Surrendered my firearms to Police today...

[Tetragrammaton]

I've owned a small collection of modern (post WWII) firearms since the early 1990s. Nothing too extensive but a one point, I had 3 pistols and 5 long arms.

With all the various changes and financial burdens I find myself in, when my renewal for my firearms license came up, I just didn't have the desire to jump through all the hoops required. Besides I haven't gone shooting outside of the military in years and really couldn't see myself doing so again in the near future. So as sad as it was to let go of the gun collection, it was time.

I was informed by the provincial police in charge of the firearms register to simply call the local municipal police and have them drop by to pick them up.

So earlier today I called and was told a unit would be dispatched. I hear a car door slam and see these two officers (with pistols drawn) come up my stairs and stack to the right of my door. While I can certainly understand a measure of security when dealing with any call, this seemed excessive. I open the front door and raise my hands in an effort to calm the two young, 20 to 25 year old female officers. I explain that the firearms are just beyond the interior door in the hall, secured with trigger locks and in hard plastic carry cases, and that there is no ammunition in the house. As one officer stays with me, the other proceeds to go through every room in my place.

At this point, my level of understanding for their personal security comes into conflict with them casually looking throughout my home. Don't get me wrong, I do not have anything to hide (other than the collection and the "warehouse" of boxes that my basement has become. Still, it seems unnecessary.

Anyhow, now I'm waiting for them to come back with the paperwork they did not have so I can finalize the process.

[daveyyojimbo]

The pistols drawn part is totally f-ed up.

[cougartrace]

While I applaud you for getting guns out of your house, that did seem excessive.

I've never had to own a gun to feel safe.

[mwf6171]

I suggest you wait on your front porch with everything out and loaded and ask them how they feel.

[daveyyojimbo]

Well, he lives in Canada, he doesn't need guns to feel safe and secure statistically. Are Canadian Police usually like that, Tet? Overly cautious?

[mwf6171]

Originally Posted by cougartrace

While I applaud you for getting guns out of your house, that did seem excessive.

I've never had to own a gun to feel safe.

I don't think Frank owned the guns to feel safe or for protection. He had to get rid of the guns as a legal matter. I think that if he had his choice he would rather have his guns than turn them over to the authorities.

[daveyyojimbo]

Originally Posted by mwf6171

I suggest you wait on your front porch with everything out and loaded and ask them how they feel.

HA! Sound like he wouldn't have lived to tell the tale.

[Teague]

Wow, Tet, what an experience. I guess there's some reason for caution, but wow.

Bummer you had to get rid of your collection, but good for you for doing it in a responsible fashion. Too bad the cops didn't.

[cougartrace]

Originally Posted by mwf6171

I don't think Frank owned the guns to feel safe or for protection. He had to get rid of the guns as a legal matter. I think that if he had his choice he would rather have his guns than turn them over to the authorities.

Yeah, I read that wrong,

thanks MWF

[JLM]

As you say, they were right to be cautious, but that does seem excessive.