I'm getting close to uploading 600 videos now over on the Replica Airguns Vimeo channel, so there are bound to be a lot of similar questions and popular discussions. In this Replica Airguns Vimeo Video I address what I feel are my Top 10 Most Common Airgun Questions and Discussions.
I thought I would post this video of my recent Victoria Cup Men's Physique Fitness Contest for my Airgun fans that are also interested in what I am doing over on my fitness related YouTube Channel and Website GetFitOver40.com.
Don't worry - More Airgun videos coming next week when I get back from my trip.
This Article and Video expresses my views and opinions on this matter and should not be taken as legal advice.
Main points covered:
Uncontrolled Firearms do not require a Firearms License within Canada to own and operate.
What is an Uncontrolled Airgun and Airsoft Gun?
What is an Uncontrolled Blank Gun / Starter Pistols?
What about Fully Automatic Airguns and Airsoft Guns?
What about Replica Guns?
NOTE: Controlled Firearms require a POL (Possession Only License) , PAL (Possession Acquisition License) or R-PAL (Restricted Possession Acquisition License) within Canada to own and operate.
Firearm – a barreled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barreled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a firearm.
“Uncontrolled”firearms are those devices that, although falling within the definition of a firearm in the Criminal Code, are exempt from specific legal requirements of the Firearms Act and its regulations, as well as from other legislative provisions. “Uncontrolled” firearms should not be subdivided into any of the non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited classes. The following types of firearms are deemed “uncontrolled”:
Flare, blank, rivet and industrial guns: Any device that is designed exclusively for signaling, for notifying of distress, or for firing blank cartridges or for firing stud cartridges, explosive-driven rivets or other industrial projectiles, provided that the importer intends to use it only for the purpose for which it is designed.
NOTE: (Toy guns and starter pistols do not generally qualify as firearms. However, some toy or model guns and starter pistols may be designed with very realistic mechanisms or appearances (e.g., color, size, scale, translucency) and resembling a real make and model of a firearm. In such cases, they may be considered replica firearms even if they are made of plastic, die cast zinc, or other material.)
Low muzzle velocity/energy guns: Any barreled weapon that is not designed or adapted to discharge projectiles at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 meters per second (500 feet per second) and at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules, or to discharge projectiles that are designed or adapted to attain a velocity exceeding 152.4 meters per second (500 feet per second) and an energy exceeding 5.7 Joules. Both thresholds of 152.4 mps and 5.7 Joules must be exceeded for the firearm to be considered “controlled”. This requirement exempts firearms that fire below the threshold velocity with a standard projectile, but exceed the threshold velocity when fired with a high-velocity projectile.
Airsoft guns and certain types of paintball guns or markers may qualify as a replica firearm, if the muzzle velocity of the projectile does not cause serious bodily harm and their external features are clearly designed to resemble a specific and readily identifiable make and model of a firearm. To be considered a firearm, within the meaning of the Criminal Code, an airsoft gun must have a muzzle velocity in excess of 111.6 meters per second (366 feet per second).
NOTE: This memorandum used to state when using a .20 gram BB but does not specify this BB weight anymore?
NOTE: The term air gun is a colloquial term referring to BB or pellet guns. Such guns operate either as spring- powered, gas-powered, or electrically powered. If the muzzle velocity of the air gun is less than 152.4 mps (500 fps)/5.7 joules but still able to cause serious bodily injury to a person, it may be considered an “uncontrolled” firearm. Airsoft guns and certain types of paintball guns may qualify as a replica firearm (see paragraph 49 of this memorandum).
Replica firearms:
“Replica firearm” is defined as any device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, a firearm, and that itself is not a firearm, but does not include any such device that is designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm.
For a device to be a replica firearm it must meet all three requirements:
(a) it cannot be a firearm, meaning it does not discharge a projectile with sufficient energy to cause serious bodily injury or death to a person. If the device is a firearm, then it cannot be a replica firearm (and vice versa);
(b) it must resemble exactly, or with near precision, a real existing firearm of an identifiable make and model. With respect to visual examination, note that the maximum observing distance is one at which the equivalent make and model of the firearm can be identified. This distance will vary from one firearm make to the next. For example: A Luger pistol has a very distinctive silhouette as compared to other makes and is therefore more readily identified from further away. The examination of the object is something more than casual, but less than detailed. The device does not need to be so close that markings are identifiable; and
(c) it cannot be designed or intended to exactly resemble, or to resemble with near precision, an antique firearm.
1. Air guns that are "Controlled" Firearms for purposes of both the Firearms Act and the Criminal Code
These are air guns with both a high muzzle velocity (greater than 152.4 meters or 500 feet per second) and a high muzzle energy (greater than 5.7 joules or 4.2 foot-pounds). The "muzzle velocity" is the speed of a projectile at the instant it leaves the muzzle of a gun, normally expressed in meters per second or feet per second. The "muzzle energy" is the energy of a projectile at the instant it leaves the muzzle of a gun, expressed in joules or foot-pounds. Air guns need to meet both standards to be classified as "Controlled" firearms for purposes of the Firearms Act.
These high-powered air guns are subject to the same license and registration requirements as a conventional "Controlled" firearm. Owners and users are also required to store, transport, display and handle them safely in accordance with the regulations supporting the Firearms Act.
Usually, the manufacturer's specifications are used to determine what muzzle velocity and muzzle energy an air gun was designed to have. This information may be available in the user's manual or on the manufacturer's website. If the information is not available, individuals can call the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) at 1-800-731-4000 and ask to speak to a firearm technician to find out if the air gun is considered to be a firearm for purposes of the Firearms Act.
High-powered air rifles are generally classified as non-restricted firearms. However, the classification depends on the exact design of the air gun. Air rifles manufactured to resemble an assault rifle could be non-restricted, restricted or prohibited depending on the exact model imitated. High-powered air rifles would also be prohibited firearms if fully automatic or if they have a sawed-off barrel. They could also be restricted firearms if they have a folding stock that reduces the overall length to less than 660mm.
Additional thought on this subject: Even though Uncontrolled Firearms are not governed by the same laws that apply to Controlled Firearms within the Firearms act and do not need to be handled or stored similar in the same way you are required to handle, transport and store a Controlled Firearm, we need to treat our Uncontrolled Airguns, Airsoft Guns and Blank guns with care and go over and above what is expected when had handle, transport and store them.
I get asked about what cameras I use fairly often so a while back I made a video showing some of the cameras I used at that time. Since that video was made I have been using a newer pair of "HD Camera Glasses" called Pivothead Recons' which I really like and are very good quality and are perfect for that first person video camera angle.
In this video review, I show you around my pair of Pivothead Recon 1080p HD Camera Glasses and include some footage taken with them. I talk a bit about the specifications but have included the below specs right off of Pivothead's website to make sure it all gets covered:
OPTICS
4 ELEMENT GLASS LENS
Largan Glass Camera Lens
FOCUS
Recon'sContinuosFocus | Auto Focus: 4”- | Fixed focus: 2.8’ – | Macro 4”- 28”
FIELD OF VIEW
75 Degrees
IMAGE SENSOR
8MP Sony CMOS
RAM
2GB SDRAM
VIDEO
RESOLUTION
1080p@30fps | 720p@60fps | 720p@30fps
VIDEO FORMAT
Mp4 H.264
EXPOSURE
Auto | Bright | Dim
VIDEO OPTIONAL SETTING
Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp
AUDIO FORMAT
AAC MONO
44.1 kHz
PHOTO
IMAGE SIZE OPTIONS
8MP | 5MP | 3MP
BURST OPTIONS
16 Shot Stills | 10 Shot Stills | 5 Shot Stills | 3 Shot Stills
TIME LAPSE OPTION
1 Shot/1s | 1 Shot/30s | 4 Shots/8s
4 Shots/30s | 10 Shots/30s | 5 Shots/60s
FOCUS
Auto | Macro
EXPOSURE
Auto | Bright | Dim
ISO
Auto | 200 | 800 | 1600
PHOTO OPTIONAL SETTING
Black & White | Face Tracking | Time/Date Stamp
STORAGE
INTERNAL MEMORY
8GB
INTERFACE
USB CABLE
USB 2.0 Cable for Charging and Data Transfer
POWER
RECHARGEABLE
Rechargeable 3.7VLi-Polymer/440mAh
DC POWER
USB power via Micro USB, 5V DC 500mA
OPERATING SYSTEM
SYSTEM
Mac | PC | Android
PRE SET MODES
Active | Action Sport | Power Save
Spectator | Hands On (Macro) | Social | Black & White
CERTIFICATION
FCC | FDA | CE
Make sure to watch my Vimeo Video Review of the Pivothead Recon HD Video Glasses:
Sorry no guns in this adventure but in theory I could have brought a rifle as we where in areas where hunting and shooting are allowed. I was having too much fun on my ATV - Quad to think about shooting this time around ;)
I thought some or even many of you may enjoy this type of outdoors video, after all ATV's are just a lot of fun!
I picked up a pre-owned 2007 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO EFI a little while ago (for the farm of course) and this is my first real adventure with it.
The other ATV in this video is my friends 2006 Honda Rubicon 500, most of the time he was riding out in front as he is more experienced than I was.
This was my first ever real experience on an ATV (I have done some off road motorbike riding). You may want to skip ahead in the video to around the 25 minute mark where we get into some really narly stuff. Even though the head mounted camera does not show it, we where on some really steep grades with lots of ruts, mud, rocks and roots to navigate. We even end up riding through a bit of a swamp and river. Luckily we made it back up the hill as there was no other way out.
I hope you enjoy watching this video, I had fun making it for sure! Let me know if you want more of these types of videos down the road…
This is a much different review than I generally do but I have been using POV (Point Of View) or Action Cameras for some time now that I sometimes mount on my guns or myself for that first person style video angle. In the past I have been using an Innovations Drift HD170 Action Camera and an Oregon Scientific ATC9K HD Action Camera. I still have the Drift HD170 but the ATC9K went back to Costco because some of the plastic was starting to crack on it.
Let's turn the focus back to the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam, so why the "upgrade"? Well for one I had some extra play money because Costco gave me back all the money I spent when I returned the ATC9K. Of course there are a lot of other great cameras to choose from out there and I was considering one of the Hero based systems but the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam kind of caught my eye for a number of reasons.
One of the most intriguing features for me was the built in WiFi as it allows me to see what the camera sees by streaming the video to my iPhone in real time. Even with a built in video view finder on a camera, you still can not see the screen when the camera is mounted on your head, while a remote screen using WiFi to stream the video to another device like my iPhone lets me see exactly where the camera is pointed and also start and stop recording and even change some of the settings remotely.
After doing some online research and watching video samples of the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam in comparison with some other very good quality Action Cameras, it was clear to me that the sony had excellent video and audio recording capabilities and seemed to even beat the competition in low light situations.
Of course there where some Cons I had to consider but for me they where not a big deal:
Your best bet to really see what the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam can do is to watch my video review for it. I show you around the Sony HDR-AS15 and also sync it to my iPhone using the PlayMemories Mobile Smart Phone App so you can see how to pair it, start and stop recording all while viewing the streaming video on the iPhone's screen. I also show you how you can use the WiFi feature to copy pre-recorded video from the HDR-AS15 to a Smartphone using the PlayMemories Mobile Smart Phone App.
I end off my review by showing you some video samples I made in various shooting modes and situations playing around with my new Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam.
Checkout my Video Review of the Sony HDR-AS15 POV Action Cam:
Type: .22 caliber rifle.
Manufacturer:ISSC.
Model:MK22.
Materials: Metal & Polymer.
Weight: 6.5 pounds.
Barrel: 16 inches, metal rifled.
Propulsion: Gun Powder.
Action: Semi auto, single action.
Ammunition Type: .22LR caliber rimfire.
Ammunition Capacity: 22 round magazine.
FPS: 1,138 - 1255.
Trigger Pull: The trigger pull on the ISSC MK22 is fairly short with a bit of noticeable break point in it but overall is pretty light. I get the feeling that this may be a striker based action because of the slight tension before the release.
Accuracy: I put about 300 rounds through the ISSC MK22 and took some time getting used to how it felt and also sighting in the sights on my 4 power scope. Once I felt comfortable I setup a new target and placed a full magazine (22 shots) all with in a 2 inch group from 20 yards out (60 feet). I was in a seated position using and elbow based rest. I was very happy with these results.
Build Quality: To me the ISSC MK22 SCAR clone feels like the real deal, it's not till you load it up and fire off a few rounds that you can even tell you are shooting the .22 caliber rimefire version. The MK22 has a lot of metal parts and the fit and finish is very good. You do have to use quality .22 caliber ammo in this guns for the best results because it can be a bit picky and also make sure to also take a bit of extra time when loading your magazines to ensure the ammo is set well to the back of the magazine. I'm not saying you can't use the cheap box ammo but you will have to be prepared to clear a few rounds from time to time.
Realism: It doesn't get any more real than this, the ISSC MK22 is basically an FN SCAR in a smaller cheaper .22LR caliber. But if you want to spend $3000 on the real thing and several hundred dollars per day at the range in ammo then get the full NATO round firing version. Unfortunately my pocket book does not allow for this and I don't think we can even get the larger caliber versions here in Canada. I also go to an indoor range that allows .22 caliber rifles to be used alongside the pistols which makes getting out and using the ISSC MK22 that much easier.
Purchased From: ???
Pros:
One fifth the price of the NATO round firing version to purchase and operate.
Mostly metal construction with good usage of polymer in the right places to keep it light.
Lots of rails to mount just about any type of accessory you can think of.
Nice high capacity 22 round magazine to keep the shoots going.
Versatile flip up multi position sights for pistol or rifle based target acquiring.
Fully adjustable stock with three length positions and check hight position, can also be folded in.
Most bad ass looking .22 caliber rimefire rifle around.
Made in Germany
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Cons:
Not the Cheapest .22LR on the market in this category but well worth the added price tag.
Can be a bit picky about which bullet's you use in it and how you load the magazine.
The rear stock cheek rest is a bit high when using the pistol sights or a low rise scope, you may need a riser under your scope.
Comments:
As you know, I don't do a lot of actual "real gun" reviews, the ones that use gun powder and shoot lead bullets. I do have a very soft spot for the .22 caliber rifles for a few reasons. Firstly, they are usually more inexpensive to buy and also to shoot as the ammo is only a fraction of the cost of the larger caliber ammo. .22 rimefire guns can also be shot in more areas and at most gun ranges so you are more likely to get better use out of it in the long run. The ISSC MK22 FN SCAR clone is definitely the most impressive .22 caliber tactical styled rifle you can get, at least in Canada and even though it is at the top of the price rang in it's category it is well worth it because it is really a very high quality gun at a reasonable price.
My Vimeo Video Review for the ISSC MK22 FN SCAR Type .22LR:
As many of you may know, I don't just own a bunch of airguns and blank guns. They are one of my biggest passions but I also have my Restricted Firearms License here in Canada and I own several "Real" hand guns and rifles that I enjoy very much.
I have four .22 caliber rimfire guns and I have another one on its way - the ISSC MK22 SCAR .22LR, you may ask why I need another .22 rimfire? Well similarly to airguns, .22 caliber rimfire guns are relatively cheap to buy and operate compared to their big brother larger caliber versions. So I guess that draws me to them, they are just so fun to shoot and in a guilt-free kind of way. With large caliber guns I tend to head to the range with a preset amount of ammo that I am willing to part with and when it's all gone then it's time to switch over to the .22 calibers and go nuts! And not only that, our .22 caliber rimfire rifles do not have the magazine round restriction like our 5 round restriction on large caliber rifles.
For example, the ISSC MK22 SCAR .22LR that is on it's way costs a fraction of the price of the full on military version at around $650 Canadian, that might sound like a lot but the NATO round firing version goes for about $3000 and as far as I know is not even available in Canada to the average joe like me? And you will be counting ammo with one of these NATO round firing bad boys, at least I know I would be :)
I will be doing a full review of the ISSC MK22 SCAR 22LR so make sure to check it out if this type of gun interests you also.
Here are some of the specifications for you till I get a chance to review this awesome .22 tactical rifle!
First off, you may have noticed this Henry Lever Action Rimfire .22 Caliber Rifle is not an airgun or a blank gun! So why am I reviewing it? This isn't going to be a review as much as it's going to be an overview.
I just really wanted to share this awesome little .22 caliber rimfire shooter with you because if you're like me then you may also appreciate the Henry Lever Action Rimfire .22 Caliber Rifle like I do. One reason I like airguns is because they are generally lower cost to purchase and lower cost to shoot then your average powder burner. My Henry .22 only set me back $269 and I have probably paid more for some of my airguns so this was not to bad on the pocket book. Another bonus is I can shoot this gun all day long because .22 caliber rimfire ammo is about 1/10th or less the cost of regular powder based ammo. I can buy a box of 500+ shells for under $20!
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When purchasing a rimfire .22 caliber gun, you have to also consider what ammunition you are going to be using as not all rimfire .22 caliber guns will shoot all types of .22 caliber ammo. You can get .22 rimfire ammunition in "Long Rifle", "Long", "Short" and even "Buckshot". Keep in mind that not all .22 caliber guns will operate properly with all kinds of .22 caliber rimfire ammo. For instance, autoloaders generally require the "Long Rifle" ammunition to cycle properly. What I love about the Henry Lever Action Rimfire .22 is that it can shoot pretty much any .22 caliber rimfire ammunition you through at it except for the magnum loads which is a totally different gun altogether.
Another bonus to using the .22 caliber short ammo is that it is about as loud as a standard airgun, at least when using a rifle. So if you don't want to draw attention to yourself then pickup some shorts and plink away! Depending on what manufacturer of shorts you purchase they tend to shoot in the 700-1000 FPS using around a 20-30 grain bullet, so they are still perfectly good for small pest control. Just make sure to keep in mind what is beyond your target as a 20-30 grain bullet will penetrate objects and travel farther then a much lighter .22 caliber pellet even traveling at the same speed.
As this is just an overview I want ot cover some of the main points about the Henry Lever Action Rimfire .22 Caliber Rifle...
Shoots .22 caliber rimfire ammunition in Long Rifle, Long and Short.
Uses a Lever Action with a tube fed magazine.
Magazine holds: 15-LR, 17-L, 21-S.
Weighs 5.25 pounds.
Has an 18 1/4 inch barrel and is 36 1/2 inches long.
Has an adjustable rear sight and hooded front sight with a grooved receiver for easy scope mounting.
It's mostly all metal and wood.
Is totally fun to shoot and looks awesome!
So that's a wrap, if you want more info on this very cool .22 then check out the Henry Website.
The following video is what happens when I grab my big guns and head out to the gun range with friends, lots of guns and some cameras! I still however love taking my air guns out in the back yard and enjoy shooting anytime I want for pennies a round.
You will see a variety of gun photos, HD video and slow motion high speed video capturing various hand guns and rifles on display and in use.
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Some of the guns include:
Norinco NP-30N 45 Auto (1911 Type Nickel plated)
Norinco NP-34 9mm (Sig P228 Type)
Browning Buck Mark Camper Stainless .22 cal.
Walther P38 9mm
Various Glocks (G17 9mm - G21 .45 cal. - G22 .40 cal.)
Taurus Raging Bull Model 444 .44 Magnum
Smith & Wesson Mod 627 8 Shot Performance Centre .357 Magnum
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 .22 cal
Ruger Mini-14 .223 cal.
Here is my Vimeo Video - Shooting Guns with Slow Motion High Speed Camera
