Is the 22 caliber banned in Canada?
Asked by: Ms. Viviane Goodwin II | Last update: March 12, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)
No, the .22 caliber itself isn't banned in Canada, but recent Canadian gun laws (2020, 2024, 2025) have prohibited specific makes and models of firearms, including some popular .22 caliber rifles, classifying them as "assault-style" weapons, while many common .22s like the Ruger 10/22 remain legal. Bans focus on appearance and specific features, not just caliber, so checking the official prohibited firearms list is crucial.
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.
How many rounds can I have in a .22 in Canada?
Magazines designed to contain rim-fire cartridges and designed or manufactured for use in a semi-automatic handgun are limited to 10 cartridges.
Do you need a gun license for a 22 rifle in Canada?
From 1995 to present, all firearms owners are required to possess a firearms licence—either a PAL, a possession-only licence (POL), an FAC, or a minor's licence.
Can I shoot a .22 in my backyard in Canada?
Yes, no legislation places blanket restrictions on the required distance from a property line or on the calibre of the ammunition discharged on private property.
Canadian Gun Ban - Fact from Fiction
Can Americans carry guns 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.
What can you legally use to defend yourself in Canada?
You'll temporarily disorient anyone who means to harm you. Remember that everyday items can double as self-defense tools, too. Your keys, umbrella, or even a sturdy walking stick serve well as legal protection while giving you extra security.
What guns can I legally own in Canada?
The Three Legal Classes of Firearms in Canada:
Non-restricted firearms are ordinary hunting and sporting rifles, shotguns and airguns with an overall length of 660mm or greater. Many airguns fall into this class because they are capable of achieving a muzzle velocity of 500 feet per second.
Is Ruger 10/22 legal in Canada?
Although the Ruger 10/22 remains legal for use, the December 2024 firearms ban still impacts many other firearms that were widely used by sport shooters, hunters, and gun enthusiasts.
Is it hard to get a gun permit in Canada?
First-time licence applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence. After the in-class instruction, you will do both a written and a practical test.
Can I own an AK-47 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)
What distance can a 22 shoot?
A .22 LR bullet is capable of traveling 2,000 yards (1,800 m), which is more than 1 mile (1.6 km). Rimfire bullets are generally either plain lead with a wax coating (for standard-velocity loads) or plated with copper or gilding metal (for high-velocity or hyper-velocity loads).
What is the 26 inch rule?
The "26-inch rule" in firearms refers to a key measurement that determines if a firearm, especially a pistol-like build with a stabilizing brace, falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA) as an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) or short-barreled rifle (SBR), with firearms under 26 inches generally considered concealable and potentially regulated, while those over 26 inches might escape AOW classification if they also have barrels 16 inches or longer, creating complex NFA loopholes and compliance issues, though recent court challenges have created legal uncertainty around ATF's brace rules.
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.
Can I have a 25 round 22LR magazine in Canada?
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle and 15-22P pistol chambered for 22LR rim-fire calibre: the 10 round magazine is unregulated. the 25 round magazine is a prohibited device.
What is the best 22 rifle in Canada?
Best . 22 LR Rifles
- Ruger 10/22 – Best Overall. Best Overall. Ruger 10/22 Carbine. ...
- Ruger Precision Rimfire – Best Value. Best Value. Ruger Precision Rimfire. ...
- Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 – Best AR-15. Best AR-15. Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22. ...
- Henry Classic Lever Action .22 – Best Lever Action. Best Lever Action.
Is a Ruger 10/22 considered an assault rifle?
This Ruger 10/22 rifle with a pistol grip and a folding stock was classified as an assault weapon under the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. An Intratec TEC-DC9 with a 32-round magazine.
Are 22 suppressors legal in Canada?
Silencers, also called suppressors, are treated under Canadian law as prohibited devices. Under the Criminal Code and Firearms Act, possessing, importing, manufacturing, or selling them without specific legal authorization is illegal.
Why is the Ruger 10/22 so popular?
The Ruger 10/22 is popular due to its affordability, reliability, low recoil, and a massive ecosystem of customizable aftermarket parts, making it an excellent, fun, and versatile rifle for beginners and experienced shooters alike for plinking, hunting, and training. Its simple, dependable .22 LR action and iconic rotary magazine are easy to handle and maintain, while endless upgrades allow it to transform from a basic carbine to a highly specialized competition rifle.
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 pepper balls legal in Canada?
Chemical irritants, including pepper-based rounds, can fall under prohibited weapon regulations in Canada. Carrying or discharging a pepperball gun in public—even for self-defense—can lead to criminal charges.
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.
Can you shoot burglars in Canada?
Written Canadian law states that a violent act is not a crime if a person does it for “the purpose of defending or protecting themselves,” and the act is “reasonable in the circumstances.”
Can you keep a loaded gun in your house in Canada?
The firearm must be stored unloaded. That is pretty straightforward, and it is the same for all classes of firearms, in the possession of anyone. The firearm must be either trigger locked, or have the bolt removed, or must be stored in a secure locked container, receptacle or room. We receive many calls on this.
What is the best self-defense weapon for seniors?
The Glock 19 is a popular choice for self-defense for any person, regardless of age. Due to its reliability, ease of use, and manageable recoil, it is a compact and lightweight handgun, making it easy for seniors to handle and carry. There's almost nothing that the Glock 19 can't do.