Overview of Magazine Limits
Canada limits the capacity of detachable magazines for semi-automatic firearms. These limits are set by the Criminal Code and associated regulations, not by provincial law. Understanding these limits is critical for both legal compliance and the CRFSC/CFSC exams, where magazine capacity is a frequently tested topic.
Magazine Limits by Firearm Type
| Firearm Type | Maximum Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-auto centrefire rifle | 5 rounds | Includes all centrefire semi-auto rifles |
| Semi-auto handgun | 10 rounds | Applies to all semi-auto pistols |
| Rimfire rifle (semi-auto) | No federal limit | e.g. .22 LR rifles |
| Manual action (bolt, lever, pump) | No federal limit | Not semi-automatic |
| Shotgun (most types) | No federal limit | Some may have provincial hunting limits |
| Revolver | No federal limit on cylinder | Cylinder holds 5-8 rounds typically |
Important Details
- Magazines must be permanently altered (pinned) to prevent loading beyond the legal limit. Possessing an unpinned over-capacity magazine is a criminal offence.
- The limit applies to the magazine, not the firearm. You cannot use a higher-capacity magazine even if it physically fits.
- 10-round pistol magazines in rifles: if a magazine was designed for a handgun, the 10-round limit applies even if it is used in a rifle. This is a common exam question.
- Provincial hunting regulations may impose additional limits (e.g. 3-round limit for bird hunting).
Why This Matters for the Exam
Magazine capacity questions appear frequently on both the CFSC and CRFSC exams. The key facts to memorize are: 5 rounds for semi-auto centrefire rifles and 10 rounds for semi-auto handguns. Remember that rimfire rifles and manual-action firearms do not have federal magazine limits. Practice these questions with our Legal Requirements test.
Test Your Knowledge
Take our free CRFSC or CFSC practice test to see if you are ready.