r/canadaguns • u/PreventerWind1224 • May 16 '26

News / Politics / Activism Aquiring an exemption in Ontario.

Hi everyone, recently there have been multiple posts on how to obtain an handgun exemption and those that have aquired new firearms under those exemptions. The majority of those posts have been from BC or AB. I would like anyones experience in doing this in Ontario, it would be extremely helpful.

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u/No-Specialist2593 May 16 '26

How does one get exempt? And is it only for .22 calibre pistols ?

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u/conanap May 16 '26

For exemptions, SFC current gives out exemptions for 22LR and .177 (air rifle / pistols). You can shoot 32ACP centre fire by converting 22LR firearms to 32ACP (for ones that support it).

Step 1: Join a club that runs bullseye and get practices in. Ideally a club that has club guns you can use; if not, you’ll have to ask around for someone to lend you a pistol.

Step 2: register with SFC, and then compete in at least 1 SFC sanctioned match. This includes any OIHL club during the OIHL season, the two competitions held at Burlington by Ontario Pistol, or the provincial in Sharon. There’s other ones too, I just don’t know them. You’ll have to use a club gun or borrow a gun for this too.

Step 3: find a gun in 22 or 177 you want to buy, and negotiate the price. Once it’s agreed upon, move on to step 4.

Step 4: compile your practice scores, compile your competition score(s), and email SFC for the link to the exemption letter form. Fill it out with your scores, etc. You also have to fill in the pistol you want to buy here - be aware that you can only have 3 exemptions active at a time. (Once you ask for a 4th one, your first one expires; you can still own it, but you can’t acquire a new one of that anymore unless you apply for a new exemption).

Step 5: wait for them to send you the exemption letter, send it to the seller. The seller will initiate a transfer and submit your exemption letter.

Step 6: once CFO approves, you can pick up the pistol and the transfer is complete.

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u/External_Big_2982 May 16 '26

So do you also have to get ATC to take it to a range?

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u/conanap May 16 '26

Nope! In Ontario, ATT is automatically issued with the transfer for your home and any legal range in Ontario. If you want to bring it to a gun smith or out of province, you need a separate ATT.

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u/CringelordCameron 8d ago

I know this is an old post but I have a question. Will they issue you an exemption for any model of 22lr handgun or does it need to be a specific model?

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u/conanap 8d ago

I understand it to be specific models that are used in competitions, but lately it seems to be any 22lr models