How to Buy a Gun in Canada
Whether you're interested in shooting at a range, hunting, or competitive shooting, navigating the legal requirements to obtain a gun in Canada can be challenging. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1: Obtain a Firearms Licence
The first requirement is a firearms licence, officially known as a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).
Step 2: Complete the Necessary Training
To obtain a PAL, you must complete proper training. The RCMP and the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) mandate that individuals take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).
The CFSC covers various topics including:
- Types of firearms and their actions
- Proper use and handling of firearms
- Identifying suitable ammunition for each firearm
- Different ammunition types and their common uses
- Firearms laws and regulations
- Responsibilities and conditions for legal firearms ownership, including purchasing, possessing, transporting, storing, and displaying firearms
The course also includes practical training with deactivated firearms, allowing you to safely practice loading and unloading them.
Step 3: Additional Training for Handguns
If you want to purchase a handgun, you will need to take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) in addition to the CFSC. The CFSC is sufficient for long guns such as rifles and shotguns.
Step 4: Pass the Examinations
After completing the training, you must pass a written examination that includes true/false and multiple-choice questions, requiring a score of 80% or higher. Following a successful written exam, you will need to pass a practical examination where you demonstrate safe handling of firearms, again requiring a score of 80% or higher.
Step 5: Apply for Your PAL
With your training completed and exams passed, you can apply for your PAL through the RCMP. Your application must include:
- Personal information
- Proof of completed training (course reports)
- Information about your current or past conjugal partner(s) from the past two years
- Two references
- A photo with a photo guarantor
- Application fees
Step 6: Wait for Approval
The approval process for a PAL can take between 3 to 6 months. Once approved, you will receive your firearms licence in the mail, enabling you to legally purchase a gun.
