What Are Restricted Firearms?
In Canada, firearms are classified into three categories under the Firearms Act: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Restricted firearms require a Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence (RPAL) to own. The classification is based on barrel length, overall length, and firearm type — not on appearance or calibre.
Classification Criteria
| Firearm Type | Classification | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Handgun (barrel > 105mm) | RESTRICTED | All handguns with barrel length over 105mm |
| Handgun (barrel ≤ 105mm) | PROHIBITED | Short-barrelled handguns are prohibited |
| Semi-auto rifle (barrel < 470mm) | RESTRICTED | Short-barrelled semi-automatic rifles |
| Standard rifle (bolt, lever, pump) | NON-RESTRICTED | Most long guns with standard barrels |
| Shotgun (standard) | NON-RESTRICTED | Most shotguns with barrels over 457mm |
| Full-auto converted | PROHIBITED | Any firearm converted from full-auto |
| AR-15 platform | PROHIBITED | Banned by Order in Council May 2020 |
Common Restricted Firearms in Canada
- Glock 17 / 19 — popular semi-automatic pistols (9mm)
- Smith and Wesson revolvers — various calibres
- SIG Sauer P320 — striker-fired semi-auto
- CZ 75 — classic semi-auto pistol
- Beretta 92 — full-size service pistol
- Ruger Mark IV — .22LR target pistol
Legal Requirements for Restricted Firearms
To legally own a restricted firearm in Canada, you must:
- Hold a valid RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence)
- Be a member of an approved shooting range
- Register each restricted firearm individually
- Store using the AND rule: trigger lock AND locked container
- Transport only with ATT conditions: unloaded, trigger locked, in locked opaque container
- Follow magazine capacity limits: 10 rounds maximum for semi-auto handguns
Recent Changes to Restricted Classification
In May 2020, the Canadian government issued an Order in Council banning over 1,500 firearm models, including the AR-15 platform and several other semi-automatic rifles that were previously classified as restricted. These firearms are now prohibited, and owners were given an amnesty period to comply. Always check the current RCMP Firearms Reference Table for the most up-to-date classification of any specific firearm model.
For more details on how classifications affect your exam, visit our Legal Requirements practice test.
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