Empowering Responsible Firearm Handling
Comprehensive Firearms Training Information
Discover all the essential steps to obtaining a Possession and Acquisition License (P.A.L.) and a hunting license, alongside comprehensive details about our wide array of courses offered at CTM/CRAFM.
To secure your P.A.L., particularly for purchasing a handgun, completing two mandatory courses is essential: the restricted (CRFSC) and non-restricted courses (CFSC). Following successful completion of both certification courses, you can proceed to apply for your license through the RCMP. However, it's important to note that the Law 9 course is a requirement only after receiving your P.A.L. This course is provided by the FQT.
If your firearm interests don't extend to purchasing restricted firearms like handguns or AR-15s, fulfilling the non-restricted course requirements will suffice. This enables you to request your P.A.L. and purchase a non-restricted rifle. Additionally, for those keen on hunting, participation in the hunting course (ICAF) is necessary. It's worth mentioning that completion of the Law 9 course isn't mandatory if your P.A.L. includes only the non-restricted class.
For access to the requisite forms to apply for your P.A.L., click on the link below.
Understanding Firearms Types
What is Considered a Firearm?
What is Considered a Firearm?
A firearm, according to the Firearms Act and certain sections of Part III of the Criminal Code, is a barrelled weapon designed or adapted to discharge a shot, bullet, or other projectile at a muzzle velocity exceeding 152.4 m per second (500 feet per second) or at a muzzle energy exceeding 5.7 Joules.
Non-Restricted Firearms
Non-Restricted Firearms
- Non-restricted firearms include long guns, rifles, or shotguns with an overall length greater than 660mm (26 inches), or semi-automatic firearms discharging centerfire ammunition with a barrel length exceeding 470mm (18.5 inches).
- These firearms must be registered in Québec (SIAF) but do not require membership at an authorized shooting range for acquisition or transportation.
- Storage, transport, and display regulations are outlined in sections 5, 8, and 10 of the Storage, Display, Transportation, and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (SOR/98-209).
Restricted Firearms
Restricted Firearms
- Restricted firearms encompass handguns, pistols, revolvers, and certain semi-automatic firearms with specific barrel and overall length restrictions.
- Acquiring a restricted firearm requires possession of a PAL with "restricted" endorsement and membership in an approved shooting range.
- Québec mandates a Law 9 competency test for shooting range members, facilitating authorization for firearm transportation.
- Detailed regulations for storage, transport, and display are specified in sections 6, 9, and 11 of the Storage, Display, Transportation, and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (SOR/98-209).
Prohibited Firearms
Prohibited Firearms
- Prohibited firearms, as defined in section 84 of the Criminal Code, include specific handguns, automatic firearms, sawed-off shotguns, and others designated by order-in-council.
- Possession and acquisition are governed by paragraphs 12(2) to 12(7) of the Firearms Act and require grandfathering onto a PAL.
- Regulations for storage, transport, and display can be found in sections 7, 9, and 12 of the Storage, Display, Transportation, and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (SOR/98-209).
