How I spent Victoria Day

I'm not sure how it works in other countries but in Canada, we got Monday off because of something called Victoria Day. I actually have no idea who this Victoria is, or why she's important but what is important is that I got the day off.

Now my fellow Canadian followers are going to crucify me because I don't know the significance of Victoria.

Though, it's not like I was taking a break from much anyways. Things have been fairly quiet around here. So I decided to spend my "day off" in class. A class that by the end I'll have spent close to $300 for.

No, it wasn't for school. And if it wasn't for a few Psychology friends asking me to join, I wouldn't have bothered. See, a few of them are gun enthusiasts, and despite the regulation, the course taking, the bureaucracy, limited number of legal guns, and fairly high costs, many Canadians still enjoy shooting and owning guns.

Not unlike with paintballing, there's a reason why I prefer to shoot virtual, online targets than a real gun. It's because it's a lot cheaper. But hey, I decided to be spontaneous, learn something new, and maybe one day I'd like to own a gun for whatever reason.

Also it makes for blogging material. One of the things about having a blog is that it has been constantly forcing me out of my comfort zone so that I'll have unique and interesting things to talk about.

Even if I do prefer to not go outside with sunlight.

How I suffer for my blog. I had to be there first thing in the morning at 9AM to learn about non-restricted firearms in Canada. We sat down and were shown various types of shotguns and rifles, how to identify them, how to safely examine, load, and discharge cartridges, what to do in situation X and Y, how to properly store the gun, etc..

And then after about 5 hours we were administered a test.

The written exam actually wasn't so bad. Though I failed the practical exam the first time. I accidentally misread the calibre for one of the cartridges due to its age and tried to load it into the wrong rifle. I had received so many demerits from that one error that I had to redo the entire exam later.

Meh, I didn't want to own a shotgun or a rifle anyways.

I passed the practical exam later on, with no other problems and was now able to own non-restricted firearms in Canada (after I submit all this paperwork to the Canadian government so they can issue my license). But I was serious when I said I don't really want to own a shotgun or rifle.

What I'd prefer to own one day is one of the restricted handguns, specifically a 0.44 calibre magnum. Why? Because it's 0.44 calibre. I'm serious. I just like the number 4 and this is the only gun with double 4's in the calibre.

Also, all handguns are restricted. If a handgun is not restricted then it's prohibited. If it's prohibited it means as a mere Canadian citizen, I can't have one.

Unsurprisingly, miniguns are also prohibited class firearms.

So after lunch we spent another 4 hours learning about the various parts of a handgun, how to safely examine, load, discharge rounds, what to do in situation X and Y, how to properly store handguns because they require double the pre-cautions of non-restricted firearms, etc. etc..

I'm serious. If I had a handgun that was loaded and/or improperly locked and/or stored in an improper container I could get fined several grand and/or get jail time. Also, I need a permit anytime the thing leaves my home. Lots of hassle. 

Finally, we write the tests. And for whatever reason I managed to get 100% on both the written and the practical exams.

Aced it where it counted.

So I have the paperwork ready, proof that I passed the necessary exams, all I need to do is mail this in and wait several months for the Canadian government to look it over. Or I could be like my friend, and constantly call them non-stop, day after day, asking if he could help them or if he missed any information.

They mailed the license to him in a month.

Well I'm in no rush, it's not like I have the money to afford a gun anytime soon. Still, I think it be interesting to have.