The Force in the North

Guns & Ammo

As with their uniforms, the Force in the North was not particularly well armed for their duties as the following report excerpts attest.

In 1900, the southern division was still armed with the antiquated Winchester carbine (1876 model) and they were badly honeycombed. A number were also out of order and had to be sent to Regina for repair. It was suggested that the Yukon Field Force could leave their arms in Dawson when they left to arm the division with Lee Enfields. The Enfield revolvers were is still in use and considered too heavy for a man who is running with dogs and also too heavy for canoe work. (Report of the North-West Mounted Police, 1900. Sessional Papers, Volume 11. Ottawa: Queen’s Printer. 1901:16.)

In 1909, both divisions were armed with Lee-Enfield rifles and Colt revolvers. The artillery consists of two seven-pounder muzzle loading guns, one of which is brass an obsolete. Also two Maxims and a Mixim-Nordenfeldt. (Report of the North-West Mounted Police, 1909. Sessional Paper No. 28. Ottawa: Queen’s Printer. 1909:209.) 

Fortunately, the Mounties' reputation and the respect accorded to them meant that armed force was seldom needed.