MNGunTalk.com

Hello! I'm a Canadian citizen who has been working in Minnesota for almost 5 years and just received approval for permanent residency in the U.S. this week.

Prior to leaving Canada, I owned a handful of firearms ranging from a VZ-58 (one of the few semi-auto rifles not heavily regulated in Canada) to a 1911. Since moving to MN I've been drooling over the plethora of AR variant rifles and pistols available down here that were either banned (any sub-compact pistol) or heavily regulated (AR-15) "back home". Now that I'm legally able to own firearms here, I'm interested in making some purchases. But I'd like to try before I buy. I'd welcome any suggestions on gun ranges and shops to check out that have helpful and friendly staff (an inordinate number of shops back home had weird or unfriendly people staffing them and I had a similar experience here while "window shopping") and a decent selection of firearms available to rent.

I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Hello and grats on the PR

Depends on area of the cities. Bill's has a good selection of rentals.

Welcome. Where are you located?

I'm in south Minneapolis currently.

My first purchase will likely be an AR or pistol (or both if my wife lets me). I thought there was a requirement to have a permit to purchase for an AR, but I can't find any information about that. In any case, at this point I'm not sure whether a permit to purchase or a permit to carry makes more sense. I am leaning towards a permit to purchase since I'd rather spend some time on the range and some time educating myself on relevant laws (and pitfalls) before even considering a PTC. My pistol back in Canada spent 99% of it's time locked up in a safe.

PTC class will give you all of the things you mentioned.

A "Permit To Purchase" (P2P) is required to purchase an "Assault Rifle" or handgun in Minnesota from an FFL dealer. They are FREE from your local police or sheriff department. They are required by law to be issued in 7 days (I have known a few departments that take longer knowing state law says they must be issued in 7 days). They are valid for one year.

A "Permit To Carry" (P2C) in addition to allowing you to carry, acts as a Permit To Purchase. Training is required for a P2C, a maximum fee of $100 can be charged. They are applied for at your local sheriff's office.

Hope this helps. Welcome to the USA!

I had the impression that most PTC classes wanted you to bring your own firearm. Are rentals commonly available for PTC?

Coldhead wrote:I had the impression that most PTC classes wanted you to bring your own firearm. Are rentals commonly available for PTC?

Every instructor I ran into brings a firearm along for those that do not have one, just ask when you schedule.

gun_fan111v2 wrote:

Coldhead wrote:I had the impression that most PTC classes wanted you to bring your own firearm. Are rentals commonly available for PTC?

Every instructor I ran into brings a firearm along for those that do not have one, just ask when you schedule.

yup most of us provide one if needed..plus you can try different firearms

Very cool, I love visiting Canada, especially Vancouver. Welcome aboard!