#gunstorage

If you own firearms in Canada, understanding Canadian firearm storage laws is critical. Proper storage isn’t just about safety—it’s also the law. Whether you own non-restricted firearms like hunting rifles, restricted handguns, or grandfathered prohibited firearms, each has specific storage requirements under the Firearms Act and RCMP regulations. Failure to follow them can result in criminal charges, loss of your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), and even firearm seizures.

Why Firearm Storage Matters in Canada

The government emphasizes safe storage of firearms and ammunition to:

Prevent accidents, especially in homes with children.

Reduce theft and unauthorized use of firearms.

Ensure compliance with RCMP firearm rules and public safety policies.

Canadian gun laws don’t limit how many guns you can own, but they do regulate how you store them.

Storage Rules for Different Firearm Classes

The rules differ depending on whether your firearm is non-restricted, restricted, or prohibited.

1. Non-Restricted Firearms (rifles, shotguns, hunting guns)

Must be unloaded at all times when stored.

Must be stored in one of the following ways:

In a locked container, cabinet, or room that is difficult to break into.

Made inoperable with a secure locking device (e.g., a trigger lock) AND stored out of sight.

2. Restricted Firearms (many handguns, certain semi-autos)

Must be unloaded and secured with a locking device (like a trigger or cable lock).

Stored in a locked container, vault, or safe that cannot be easily broken into.

Ammunition must be stored separately or locked up with the firearm, but not loaded in the gun.

3. Prohibited Firearms (e.g., certain handguns, automatic weapons, banned rifles)

Subject to the strictest storage rules.

Must be stored unloaded, with a secure locking device, in a vault, safe, or room built for firearm storage.

Ammunition Storage Requirements

The storage of ammunition in Canada is also regulated:

Ammo must be stored separately from firearms, unless it is locked in the same safe.

It must be kept in a container or receptacle that is difficult to break into.

Loose ammo lying around is never permitted.

Transporting Firearms: Storage on the Move

Safe storage rules apply even when transporting firearms:

Non-restricted firearms: Must be unloaded; not visible from outside the vehicle.

Restricted and prohibited firearms: Must be unloaded, locked with a secure device, stored in a locked case, and may require an Authorization to Transport (ATT).

These firearm transportation rules in Canada are closely monitored by the RCMP.

Consequences of Improper Storage

Failing to follow Canadian firearm storage laws can lead to:

Criminal charges under the Criminal Code.

Seizure of firearms and ammunition.

Suspension or loss of your PAL or RPAL.

Possible prison sentences in severe cases.

Even if no harm occurs, careless storage can still result in charges.

Final Thoughts

Canadian firearm storage regulations are designed to balance the rights of licensed gun owners with public safety. Whether you have one hunting rifle or a large collection, it’s your responsibility to:

Keep guns unloaded when not in use.

Lock them with approved safety devices.

Store them in secure safes, containers, or rooms.

Store ammunition safely and separately.

Safe and Legal Storage of Non-Restricted Firearms in Canada

You’ve just returned from a long afternoon at the shooting range. Your gear is packed, your targets are rolled up, and your rifle has had a solid workout. After hours of practice, all you want is to kick back, grab dinner, and put your feet up.

But before you can relax, there’s one important responsibility you cannot overlook: safe and legal firearm storage.

As firearm owners in Canada, we not only carry the privilege of enjoying hunting, sport shooting, or collecting, but we also shoulder a serious responsibility. Whether you’ve just returned from a day at the range, wrapped up a hunt, or cleaned your collection at home, one duty always remains the same: ensuring your non-restricted firearms are stored properly. Safe firearm storage isn’t just about protecting your equipment—it’s about safety, responsibility, and compliance with the law.

In this article, we’ll break down the rules around safe storage of non-restricted firearms, explore common misconceptions, and explain how to avoid charges related to careless storage.

Why Safe Gun Storage Matters

Safe firearm storage isn’t just about following the law—it’s about preventing accidents, theft, and unauthorized access. Every year, law enforcement responds to cases where improper storage led to tragic outcomes or unnecessary legal consequences.

The Criminal Code of Canada is very clear: firearms must never be stored in a way that poses a danger to others. Charges related to unsafe storage are among the most commonly laid firearm offenses.

Many owners are surprised to learn that “unsafe storage” isn’t a charge in the Criminal Code. Instead, under Section 86 (1) and (2), firearm owners can face charges for careless use, transport, or storage of a firearm, or for failing to comply with regulations set out under the Firearms Act.

Legal Framework for Firearm Storage in Canada

Section 86 of the Criminal Code

Section 86 of the Criminal Code covers two main offences:

Careless handling, transportation, or storage of a firearm – if you store or use a firearm in a way that puts others at risk.

Contravening storage regulations under the Firearms Act – failing to follow specific requirements for storing, transporting, or displaying firearms.

Convictions can lead to fines, criminal records, or even imprisonment—up to two years for a first offence and up to five years for repeat offences.

Storage Requirements for Non-Restricted Firearms

The Storage, Display, Transportation, and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations (1998) outlines exactly how non-restricted firearms must be stored:

The firearm must be unloaded. This applies universally to all firearms in storage.

It must be rendered inoperable by one of the following methods:

Firearms must not be readily accessible to ammunition. Ammunition should be stored separately or in a locked container, even if kept in the same location as the firearm.

Exceptions for Remote or Temporary Storage

Farmers or trappers who require quick access for predator control may temporarily store firearms without all locking requirements, provided it’s legal to discharge in that area.

In remote wilderness areas, some regulations do not apply, recognizing the practical need for accessibility in such environments.

What Counts as “Secure Storage”?

Here’s where many gun owners get confused. What exactly qualifies as a secure locked container or room?

Gun safes and lockable metal cabinets meet the standard.

A closet may qualify—if it cannot be easily broken into. For example, if someone can simply remove hinge pins to open the door, that’s not considered secure. A quick fix is reinforcing hinges with locking pins.

Fireproof lockboxes or vault-style safes are considered ideal since they meet the legal expectation of being “secure.”

If charges are ever laid, it will be up to the police officer, prosecutor, and judge to decide whether your storage setup meets the regulations. That’s why it’s always better to exceed the minimum standard with a recognized gun safe.

Storage vs. Use: Common Misunderstandings

One area that often confuses is the difference between the storage and use of a firearm.

Scenario: You’re at home cleaning your Remington 700 rifle. You leave it on your workbench while answering the door. If a police officer were to see it, could you be charged with unsafe storage?

Answer: No. As long as you have a valid firearms license, that rifle is considered “in use” and not in storage. Storage laws apply only when the firearm is put away, not when it’s actively being cleaned, inspected, or used for reference.

Unfortunately, there have been cases where firearm owners were improperly charged for “storage” offences even while using their firearms. In most situations, such charges are dropped once the legal technicalities are clarified.

Ammunition Storage Rules

Regulations also require that ammunition must not be “readily accessible” to firearms in storage. However, the law doesn’t define exactly what “readily accessible” means.

For example:

Is a box of ammunition sitting on the same shelf as your rifle considered “readily accessible”?

Or does it only apply if ammunition is loaded into a magazine or firearm?

Until a case fully defines this in court, the safest approach is to store ammunition in a separate locked container from your firearms.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Many firearm owners unintentionally put themselves at risk of charges because of misunderstandings. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

Leaving firearms loaded in storage – even if you live in a rural area, this is never legal.

Assuming a locked closet is enough – unless reinforced, many closets don’t meet the “secure” standard.

Storing ammunition openly – always keep it locked up separately.

Confusing storage with use – cleaning, showing, or inspecting your firearm is not storage.

Best Practices for Firearm Owners

While the law outlines minimum requirements, going above and beyond is always safer. Here are the best practices:

Invest in a CSA-approved gun safe that exceeds the legal standard.

Use trigger locks even when storing firearms in a safe, for extra security.

Keep ammunition in a separate locked container.

Educate family members about firearm safety and ensure unauthorized individuals have no access.

Review the Firearms Act regulations regularly, as updates may occur.

Final Thoughts

The safe and legal storage of non-restricted firearms is a responsibility every gun owner in Canada must take seriously. Beyond avoiding legal trouble, proper gun storage helps protect your family, your community, and your firearms heritage.

Whether you’re a hunter returning from a long day in the field or a sports shooter storing your equipment after a weekend at the range, following the regulations ensures peace of mind.

Owning a firearm in Canada comes with important legal responsibilities. Whether you use your firearm for hunting, sport shooting, or professional purposes, the law requires you to follow strict rules for gun storage, display, transportation, and handling. These rules are in place to prevent accidents, theft, and unauthorized access, while ensuring that firearms are only used in safe and lawful ways.

This guide breaks down the Storage, Display, Transportation, and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations in plain language so you can stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Who the Rules Apply To

These regulations apply to most civilian firearm owners. However, there are exceptions. They do not apply to:

Police officers and peace officers acting in their duties.

Members of the Canadian Forces or certain foreign military personnel.

Authorized firearms officers.

Individuals carrying restricted or prohibited firearms under an official Authorization to Carry.

People handling antique firearms in most situations.

Firearms are being shipped by Canada Post from the time they are mailed until delivered.

If you are a regular firearm owner without special exemptions, these rules apply to you.

Gun Storage Requirements

Safe gun storage is one of the most important aspects of responsible firearm ownership. The requirements vary depending on the type of firearm you own.

Non-Restricted Firearms

Non-restricted firearms (such as most hunting rifles and shotguns) must:

Be unloaded when stored.

Be made inoperable using a secure locking device, by removing the bolt, or by locking them in a secure container or cabinet.

Be stored separately from ammunition, unless the ammunition is locked with the firearm in a secure container.

There are limited exceptions for temporary rural use, such as predator control, or in remote wilderness areas where the firearm is needed for immediate protection.

Restricted Firearms

Restricted firearms (such as certain handguns or semi-automatic rifles) must:

Be unloaded.

Have a secure locking device and store it in a locked container, safe, or vault designed for firearm storage.

Keep ammunition locked separately or with the firearm in secure storage.

Prohibited Firearms

Prohibited firearms follow the same rules as restricted firearms, with an extra condition for automatic firearms: If the firearm has a removable bolt or bolt carrier, it must be stored separately in a different locked room.

Displaying Firearms Safely

Firearm display rules ensure that guns shown in homes, gun shops, or exhibitions are not easily accessible or operational.

Non-Restricted Firearms

When displaying non-restricted firearms:

They must be unloaded.

They must be locked with a secure device or stored in a locked container.

They cannot be displayed with accessible ammunition.

Restricted and Prohibited Firearms

In a home:

Firearms must be unloaded, locked, and securely attached to a fixed structure.

Ammunition must not be accessible.

For automatic firearms with removable bolts, the bolt must be stored in a separate locked room.

In places other than a home (e.g., gun shops or exhibitions):

Firearms must be unloaded, locked, and attached to a display structure with a cable or chain.

Ammunition can only be displayed if it is in a locked container.

Firearms may be temporarily detached from the display for supervised handling.

Transporting Firearms Legally

Transporting a firearm safely is just as important as proper gun storage.

Non-Restricted Firearms

When transporting:

Firearms must be unloaded (muzzle-loaders between hunting sites can remain loaded without a firing cap or flint).

In an unattended vehicle:

If the vehicle has a lockable trunk, the firearm must be inside it with the trunk locked.

If no trunk is available, the firearm must be out of sight and the vehicle locked.

In remote wilderness areas where locking the vehicle is not possible, the firearm must be hidden and locked with a secure device (unless needed for predator control).

Why These Rules Matter

These rules are designed to prevent:

Accidental discharge.

Unauthorized access by children, unlicensed individuals, or criminals.

Theft from homes, vehicles, or public displays.

Following proper gun storage practices not only keeps you compliant with Canadian law but also protects your family, community, and property. Failure to follow these rules can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, license revocation, or criminal charges.

Practical Tips for Compliance

Invest in a quality gun safe that meets the secure locking requirements.

Use trigger locks or cable locks even when firearms are in a safe.

Keep keys and combination codes hidden and away from unauthorized users.

Store ammunition in a separate locked container for added security.

When displaying firearms, make sure they are both visually appealing and fully compliant with the locking requirements.

For transportation, always plan to ensure you have the right storage method in your vehicle.

Conclusion

Responsible firearm ownership in Canada goes beyond knowing how to use your firearm—it requires following strict regulations for gun storage, display, and transportation. By keeping your firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition when not in use, you help create a safer environment for everyone.

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