u/Flat-Dark-Earth

I know that it’s easy to drown in all of the doom and gloom that this hobby has become since 2020, but there are still a handful of things to look forward to.

1. Both the Makasi and Carmel coming to market this summer.
2. The Browning BAR D

BM arrives this fall.

3. The L85A1 was recently approved so the lab isn’t completely lost.

4. Ammo prices are down since peak COVID. currently seeing $0.55 223 and $0.30 9mm.

The SKS has also survived another high profile shooting.

The CCFR Supreme Court challenge appears to have placed a stalemate on the government where no further prohibitions will be implemented until we know the decision of the courts.

What else is coming down the pipeline to look forward to?

Happy Canada Day.

Canada does have a history of producing small arms, well before the WK180.

What’s your favourite Canadian made rifle? How many Canadian made rifles are in your collection?

I’ll throw out the obvious choice, the Long Branch No. 4 MK I Lee Enfield. I’m hoping to pick up on of these this summer.

View Poll

With the 2026 Census now wrapped up I am wondering how the numbers will play out for the North in 2026.

in 2021 the total population was 789,519 with many areas seeing population stagnation or decline, however overall the Region was slightly up from 2016 (780,140).

The only CMA's that saw slight growth were Thunder Bay, North Bay and Greater Sudbury.

Sault St. Marie, Timmins and Kenora all saw decline.

What do we think has happened since 2021? I know there was a huge push in the near north for those moving up from the GTA (~2022/2023) but many of those have have since return home..

I assume we will continue to see the hollowing out of the smallest single tier communities while more people pack up for one of the larger communities or leave the Region entirely.

Hasn’t updated since last November, going on over 6 months now. They used to consistently update every 1-2 months.

Any clue if the site is still being managed? There appears to be quite a few changes happening behind the scenes with new rifle approvals in recent months, specifically new NR semi autos.

Would be great to get an update, anytime now..

Whether it was because the model ceased being produced, it was OIC’d the night before or a gunpost deal that fell through.

What’s your one firearm that got away?

If the goal was to set yourself up for success balancing employment opportunities and the COL, which cities would make your short list?

Places that offer career opportunities to make 6 figures and detached homes in the $500,000-$600,000 range.

Would anything in ON or BC make the cut?

Our government appears to be motioning ever closer ties with the European Union. While the idea of full membership is being thrown around, I think it would be more likely that Canada established a EU deal similar to what Norway or Switzerland currently have.

What would this deal look like between Canada and the EU? Would we join the EEC? The EEA? The Schengen Zone? Free trade?

There seemed to be quite the exodus of people leaving the GTA and similar for smaller towns or rural living during the pandemic due to the push for work from home and lower cost of living.

If you were one that made the move, how did it work out? Where did you move to?

Are you still in the same situation with WFH? How did you find the adjustment?

With the recent two surprises that were both given NR status, I am wondering if there are any more waiting in the queue that could potentially see the same. Is this list published anywhere?

With the changes to the law, what was the cutoff that they had to be submitted to the lab by, 2024?

I see that there have been CANZUK topics here going back a decade with those that support and oppose the idea voicing their opinions.

Has CANZUK gained or lost traction in recent years in New Zealand?

Has the onset of Trump or general uncertainty in the world today pushed you in the direction of supporting CANZUK?

What are your thoughts/concerns surrounding a CANZUK Union, do you think it would be a net positive for NZ?