Matrix Reloaded Heckler & Koch UMP-45 COPE RIFLE. Contrast and compare the Canadian Cope H&K G36 (10/22) versus the Matrix Reloaded H&K.

Going through the US import process for a 22LR pistol (FN 502 Tactical). What red dot optic should I get for it?

Step 1: Request exemption letter from provincial association via a form (BC in this case and you specify the exact make and model). This varies by province and the federal association has very strict and onerous requirements so not recommended. Never fired a gun ever and got the exemption letter. It's a promise to train for the 25m pistol discipline at the range. You can't really train without getting a pistol first, right? Makes sense. This can take a few weeks or a month or two to get the letter. It's straightforward to get this letter in BC and apparently AB but hard in Ontario.

Step 2: Find inventory or an importer (IRUNGUNS US store in this case). This is the hardest part because you will not find good new inventory in Canada for pistols. Pretty much means you have to import from the USA to get what you want.

Step 3: Wait for import processing and shipping. In this case IRUNGUNS does all the paperwork, permits, customs clearance, and ships the thing from the US store to the Canadian warehouse and then to the customer. I don't know all the details but as I said don't need to since they handle all the paperwork and logistics from the US store (Arizona) to the Canadian store (Alberta). The import and shipping process can take a good 2 months. All I did was order what I wanted from the US store inventory which is huge and then upload the required documents (RPAL, ID, exemption letter) to the Canadian store account profile and via email.

I contacted many Canadian stores and none had new pistol inventory and definitely not what I was looking for so looks like importing was the only option.

Once this process completes and everything is good, I will think about getting a second pistol, maybe a Browning Black Label 1911-22 Medallion .22 LR. Always wanted a 1911. Any other 22LR pistol recommendations? I don't like the way Ruger looks so probably no Rugers. Maybe a Walther or Taurus? The limitation on no barrels under 4.17” definitely limits the options. I believe it also needs to have adjustable sights or an optic mount for the exemption but not entirely sure on this point (maybe any 22LR with iron sights is good to go).

EXAMPLE: The PROVINCIAL Governing body in BC -- BRITISH COLUMBIA TARGET SPORTS ASSOCIATION

The BRITISH COLUMBIA TARGET SPORTS ASSOCIATION is a registered, non-profit amateur sports organization that is the Sport Governing Body for Target Shooting in B.C., representing and serving Rifle and Pistol target shooters throughout the province. The membership consists of individuals and clubs interested in furthering the target sports as a safe, recreational and competitive sport and to improve the public acceptance of target shooting sports. The disciplines we cover are Silhouette, Air Rifle, Smallbore Rifle and all Pistol shooting.

The sport sets no limits for those who are involved. Some want only an hour or so of recreation per week while others seek Olympic Gold Medals.

Handgun Transfer Exemption

The ability to transfer (and therefore purchase, inherit) Handguns was suspended in Bill C-21.  Many of us are concerned about the survival of our sport.

Within that legislation is the following clause:

Exception — handguns

97.1 Sections 12.2 and 19.1 do not apply in respect of an individual who:

>a)     holds an authorization to carry in respect of a handgun; or
b)    meets the prescribed criteria and provides a letter to a chief firearms officer from a provincial or national sport shooting governing body indicating:
(i)     that they are training, competing or coaching in a handgun shooting discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,
(ii)  the disciplines in which they train, compete or coach, and
c)     that the handgun in question is necessary for training, competing or coaching in those disciplines.

BC Target Sports Association is that Provincial sport shooting governing body in BC.

What this means, is that if you are training, competing, or coaching in an Olympic or Paralympic discipline using Handguns, BCTSA can provide an exemption allowing you to purchase appropriate handguns.  Generally, this means .22 caliber pistols.  You are not expected to be proficient or competitive, just wishing to train in the sport.  We offer this to all BCTSA members, including the members of Affiliated Clubs.

Over the summer of 2023, BCTSA met with the Chief Firearms Officer for BC and worked out a process for this exemption. In order to request an exemption letter, BCTSA asks that you fill out a request letter and email it. BCTSA will then generate the exemption request from there. The process may take a bit of time, depending on the details, but should, generally, be quite quick on our end.

Acceptable Firearms are generally .22 calibre.  Entry level handguns are acceptable, as are the more expensive, competition quality handguns.

Requirements for 25m Pistol:

Trains for handgun shooting in a discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,

OR

Coaches a handgun discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee,

OR

Competes in a handgun discipline that is on the programme of the International Olympic Committee or the International Paralympic Committee

Remember guys, there is a handgun ban!