r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • Jun 08 '26
Recurring FAQ Thread - Post your questions here for PAL/RPAL application, timelines, CFSC/CFSRC, references & requirements, or general new to firearms ownership-type questions
This thread will be used for any Frequently Asked Questions, including PAL/RPAL applications, CFSC/CFRSC requirements, storage/transport, open ended "what gun should I buy first", or other general new to firearms ownership questions. It recurs every 14 days.
We recommend you try the search bar before asking common questions as they are frequently already answered elsewhere.
Most answers to Storage, Display, and Transport questions can be found here Inheriting firearms or dealing with an Estate? Answers here. Do you need to renew your license or check on the status of your license application? Try here.
Do you have questions about the classifications of firearms? More details here.
Are you wondering if a firearm is legal or not? Details here.
Different types of firearms are explained in detail here.
Exporting firearms, ammunition, parts and accessories from the US: most items are controlled under ITAR and you cannot, as an individual, export these items from the USA. Canada does not care in most cases. If you attempt to bring any of these items across the border yourself and you are caught, you will face prison time in the US. If you wish to export items from the USA, use a broker such as IRUNGUNS, Aztech, or Prophet River.
If you took your CFSC and lost the paperwork, you can still apply for your PAL. Both your instructor and the CFP retain copies, you can request a copy by contacting either one. There is no expiration date on the paperwork, you do not have to retake the course. Updated list of scam websites is here.
If you have new scam sites to add, please message the mod team. Be careful: only use reputable sites to purchase things online. It is illegal to manufacture a non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited firearm.
Any posts or comments asking about the legality of making a firearm other than a reproduction antique will be removed. It was not always illegal, which is why you will find old posts regarding this topic. Rest assured, it is illegal now. Do not attempt.
These threads will be stickied for a week, renewing every Monday. Previous threads here.
Take a look, your question may have been answered! If you have any suggestions for this thread, please feel free to ask here, or send the Mods a message. Thank you!
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u/AccountantLow8671 Jun 08 '26
I recently go my PAL, It took 6 weeks from the date taking the course to getting the PAL in the mail. I did give the RCMP a call at week 5, the guy from NB I spoke to was really nice and confirmed it was approved and in the mail. It was in my mailbox that Friday. I did notice that the application portal did NOT update, you had to log into the other system to get an update. I think the application portal is still showing as "submitted" at this point. Overall a good experience however the 6 weeks still felt long!
Details: Southern Ontario, no previous history, references "clicked off" the day the application was submitted electronically.
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u/Nearby_Purchase_8672 Jun 08 '26
The first portal is just for submitting, and does not update whatsoever afterwards. It makes no sense to have two portals for one process, but that's indicative of the govt's approach to firearms
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u/squishydonut16 Jun 19 '26
Update on pal application submission
Hello all. I am located on the outskirts of the GTA and had submitted my application on May 7th. Fast forward to today June 19 and my application still says submitted. Not processing, not approved, submitted. I had absolutely no hopes of getting it this summer. But I check my mailbox and guess what’s in there? My PAL that got issued 10 days earlier. Basically the rzn for this rant was that anyone who constantly checks for status updates on the portal (like me), might wanna save your time as you might get it in the mail before you see an update on your portal. gtg off to get my first toy :)
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u/Mr_Nuclear1 Jun 08 '26
Ontario, Minors to Adult PAL
Submitted mail in paperwork march 15 —> approved on April 2nd —> held till birthday received card in mail in 5 business days
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u/Dill_Pickle_Tears Jun 10 '26
Not sure if we just need an exemption megathread for exemptions because the last one is gone. But I’m new to handguns and wanted to see what people’s experiences were with the Olympic handgun exemptions in Ontario.
On this path because I genuinely enjoy and want to get into those disciplines.
That said, I’ve seen people purchase .22 semi auto target and wheel guns with their exemption and I wanted to know if the typical calibre restricted exemptions also have any specific ergonomic or sport requirements for the type of pistol you purchase. I’d like to get a pardini SP once I get the scratch, but my first choices would be a Ruger MK IV and a P226 Classic .22
Even though these can be used to train, a dedicated target pistol is closest to the real comp id be participating in. Not sure if I’d have any trouble going through IRG with the exemption if I was purchasing less sport-specific handguns for sport specific use?
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 10 '26
so many threads to read
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/1t168ta/pistol_exemption_process/
that and the regular importers are bringing in limited nmbers of pre-ordered target pistols
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u/jmforme3 Jun 10 '26
Applied in Dec 2025, checked yes to "separated". Still waiting. No record of any kind.
Ive called 1-800 number and they said i just have to wait. Ontario.
So much for joining an outdoor range this year....
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u/jmforme3 Jun 18 '26
Update: email sent, a few days later I received a reply saying my card is in the mail.
Moral of story: ON pal can sometimes take 6 months.3
u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 10 '26
called 1-800 number
did you ask for the CFO Ontario extension?
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u/jmforme3 Jun 11 '26
No, it was general inquiries. The person "checked the system" and said it is waiting for a reviewer and i just had to wait.
No extension was offered to me.3
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u/black_covfefe_please Jun 13 '26
How sure are you that your ex didn't tell them some horror stories about you? They probably aren't going to be willing to tell you if s/he did.
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Jun 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/canadaguns-ModTeam Jun 13 '26
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[4] Not Relevant/Low Quality Content This subreddit is for the discussion of Canadian firearms ownership, shooting sports, safety of firearms, Gun Clubs, Firearms groups, advocacy, and the Canadian political effects of online communities/groups.
Posts, commenting, articles, and discussions are to be specific to Canada and Canadian laws. Posts not specific to Canada but may reasonably have a link to Canadian gun culture or laws, which would foster thoughtful and productive discussions, may be approved at moderator discretion.
Off-topic, non-relevance to the context of a submission, exaggerated/extremist commenting may be removed at moderator discretion.
Low quality, AI generated content, spammed content may be removed at moderator discretion.
If there is a major event/change in another country that you think would be worthy of discussion here, please contact the moderators first to review for content & suitability for the subreddit.
Generic news articles about crime, containing the word "gun, "weapon", etc., and not necessarily relatable to the context of this subreddit, may be removed. This isn't a gun crime subreddit.
Memes that are copied/pasted from other subs, are reposts, or are not relevant to Canadian firearms ownership may be removed at the moderator's discretion.
Major off topic tangents can result in content removal and/or being banned.
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u/Infinite-Bill1072 Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
Can you do an Application for the PAL on my samsung phone? or does it need to be one a PC?
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u/Diamond_zT Jun 18 '26
Hi all,
New to the gun community so forgive me if this is a naive question. As the title suggests a .22 LR AK-47 (semi-automatic, not full auto) often called a trainer is legal here, right?
Even with a 25 round mag it’s allowed right, since the mag wasn’t originally made for a pistol it musn’t be pinned?
Thank you in advance
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jun 19 '26
sorry, they were banned by name years ago for looking scary
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u/Diamond_zT Jun 20 '26
Damn really? :(
Are there any .22 trainers of icon firearms that aren’t banned?2
0
Jun 08 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/canadaguns-ModTeam Jun 08 '26
In accordance with the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[4] Not Relevant/Low Quality Content This subreddit is for the discussion of Canadian firearms ownership, shooting sports, safety of firearms, Gun Clubs, Firearms groups, advocacy, and the Canadian political effects of online communities/groups.
Posts, commenting, articles, and discussions are to be specific to Canada and Canadian laws. Posts not specific to Canada but may reasonably have a link to Canadian gun culture or laws, which would foster thoughtful and productive discussions, may be approved at moderator discretion.
Off-topic, non-relevance to the context of a submission, exaggerated/extremist commenting may be removed at moderator discretion.
Low quality, AI generated content, spammed content may be removed at moderator discretion.
If there is a major event/change in another country that you think would be worthy of discussion here, please contact the moderators first to review for content & suitability for the subreddit.
Generic news articles about crime, containing the word "gun, "weapon", etc., and not necessarily relatable to the context of this subreddit, may be removed. This isn't a gun crime subreddit.
Memes that are copied/pasted from other subs, are reposts, or are not relevant to Canadian firearms ownership may be removed at the moderator's discretion.
Major off topic tangents can result in content removal and/or being banned.
7
u/airchinapilot Jun 10 '26
As soon as my six month window rolled around I sent in my license renewal online. It didn't even take two weeks to get back to me. That's encouraging. And, as I expected, there was no hold up even though they should know I didn't participate in the buyback.