1. DO NOT bother with trying to present to the US/Canadian border with a handgun. Simply find an FFL from your present location, and have the handguns shipped to a receiving FFL here in the state. There are many FFL’s in almost every community/village that are capable and willing of handling this for you, (at very reasonable expense).
(With many FFL’s, receiving multiple handguns, they will only charge you for one transaction and not each one as a seperate charge..check with your particular FFL)
2. You WILL have to complete the BATFE paperwork to retreive your handguns, including the tele-check process. Just expect this...it’s the law whether we agree with it or not.
3. Long guns: Shotguns, rifles, blackpowder, etc., These can be transported with you AS LONG AS YOU PROPERLY PRESENT the Canadian decleration firearms form already completed upon arrival at the border. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH TO HAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTATION COMPLETE BEFORE ARRIVING AT THW BORDER! Contact the RCMP Firearms Registration Dept to obtain the proper customs forms.
( Be prepared in advance to know that your long-gun MUST have a barrel over 18.5’’ long measured from tip of barrel to receiver. Should you own anything shorter than this that you legally obtained here in the US, ship it also as with the handguns. DO NOT have it in your possession at the border station.
4. If you are confused about the process, simply call the RCMP. Dont be that guy that shows up with multiple pistols and restricted frearms per Canadian regulations. This will only create a mess and hold-up for you, including they will deny you entry and possible confiscate your property.
5. Although up to the individual Canadian Customs Officers, be prepared to have the officers inspect your firearms. Although they may not if your paperwork is all in order, expect it anyway. Have them in a locked case/container..obviously unloaded. Do not have any ammunition in the same container as the long-gun.
6. Realize that you are in a foreign nation now, and your same rights enjoyed in the US may not be applicable in Canada. Respect their requirements (you do not have to agree with them as I also do not), but show them respect and that you have attempted to your best ability to satisfy their requirements and this will go a LONG WAY with them at the border.
7. Be forewarned that there are restrictions on types of ammunition and quantities allowed to cross the border. These are broad and technical, if there is doubt about your particular ammo quanity or type....CALL AHEAD AND get the proper info if what you will be importing is allowed.
8. Inform the border officers that you are transversing Canada to get to Alaska and will not be permanetly keeping these weapons on their soil. This is highly important, as the approval paperwork to travel with your guns is usually date specific and limited to a 14 day pass.
9. READ this over and over until you understand.
10. REMEMBER, dont even bother trying to present with handguns. Just ship them via FFL’s to AK. The technical provision and barrel length requirements are too bothersome to fool with from a practical perspective.
Great advice, but truthfully the first is the best. FFL to FFL is safe, reasonably secure, and no chance for border insanity that can foul you up for days. It would almost be worth it to rent a gun when you got there instead of bringing one with you.
One provision though. You need to ship your guns days before departure if you want to make sure they are there when you arrive. This means unless you know someone in Alaska that will give you a loner, the last days of your visit will be without.