Korth Group Ltd. And the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Society (CSAAA) are pleased to bring you "Confused by Canadian Gun Laws?"
Firearms prohibitions in Canada are both confusing and unclear. The government has banned a large number of firearms and has halted most civilian handguns from being bought or sold. These changes happened through Orders-in-Council (OICs), which are executive actions, and through legislation known as Bill C-21.
The first major change came on May 1, 2020, when the government used an OIC to make over 1,500 different models of firearms and their variants illegal to own, sell, import, or transfer in Canada. On December 5, 2024, the government expanded that list with another OIC to ban 324 additional rifles, and then on March 7, 2025, yet another OIC added 179 more specific firearms to the prohibited list. These prohibitions included many semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as some large-bore rifles, historical firearms, and even some rimfire firearms.
Notably, there is no clear mechanical or technical definition consistently applied to determine what is being banned. The government often refers to these firearms as "assault-style" firearms. However, "assault-style" is not a mechanical classification. Because "style" is not a defined technical standard in the Criminal Code, it can be difficult for firearm owners, retailers, and manufacturers to clearly understand what is and is not prohibited. The use of this terminology allows broad discretion in determining what may be added to the prohibited list.
There is not a single consistent technical standard guiding these prohibitions, but comprehensive lists of currently prohibited firearms are available at armalytics.ca and on the RCMP website.
Alongside these make-and-model bans, as mentioned above, in 2022 Canada's government placed what they call a "freeze" on handguns unless the individual falls under narrow exceptions, such as high-level competitive shooting or a law enforcement or occupational authorization. People who already legally own handguns can still keep and use them under their license, but civilian transfers are generally blocked.
Bill C-21 also expanded the legal definition of what counts as a prohibited firearm. Under this definition, any centre-fire semi-automatic firearm that is not a handgun and that was originally designed to use a detachable magazine holding six or more rounds, and that was manufactured on or after December 15, 2023, is automatically prohibited under the Criminal Code. This means many newer semi-automatic rifles and shotguns that fit those criteria, even if they are not individually listed in OIC bans, are also illegal for civilians to own.
In addition to these prohibitions, Canada continues to enforce magazine-capacity limits. Detachable magazines for semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, and handguns are restricted to prescribed capacity limits under federal regulations.
If you are seeking steps on how to have a firearm classified or re-classified, you can contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program Technical Services Laboratory for formal determinations. Industry members may also reach out to the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association for guidance on classification processes and regulatory navigation.
Between make-and-model bans, the handgun freeze, and the expanded definitions that prohibit future models from entering the market, many firearms that were once legally obtainable are now prohibited. That said, there are still many makes and models of firearms that remain legal under current law.
About Korth Group Ltd.: Based in Okotoks, Alberta (20 mins south of Calgary, Alberta) Korth Group Ltd. is a family-owned leader in the distribution of premium outdoor and shooting sports products. Since 1977, they have partnered with the world's most respected brands to bring high-quality equipment to the Canadian market.
Learn more at: www.korthgroup.com Partnership & Media Inquiries: info@korthgroup.com
About CSAAA: The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, composed of a board of stakeholders in the hunting and firearms industry, is working hard to improve Canada's business environment and market. They advocate on behalf of retailers, manufacturers, and distributors by working with federal and provincial governments, providing industry education, promoting safe and responsible business practices, and supporting policies that protect the lawful hunting, sport shooting, and outdoor community.
Learn about Membership Opportunities at: www.csaaa.org or email at: info@csaaa.com.