Author Topic: Canadian Legality?  (Read 1078 times)

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Offline BattleRifleG3

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Canadian Legality?
« on: May 26, 2004, 08:41:39 PM »
I'm considering setting up a big bore semi-auto for big game hunting backup (ie for a buddy while another person takes a shot with a long range rifle).  One of the places we'd go would be a Lodge in Central Quebec.  One concern I had in having this gun set up though is its legality in Canada.

My current concept is on the Saiga platform (AK derived) and would be a conversion from another chambering into 444 Marlin.  It would most likely have a pistol grip and feed from a detachable 4rd magazine.  Keeping the original classic stock may result in longer overall length.  I would like it to be a carbine if possible, with a 16-18" barrel, but as I understand it, US visitors can't bring in any "restricted" weapons for hunting, and length is a primary factor in being "restricted."

So what would it take not to be "restricted"?  Thanks all!
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Offline Rick Teal

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Canadian Legality?
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2004, 12:13:39 PM »
I won't be able to help you much, but I believe that any firearm with an altered barrel length must have an 18 1/2 in barrel or longer.  Many rifles that have been built on certain platforms that can be converted to full auto are banned up here.  Military rifles converted from full auto to semi are also banned.  

You might get your question answered in a more direct fashion if you visit www.canadiangunnutz.com.  The guys there are very much into black rifles.
Hunting is Exciting!  Bolt actions are BORING!!
Don't mix the two!

Offline BattleRifleG3

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Canadian Legality?
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2004, 03:43:05 PM »
Thanks, signed up with them now!
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Offline Mikey

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« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2004, 04:30:26 AM »
BattlerifleG3:  that platform you spoke to sounds very interesting.  Did I read you correctly that you wanted to rechamber a Saiga (AK) in 7.62/308 to 444?????  Oooooo, I like that.  Where are you in the process??  Mikey.

Offline BattleRifleG3

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« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2004, 07:07:49 AM »
I was actually thinking the 410 version, if I am correct that the bolt lugs and trunion of the 410 are actually as strong as the 7.62x39mm version.  The 410 version would be much better for feeding the rimmed round, and could prabably even use the same 4rd magazine.

I inspected a 410 at the gun show and it sure looked like it had the same lugs as the 7.62x39 and 223, and trunion, though the bolt head went into the barrel as necessary for reliable feeding.

I'm only in the feasibility determination stage, trying to figure out if it would actually work.  One of my reasons for waiting is that I'd want to know if and what it would take to use in Canada, since that's where I'd have the most use for it.  I live in PA where we can't use semi-autos for hunting, so I wouldn't really have any use for it here.

If the 444 Marlin is too high powered but not by much, I might consider 44 Rem Mag with less grand hunting plans.
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Offline Mikey

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« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2004, 09:30:24 AM »
Battlerifle:  that sounds so cool.  I had thought of using the AK platform for a conversion but had only gone so far as to think of simply blowing out the 7.62x39 case to a straight case and rechambering to an updated 401 Winchester round.  But, now I'm wondering what the bore diameter might be on the AK-410, since in some firearms they have chambers for the 45 Colt/410  - could the AK round be opened up to fire a 45 cal boolet???? Or, would it be better to have one rebarrelled to the caliber of choice?  Mikey.

Offline BattleRifleG3

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« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2004, 07:30:00 PM »
I wouldn't think of converting the 410 barrel to a rifle bullet.  It's too thin already and then you'd have to rifle it.  I'd just rebarrel it.  The strength of the bolt lugs is question enough for me.  45 Colt would be a piece of cake to rebarrel the 410 for, but if the bolt is as strong as I think it is, it can take 444 Marlin.  If not, 44 Rem Mag is a good candidate.

I too thought of a 10x39mm round, but that would make it more difficult to feed.  The Saiga shotguns have a special system with a long bolt head and a ramped barrel to feed the straight cased shotshells.  The 410 is close enough in shape to take advantage of this and feed in the 410 magazine.

A 9x39mm has been done by the Russians and wildcatted here.  That's one I'd really like, though it would be real close to 35 Rem, which standard AKMs have been rechambered for successfully.  That too is on my want list.
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Offline Mikey

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Canadian Legality?
« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2004, 05:05:02 AM »
Battlerifle - Oh yeah, that 9x39 sounds really good.  There isn't a thing wrong with the 35 Rem, except that they stopped making semi-autos for that cartridge years ago - I think I like your design concepts.  I will prolly be asking you for more 9x39 info later.  Thanks, Mikey.