Are AR-15s allowed in Canada?
Asked by: Ms. Flossie Funk V | Last update: March 23, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (15 votes)
No, standard AR-15s and their variants are prohibited in Canada as of a May 2020 government ban, meaning they cannot be legally sold, imported, or used, with existing owners falling under a mandatory buyback program and an ongoing amnesty period (extended to March 1, 2026, as of March 2025) to comply with the law. While some very specific configurations might have been classified differently before the ban, the general AR-15 platform is now prohibited, making them illegal for most civilians to possess.
Can you bring an AR-15 into Canada?
Crossing the Canadian Border with a Gun. Firearms are very strictly controlled in Canada, and any visitor bringing a gun into the country must declare it in writing at the border via a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. A $25 fee must also be paid at the Port of Entry (credit cards are accepted).
Why are assault rifles banned in Canada?
Other shooters have used similar semi-automatic guns to kill multiple victims. Most notoriously, the Montreal massacre shooter used a semi-automatic Ruger Mini-14 when he murdered 14 women in 1989. That heinous crime led to calls to ban military-style semi-automatic rifles.
What rifles are allowed in Canada?
Legal Non-Restricted Hunting Rifles in Canada
308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. Savage 110: Another excellent bolt-action alternative loved for its accuracy and ease of customization. Remington 700: A classic choice that has proven itself in both hunting and competitive shooting scenarios.
What is a non-restricted AR-15 in Canada?
The RCMP lab has deemed this rifle non-restricted assuming barrel length over 18.5″. The 18.5” is important as the AR-15 is semi-auto and center-fire. That means you'll be able to take it hunting, plinking in the back 40, or wherever you like without the hassle of registration and ATTs.
AR-15 rifle can be bought legally in Canada
When was AR-15 banned in Canada?
Prohibition on assault-style firearms
As part of its long-standing commitment to tackling gun violence in Canadian communities, the Government of Canada has banned more than 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms since May 2020.
Does Walmart still sell AR-15s?
No, Walmart does not sell AR-15s or other modern sporting rifles (MSRs), having stopped sales in 2015 due to sluggish demand and focusing instead on hunting rifles, and further restricted sales of related ammunition and accessories after later shootings. They also no longer sell handguns (except in Alaska), raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21, and removed similar-looking items from their website.
Can an American carry a gun in Canada?
Visiting Canada
Non-residents must be 18 years of age or older to use a firearm in Canada or to bring one into the country. If you are coming into Canada with a firearm, please fill out a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration form ( RCMP 5589) before you arrive at your entry point into Canada to save you time.
Is Canada banning .22 rifles?
22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, was not prohibited in Canada's recent ban announced on March 7, 2025. The prohibition list published by the Government of Canada specifically targets certain makes and models of firearms, but the Ruger 10/22 does not appear on this list.
What weapons are not allowed in Canada?
Prohibited
- Handguns with barrels equal to or less than 105 mm in length.
- Handguns designed or adapted to discharge a 25 or 32 calibre cartridge. ...
- Firearms adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted are:
What country has the loosest gun laws?
Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.
Are handguns banned in Canada?
Understanding the National Handgun Freeze. As of 2025, purchasing a handgun in Canada is not legally possible for most individuals. While handguns themselves are not outright illegal, significant legislative changes have effectively halted their acquisition and transfer.
Is a 223 semi-auto legal in Canada?
223 Remington. It's currently the only FRT-approved, legal non-restricted semi-auto rifle in . 223 in Canada, which already makes it stand out. But beyond legality, it performs.
What is not allowed across the Canadian border?
You generally cannot bring illegal drugs, most firearms/weapons (like pepper spray, tasers), cannabis (even with a prescription), fresh fruits/vegetables, certain live animals/pets, raw meats, or prohibited foods (like eggs, certain fish) across the Canadian border without permits, with all items needing declaration, especially food, plants, and animal products to avoid invasive species or disease. Violations can lead to seizure, fines, or criminal charges.
What AR does Canada use?
C7A2 5.56-mm Automatic Rifle
Capable of single or automatic fire, the C7A2 automatic rifle is the personal weapon used by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Can I use a gun for self-defense in Canada?
Every Canadian has a right to personal safety and to defend oneself against a probable threat. However, in Canada, you cannot carry a weapon for the purpose of self defence.
Is AK-47 prohibited in Canada?
Based on Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code , receiver blanks can be classified as non-restricted, restricted or prohibited. The most common in Canada are for: Colt M1911, SIG 226 and Glock 17 pattern handguns (all restricted firearms) AK-47 and AR-15/M16 pattern rifles (both prohibited firearms)
Why is AR-15 banned in Canada?
Since May 2020, Ottawa has banned approximately 2,500 makes and models of assault-style firearms, including the AR-15, on the grounds they are designed for military use and have no place in civilian communities.
Which rifles are allowed in Canada?
- Non-Restricted Rifles.
- Muzzleloader.
- Pump Action.
- Semi-Automatic.
- Single Action.
- Lever Action.
- Bolt Action.
What happens if you get caught with a gun in Canada?
Penalties for illegal gun possession in Canada vary significantly but are severe, ranging from fines and probation to significant jail time, with unauthorized possession (s. 91) carrying up to 5 years (indictable) or 2 years less a day (summary), while possessing prohibited/restricted firearms (s. 95/99) or possessing knowing it's unauthorized (s. 92) can lead to up to 10 years, and carrying loaded prohibited/restricted firearms with ammo can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, with some trafficking offenses carrying mandatory minimums.
Can I carry a gun while hiking in Canada?
In general, the only firearms allowed for wilderness protection are non-restricted rifles and shotguns. However, Canadian residents may be authorized to carry a handgun or restricted long gun for wilderness protection or for lawful occupational purposes if they: are licensed to possess restricted firearms.
Can a Canadian own a handgun in the US?
A Canadian may purchase a firearm in the US but cannot take possession of it, nor can they export it from the US.
Are AR-15s still legal?
AR-15s are legal in most of the U.S., but banned or restricted in several states (like California, New York, Illinois, Washington) and cities, with legality depending heavily on specific state and local "assault weapon" bans that often restrict features like pistol grips or large-capacity magazines, making ownership complex and varied across the country. There is no nationwide federal ban on AR-15s, though proposed federal legislation exists, and federal restrictions on military-style weapons expired in 2004, shifting focus to state laws.
Can I just buy an AR-15?
In California, you should be 21 years of age to buy any firearm. You need a Firearm Safety Certificate and proof of residency to acquire the permit to purchase the AR 15, amongst other formalities (check with your dealer). All the long guns or rifles purchased in and after 2014 must be registered with their serial no.
Does Walmart carry 223 bullets?
No, Walmart stopped selling .223 caliber ammunition (and 5.56mm) in September 2019, discontinuing sales of ammunition for military-style rifles along with handgun ammunition, though they still sell ammunition for shotguns, deer rifles, and some hunting rifles. The decision was made after the El Paso shooting and aligns with their earlier removal of AR-15 style rifles and age restrictions for firearm purchases.