When we try to get information regarding firearms in Canada we often get conflicting answers. We offer the following simplified general information for your guidance only. Contact your Local Firearms Officer or the CFC for further details. Ph. 1 800 731 4000

 

Let it be clearly understood that before you can get involved with any firearm activities you must apply and obtain a firearm licence "Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)". This license can be for non-restricted (Rifles and Shotguns) or restricted firearms (pistols or revolvers).

 

If you are planning to buy a restricted firearm you must be member of a shooting range. That is the law

 

Who may apply for a firearm license?

Any person who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may apply to obtain a restricted or unrestricted firearm license (PAL) . There are however restrictions if you have a criminal record. A legal adviser may better inform you in these rare circumstances.

What can I do with my PAL?

You need a PAL if:
· You want to work as an armed security officer.
· If you want to work in a firearm sporting store
· If you want to buy firearms
· If you want to buy ammunition
· If you want to join a shooting range
· If you want to hunt (in this case you also need a hunting license)
· If you want to keep firearms that were in your possession prior to the new firearm act.
· If you want to register or reregister firearms that are in your poss

 

What are the different classes of firearms ?

There are six different Grandfathered Prohibited classes.
In order to keep these firearms, you had to possess (or have applied to possess) a firearm in each class prior to the class being created, this would allow you to be grand fathered into that class.

The classes are separate. Simply because you are in one class does not make you eligible for another.

If you do not currently possess a firearm in a grand fathered class, you never can, except possibly the 12.7 class.

 

These classes are:
· 12.2: FA Full Automatic
· 12.3: CA Converted Automatic
. 12.4: OIC # 12 (OIC = Order in Council) A small class, examples are: Sterling MK6, Steyr AUG, Uzi carbine, Mod A and mini Uzi
· 12.5: OIC #13 A large class, examples are: FN FAL, H&K, AK47, Thompsons etc.
· 12.6: Handgun All .25, .32 (some exceptions) and handguns with a barrel length of 105mm and less. Registered before 14 Feb 1995 **
· 12.7: PROHIBITED 12.6 handguns inheritable by immediate next of kin as they were manufactured before 1946.

** There is a proposed Firearms Act Amendment that will change the grand fathering date for prohibited handguns to December 1, 1998 (from Feb14 1995) so that correctly licensed individuals who lawfully acquired a handgun while it was still restricted (between Feb 14, 1995 and Dec 1 1998) can keep it.

 

The Prohibited Class (Without grand fathering) this would include (but not limited to) firearms from all the Prohibited Grandfathered classes that were not registered into the system prior to their respective cut off dates. Do not try and register one of these firearms (Even during an amnesty) you will lose it! Before surrendering these firearms make sure you are well informed of your options.

How do I know the classes I can own?

Your PAL should have all your classes listed on the back, if you think you should have a class that is not listed, you can have your PAL amended. You will not have lost that class just because it is not listed. However it is up to you to contact your local registrar and ask to have your classes amended.

There are many errors and misunderstandings concerning the classification of different firearms. The following are just a few examples. Lots of people think all Fifty cal rifles are prohibited. Not So!!! Some are, and some are not.
The Mini 14 is still not restricted, folding stocks are legal, so are factory shotguns with 14 inch barrels. An MP5 SMG would have to be either a FA or CA.

The factory semi auto version, the HK 94 would be in the 12.5 class. This is very straightforward and easy to understand. However when you look at the FN FAL family you have firearms that could be in either FA, CA or the 12.5 class, and some FN FAL whose correct classification can not be determined. These last ones are accepted at face value in whatever class they are currently registered in.