Storing firearms safely at home

Last reviewed: October 2026

Whether you own a hunting rifle, shotgun or restricted firearm, understanding these rules is an important responsibility of firearms ownership.

Here is what Canadian firearms owners need to know about safe storage at home.

Every firearm must be unloaded

Under federal storage regulations, firearms must be unloaded before being stored.

A firearm is considered unloaded when there is no ammunition, projectile or propellant that can be discharged from it in the chamber or breech, or in a magazine attached to or inserted into the firearm.

A magazine containing ammunition that remains attached to the firearm means the firearm is loaded, even if the chamber is empty.

Before putting any firearm away, follow the PROVE procedure taught in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC):

• P — Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
• R — Remove all ammunition.
• O — Observe the chamber.
• V — Verify the feeding path.
• E — Examine the bore for obstructions.

Always verify that a firearm is unloaded before securing it for storage.

Non-restricted firearms (most rifles and shotguns)

In addition to being unloaded, a non-restricted firearm must be secured using at least one of the following methods:

• Rendered inoperable using a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock.
• Rendered inoperable by removing the bolt or bolt carrier.
• Stored in a securely locked container, cabinet or room constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into.

A separate trigger lock is not required when the firearm is properly secured using one of the other permitted methods.

What about ammunition?

Ammunition must not be readily accessible to the firearm unless it is stored, either together with or separately from the firearm, in a securely locked container or receptacle constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into.

This means ammunition can legally be stored in the same appropriately secured container as a firearm, provided the applicable requirements are met.

Restricted and prohibited firearms

Restricted and prohibited firearms have additional storage requirements.

The firearm must be unloaded and secured using one of these methods:

• Fitted with a secure locking device and stored in a securely locked container, cabinet or room constructed so that it cannot readily be broken open or into.
• Stored in a securely locked vault, safe or room specifically constructed or modified for the secure storage of that class of firearm.

When the firearm is secured in a qualifying vault, safe or specially constructed room, a separate trigger lock is not required under these storage provisions.

Ammunition must also be secured according to the applicable regulations. It may be kept with the firearm in an appropriately secured container, vault, safe or room.

Additional requirements for certain automatic firearms

When a prohibited automatic firearm with a removable bolt or bolt carrier is stored using the locking-device-and-container method, the bolt or bolt carrier must be removed and stored in a separate, securely locked room that meets the regulatory requirements.

Displaying firearms at home

Displaying a firearm is different from storing one, and additional rules apply.

Non-restricted firearms

• Must be unloaded.
• Must have a secure locking device installed or be kept in a securely locked container, cabinet or room constructed to resist being readily broken into.
• Must not be displayed with ammunition that can be discharged from them or kept where that ammunition is readily accessible.

Restricted and prohibited firearms displayed in a dwelling

• Must be unloaded.
• Must have a secure locking device installed.
• Must be securely attached to a non-portable structure so they cannot readily be removed.
• Must not be displayed with, or have ready access to, ammunition that can be discharged from them.

Additional requirements apply to certain automatic firearms. Different display provisions also apply outside a dwelling, such as at a firearm exhibition.

Exceptions to the storage rules

Federal regulations contain limited exceptions for certain circumstances, including:

• Temporary storage of a non-restricted firearm reasonably required for predator or other animal control where discharge is lawful.
• Storage of non-restricted firearms in qualifying remote wilderness locations.
• Antique firearms, which are subject to separate provisions.

These exceptions are specific and should not be treated as general exemptions from safe storage responsibilities.

Check the applicable regulations before relying on an exception.

Good habits beyond the minimum requirements

The following practices are additional safety recommendations, not separate legal storage requirements:

• Keep keys and combinations away from children and anyone not authorized to access the firearms.
• Consider using a properly secured gun cabinet or safe for all firearms, including non-restricted rifles and shotguns.
• Store ammunition in a cool, dry location and protect it from excessive heat, moisture and unauthorized access.
• Avoid unnecessarily advertising the presence or location of firearms in your home.
• Regularly check locks, cabinets and other security equipment to ensure they remain functional.

Moving to a new address?

As a condition of a firearms licence, the licence holder must notify a Chief Firearms Officer of a change of name or address within 30 days.

If you possess restricted or prohibited firearms, you must also obtain the required Authorization to Transport before moving them to a new address.

Learn safe firearm handling and storage

Safe storage, transportation and handling are core components of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

At Chamber Clear Firearms Training, students learn the responsibilities of firearms ownership and practise safe handling procedures under the supervision of a certified instructor.

View upcoming CFSC course dates and availability.

Official sources: Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (Justice Laws) · Storing, transporting and displaying firearms (RCMP) · Firearms Licences Regulations, section 15 (Justice Laws)