What guns can I legally own in Canada?

Asked by: Serena Frami PhD  |  Last update: March 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (59 votes)

In Canada, legal firearms fall into Non-restricted, Restricted, and Prohibited categories, with Non-restricted including most common hunting rifles and shotguns, while Restricted and Prohibited encompass most handguns and certain military-style or short-barrel semi-automatics, all requiring specific licenses (PAL/RPAL) and adherence to strict storage, transport, and use rules, with recent bans affecting many semi-automatics.

What personal weapons are legal in Canada?

While it's generally lawful to own or carry common pocket knives or utility blades in Canada, some styles and mechanisms are prohibited, including switchblades, butterfly knives, and certain spring-assisted designs. Even carrying a lawful knife may become illegal if it's intended or used for self-defence.

Can a US citizen 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.

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)

Are guns legal in Canada now?

Civilian ownership and use is legal after obtaining a possession and acquisition licence (PAL) or a restricted possession and acquisition licence (RPAL) issued by the RCMP. An RPAL is required for handguns and short-barrelled semi-automatic rifles.

Canadian gun buyback program faces numerous hurdles

26 related questions found

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.

Which firearms are allowed in Canada?

  • .25 ACP. .380 ACP. .50 AE. 10mm Auto. 32 Auto. 357 Magnum. 38 Special. 38 Super. 44 Magnum. 44 Special. 44-40 Win. ...
  • 5.6x52R. .300 PRC. .338 Winchester Magnum. 17 Mach 2. 22-250 Remington. 223 Rem & 5.56 Nato. 243 Winchester. 270 Winchester. 30 Carbine. 30-06 Springfield. ...
  • 17 HMR. 22 Hornet. 22 LR. 22 Short. 22 WMR.
  • 12 Gauge. 20 Gauge. 410.

Were AR-15s legal in Canada?

The AR-15 , once a popular choice among firearm enthusiasts, is no longer available for sale to civilians in Canada. In May 2020 , the Canadian government implemented a sweeping ban on over 1,500 models and variants of assault-style firearms, including the AR-15.

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.

Is the Ruger 10/22 banned in Canada?

Conclusion : The Ruger 10/22 remains legal for ownership in Canada post-March 2025. The “Universal 1022” listed in the prohibition refers to a distinct firearm unrelated to Ruger. Always verify specific models with the official government list for compliance.

Why are suppressors illegal in Canada?

Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code prescribes any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm to be a prohibited device.

Can Americans hunt in Canada?

Yes, Americans can hunt in Canada, but you must follow strict federal and provincial regulations, including getting the correct provincial licenses (like an Outdoors Card in Ontario), a federal Migratory Game Bird Permit for birds, and potentially a guide; you'll also need to declare firearms with the RCMP upon entry using Form 5589. Most big game hunts require booking through a licensed outfitter, especially in Western Canada, and you must show proof of hunter safety training from your home state/country. 

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.

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 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:

Is a 308 rifle legal in Canada?

Legal Non-Restricted Hunting Rifles in Canada

308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor.

How expensive is a gun license in Canada?

Cost is $299.00 + GST. The Non-Restricted course is 8 hours long and covers firearms you would use for hunting. Cost is $199.00 + GST. The Restricted course is 4 hours long and covers handguns and other restricted rifles and shotguns typically used in sport shooting.

Can I own a gun in Canada in 2025?

In 2025, purchasing a handgun in Canada is not legally possible for most individuals due to the national handgun freeze.

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.

Is AR-15 stronger than AK-47?

Neither the AK-47 nor the AR-15 is definitively "more powerful," as they excel in different areas: the AK-47 (7.62x39mm) hits harder at closer ranges with a larger bullet but is less accurate, while the AR-15 (5.56x45mm) offers greater accuracy, range, and modularity due to its lighter design and faster, smaller round. The AK's raw stopping power is higher at short distances, but the AR's velocity and precision make it better for longer engagements, making the choice dependent on intended use.
 

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.

Are Canadians allowed to own rifles?

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 I go to Canada with my firearm?

Any person who imports a firearm of any kind into Canada must be at least 18 years of age, unless that person has a certificate or permit which allows him or her to possess that firearm in Canada. All firearms and weapons must be declared to Customs at the first point of entry.

What handgun does Canada use?

The Canadian Forces uses a similar handgun, which is also known as the Sig Sauer P320. The Canadian military designates its American-made 9 mm guns as the C22 and the C24.

How many guns are legally owned in Canada?

Available estimates for Canada indicate that private individuals collectively own approximately 7 million firearms (Gabor, 1997:3) and, of these, about 1.2 million are restricted firearms (RCMP, 1997). Surveys consistently indicate that Canadians typically own more long guns than other types of firearms.