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/_MlCE_ May 18 '26

Unfortunately due to the Freeze, you can't inherit it anymore - unless the intended heir is a recognized Sports Shooter, or a Profession that requires a handgun. (Not 100% sure on this since there are lots of hoops).

Only 3 options are:

1.) Sell or Consign it to a business 2.) Destroy it 3.) Surrender it

32

u/illknowitwhenireddit May 18 '26

This is false. The executer of the will has legal protections to be in possession of the firearms while they deal with the estate. Typical simple estates take a minimum of two years just to finalize the taxes owed to the CRA and complicated estates can take many more years.

There is an easy argument to make that the possession of firearms creates a complicated estate and the executor could potentially be in legal possession of the pistols until a change of government occurs.

3

u/Junckopolo May 18 '26

This doesn't mean he can inherit the guns, only that he can possess them for estate purposes.

4

u/illknowitwhenireddit May 18 '26

Only that the executer can possess them.

But the point I am getting at is that it is not only reasonable, but likely that an estate could take 5 years to settle with complicated items. The executer could hold them legally the entire time and possibly until a change in government makes transferring legal again.

Destruction or deactivatio at this time are not the only options and I would argue they're not options at all until forced.

All of this depends on the executer and if they are comfortable storing them until such time as the estate is finally settled or a change in government/legislation.