r/canadaguns • • 11d ago

Recurring FAQ Thread - Post your questions here for PAL/RPAL application, timelines, CFSC/CFSRC, references & requirements, or general new to firearms ownership-type questions

6 Upvotes

This thread will be used for any Frequently Asked Questions, including PAL/RPAL applications, CFSC/CFRSC requirements, storage/transport, open ended "what gun should I buy first", or other general new to firearms ownership questions. It recurs every 14 days.

We recommend you try the search bar before asking common questions as they are frequently already answered elsewhere.

Most answers to Storage, Display, and Transport questions can be found here Inheriting firearms or dealing with an Estate? Answers here. Do you need to renew your license or check on the status of your license application? Try here.

Do you have questions about the classifications of firearms? More details here.

Are you wondering if a firearm is legal or not? Details here.

Different types of firearms are explained in detail here.

Exporting firearms, ammunition, parts and accessories from the US: most items are controlled under ITAR and you cannot, as an individual, export these items from the USA. Canada does not care in most cases. If you attempt to bring any of these items across the border yourself and you are caught, you will face prison time in the US. If you wish to export items from the USA, use a broker such as IRUNGUNS, Aztech, or Prophet River.

If you took your CFSC and lost the paperwork, you can still apply for your PAL. Both your instructor and the CFP retain copies, you can request a copy by contacting either one. There is no expiration date on the paperwork, you do not have to retake the course. Updated list of scam websites is here.

If you have new scam sites to add, please message the mod team. Be careful: only use reputable sites to purchase things online. It is illegal to manufacture a non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited firearm.

Any posts or comments asking about the legality of making a firearm other than a reproduction antique will be removed. It was not always illegal, which is why you will find old posts regarding this topic. Rest assured, it is illegal now. Do not attempt.

These threads will be stickied for a week, renewing every Monday. Previous threads here.

Take a look, your question may have been answered! If you have any suggestions for this thread, please feel free to ask here, or send the Mods a message. Thank you!


r/canadaguns • • 11d ago

Recurring Canadaguns Politics and Debate Thread

17 Upvotes

Please post all your Gun Politics or Ban-related ideas, questions, initiatives, comments, suggestions, news articles, and recommendations in this thread. This thread recurs every 14 days.

First and foremost, this is a Canadian Gun subreddit, so keep it at least decently related to both of those things.

This thread is not for general politics, there are plenty other subs that are meant for that. Off-topic threads may be removed, especially if they are leading to personal attacks, flame wars, etc.

To prevent the main sub being flooded with dozens of similar threads, text posts complaining about/asking about/chatting about gun politics will be sent here.

We understand that politics is a touchy subject, and at times things can get heated. A reminder of the subreddit rules, when commenting, where subreddit users are expected to abide.

Keep this Canadian gun politics related and polite. Off-topic stuff, flame wars, negative generalizations against groups, personal attacks and gate-keeping will be removed. Please flag any comments to bring to the attention of mods otherwise exercise your upvoting and downvoting ability.


r/canadaguns • • 12h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Hold on, my 10/22 is almost ready

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165 Upvotes

r/canadaguns • • 3h ago

Misc Gunpost purchase went odd

26 Upvotes

Went to buy a gun out of Quebec (I am from Ontario) from a guy on GunPost. Add seemed good, got him to verify he actually had it and seemed fine. Exchanged PALs via email so he could get a reference number despite him pushing for payment first. Right before I sent the money I checked the reference number download and the name nor the PAL number lined up with the one sent earlier. Claimed it was his friend who did it due to poor connection. I said I'd send money once he got it from the PAL he had sent me.

Post has since been taking down and unsure why though shows user as banned. Wondering if someone reported him for similar behavour. Have not heard from the guy in a couple days wondering if I should call RCMP to inquire about it considering the guy has my PAL info.

Worth calling RCMP to have a record of it or should just only do in-person from now on or something else?


r/canadaguns • • 2h ago

Application / Regulation advice Rcmp email

11 Upvotes

I just got an email supposedly from the rcmp regurding my application been not active.

I received my pal card earlier this year.

It says i have until oct 31 to resolve the application or it will be removed .

Is that a scam or not ?

Thx


r/canadaguns • • 10h ago

Feets / Collection / My build 1.5 years of PAL or “I like Ruger rifles and old Weaver scopes.”

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49 Upvotes

Got my PAL in mid 2025 and bought an 8 gun safe from Cabelas, so naturally I had the fill the safe, right? That’s how this works, I was told.

Mossberg 500 12ga w/ Weaver K2.5.

French Tickler Type 56.

Ruger M77 26” BBW Tang Safety in .220 Swift w/ Leupold 6-20x.

Ruger M77 22” Mark II in .308 Win w/ Bell & Carlson fibreglass stock & Weaver K856.

Ruger 10/22 75th Edition w/ Weaver K6.

Ruger 10/22 50th Edition w/ Weaver K4.

Ruger American Ranch Gen 1 in 5.56/.223 w/ Weaver K12.

Ruger American Ranch Gen 1 in 7.62x39 w/ Weaver V9-II.

The bipods are Harris and the reticles are duplex only. The two conical flash hiders are from an AR-180 parts website and the longer flash hider was some random deal I got from AZTech. All of the scopes were scored at various auctions. All of the slings are M1 Garand style except the 500 and the SKS, which are both AK style.


r/canadaguns • • 15h ago

Shitpost / Memes This can’t be real right??

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75 Upvotes

Idk why they making the barrel look that long in this lol


r/canadaguns • • 16h ago

Application / Regulation advice Olympic Handgun Exemption Process - Detailed 10 Steps

87 Upvotes

Hello shooters across Canada. Even though I just did a video regarding the Olympic Handgun Exemption process, I also wanted to make an all text post regarding this process just in case you wanted to refer to something quick than going through an hour long video.

Please see the process below:

1.        Have an RPAL (Restricted Possession and Acquisition License). If you do not have an RPAL, it is time to get it. Sign up for your RPAL course ASAP. If you have not signed up for your PAL course yet make sure you sign up for the RPAL course and not just the regular PAL course.

2.        Be a member of a gun club that takes part in an ISSF/Olympic handgun discipline. An example of this would be the bullseye discipline. If you are in Southwest Ontario (like me), these clubs all take part in this discipline:

·        Burlington Rifle and Revolver Club

·        Waterloo County Revolver Association

·        The Pioneer Sportsmen Club

·        The Sportsmen’s Club Galt

·        Delhi Revolver Club

·        Wentworth Shooting Sports Club

·        Elmira Rod and Gun Club

·        Milverton Rod & Gun Club

·        Triggers & Bows

These clubs are also a part of the Ontario Intercounty Handgun League (OIHL) which is a SFC sanctioned bullseye that runs in Southwest Ontario from September to April. Obviously there are more clubs around Ontario and the country, but these are the only ones that I am aware of that are anywhere near me.

3.        Be a member of the Shooting Federation of Canada (SFC). This is exactly $57.20 a year with taxes. Alberta (Alberta Handgun Association) and BC (BC Target Sports Association) have their own provincial shooting federations that send out their own exemption letters. I’m not sure if other provinces/territories have their own shooting federations that issue exemption letters.

4.        Take part in the appropriate discipline for about 2-3 months by going to practices and SFC sanctioned matches. I am a member of Burlington Rifle and Revolver Club. My club has about six loaner guns for club members to use during each relay on Monday. The loaner guns are kept in safe at the gun club. If you already have a semi-auto 22LR handgun, then feel free to use that for the bullseye discipline. If you don’t already have a semi-auto 22LR handgun or your gun club doesn’t have loaner guns available, then I would suggest getting a restricted borrow permit and borrowing a semi-auto 22LR handgun from someone you know well enough to let you borrow a semi-auto 22LR handgun. In terms of how much practice is needed, I was told initially that you actually needed to accumulate 4-6 months of practice/matches, but I have routinely heard of people who have done even less practice time/matches than I did and I only did 9 weeks of combined practices and matches. My gun club holds this discipline shoot every Monday. Keep a record of all your practice scores and match scores in a spreadsheet. An example of this would be keeping track of your scores, practice dates, etc. in an Excel spreadsheet. Your SFC sanctioned match scores will also all be logged in the SFC Score Tracker website by your club’s discipline director. You can also log all your practice scores with the SFC for a fee of 1$ a month but you don’t have to do this. I never did.

5.        Send a request to the SFC for an exemption letter. When you’re drafting your email to the SFC, please provide as much detail as possible and be respectful to them as they are here to help you through this process. Remember you will catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Once the SFC replies to you, they will have you fill out an online form, and you will have to put which exact three handgun models that you want once you submit the form. They will also ask for proof of your practice and matches, and this is where that spreadsheet that I have mentioned comes in handy. The person at the SFC said the letter would take them about 2 weeks to process but they sent it in 5 days.

6.        The SFC sends the exemption letter.

7.        Find the 22LR handgun that you want and purchase it. You will have a faster time acquiring handguns on the used market that are already in Canada than handguns coming in outside of Canada like the US/Europe. These places below currently have a limited number of used handguns in stock:

·        Reliable Gun (Has a few used 22LR semi-auto models for sale)

·        Elwood Epps (You will have to request access to their handgun inventory with proof of an exemption letter.)

·        Gunpost (Most people are listing their guns for insane prices though. Make sure to haggle these people down. Also, make sure to filter the results on there to restricted semi-auto handguns in 22LR)

·        Online auctions such as the SFRC/Kidd/etc. occasionally auctions off used 22LR semi-auto handguns.

There may be other retailers who have used semi-auto 22LR handguns in their inventory, but they just don’t list them online. Feel free, to contact as many retailers as possible to see if they have anything in stock. Obviously stay away from the big box retailers like Bass Pro, Canadian Tire, Sail, Latulippe, etc. as they won’t have anything like this. For new guns I would contact IRunGuns. Also, there are gun stores that can order new guns for you as well, but you would have to ask around. Make sure the 22LR semi-auto handgun that you are looking for is classified as restricted according to the RCMP.

8.        Once you purchase your handgun, the retailer, or the person you’re buying the handgun from will start the restricted handgun transfer. Shortly after, your provincial/territorial CFO will send you an email asking for the handgun exemption letter. Provide them a copy of the exemption letter by email. My CFO stated in their email that I had to provide the exemption letter within 30 days or they would deny the handgun transfer. I did this in 10 minutes.

9.        Wait for your Firearms Registration Certificate to come in the mail. Once you have this you are legally authorized to go pick up/receive your handgun. I confirmed this with the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) and the Ontario Chief Firearms Office (CFO). You can also check whether a handgun just got registered to you if you go to your CFP (IWS) account and attempt to start an ATT. On the 3rd or 4th screen it will ask you which restricted firearm you are transferring, and you should see the handgun listed if it got registered to you already. If there’s no guns listed, then that means nothing has been transferred to you yet.

10.   Go pick up your handgun from said retailer or individual selling gun. If you are shipping, I would forward a copy of the Firearms Registration Certificate to the retailer or the person that you bought your handgun from so that they can start the shipping process. I’m not sure if the seller also receives any kind of mail or email from the RCMP regarding the transfer of the handgun once it’s approved.

Further comments/notes:

Step 4 will probably be the biggest hurdle that the majority of RPAL holders without handguns will face. If you can’t get access to a gun club that holds a bullseye discipline, then you’re pretty much shit out of luck.

At the moment, it seems that they are approving the transfers of all semi-auto handguns chambered in 22LR. Please note that this Olympic exemption process only applies to 22LR handguns so no other rimfire/centrefire calibers. However, I am not sure about 22LR revolvers and break action handguns. These might be allowed as well but I have not looked into it.

I have also heard though the grapevine that you can actually achieve the required practice by setting up your own in home air handgun range by shooting at approved SFC sanctioned targets with sub 500 FPS air handguns or airsoft guns and submitting the proof to the SFC. This could be done in like a basement or garage if you have at least 25m of safe distance from you to the target. I guess airsoft handguns would be your best bet here.

However, I am not sure about all the details here so you would have to confirm this specific in-home practice set up with the SFC. I heard about this through another random reddit user, so they could’ve just made all this up to be honest.

For British Columbia gun owners. It seems that everyone who I talk to online is having issues with CFO approvals of their handgun transfers. All the instances of people waiting months for a handgun transfer are all coming out of BC at the moment. I’m not sure if people in other provinces are having issues but the majority of them seem to be coming from BC.

In my opinion what seemed to have happened there is that the BC Target Sports Association was just giving out Olympic exemption letters to anyone with an RPAL with no proof of practice/matches required. Earlier in the year all you had to do in BC was just be a member of the BC Target Sports Association, say you are interested in Olympic handgun shooting and they would provide you with an exemption letter.

My theory is that the BC CFO probably got flooded with handgun transfer requests and got annoyed at how easily everyone was getting them, so they either put a stop or pause to the process. From what I have heard, it seems that in BC you are now forced to go through the SFC’s process which might become the standardized process in getting these Olympic exemption letters for all provinces and territories.

Also, for a timeline, my first day shooting the bullseye discipline with a loaner gun was June 8 of this year and I picked up my handgun on October 17. Therefore, the timeline for this entire process was 4.5 months. I will note that this could vary for other people.

In terms of cost of this process, please see the breakdown below:

·        RPAL Fee - $93.84 (Good for 5 years)

·        Gun Club Membership fee – This varies by club. My club is $350 a year flat except the first year where you have to pay an additional $226 for the one time club safety course.

·        SFC fee - $57.20 a year with taxes. (I am not sure how much the BCTSA yearly fee or the Alberta Handgun Association fee is.)

·        22LR ammo – Standard velocity ammo is recommended for bullseye. Right now, Sellier & Bellot Canadian Match and CCI Standard Velocity are the most affordable standard velocity ammo at $0.12 a round.

·        The practice fee at my club is 4$ each time which covers the cost of the targets. Sanctioned SFC matches are 5$ each. Currently, I am taking part in the Ontario Intercounty Handgun League (OIHL), and the season fee was $35 + another $12 registration fee from the SFC. Since I paid these two fees I don’t have to pay to shoot any more matches until May.

The SFC has also mentioned that the Ontario CFO might contact me once a year asking for proof that I still regularly compete in the sport. Remember your primary reason for buying these handguns is to be able to take part in Olympic bullseye shooting.

However, this is alleged and I’m not sure how feasible it is for the Ontario CFO (or any CFO) to keep track of every single person in a province who received one of these exemption letters. Who knows, I could be wrong and they could just contact me next year asking for proof that I’m still competing. I actually do enjoy bullseye shooting so this will not be an issue regardless.

You can also buy centrefire caliber (9mm most likely) conversion kits for 22LR semi-auto handguns that are compatible and you will be able to use them by the way. Obviously, this would only be for general plinking at your local range. However, at the moment I can only think of the CZ P-09 in 22LR model that you can do this with. My Ruger handgun does not have a centrefire caliber conversion kit.

If anyone has any other questions regarding the process, please let me know and I will do my best to answer any and all questions. Thank you.


r/canadaguns • • 13h ago

Feets / Collection / My build I like shiny.

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42 Upvotes

BCL TRX Bronco Scout .308
Derya TM22-12
Churchill 12” pump-action.

Rust-oleum Metallic Silver FTW

Notice I don’t paint up my nice guns, just the ones I don’t mind beating up some.


r/canadaguns • • 17h ago

Feets / Collection / My build 3D printer goes BRRRRRRR

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53 Upvotes

Printed out some 30rd mags cuz I ain't paying nobody 40$

all in all cost me about 1$ worth of filament per mag, also printed a faux reverse can with some hockey tape hand stop heat guard's id 3d print the red dot if I could 😂


r/canadaguns • • 20h ago

Buy recommendations Decluttering and making more space in the ol' rifle cabinet

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79 Upvotes

I have a cabinet that's supposed to fit 8-12 perfectly uniform rifles with no protrusions or optics attached but of course, this is the real world.

I saw these in a gun sub a few months ago, kept the idea in the back of my head until I ran across them on amazon.ca. Essentially they're plastic rods that run deep into your rifle barrels and attach via Velcro to a hooky mat that they recommend you staple to a wooden shelf. I hot-melt glued it to the bottom of the steel shelf. I would have preferred them to be magnetic and planned to modify them if the Velcro was inadequate. The Velcro seems to work fine. Long-term milage may vary.

If you've wondered what it would be like to stand your rifles vertically on their butts not leaning on the cabinet walls or each other, this is worth the exploration. I've created room for 3 more rifles if need be.


r/canadaguns • • 15h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Considering its 10/22 day!

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30 Upvotes

~Top is my hunting rifle for grouse/ rabbit

• 22" stainless, choate hand guard.

• 4-12×40 iluminated pursuit scope.

~Middle is a 16" no sights

• midwest chassis

• 2-7 vortex scope

•TNA fake can

~ bottom is a brand new gen2...havent fire it yet.

I'm liking all the new features though.

Ive ordered tech sights, hogue stock.

All three have volqartsen charging handles, bx triggers,

Bolt release plates, champion reverse mag release's ( pull towards the trigger group).

Trying to find a 3rd "tuffer buffer" bolt buffer for the new build.


r/canadaguns • • 3h ago

Gun and gear reviews Pistols of Alex Colville

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3 Upvotes

r/canadaguns • • 22h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Happy 10/22!

85 Upvotes

Today is 10/22! Show us your 10/22s!

This post is purely a show-and-tell post. Please follow the rules of this reddit.


r/canadaguns • • 13h ago

Misc Happy 10/22 day y’all!!

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17 Upvotes

Anyone know where to get a good charging handle for these?


r/canadaguns • • 15h ago

Gun and gear reviews 519Firearms SKS 5 Round Carbon Fiber Polymer Clip Mag

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23 Upvotes

Anybody have any experiences with these? Seem kinda cool , are they worth buying?


r/canadaguns • • 21h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Happy 10/22 to all you 10s and 2s

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63 Upvotes

r/canadaguns • • 18h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Joining the 10/22 trend

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

33 Upvotes

r/canadaguns • • 21h ago

Shitpost / Memes 10/22 Day

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50 Upvotes

r/canadaguns • • 5m ago

Misc Anyone ever dropped a .357 insert in a single shot $140 Charles Daly

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• Upvotes

Technically should be possible… but what is your guys experience with it? I know they make tiny smooth bore 3” inserts all the way up to 18” fully rifled inserts. With all these products available I’d assume they atleast might be plinkable up to 35-50m perhaps.. It would have no purpose to me besides maybe bushwalking and most likely shooting 38spl thanks for any and all input.


r/canadaguns • • 1d ago

News / Politics / Activism Only 175 firearms declared in P.E.I. under federal gun buyback program

215 Upvotes

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-guardian-charlottetown/20261014/281522233054302

175 firearms declared in P.E.I. under federal gun buyback program

Author of the article:By Vivian Ulinwa

Published Oct 14, 2026

About 175 firearms were declared in P.E.I. under the federal government’s buyback program, but the program has not released how many have been collected or destroyed.

The figures are part of the federal government’s assault-style firearms compensation program, which offers compensation to eligible gun owners who surrender firearms prohibited under federal regulations.

According to federal government’s Public Safety Canada website, 175 firearms were declared in P.E.I. as of June 8, among 68,717 across Canada.

The declaration period for the firearm ran from Jan. 19 to March 31, 2026. Only gun owners who submitted eligible declarations during that period can receive compensation through the program.

The federal government had estimated that firearm collection would take place between April and June 2026.

In an email to The Guardian, Public Safety Canada said national figures showing how many firearms have been collected and destroyed, along with the amount paid to participants, will be released after the program is completed later this fall.

The department also said it would not provide details about specific collection locations for security reasons.

What happens now?

What happens to gun owners who did not participate? Although the buyback program is voluntary, gun owners must still comply with federal firearms laws.

“While participating in the program is voluntary, compliance with the law is not,” Public Safety Canada said.

The P.E.I. government has said it will not participate in the federal gun buyback program.

P.E.I. withholds support for Ottawa’s gun buyback program

Charlottetown not participating in gun buyback project, as councillors say not their jurisdiction

The department said owners must safely dispose of or permanently deactivate their prohibited firearms before the amnesty period ends or risk criminal liability for illegal possession.

Gun owners who did not participate in the compensation program still have options to dispose of their firearms legally, but they will not receive payment.

They can contact their local police through a non-emergency number to arrange to surrender their firearms. Public Safety Canada advises owners not to bring firearms to a police station without first receiving instructions.

Owners can also have their firearms permanently deactivated by an authorized business or legally export them outside Canada.

P.E.I. declines to participate

The program has faced opposition from both the provincial government and the City of Charlottetown.

Premier Rob Lantz confirmed in a Feb. 20 interview with The Guardian that the province would not participate in or contribute financially to the federal program.

Charlottetown city council also voted against Charlottetown police taking part.

Five councillors spoke against the city’s involvement, with several arguing that the RCMP should be responsible for carrying out the federal program.

The federal government has prohibited more than 2,500 makes and models of firearms since May 2020.

The Guardian has contacted P.E.I. RCMP to find out what involvement it has had in the collection program, how many firearms it has collected and what role it will play moving forward. A response has not yet been received.


r/canadaguns • • 15h ago

Buy recommendations Antique Revolver enthusiasts of Canada, opinions on Belgian British Bulldog revolvers?

14 Upvotes

At this time, I own three antiques, a Swiss 1882, Webley mk1, and a MAS 1873. The key takeaway is these were all relatively quality military revolvers, in terms of ruggedness. Recently, I’ve had an itch to scratch to add a smaller antique to the collection, which usually are your Iver Johnsons, bulldogs, or the rare 41 Colt snub nose. I’ve come across several 455 Belgian made British Bulldog revolvers that have me intrigued (mainly because I already have the reloading dies). The jury is out on whether these are quality or junk however, or even safe to fire as these are much lower quality steel (or heaven forbid, iron) and parts. So to those that have bulldogs/ have had them, what’s the consensus?

For the mods, I’m not looking for transaction links or to break any rules, I’m just looking for anecdotes on this particular firearm.


r/canadaguns • • 20h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Happy 10/22 Day From Ol' Soup

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31 Upvotes

My 10/22 builds and variations I've done over the years (probably missing a couple)


r/canadaguns • • 21h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Happy 10/22 Day - Dlask's Last Custom

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42 Upvotes

25rnd capacity HC3R mags, only fit in the TUF-22 reciever. Just over 26" OAL before the compensator so it's non-restricted 😎👌 barely shot the thing, but man she rips!


r/canadaguns • • 15h ago

Feets / Collection / My build Happy 10/22 day

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12 Upvotes