Tuesday 21 May 2013

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.

29 comments:

  1. It actually sounds like an interesting class mate and I'm glad that you did something productive during the day instead of doing nothing so it's all good. I like to consider myself wise to the holidays of the world but I have to admit I haven't a clue about Victoria Day which says it all really, is it possible it's linked to our old Queen Victoria? Maybe I'm not as unwise as I thought, I'm tempted to Google it and try to find out.

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  2. Sorry I'm anti guns, but it did make an interesting post.

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  3. I often go hunting or to the shooting range and I've won a couple of prizes so I agree that guns are interesting haha

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  4. I want to own a gun or 3 myself. Because I believe America is on a fast track to disarming us all and when they try to take our guns war will ensue. The right to bear arms will soon no longer exist, I believe.

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  5. Your spinning chicken is awesome. Just saying...

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  6. I might get flamed for this, but I wish it was like that in America. instead of being able to easily get one with no background check at a gun show...

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  7. Victoria was megalomaniac British queen who enslaved hundreds of millions of poor people around the world stealing resources from them and leaving their countries poor and devastated so that Britain would prosper from stolen goods. Really not sure why is anybody celebrating her. It's like celebrating Hitler.

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  8. This is interesting. How i wish i could have a gun too! :)

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  9. I've never shot a gun in my life. I thought about going to the shooting range in West Edmonton Mall just to try one and see what it's like. Then I learned that some people go there, rent and gun and shoot themselves with it. Ewwww. I don't need to see that. My luck someone would commit suicide while I was there. Or go berserk and shoot the whole place up or something.

    So I'll just scratch that off my "to do" list.

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  10. It's either in honor of Queen Victoria or Victoria's Secret.

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  11. I dont see the point in keeping one.

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  12. That "I REGRET NOTHING" gif is making me dizzy. Well, I don't want to deal with owning or having a gun myself. I will just talk myself out of potentially life threatening situations like Eddie Murphy in the "Beverly Hills Cop" movies.

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  13. I have no idea who Victoria is either, don't really care haha.

    Hey, at least you can have one now if you like, think the only thing I'd ever have, if any, is a handgun too.

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  14. I am not sure what to say...congrats on the new skill but as Dr. Who says: never guns lol

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  15. I think as an Irishman it's named after Queen Victoria.

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  16. Hello! I do not advise You to own the gun!

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  17. lol I believe Victoria is Queen Victoria. My 13 year old asked if that means we'll get a stat holiday when Queen Elizabeth II dies.

    I'm betting criminals don't write the test.

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  18. I like shooting. Haven't been in a few months. I'm surprised you didn't learn about Queen Victoria in history.

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  19. Personally, I'd rather buy 100 mochas, but whatever floats your boat. I'm intrigued by the fact that your country manages to own firearms responsibly, unlike mine.

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  20. Ha ha I think I know better about your country's Victoria Day than you. But yeah what's important is you have a day off.

    I prefer to own a .38 and if I have it now I'll prolly shoot that gif spinning chicken lol :P

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  21. Lovely post.. Enjoyed reading it.. Thanks for sharing your views with us.. I'm a new blogger... Do visit my blog.. http://kitchenserenity.blogspot.in/

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  22. Glad you're expanding your interests...it's amazing how blogging has changed my life. Have a great weekend.

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  23. Damien, if you ever decide to be one of those horrid people who own guns and find them fun I will come there personally and give you some serious spanking!

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  24. I've never even held a gun. Don't really have any desire to. As someone who's accident prone, that just doesn't seem like something that could end well for me. Kudos to you for taking that class, though.

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  25. Dang, kid, in Texas we cut our teeth on a shotgun! Glad you enjoyed your day at the firing range, or class or whatever it was. Jody, The MedicareMom

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  26. It's really interesting to hear about gun restrictions in Canada since it's such a hot topic in the States. I have to say, I'm not comfortable owning a firearm but I do enjoy shooting them at my in-laws farm now and then...

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  27. I've never held a gun unless you count a BB gun lol. Have a great holiday weekend my friend!

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  28. Interesting post!

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  29. I think it is a day celebrating Victoria Beckham. It's also known as Posh Spice Day.

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