Originally Posted by
flags
You're making my point. You are not going to just show up at the border crossing in Canada and simply fill out the firearm declaration and take them through that nation. Taking a handgun isn't worth the hassle in my opinion when it is so much easier to get a 12 gauge through. If a 12 gauge is too long, pack an extra pistol grip for it and switch the stock over to the pistol grip when you're through Canada.
He has 2yrs still to get his paperwork lined out. If it's worth it to a person, it can happen, but it's a fair amount of work just to be able to hang an ornament on your belt.
And has been mentioned, there are a lot more folks carrying big bore revolvers on their belts for defense than are really qualified to do so. Almost anybody can pick up a long gun and be fast and smooth at bear defense ranges, but alternatively, in my experience as a handgun instructor, almost NOBODY could do the same with a 44mag handgun.
Maybe you're very skilled with yours - if so, then great. But a short barreled 12ga over your shoulder is generally more secure for most folks than a 44mag on their hip.
I gotta ask too - you've had that 338 for 5yrs and haven't shot it? If that were at my house, it'd be rusted away to nothing because I'd have been drooling all over it the whole time!