CFSC Firearms Types & Classification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Canadian Firearms Act, what defines a non-restricted firearm?
- Any firearm that is not classified as restricted or prohibited, such as most hunting rifles and shotguns (Correct answer)
- Any firearm with a barrel length under 105 mm
- Any firearm that can be concealed under a jacket
- Any firearm that uses rimfire ammunition only
Correct answer: Any firearm that is not classified as restricted or prohibited, such as most hunting rifles and shotguns
Non-restricted firearms are those not meeting the criteria for restricted or prohibited classification. Most hunting rifles and shotguns used by Canadian hunters fall into this category.
The Canadian Firearms Act creates three classes: non-restricted, restricted, and prohibited. Non-restricted firearms are the most common class and include typical bolt-action, lever-action, and pump-action rifles and shotguns used for hunting and sport shooting. They require a PAL but can be used at any approved location.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a restricted firearm under Canadian law?
- A semi-automatic handgun with a barrel of 105 mm or longer (Correct answer)
- A standard bolt-action hunting rifle with a 500 mm barrel
- A break-action double-barrelled shotgun
- A semi-automatic .22 LR rifle with a 450 mm barrel and no detachable magazine
Correct answer: A semi-automatic handgun with a barrel of 105 mm or longer
Handguns are generally classified as restricted firearms in Canada. Semi-automatic handguns with barrels of 105 mm or longer are restricted rather than prohibited.
Under the Canadian Firearms Act, restricted firearms include handguns that are not prohibited, semi-automatic firearms with certain magazine capacities, and other firearms listed by Order in Council. Restricted firearms require a restricted PAL and can only be used at approved ranges.
Question 3: What is a prohibited firearm in Canada?
- A firearm that is illegal to possess without grandfathered status, including handguns with barrels under 105 mm and converted automatics (Correct answer)
- Any firearm manufactured before 1900
- Any firearm capable of accepting a suppressor
- Any firearm used in a crime, regardless of type
Correct answer: A firearm that is illegal to possess without grandfathered status, including handguns with barrels under 105 mm and converted automatics
Prohibited firearms in Canada include handguns with barrels under 105 mm, firearms converted to fire automatically, certain military rifles, and others listed under the Firearms Act.
The prohibited class includes fully automatic firearms, handguns with barrels of 105 mm or less with exceptions, handguns designed to fire .25 or .32 calibre rounds, sawed-off shotguns and rifles below minimum barrel or overall lengths, and other specifically listed firearms. Since 1995, no new prohibited firearms licences have been issued.
Question 4: How does Canadian law classify a shotgun that has had its barrel sawed off below the legal minimum length?
- It becomes a prohibited firearm (Correct answer)
- It remains a non-restricted firearm as long as it holds fewer than 5 rounds
- It is automatically reclassified as restricted
- It requires separate registration as a new firearm
Correct answer: It becomes a prohibited firearm
A shotgun with a barrel shortened below 457 mm or an overall length below 660 mm is reclassified as a prohibited firearm under the Canadian Firearms Act.
Sawing off a shotgun barrel reduces its length and makes it legally prohibited. Under the Firearms Act, a shotgun or rifle with a barrel shorter than 457 mm or an overall length shorter than 660 mm is classified as prohibited. Possessing or creating such a firearm without grandfathered prohibited status is a serious criminal offence in Canada.
Question 5: What is the minimum barrel length for a non-restricted rifle in Canada?
- 470 mm (Correct answer)
- 300 mm
- 600 mm
- There is no minimum barrel length
Correct answer: 470 mm
A non-restricted rifle must have a barrel of at least 470 mm. Rifles with shorter barrels become prohibited firearms under the Canadian Firearms Act.
The Canadian Firearms Act stipulates that a rifle with a barrel shorter than 470 mm is classified as prohibited. Additionally, the overall length must be at least 660 mm. These minimum lengths exist to prevent the creation of easily concealable long guns.
Question 6: Which action type is most commonly found in traditional Canadian hunting rifles?
- Bolt action (Correct answer)
- Gas-operated semi-automatic
- Lever action
- Pump action
Correct answer: Bolt action
Bolt-action rifles are the most common type used for hunting in Canada. They are reliable, accurate, and available in a wide range of calibres suitable for Canadian game.
The bolt-action rifle has been the dominant choice for Canadian hunters for over a century due to its mechanical simplicity, reliability in harsh weather, and inherent accuracy. Models like the Remington 700 and Winchester Model 70 are widely used.
CFSC Firearms Types & Classification 2
Under the Canadian Firearms Act, what defines a non-restricted firearm?