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/KyllikkiSkjeggestad May 18 '26

How old are we talking? Almost all pre 1898 revolvers are considered antiques, and a fair amount of their “replicas” are as well, so long as they are built to the original standard. You wouldn’t need a firearms licence for a Colt Model of 1873, or a true to design replica, for example.

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u/Junckopolo May 18 '26

Handgun replicas are not considered antiques as per the law.

"Newer handguns, including matchlock, wheel lock and flintlock handguns made after 1898 are classified as restricted if their barrel length is over 105 mm (about 4 inches), or prohibited if their barrel length is 105 mm or less."

"Black powder reproductions: Reproductions of flintlock, wheel-lock or matchlock firearms, other than handguns, manufactured after 1897."

The only handguns considered antiques are those made before 1898. So an original is an antique, a replica/reproduction is not.

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u/HatchingCougar May 20 '26

Yeah, have a repro handgun from the revolution, the 7 years war, 1812 / Napoleonic wars .. restricted or even prohibited as the case may be

Have a genuine original and you’re free reign gtg as an antique 

Another case of our laws being dumb asf