Q&A for How to Buy a Gun in Canada

The first thing when choosing is that you feel comfortable and confident with that gun. You can start with a 9mm pistol like the Glock 19 or the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. These guns are reliable, easy to learn, and have very little recoil. Make sure it feels good in your hands and that you should be able to grip it firmly and comfortably. Also, observe how the slide or hammer travels when you shoot it. The bottom line is that the best gun for you is one that you can safely use, shoot accurately, and handle without any hesitation. And remember that training and practice are absolutely necessary! The more you practice and use your gun, the better you'll become with your chosen firearm.

Absolutely. I believe they're non-restricted firearms, therefore a standard non-restricted CFSC will do. Take the one day course, pass the exams and apply for a license. It is illegal to possess a firearm in Canada without a federal license. All FACs and POLs have expired.

All FAC's have expired years ago. You must now take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to obtain a Possession and Acquisition License (POL's are no longer valid) to purchase non-restricted firearms (i.e. most shotguns, rifles). If you would like to purchase restricted firearms (i.e. pistols, some other firearms deemed to be restricted by the RCMP), you must take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course to obtain an RPAL (Restricted PAL). To take a course for both the restricted and non-restricted takes 2 days and consists of a written and practical exam for each category.

Youth 12-18 can take the CFSC and apply for a minor's license that allows them to be in possession (but not acquire) non-restricted firearms. A minor's license can be used to acquire ammunition.

It depends on the classification of the firearm. In Canada, we have 3 classes of firearms: non-restricted (most rifles and shotguns), restricted (most pistols and some shotguns/rifles), and prohibited (things like military firearms, automatics, sawed off's, etc., do not expect yourself to be able to obtain a prohibited license, they are extremely rare). You need to pass a safety course related to your class of firearm in order for you to purchase firearms. For non-restricted firearms, all you need to do is bring in your license and money into a gun store, make the purchase and you can carry the firearm home. For restricted firearms, however, you would need to apply for an ATT to bring it home.

Depends on your area's local laws and ordinances, but in many places you don't need a license for a rifle unless it's a semiautomatic. Check with your local government office to be sure.

No, foreign nationals can apply for a PAL and RPAL same as citizens.

Yes, just make sure that you transport them according to correct procedures.

No gun shop is going to let you touch a firearm without proof that you can even purchase it.

If you’re going to a shooting range for your first time with your uncle, you don’t need to take a class or have any prerequisites at all. Your range officer will usually provide adequate instructions on how to safely handle the firearm you are planning to use.

If you are giving up your guns, you can simply bring them in to the police station. Make an appointment first. Showing up with guns at a police station without warning could be dicey. Selling restricted guns requires proper transfer from the RCMP. Non-restricted guns are less complicated but Quebec has special procedures for registration.

No, since you could possibly be suicidal, they don't want to take that risk.