Military Veteran & Firearms Instructor

USPA NEWS - Disclaimer: This article originated from the CCFR Facebook group. I have received permission from Chris Beckingham, the author, to share this story with my readers.

My name is Chris Beckingham. I served in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 37 years, retiring as a Master Warrant Officer. Up until recently, I was a competitive IPSC shooter and a volunteer firearms instructor for the province. I loved my collection, I loved the sport, and I loved the community we have built. But I am writing this to warn you about how quickly and easily the system can strip it all away.

On June 25, 2025, my life as a legal firearms owner was erased. During a highly contentious separation, police were called to my home. When the officers arrived, I was calm, co-operative, and non-threatening. They didn’t look at the evidence I had, nor did they check for injuries. They only asked one question: “Are there firearms in the house? I answered honestly: “Yes. Stored legally, locked, secured. I’m military.” That was all they needed. Based entirely on a false accusation from an estranged spouse who claimed she "felt unsafe," I was arrested and removed from my home in handcuffs. My massive collection—representing many thousands of dollars of irreplaceable investments—was confiscated, and my safe was completely cleared out."

Since that day, the system has dragged its feet. While my guns sat in lockup, my RPAL expired. Even though I applied for my renewal with plenty of lead time, the local police and the Firearms Centre have essentially stonewalled me. They didn't just seize my property; they took my sport, my side-gig as an instructor, and my peace of mind.

I am sharing this because I want every legal firearm owner to understand the reality of our current system. You can have decades of disciplined military service, a pristine record, and perfectly safe storage, but the moment an accusation is made, you are treated as a threat. The process itself is the punishment.

Do not take your security for granted. Be careful who you let into your life, and know that truth doesn’t always win in real-time,but sometimes, just waits to be believed. Stay safe, and watch your six. Chris Beckingham, CD