Firearm classes in Canada

Last reviewed: October 2026

These classifications determine which firearms an individual may legally possess or acquire, what licensing privileges are required, and which rules apply to storage and transportation.

The classifications are established by the Criminal Code and accompanying federal regulations.

Understanding the differences is an important first step for anyone considering firearms ownership or applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).

Non-restricted firearms

Non-restricted firearms are those that do not fall into the restricted or prohibited categories.

This class includes most commonly used hunting rifles and shotguns, although not every rifle or shotgun is non-restricted.

Examples generally include:

• Many bolt-action hunting rifles.
• Many lever-action rifles.
• Common pump-action and break-action shotguns.
• Certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that are not otherwise classified as restricted or prohibited.

Licence required: A valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) with non-restricted privileges.

Safety course: The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), unless a recognized exemption applies.

Some higher-powered air guns may also meet the legal definition of a firearm and be subject to licensing requirements.

Regardless of classification, all air guns should be handled using the same fundamental firearm safety principles.

Restricted firearms

Restricted firearms include certain handguns and other firearms that meet the Criminal Code definition or are specifically classified as restricted by regulation.

Examples include:

• Handguns that are not prohibited.
• Semi-automatic centre-fire firearms with barrels shorter than 470 mm, unless prohibited.
• Firearms designed or adapted to be fired when folded, telescoped or otherwise reduced to a length of less than 660 mm.
• Firearms specifically prescribed as restricted under federal regulations.

Individuals may be authorized to possess restricted firearms for purposes such as target shooting, competition or collecting, or certain authorized professional activities, subject to the applicable requirements.

Restricted firearms must be registered, and their transportation is subject to additional requirements.

Licence required: A PAL with restricted privileges, commonly referred to as an RPAL.

Safety courses: Both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), unless a recognized exemption applies.

What about handguns?

Canada currently has a national freeze on most handgun acquisitions by individuals.

Although a person may hold a PAL with restricted privileges, that licence does not automatically permit the purchase or transfer of a handgun.

Limited exceptions apply, including certain authorized occupations and qualifying participants in specific Olympic and Paralympic handgun shooting disciplines.

People who legally possessed registered handguns before the freeze may generally continue to possess and use them in accordance with applicable laws.

Prohibited firearms

Prohibited firearms include certain handguns, automatic firearms, firearms meeting specified physical or technical characteristics, and firearms specifically designated as prohibited by federal regulations.

Examples include:

• Handguns with barrels 105 mm or shorter, subject to limited exceptions.
• Handguns designed or adapted to discharge .25 or .32 calibre cartridges, subject to limited exceptions.
• Firearms altered from rifles or shotguns so that their overall length is less than 660 mm.
• Firearms altered from rifles or shotguns that remain at least 660 mm long but have a barrel shorter than 457 mm.
• Automatic firearms, including those converted to fire only one projectile per trigger operation.
• Certain semi-automatic centre-fire firearms, other than handguns, originally designed with detachable magazines holding six or more cartridges, and designed and manufactured on or after December 15, 2023.
• Firearms specifically listed as prohibited under federal regulations, including certain models previously classified as non-restricted or restricted.

Can individuals legally possess prohibited firearms?

In some circumstances, yes.

Certain individuals have grandfathered possession privileges under section 12 of the Firearms Act.

Depending on their specific privileges, qualifying individuals may also be authorized to acquire certain prohibited firearms already registered in Canada.

However, taking a firearms safety course or obtaining a new PAL does not, by itself, provide grandfathered possession or acquisition privileges.

Some firearms prohibited through recent federal regulations are covered by separate amnesty orders. These orders provide limited protections under specified conditions and do not restore the firearms' previous legal classifications.

The federal amnesty orders associated with the 2020, 2024 and 2025 prohibitions were extended in June 2026. Their expiry is tied to the Supreme Court of Canada's decision concerning the 2020 prohibition.

Owners of affected firearms should consult the current RCMP and Public Safety Canada guidance regarding possession, storage, transportation and permitted activities.

A firearm's classification can change

The federal government can change the classification of specific firearms through regulations.

A firearm that was previously classified as non-restricted or restricted may subsequently become prohibited.

Changes have occurred in recent years, including the federal prohibitions announced in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

Because of this, firearm owners and prospective purchasers should not rely solely on older information, advertisements or a firearm's previous classification.

Before buying, selling or transferring a firearm, confirm its current classification and the applicable legal requirements.

The RCMP maintains a Firearms Reference Table to assist with firearm identification and classification.

The table is an administrative reference, not legislation. The Criminal Code and applicable regulations remain the legal authority.

For assistance, contact the Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000.

Which firearms safety course do I need?

The course you need depends on the firearms you want to possess and the licence privileges you intend to apply for.

For non-restricted rifles and shotguns

Complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), unless you qualify for an exemption.

The CFSC covers:

• Fundamental firearms safety.
• Firearm types and operating actions.
• Safe handling and unloading procedures.
• Ammunition.
• Storage and transportation rules.
• Responsibilities of firearms ownership.

For restricted firearms

Complete both the CFSC and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), unless you qualify for an exemption.

The CRFSC provides additional instruction on restricted firearms, including safe handling, storage and transportation.

You must successfully complete the CFSC, or hold a valid PAL, before proceeding to the CRFSC. Both courses may be scheduled together as a combined, consecutive course offering.

Successful completion of the applicable safety courses allows eligible individuals to apply for the corresponding PAL privileges. A licence is issued only after the application and eligibility requirements have been satisfied.

Course completion does not guarantee licence approval or authorize the acquisition of firearms prohibited by other laws.

Start with the right training

Whether you're interested in hunting, recreational target shooting or expanding your knowledge of firearm safety, understanding Canada's firearm classifications is an important first step.

Chamber Clear Firearms Training offers the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course, helping students develop the knowledge and safe handling skills required for responsible firearms ownership.

View available course dates, pricing and registration information.

Official sources: Criminal Code, section 84 (Justice Laws) · Classes of firearms in Canada (RCMP) · Firearms Reference Table (RCMP) · Amnesty Orders Extensions, June 9, 2026 (Public Safety Canada) · Safety courses (RCMP)