r/canadaguns • u/Butchi3_To3 • May 18 '26

Application / Regulation advice Handgun ownership of deceased

Hello all,

I have a family member who recently passed away who owns some handguns I was wondering if there is anyway to have the passed down to me? The guns themselves are older cowboy style guns and I recently have been interested in Cowboy Action Shooting but obviously cant buy a revolver for the sport and this would be a great opportunity to not only get one but also keep the collectible in the family.

With the laws in place is this even possible anymore?

Thanks in advance

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u/spicymeatmemes May 18 '26

Afaik, inheriting would still require a transfer. And those aren't happening.

I wonder if you could get them deactivated somehow. That way you could at least still keep them.

You might also need an RPAL to get things started. I'm not 100% sure at all. Possibly a lawyer could help shed some light.

Edit: unless they are considered antiques, and thus not a firearm (through the magic of our laws)

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u/waitwhatnothing May 18 '26

The executor is considered to have the same license privileges as the deceased while the estate is being settled so they can sit in limbo for a while. They can also be transferred to a business or anyone with an exemption. 

3

u/spicymeatmemes May 18 '26

That's true, but also just having them in purgatory during estate settlement is doing nothing for anyone. And transferring it to a business is pretty far from keeping it in the family, even if you get to use it every now and then.

The range could do anything they want with it. Like rent it out to everyone which puts a lot of wear on the firearm.

1

u/demetri_k May 18 '26

Can the executor/estate “loan” them to OP if they have an RPAL? You can loan your handguns to someone which I recall requires a transfer but can still be done as long as the recipient has an RPAL. 

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u/waitwhatnothing May 19 '26

Not sure about that. A loan different from a transfer since the registered owner doesn’t change. There is still a little paperwork involved since the person borrowing it needs an ATT.