r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • Jul 20 '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/StalkerRigo Jul 20 '26
I still struggle to understand pricing and rarity of some firearms. I really want a PU mosin but holy crap is that gun $2500 worthy? How about a 7.62N Mauser, does it make sense to pay $1500 on one? Not even gonna comment on the $3000 Finnish M39, a dream of mine. Where and how people get these guns for less?
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u/AnOblongBox Jul 22 '26
Got my PAL marked ready for print and ship day after waiting period ending, ontario, no boxes checked. Did the picture myself on my cellphone following the guidelines on the RCMP site. gobbless hosses
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u/thxxx1337 Jul 20 '26
Dumb question. I'm thinking about getting a tarp for the casings. Will any tarp do? The casings won't be too hot or anything?
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jul 21 '26
get an old cotton bedsheet, it folds up smaller
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u/QwertyExe9 Jul 23 '26
What the current legality of .458 SOCOM mags that are pinned to 5 rounds of .458 SOCOM?
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Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/QwertyExe9 Jul 24 '26
I guess you don’t know what I’m asking. The .458 SOCOM mags were in a grey area a while back, wondering if the government made any sort of decision? Or are they still good to go pinned to 5 .458?
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u/AdeptArt Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
I’m pretty sure those are now limited to 5 rounds of 556. Proof is you don’t see them for sale anymore at 5 rounds of 458 socom. But I don’t believe this has been tested in court but rather is the RCMP’s opinion, but IANAL.
But yeah the guy you’re replying to has no idea what you’re asking about, agreed.
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u/AdeptArt Jul 24 '26
While this is generally true this is dangerous and likely illegal advice in the case of .50 beo or 458 or other STANAG compatible calibres. I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and take this as you posting in good faith but someone following your advice could’ve gotten in big trouble with the RCMP. I’ll be removing your reply proactively, see my reply to the commenter below for more details.
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jul 27 '26
illegal advice
RCMP opinion is not the law, but always best to appear to follow police orders
From canadiangunnutz
Thus to be compliant with the RCMP
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u/FigureItOutBuds Jul 28 '26
Little timeline of my PAL for whoever’s interested.
Applied June 6th, had to check a box about previously having a peace bond. Never been in legal trouble otherwise and have never been convicted of a crime.
License was in hand July 14th, in Ontario.
No call from the CFO, no references were contacted. I served in the military so perhaps that helped verification in some way. Overall waaaay shorter of a timeline than I imagined.
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u/cestbeaula Jul 28 '26
Question on change of reference request....
Submitted my application online last week, references filled out links same day. They called both references today... one called me and apologized saying she isn't comfortable providing a reference anymore because she thought it was an ID verification, not a reference on my safety/mental state. Never told me this before... as I spoke to her she then says she claimed she never filled out the email reference they received and it must have been fraudulently done. My stomach dropped, I couldn't have imagined a change of heart like this when nothing has changed. She didn't eant the responsibility of me owning a gun if my mental health ever changed.
I called in about my application immediately and the lady told me they mailed me out a letter this morning requesting 2 new references.
I'm now trying to find 2 new people who have known me 3 years that would be comfortable with this. I'm hoping the worst that comes from this is that my application is now delayed while they mail the letter and I mail the references back.
Does anyone know how this could affect my application if my new references attest to my character and safety?
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jul 28 '26
The idea that someone fraudulently filled out her reference is BS. She's a lying sack of shit. You should protect yourself and remember that if there's ever a time that you're tempted to interact with her again.
You can't know what she put in there (unless the police tell you) so it's impossible for us to guess how it will effect things.
Get 2 new references, explain what is requested of them, submit, wait and see.
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u/cestbeaula Jul 29 '26
All I know from the RCMP is that whatever was said invalidated both references, they didn't even call the second reference. I guess if the first claimed something fishy happened that they couldn't trust either online reference confirmation.
I'm only hoping they are used to this stuff happening when references change their mind and the only impact is the delay with mailed letters. New references are already willing to help so fingers crossed she didn't ruin my application.
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u/r_jew_kitten_mii Jul 28 '26
One of my references didn't receive the PAL application email because their inbox was full. They made space & I reached out via the MyCFP inbox requesting they resend it. Any advice? Thanks
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u/QwertyExe9 Jul 28 '26
What’s the legality of putting a 9mm slide on my .22LR handgun that I acquired with an exemption?
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u/chillyrabbit Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-98-201/index.html
Section 4(2)
(2) Subject to section 5, the Registrar shall attach to a registration certificate that is issued in respect of a firearm the condition that when the type, action, calibre or gauge of the firearm is modified, the holder of the certificate shall advise the Registrar of the modification,
(a) if the modification is intended to be permanent, within 30 days after the modification; and
(b) if the modification is not intended to be permanent but still exists 30 days after it is made, without delay after that period.
Legal but you should not make it a permanent modification more than 30 days.
Because you would have to report it to the registrar.
Edit: not sure what would happen if you do make a permanent modification, I suspect they would "try" to issue a new registration certificate but since they can't it would just cause a big problem
Just keep it in the original 22lr configuration 99% of the time for less friction.
Ian runkles video was specifically about classification which is section 4(1) which must always be reported to the registar. But since the firearm stays the same class it doesn't matter.
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u/I-LOVE-HENRY-RIFLES Jul 29 '26
29 days and then swap it back to .22LR for a day and then back to 9mm for another 29 days?
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jul 28 '26
iirc you need to notify the cfo within thirty days or just swap it back
(I just swap it back to registered configuration for storage)1
u/QwertyExe9 Jul 29 '26
A few days ago you gave me advice that is illegal.
And yes I know I’m asking legal advice on Reddit, but can anyone else confirm?3
u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jul 30 '26
that is illegal
complying with RCMP is not the same as complying with the law as written
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u/QwertyExe9 Jul 30 '26
You said it’s legal to have .458 SOCOM mags that are pinned to 5 .458 SOCOM.
That means they can fit 14 rounds of 5.56.
RCMP said these mags are prohibited devices if they are pinned to 5 .458 SOCOM.
The mods deleted your comment as it was giving “dangerous and likely illegal advice”
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u/Agent_1812 https://youtu.be/mrAwb9ptu9U Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
You said it’s legal to have .458 SOCOM mags that are pinned to 5 .458 SOCOM.
um, no, I said it's not contrary to THE LAW, but it is contrary to RCMP OPINION
also see Ruger 10/22 25 round magazines and Cross Industries 10 round pistol magazines
Have a better day.
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u/DoYouGetSarcasm Jul 29 '26 edited Jul 29 '26
Edit:
See a better reply and disregard mine: https://old.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/comments/1v1f499/recurring_faq_thread_post_your_questions_here_for/p0h8j64/
Runkle did a video on the restricted rifle version of this a number of years ago.
If you make a modification that is required to be reported within 30 days then your required to report that you made that modification (within 30 days). There's no provision that says if you undo the modification that you don't have to report it. Undoing it just gives you plausible deniability that it was never done.
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u/Elbro_16 Jul 30 '26
In BC, what’s your experience with timelines for restricted transfer? I’m at 3 weeks
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u/Loud_Cap_4250 Jul 30 '26
Almost at 3 months
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u/Elbro_16 Jul 30 '26
3 months?? What’s with the wide discrepancy’s?
I had one go through in 4 days, then this one that’s been at three weeks.
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u/MoveLive2781 Jul 30 '26
Hi everyone,
I applied for my PAL in June 2025 and no progress on my application yet. I reached out to my provincial CFO via email and they responded with this, “Signatures for both your current and previous spouses were missing on your application. Notices were sent on this day advising them of your PAL application”
My current spouse didn’t receive any notice to her email and am wondering how to proceed. Do they send out physical mail notice or does my current and previous spouses need to approve the notice.
How do i proceed?
Kindly advice
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u/conanap Jul 31 '26
Y’all, I have an exemption for a P226 Classic and I found one to import, but I have a mind to just buy an air pistol (steyr Evo 10). Can’t really afford both… what do y’all think?
I have a P320, Ruger Mk IV, and a Walther GSP500 already. I wanna compete seriously with an air pistol I think… but the prospect of a new pistol that’s convertible to 9mm is very tempting. I do already have a 9mm with the P320 though…
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u/Cingetorix Tacticool whore Aug 01 '26
How has the license renewal process been like for people who have firearms that were restricted but then made prohibited since the OIC? Has this been a problem in getting your license renewed since?
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u/Cre_AK47 Name Prohibited by OIC Aug 03 '26
So I'm looking at getting my first shotgun, and another one as well. Want 1 pump and 1 semi.
I think for Pump, I'm looking at a Maverick 88. Cheap, reliable, and really, no one has anything really bad to say about them. What about the 590S though? I hear it's basically Mossberg's premium shotguns - is it worth the extra $500 over a M88?
For semi, I'm looking at an Benelli M4, but oh man, a genuine M4 goes for like $2000-3000... I know the M4 is THE gold standard for semi-auto shotguns, but I know so many Turkish companies make reproductions that are almost 1/4 to 1/6 the cost, so I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these knock-off M4 and if some of them are actually reliable and good, or if I should just save up for a genuine M4?
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u/Lost_Aioli4731 28d ago
Hey there, I'm an Ontario PAL/RPAL instructor. Let me know if you have any questions regarding the RCMP Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
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u/Abramshunter Jul 20 '26
I haven't bought anything in a while since they rolled out the PAL verification for non-restricted firearm purchases, can you still go into a store have PAL verified and walk out that day with your purchase or does the verification take days?