Possible Canadian Airsofter

[DrJackal]

I've been a lurker for quite some time now, but up to this point haven't posted, but now I have a few serious questions about what my situation will be in the next couple years.

I'm a seventeen year old airsoft who, as of right now, lives in Kentucky, a state with some of the most lax gun laws known to man. This creates a pretty laid back atmosphere for airsoft, but we still take all the precautions we have, using only private land, contacting authorities, etc. Anyways because I have dual citizenship (dad's Canadian) I may be going to university in Canada, probably either Montreal or Ottawa, next fall. By rummaging around the FAQ and forums in general it seems pretty apparent that I'll be able to import everything I have gear, accessory and part wise, but not my AEGs or GBBs. This is dissappointing largely due to the time I've put into each one's upgrades, but I guess it's not possible to get around. What would you suggest for someone in my situation? Just "gut" my gun's internals, then buy a similar AEG once I'm settled in Canada?

On another note is airsofting in college even feasible. Take into consideration that I'll definitely be living in dorms for atleast the first year and will come into the country knowing nearly no one. I'd have to store the majority of my kit with a fellow airsofter as I'm assuming, like most dorms, that replica firearms will be seriously frowned upon. Not only that, but since I'll be such a far way from home it's not feasible for me to bring or purchase a car. Is my situation hopeless?

Please take into account that I won't be moving for atleast a year and that's if I do end up going at all, but I want to get as much information as I can. Afterall there's probably little point buying more guns if I can't use them one year from now.

Thanks for any input you can offer and sorry about the long winded post.

[Rukus]

The gut your rifles idea might work, or see if someone who has an importers license will bring them in for you, but that will cost some serious cash. In Canada to buy or even to legally own an airsoft rifle you need to be 18+. So it's going to be hit an miss.

As for Airsoft rifles in your dorm, lol, wouldn't try it just in case. You could just start making contacts via these forums. Find out who lives in and around that area and just start building a contact base. You'll be gaming with them in no time. Good luck to you. There is definately someone here that will have better ideas for yah.

[DrJackal]

I'll be well over 18 by the time I move so that's one problem out of the way atleast. As far as dismantling my AEGs how far would I have to go do you think? For example I have two AUGs, one stock, one upgraded. Could I take their accessories, gearboxes and barrels over the border so I dont have to reupgrade and then just buy a stock gun and switch them out?

[kalnaren]

What Rukus said, gutting your guns may be doable. Honestly, if you just put aside say $1000 CAD for airsoft, you can get yourself a good gun kit new since you already have all the other stuff. Also, you may want to look into getting age verified and buy a used gun off the forums here once you're in Canada. Could be a nice, cheap way to get yourself a gun.

I'm currently in college in Peterborough, and as for the dorm thing, DO NOT store your guns in residence. Due to events that have happened at Canadian colleges (the recent one in Montreal, for example) having a replica gun in residence is a big-no-no. You have to remember the gun culture here in Canada is WAY different than it is in the United States. People here don't like guns, not at all. The other thing you have to keep in mind is the other people living in the dorm with you -you might be perfectly able to store the gun no problem, but there will be times you'll be away from your room and your door won't be locked. Yea, drunk college idiots + unlocked room + automatic rifle = jail time for you.

One of my friends who lives in residence just stores his gun at my place. Start making contacts now, talk to people, when you get to Canada go to some games. Maybe rent a couple of guns at first. I'm sure you'll make some friends who wouldn't mind storing your gun for you if/when you do actually get one.

[Greylocks]

To save yourself from any grief, dont bring in anything except your camos and face-protection.

If you go to Montreal, in Residence, you're probably SOL after what happened at Dawson College this past summer. I would not even think of having military related stuff in a Quebec university.

Ottawa? About the same problem, possibly worse since it's the seat of government. Political correctness here is insane.

On the plus side, both cities have active player groups.

For getting a gun here, the suggestions you got are sound.

[DrJackal]

Even if storing replicas in residenc was ok rule wise I'd probably still wouldn't do it due to the space issue, I'm just happy to hear that this is starting to sound feasible. As far as player wise both Montreal and Ottawa are pretty developed though? Looks I'm going to have to start making friends .

[Greylocks]

Look in the Teams sections of the forum to start to meet folks. Events are divided by province. Same for places to play.

I'm not talking about just the gun, but also the rest of the stuff; military gear, clothes, etc. That can, and will, give you the kind of attention you really dont need.

So someone local would have to keep pretty much everything for you, or you arrange to live off-residence, off-campus.

You might need access to a car. Most of the playing areas are rarely where public transportation is available.

[kalnaren]

Well, Greylocks might be right about Colleges/Unis in the Montreal and Ottawa areas, but I doubt it's that bad. Having just lived in residence for a year and a half, I can tell you most people arn't going to be that anal about military outfits (camos, etc.).

Grey, it's actually not as uncommon as you might think, for people to have that stuff in residence.

[DrJackal]

Yeah I guess finding a place to store gear and guns as well as transportation to games will have to take priority over actually getting reestablished AEG wise once I'm across the border.

[attack-beaver]

if i remember some police stations will store your guns for you i think i dunno if they still do it. could be another way like whats safer then a police station?

[Greylocks]

Some places might not be that anal, but it would suck to find out the hard way instead of simply storing everything elsewhere.

He can also contact the University in question.

[DarkAngel]

Hmm, im going in a college dorm in september, and i had intended to keep my airsoft rifle packed away in my dorm, in locked case with proper canadian guns storage laws. Nowhere does it say in my dorm contract that i cant keep my stuff there. Now, i have a whole dorm to myself, nor do i get myself drunk, so i dont think i should have any problems, no? My understanding of airsoft law from Brian at TTAC3 is that i could theoretically walk into mcdonalds with it as long as it was locked in a case (Im not stupid enough to try obviously, but if there is anyone who is XD PM me and tell me how it went)

Also, my understanding is that its illegal to buy and sell airsoft guns PERIOD,
However its not illegal to own. (yes i know the irony of "Period," followed by a comma)

[freewheelin4eva]

I just wanted to say ah Kentucky "where education pays" I lived in Harlen for a couple of years. I miss that place so much. left my P99 there too.

[kalnaren]

Originally Posted by DarkAngel

Hmm, im going in a college dorm in september, and i had intended to keep my airsoft rifle packed away in my dorm, in locked case with proper canadian guns storage laws. Nowhere does it say in my dorm contract that i cant keep my stuff there. Now, i have a whole dorm to myself, nor do i get myself drunk, so i dont think i should have any problems, no? My understanding of airsoft law from Brian at TTAC3 is that i could theoretically walk into mcdonalds with it as long as it was locked in a case (Im not stupid enough to try obviously, but if there is anyone who is XD PM me and tell me how it went)

Also, my understanding is that its illegal to buy and sell airsoft guns PERIOD,
However its not illegal to own. (yes i know the irony of "Period," followed by a comma)

I wouldn't do that. Seriously. I guarantee you that there is something in your dorm contract that says you can't store firearms there. And while an airsoft gun isn't technically a firearm, you think the people who run the rez are going to make that distinction? And as I stated before, you have to remember the other people in rez. I had my own dorm room too, and never got drunk (or really drank at all) in rez, and I would still never store my gun in rez. Ever.

[Karma]

Originally Posted by kalnaren

I wouldn't do that. Seriously. I guarantee you that there is something in your dorm contract that says you can't store firearms there. And while an airsoft gun isn't technically a firearm, you think the people who run the rez are going to make that distinction? And as I stated before, you have to remember the other people in rez. I had my own dorm room too, and never got drunk (or really drank at all) in rez, and I would still never store my gun in rez. Ever.

yeah, so you used my house... everyone did, the house had guns everywhere.....