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.357 Highway Patrolman # 28

10K views 41 replies 15 participants last post by  MJX 
#1 ·
Good day all I am about to get my fathers .357 with a 4" barrel and I am looking for a longer barrel for this firearm so I can take ownership, is there a longer barrel for this model?
 
#2 ·
phimorcf,

Welcome!
Why can't you "take ownership" with the existing 4" barrel? And, yes, there are other barrel lengths for the weapon, but changing barrels is a crusade only of the knowledgeble and can get pricey for a professional swap.

Mike
 
#4 ·
In Canada from what I have been told it is considered a prohibited firearm with such a short barrel if it was made prior to 1944 I could take ownership no prior. So now for me to take ownership I need to install a new barrel or have the barrel leaded up so it can not be shot anymore.
 
#5 ·
Please do not plug up the bore, and please do not swap out the barrel. Have you considered moving to the States? Have you considered selling your revolver to a deserving aficionado in the States? Whatever you do, please do not plug up the bore. Come south, we have lots of cheap homes for sale these days.
 
#6 ·
I'm not a canadian citizen, but it was my understanding that a firearm could be exempted from the restriction if it was inherited from a family member. If not so, does it have sentimental value great enough to justify plugging the barrel and keeping it as a show piece? My highway patrolman is by far my favorite shooter, so I think I might cry to think that canadian law would require it be functionally destroyed. Is selling it south of the border an option? If it is, I would sell it and buy a 6" HP. Just my $.02
 
#8 ·
phimorcf,

If you can find a 5" barrel and have a pro perform the swap, you would have a very desireable gun.
However, as I understand your law, a small amount over 4" will satisfy the authorities. S&W shipped 4" guns, sometimes, with barrels actually exceeding 4". Before you do anything, measure the existing barrel, critically from the trailing edge of the forcing cone to it's furthest muzzle end. If it measures 4.1", at least, you may be good to go. Verify any positive results with the appropriate authority, and get it in writing.
Just a couple of thoughts.

Bon Chance,
Mike
 
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#13 ·
I just had a thought. I HAVE seen firarms for sale here in Canada, on the internet, that have had a small sleeve type extension added to the barrel to meet the minimum length. I don't know which gunsmiths do it though, you would have to do a search. They look a little funny with say .2" of sleeve protruding from the barrel, but at least they are still in the game.
 
#11 ·
Any replacement barrel would have to be off a Model 27, since no 5", and very few 6" Highway Patrolman barrels exist. Numrich arms has none, and I doubt that S&W would have any either.

You're spending a lot of time trying to decide about rebarreling your father's revolver, and you haven't yet found out definitively if you can own the revolver, or not. You need to insure that the law applies explicitly to your firearm. Find an attorney who can discuss your problem with the proper government agency in Canada.

Your Model 28 may very well be grandfathered in. If your father owned the Model 28 legally, there is some hope that you, too, can own it.

I would not rely on heresay concerning so important an issue.
 
#12 ·
I can't help the OP find a 5" barrel, but I thought that I could help my friends in the land of the free somewhat grasp the insanity that represents the Canadian Firearms Act which was enacted by the Liberals in 1995 and created classes of firearms called "restricteds" and "prohibiteds". Included in this class of firearms is any handgun with a barrel length of less than 4.2". Thank God that S&W, Ruger, and some others are building 4.2" 686's, GP100's, and a few others. Prohibited handguns CANNOT be transferred to heirs. Those who owned one prior to 1995 (I had one but sold it, not knowing what was coming) are grandfathered and may keep theirs for as long as they are alive, and in fact can purchase them from others like themselves. No one else can purchase or otherwise obtain them. You can bet that has reduced the resale value of a lot of really sweet guns. The ONLY exception is that prohibited handguns manufactured prior to 1946 (war souvenirs essentially) may be transferred to immediate relatives who are holders of a Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence. Here's the exerpt from our lovely regs:

Next of kin of grandfathered individuals
(7) A particular individual is eligible to hold a licence authorizing the particular individual to possess a particular handgun referred to in subsection (6.1) that was manufactured before 1946 if the particular individual is the spouse or common-law partner or a brother, sister, child or grandchild of an individual who was eligible under this subsection or subsection (6) to hold a licence authorizing the individual to possess the particular handgun.


This is what represents "restricted" and "prohibited" firearms up here. Read it and laugh, while we weep:

“restricted firearm” means

(a) a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm,

(b) a firearm that

(i) is not a prohibited firearm,

(ii) has a barrel less than 470 mm in length, and

(iii) is capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner,

(c) a firearm that is designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise, or

(d) a firearm of any other kind that is prescribed to be a restricted firearm;


Believe it or not, ARs are only allowed on certified ranges. Up here they are target and 3-gun rifles only.

“prohibited firearm” means

(a) a handgun that

(i) has a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length, or

(ii) is designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge,

but does not include any such handgun that is prescribed, where the handgun is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Union,

(b) a firearm that is adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted,

(i) is less than 660 mm in length, or

(ii) is 660 mm or greater in length and has a barrel less than 457 mm in length,

(c) an automatic firearm, whether or not it has been altered to discharge only one projectile with one pressure of the trigger, or

(d) any firearm that is prescribed to be a prohibited firearm;


The last line essentially means that any firearm the Royal Canadian Mounted Police decides should be prohibited gets prohibited. It's a little more complex than that but that's the gist. These are the things we are working on via Canadian guns organizations and our current Conservative government.

Sorry for the hijack! Back to regularly scheduled programming.
 
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#23 ·
Try signing onto canadiangunnutz.com if you aren't already a member there. The handgun or gunsmithing forums will be a wealth of info, and somebody there will for sure know who to contact to modify your revolver. It is an awesome site. For what it's worth my name there is "small gamer".
 
#16 ·
A quick question for you guys north of the border. Why 4" as the cut-off line? I know the logic is longer barrels are harder to conceal, but someone with bad intentions could hide a 6 inch barrel, too. With the 4 in barrel being so common, was the canadian government trying to basically eliminate handgun ownership completely? Scary stuff.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Yup, you've got it. That's why they banned the .25 and .32 as well. Their logic (using the term loosely here) is that they were increasing public safety by banning what they called "Saturday Night Specials" because of course bad guys are only going to use short barrelled handguns, and of course the bad guys were going to respect the ban.

You are also correct on the popularity of the 4" barrel up here. By making them "prohibs" they knew a large percentage were (are) eventually heading to the smelter.
 
#18 ·
ok I have heard these horror stories before, I am still new to the forum and new to revolvers, but I work with 2 guys from Canada one only shoots cameras the other loves his guns, both are from Quebec. the gun guy has told us may times the difficulties of being a gun owner in Canada transporting, buying, how many can be owned ect...( it seems nobody will admit to how many they actually own) any way he has lived here in AZ for about ten years and is now spoiled, it is pretty wide open here in AZ. several months ago his wife expressed an intrest in moving back to Canada , not having any desire to give up all his toys he told her write if you get work or drop him a post card !!!!
 
#21 ·
lol, yes it's pretty tough up here for anything outside of standard sporting (hunting) rifles and shotguns. But there are no limits on the amount of guns you can own. I have friends who literally own hundreds each, including some fully automatic firearms (grandfathered).
 
#22 ·
No offense taken. You are right, you folks need to keep up the fight. We are working hard to get back to where we were in the '60's. It will take time, if we even ever get there. I'll die trying.
 
#25 ·
Silverstreak, can you delete all those Canadian gun laws before the politicians in the North East US get an ideas? :D

Originally Posted by mmitch
phimorcf,

If you can find a 5" barrel and have a pro perform the swap, you would have a very desireable gun.
However, as I understand your law, a small amount over 4" will satisfy the authorities. S&W shipped 4" guns, sometimes, with barrels actually exceeding 4". Before you do anything, measure the existing barrel, critically from the trailing edge of the forcing cone to it's furthest muzzle end. If it measures 4.1", at least, you may be good to go. Verify any positive results with the appropriate authority, and get it in writing.
Just a couple of thoughts.


The authorities and the ladies! :D
 
#27 ·
My goodness fellows. Reading this thread gives me the chills. Looks like those Canada gun laws are, (and have been for some time), chipping away at your freedoms. That's the way it gets started. One little victory at a time, and then suddenly you have a severe long form of gun control that won't quit. I'll never comply or give up. God Bless Texas.

We have a saying here:
"Come and Take It".
 
#28 ·
Chills indeed.....here's the last 35 years in a nutshell, but it doesn't include our first victory - killing the long gun registry which just came into effect this month.

1976
Bill C-83 was introduced. Its proposals included: new offences and stricter penalties for the criminal misuse of firearms; and the prohibition of fully automatic firearms. It also proposed a licencing system requiring anyone aged 18 or older to get a licence to acquire or possess firearms or ammunition. (Those under 18 were eligible only for minor's permits). The licencing provisions were based on the concept that people should have to show fitness and responsibility before being allowed to use firearms. To this end, Bill C-83 would have required licence applicants to include statements from two persons who were willing to guarantee the applicant's fitness. The Bill died on the Order Paper in July 1976.

1977
Bill C-51 passed in the House of Commons. It then received Senate approval and Royal Assent on August 5. The two biggest changes included requirements for Firearms Acquisition Certificates (FACs) and requirements for Firearms and Ammunition Business Permits. Other changes included provisions dealing with new offences, search and seizure powers, increased penalties, and new definitions for prohibited and restricted weapons. Fully automatic weapons became classified as prohibited firearms unless they had been registered as restricted weapons before January 1, 1978. Individuals could no longer carry a restricted weapon to protect property. Mandatory minimum sentences were re-introduced. This time, they were in the form of a 1-14 year consecutive sentence for the actual use (not mere possession) of a firearm to commit an indictable offence.

1978
All of the provisions contained in Bill C-51 came into force, except for the requirements for FACs and for Firearms and Ammunition Business Permits.

1979
The requirements for FACs and Firearms and Ammunition Business Permits came into force. Both involved the screening of applicants and record-keeping systems. Provinces were given the option of requiring FAC applicants to take a firearm safety course.

1990
Bill C-80 was introduced but died on the Order Paper. (Many of the proposals contained in Bill C-80 were later included in Bill C-17). Among the major changes proposed by Bill C-80 were; the prohibition of automatic firearms that had been converted to semi-automatics to avoid the 1978 prohibition; the creation of new controls for other types of military or paramilitary firearms; and better screening of FAC applicants.

1991-1994
Bill C-17 was introduced. It passed in the House of Commons on November 7, received Senate approval and Royal Assent on December 5, 1991, then came into force between 1992 and 1994. Changes to the FAC system included requiring applicants to provide a photograph and two references; imposing a mandatory 28-day waiting period for an FAC; a mandatory requirement for safety training; and expanding the application form to provide more background information. Bill C-17 also required a more detailed screening check of FAC applications. Some other major changes included: increased penalties for firearm related crimes; new Criminal Code offences; new definitions for prohibited and restricted weapons; new regulations for firearms dealers; clearly defined regulations for the safe storage, handling and transportation of firearms; and a requirement that firearm regulations be drafted for review by Parliamentary committee before being made by Governor-in-Council. A major focus of the new legislation was the need for controls on military, paramilitary and high-firepower guns. New controls in this area included the prohibition of large-capacity cartridge magazines for automatic and semi-automatic firearms, the prohibition of automatic firearms that had been converted to avoid the 1978 prohibition (existing owners were exempted); and a series of Orders-in-Council prohibiting or restricting most paramilitary rifles and some types of non-sporting ammunition. The Bill C-17 requirement for FAC applicants to show knowledge of the safe handling of firearms cam into force in 1994. To demonstrate knowledge, applicants had to pass the test for a firearms safety course approved by a provincial Attorney General, or a firearms officer had to certify that the applicant was competent in handling firearms safely. Bill C-17 added a requirement that safety courses had to cover firearms laws as well as safety issues. After the 1993 federal election, the new Government indicated its intention to proceed with further controls, including some form of licencing and registration system that would apply to all firearms and their owners. Provincial and Federal officials met several times between January and July to define issues relating to universal licencing and registration proposals. Between August 1994 and February 1995, policy options were defined for a new firearms control scheme, and new legislation was drafted.

1995
Bill C-68 was introduced February 14. Senate approval and Royal Assent were granted on December 5, 1995. Major changes include:

Criminal Code amendments providing harsher penalties for certain serious crimes where firearms are used. For example, kidnapping, murder.
The creation of the Firearms Act, to take the administrative and regulatory aspects of the licencing and registration system out of the Criminal Code
A new licencing system to replace the FAC system
Licences required to possess and acquire firearms, and buy ammunition
Registration of all firearms, including shotguns and rifles
1996
The provisions requiring mandatory minimum sentences for serious firearms crimes came into effect in January. The Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC) was given the task to develop the regulations, systems and infrastructure needed to implement the Firearms Act. CFC officials consulted extensively with the provinces and territories, and with groups and individuals with an interest in firearms, to ensure that the regulations reflected their needs as much as possible.

The Minister of Justice tabled proposed regulations on November 27. These dealt with such matters as:

All fees payable under the Firearms Act
Licencing requirements for firearms owners
Safe storage, display and transportation requirements for individuals and businesses
Authorizations to transport restricted or prohibited firearms
Authorizations to carry restricted firearms and prohibited handguns for limited purposes
Authorizations for businesses to import or export firearms
Conditions for transferring firearms from one owner to another
Record keeping requirements for businesses
Adaptations for Aboriginal people
 
#30 ·
I think you still might be able to inherit
Prohibited Firearms
  • Prohibited firearms can be transferred to an individual who has a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) which includes the appropriate prohibited licence privilege.
  • If the deceased individual had prohibited privileges on his or her licence, prohibited firearms in the estate can be transferred to certain family members even if they do not have grandfathered privileges, providing:
    • the prohibited firearm is a grandfathered handgun described in s. 6.1 of the Firearms Act, with a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length or designed or adapted to discharge .25 or .32 caliber cartridges; and
    • the prohibited handgun was manufactured before 1946; and
    • the individual is the spouse, common-law partner, brother, sister, child or grandchild of the deceased registered owner; and
    • the handgun is used for a permitted purpose such as target shooting or as part of a collection.
 
#31 ·
Ignore my last post it's been a long day , I was thinking pre model 28 which still might not make it old enough .Our laws are so strict up here you just want to scream .I get so frustrated going to auctions with my good friend who has a Prohib license and watch him buy Prohibs for $40 - $250 because there are so few there with the proper license to bid
 
#32 ·
Oh I know. When I get feeling that way I just go shoot up some cardboard at an IDPA like I did tonite. The M&P 9 was smokin'!

BTW, I wonder how the original poster is making out in his bid to get his Model 28 "unprohibed"
 
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