it, sometimes they don't mind you dropping their name if you get in a bind elsewhere. Providing your not breaking rules.
In the end, we are trying to preserve the history, not have it confiscated and melted to make cheap wrenches.

[machelko]

Hello gentlemen

Recieved this info direct from RCMP, may help a bit.
Dan

** High Priority **
Thank you for your correspondence.

Firearms are exempt from the requirements of the Firearms Act if theRegistrar of Firearms is satisfied that the firearms have been madeincapable of discharging projectiles that can cause serious injury ordeath and therefore, no longer meet the definition of a firearm.

The Registrar has developed new guidelines to ensure that firearms aresufficiently modified to be exempt from the definition of a firearm.Businesses and individuals whose firearms have been deactivatedaccording to the guidelines are protected from criminal liability forpossessing those firearms without a valid licence or registrationcertificate.

The regulations pertaining to the safe storage and transportation offirearms do not apply to firearms that have been deregistered due todeactivation. It remains important, however, to store and transport themsafely to deter loss or theft.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us bye-mail or call our office at 1-800-731-4000.

Thank you.
Richard, FSD Communications
RCMP Canadian Firearms Program
1-800-731-4000www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp

[Hans Mulder]

Essentially, a dewat is no longer classified or treated as a firearm, unless you do something stupid with it...like point it at someone, hold up your local 7-11, etc

IE: it is not ILLEGAL to mount a dewat of any sort on an MV and go for a drive. However, I will agree, it may not always be prudent to do so...

[Jordan Baker]

Did you ask him if the deactivated firearms are still considered as "non guns" ? Thats the important part for your own safety.