How hard is it to get a pistol in Canada?

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in Canada?

Offences involving violence or threats of violence: This category includes offences such as assault, robbery, and extortion. Offences involving intimate partner violence: (formerly called domestic violence) such as assault, harassment, or stalking within an intimate relationship.

How long is the firearms course in Canada?

CFSC and CRFSC are both one day courses. Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is 8 hours instruction time. Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) is up to 6 hours instruction time. CFSC and CRFSC instruction time will be immediately followed by about 90 - 120 minutes of Written & Practical testing.

Can I have 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.

Are handguns still legal in Canada?

No, you cannot legally purchase a handgun in Canada unless you fall under specific exemptions. The national handgun freeze, codified into law in December 2023, prohibits the sale, purchase, transfer, or importation of handguns by individuals, with limited exceptions for certain groups and purposes .

Can a civilian own a gun in Canada?

Anyone may possess a restricted firearm provided he obtains a “registration certificate.” A “firearms acquisition certificate” is a prerequisite for the registration certificate. Certain firearms, such as hunting rifles and shotguns, are not prohibited nor restricted.

Can a Canadian citizen get a gun permit in the US?

Yes. All non-U.S. citizens need an alien number or admission number to purchase a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL).

Can you buy a gun in Canada in 2025?

On March 7, 2025, the Government of Canada amended the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted (commonly referred to as the "Classification Regulations").

What is the waiting period for a gun in Canada?

Once your licence application has been fully processed and you have met the eligibility criteria, you will be issued a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). There is a minimum 28-day waiting period for all applicants who do not presently hold a valid firearms licence.

What happens if you get caught with a handgun in Canada?

Severe Penalties for Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Canada. The most serious penalty for possessing a firearm without a licence is imprisonment for up to five years. If found guilty of this crime, you must pay up to $10,000 in fines.

What can't you bring across the Canadian border?

You cannot bring illegal drugs, cannabis (even medical), most firearms/weapons (like pepper spray/mace), fresh fruits/veggies, raw meat, certain live animals/pets, and firewood across the Canadian border without permits; you must also declare items like alcohol, tobacco, large amounts of cash ($10k+), and any food, plant, or animal products, or risk seizure and fines. 

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.

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 Canada's gun laws stricter than the US?

A principal difference in the way gun laws are administered in Canada and the US is the level of government responsible. While gun control provisions in Canada are set mainly at the federal level, with some provinces implementing additional rules on the margins, the American situation is reversed.

Can I go into Canada with a firearm?

However, anyone importing firearms to Canada must be at least 18 years of age. To import firearms into Canada you must have a valid purpose. Valid purposes can include (but are not limited to) the following: hunting during hunting season (limited to non-restricted firearms only), refer to Hunting requirements section.

Why is it illegal to defend yourself in Canada?

Canada's laws regarding self-defense are similar in nature to those of England, as they centre around the acts committed, and whether those acts are considered reasonable in the circumstances. Generally where retreat is available in the circumstances, the decision to stand your ground is more likely to be unreasonable.

What guns can I legally own in Canada?

Non-restricted

• Rimfire rifles (manual or semi-automatic)
• Shotguns (manual, break-action and most self-loading models)
• Manual centrefire rifles.
• Long-barreled, semi-automatic centrefire rifles which use a non-detactable magazine of five rounds or less (and are not a variant of a prohibited model)

Can you shoot a bear in self-defense in Canada?

Under Canadian law, there is no such thing as using a firearm for self-defense. In fact, carrying a firearm purely for self-defence is illegal. If there is a struggle of some kind and one has to defend themselves, for your safety and theirs, do not use a firearm.

How difficult is it to get a gun in Canada?

To legally own a firearm in Canada, you must have a licence. To obtain a licence you must undergo a background check, pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and meet other eligibility criteria. To legally own a restricted firearm, you must also complete the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course.

Does a Canadian gun license expire?

A firearms licence is valid for five (5) years. You do not need to renew your licence if you have lawfully disposed of all firearms in your possession, are not required to handle firearms for employment purposes and do not intend to obtain, transport, store or borrow firearms or obtain ammunition.