Q&A for How to Buy a Gun in Canada

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Question

I have a rifle from the 30s. Do I need to license it? I do not have a PAL or any license.

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I got my Firearms Acquisition Certificate in 1992 or 1993. Do I have to take the course again?

Community Answer

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 You must now take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to obtain a Possession and Acquisition License (POL's are no longer valid) to purchase non-restricted firearms (i.e. most shotguns, rifles).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.

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Question

Do I need to be at least 18 or 12 years old to buy ammunition?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Once I have all the necessary training and paperwork, and I go to a gun shop to buy a gun, do I need another permit to take the gun home with me?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

I have had two rifles for over 40 years, do I still need a license?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Do I need to be a citizen of Canada to acquire a license?

Community Answer

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

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Question

Can I purchase a gun and the ammo at the same time in Canada?

Community Answer

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

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Question

When gun shopping in Canada, do I need to provide a PAL to hold the gun if just browsing?

Community Answer

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

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Question

I am 15 and want to go shooting with my uncle at a range. Is there a class that I should take first?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

Do I need to complete forms when turning in a gun in Canada? What forms are needed when selling and giving away guns in Canada?

Community Answer

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.

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Question

If I have been diagnosed with depression can I still get a license?

Community Answer

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

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