Apples to oranges, but then again you probably knew that.
The original AR-15 has not been available for civilian use / ownership for decades.
Why? It was a selective fire (capability to run full automatic) with a large capacity magazine.
Both of which make it illegal in Canada (Prohibited Weapon Status).
The AR-15 itself never saw a single day in the hands of any troops. Ever.
It's cousin the M-16 certainly did, but again, apples and oranges.
The version that was until last Friday available in Canada is semi-automatic only, and magazines are restricted to five rounds.
These were developed intentionally for the sporting market - target shooting, competition, and yes, hunting.
There is a significant difference between a military M-16 and the sporter AR-15.
Ask any soldier which he would prefer to be carrying into battle.
Roger that.
Many of these now banned rifles were previously classed as a
Restricted Weapon - the same classification as handguns in Canada.
In order to acquire one, you must pass a rigorous course to get your
Restricted Possession & Acquisition License (RPAL).
Then, you are subjected to an intensive background check through the RCMP (CPIC).
That background check is repeated on your behalf
DAILY for as long as you hold the RPAL. Yes.
Daily.
The rifle (or handgun) in question must be Registered.
So, you apply for said registration to be transferred to you from the current owner / business.
Another background check.
If green-lighted, you are sent a
Registration Certificate for said firearm.
Now you need an
Authorization To Transport (ATT) the firearm from it's current location to your residence.
Another background check.
To be transported, the firearm must be trigger locked, and further secured in a locking hardshell gun case.
Once at home, the firearm must be secured in an adequate safe as described in related legislation.
Next up, you want to take it to the range.
Another ATT required. Another background check of course.
To the range and back must be in the straightest line possible (as it was previously to bring it home).
No deviations, no stopping to visit uncle Charlie, or grab a candy bar, or whatever.
Straight line, there, straight line back.
Once again, the firearm must be trigger locked, and further secured in a locking hardshell gun case.
VERY stringent. Any non-compliance and you will not only be charged, you will lose the privileged to own
ANY firearms, including non-restricted.
The daily background checks are conducted to ensure there is nothing looming that would present cause for concern with you owning any of these firearms.
Reasonable? Yep. Detailed? Yep. Sufficient? Yep.
And something NO criminal is ever likely to embrace.
Again, this is simply NOT about gun or gang violence whatsoever.
It is simply a method for Trudeau to cater to his uneducated urban base, pandering to fears he himself created.
Virtue Signaling at it's finest.
For you see tackling the very real problems of illegal firearm acquisitions, illegal firearm use, mental health issues, and our overly leaky border would require actually coming up with a working plan, and acting decisively towards addressing those goals. Costly. A hell of a lengthy time span required, and not likely to collect the political points he wants in the immediate time-frame desired.
So, so go after the low-hanging fruit.
Target the most rigorously vetted members of society who have well indicated their extreme level of responsibility over the years.
Does it matter that not a single crime or criminal act will ever be effected by this move?
Hell No!
But hey, look,
we did something...
Nog