Canadian Firearms Laws — Complete Legal Guide 2026
Canadian firearms law is governed by the Firearms Act (1995) and the Criminal Code. The laws cover who can own firearms, how to store them, how to transport them, magazine capacity limits, transfer rules, and where you can shoot. All PAL and RPAL holders must comply with these laws.
Storage Laws
How you must store non-restricted and restricted firearms
Transportation Laws
How to legally move firearms in Canada
ATT — Authorization to Transport
When and how to get an ATT
Magazine Capacity Limits
Legal magazine sizes for each firearm type
Non-Restricted Rules
Laws specific to non-restricted firearms
Restricted Firearms Rules
Laws specific to restricted firearms
Where Can You Shoot?
Legal places to discharge firearms
Handgun Freeze (Bill C-21)
2022 national handgun purchase ban
Firearm Transfer Laws
How to legally buy, sell, or give a firearm
What Are the Core Canadian Firearms Laws?
The Firearms Act governs who may own firearms and sets licensing, registration, and storage requirements. The Criminal Code (Sections 84–117) defines criminal offences including unauthorized possession (s.91), careless storage (s.86), and pointing a firearm (s.87). The Storage Regulations (SOR/98-209) and Safe Transport Regulations (SOR/98-207) detail specific compliance requirements.
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms Act | Year | S.C. 1995, c. 39 |
| Criminal Code s.86 | Offence | Careless storage |
| Criminal Code s.91 | Offence | Unauthorized possession |
| Storage Regulations | SOR Number | SOR/98-209 |
| Safe Transport Regulations | SOR Number | SOR/98-207 |
| Magazine Limits | Non-restricted rifles | Maximum 5 rounds centre-fire |
| Magazine Limits | Handguns | Maximum 10 rounds |
| PAL Validity | Duration | 5 years |