Storing, transporting and displaying firearms
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Be safe! Prevent firearms accidents!
It is important to store, transport and display firearms safely to prevent accidents and deter loss or theft.
These rules apply to individuals. There are different rules for businesses.
Storing firearms safely
Unload and lock your firearms!
Store the ammunition separately or lock it up. It can be stored in the same locked container as the firearms.
Non-restricted firearms
- Attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock (or remove the bolt) so the firearms cannot be fired; or
- Lock the firearms in a cabinet, container or room that is difficult to break into.
Restricted and prohibited firearms
- Attach a secure locking device so the firearms cannot be fired and lock them in a cabinet, container or room that is difficult to break into; or
- Lock the firearms in a vault, safe or room that was built or modified specifically to store firearms safely.
- For automatic firearms, also remove the bolts or bolt carriers (if removable) and lock them in a separate room that is difficult to break into.
Transporting firearms safely
Non-restricted firearms
Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded during transportation.
Restricted and prohibited firearms
- Unload the firearms; and
- Attach secure locking devices to the firearms; and
- Lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container; and
- Remove the bolts or bolt carriers from any automatic firearms (if removable).
- Obtain an Authorization to Transport (call 1-800-731-4000).
Leaving any class of firearm in an unattended vehicle
- Lock non-restricted firearms and locked containers carrying restricted or prohibited firearms in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment.
- If the vehicle does not have a trunk or lockable compartment, put firearms and firearm containers out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
- If you are in a remote wilderness area and cannot lock your non-restricted firearms inside your vehicle, unload them and put them out of sight. Attach a secure locking device to the firearms unless they are needed for predator control.
Displaying firearms safely
Unload and lock your firearms!
Here are the rules for displaying firearms in your home: Ammunition cannot be displayed with, or accessible to, the firearms.
Non-restricted firearms
- Attach secure locking devices to the firearms; or
- Lock the firearms in a cabinet, container or room that is difficult to break into.
Restricted and prohibited firearms
- Attach secure locking devices to the firearms; and
- Securely attach them to something that cannot be moved.
- For automatic firearms, also remove the bolts or bolt carriers (if removable) and lock them in a separate room that is difficult to break into.
Some rules may be different for firearms displayed away from home – for example, at a gun show. Contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program for more information.
Information
For more information, or to report a public safety concern, contact the Canadian Firearms Program.
Remember
- Don't forget to renew your firearms licence before it expires.
- Contact the Canadian Firearms Program within 30 days if your address changes.
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