CFSC Safe Transport & Storage of Firearms 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the Canadian Firearms Act requirements for storing a non-restricted firearm at home?
- The firearm must be unloaded and either secured with a trigger lock or stored in a locked container (Correct answer)
- The firearm may be stored loaded on a nightstand as long as the bedroom door is locked
- Non-restricted firearms may be stored unloaded and unlocked if no children are present in the home
- Only restricted and prohibited firearms have storage requirements
Correct answer: The firearm must be unloaded and either secured with a trigger lock or stored in a locked container
Non-restricted firearms must be stored unloaded with a trigger lock applied or in a locked container. Ammunition may be in the same locked container or stored separately in a locked space.
The Firearms Act Storage Regulations require non-restricted firearms to be unloaded and rendered inoperable by a trigger lock or stored in a locked container. The presence or absence of children does not change this legal requirement. Violations are criminal offences under section 86 of the Criminal Code.
Question 2: What additional storage requirements apply to restricted firearms compared to non-restricted firearms in Canada?
- Restricted firearms must be stored in a locked approved container with a trigger lock applied, and ammunition must be stored in a separate locked space (Correct answer)
- Restricted firearms have the same storage requirements as non-restricted but require an ATT to move them
- Restricted firearms need only be unloaded since no locking device or container is required if the home is secure
- The only difference is that restricted firearms must be registered
Correct answer: Restricted firearms must be stored in a locked approved container with a trigger lock applied, and ammunition must be stored in a separate locked space
Restricted firearms require both a locked approved container and a separate locked ammunition storage, with stricter layered requirements than non-restricted firearms.
The Firearms Act Storage Regulations for restricted firearms require the firearm to be unloaded, have a trigger lock applied, and be stored in a locked cabinet or container. Ammunition must be stored in a separate locked space and cannot be in the same container as the firearm even if both are locked.
Question 3: Is it legal to transport a loaded non-restricted firearm in a private vehicle in Canada?
- No, non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and either in a case or rendered inoperable when transported in a vehicle (Correct answer)
- Yes, a loaded non-restricted rifle may be transported in a vehicle for hunting as long as the safety is engaged
- Yes, the law permits loaded transport of any non-restricted firearm in any vehicle
- Only if the firearm is kept out of sight in the trunk
Correct answer: No, non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and either in a case or rendered inoperable when transported in a vehicle
No firearm may be transported loaded in a vehicle under Canadian law. Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and in a case or rendered inoperable during vehicle transport.
The Transportation Regulations under the Firearms Act require that non-restricted firearms transported in vehicles be unloaded and in a case or rendered inoperable. There is no exemption for active hunting situations.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a trigger lock in the context of Canadian storage law?
- To render the firearm inoperable by preventing the trigger from being pulled, satisfying the inoperable requirement of the Firearms Act (Correct answer)
- To prevent the magazine from being inserted
- To lock the bolt in the closed position so the chamber cannot be checked
- To meet the requirement for restricted firearms only
Correct answer: To render the firearm inoperable by preventing the trigger from being pulled, satisfying the inoperable requirement of the Firearms Act
A trigger lock physically blocks the trigger mechanism, rendering the firearm unable to fire. This satisfies the rendered inoperable storage requirement for non-restricted firearms.
A trigger lock is a device that clamps over the trigger guard and trigger, preventing trigger movement and thus preventing firing. When applied to an unloaded firearm, it satisfies the Firearms Act requirement to render a non-restricted firearm inoperable during storage. The lock must be locked with a key or combination.
Question 5: What is the obligation of a hotel guest who brings a non-restricted hunting firearm to a hotel in Canada?
- The firearm must be kept unloaded and secured in a locked case within the guest's locked room (Correct answer)
- Firearms must be surrendered to hotel management for storage
- Hotels are considered commercial establishments exempt from the Firearms Act storage requirements
- The guest must notify local police before checking in with a firearm
Correct answer: The firearm must be kept unloaded and secured in a locked case within the guest's locked room
A hotel guest is responsible for complying with all Firearms Act storage requirements. The firearm must remain unloaded and secured in a locked case or with a trigger lock within the locked room.
The Firearms Act storage requirements follow the firearm owner regardless of location. In a hotel room, the firearm must be unloaded and secured in a locked hard-sided case or with a trigger lock applied within the locked room.
Question 6: What should be done with a firearm when the owner knows their home will be unoccupied for an extended period?
- Ensure all firearms are stored in compliance with the Firearms Act, ideally in a vault or safe that is bolted to the structure to resist theft (Correct answer)
- Leave firearms accessible in case of break-in since an accessible firearm deters theft
- Transfer all firearms to a friend without a PAL for safekeeping during the absence
- Call the RCMP and ask them to store firearms since they are required to do so
Correct answer: Ensure all firearms are stored in compliance with the Firearms Act, ideally in a vault or safe that is bolted to the structure to resist theft
All Firearms Act storage requirements apply when the owner is away. A bolted vault or safe provides additional security against theft from an unoccupied home.
When a home is unoccupied, the risk of burglary and firearm theft is elevated. Responsible owners often exceed the legal minimum by using heavy gun safes bolted to the floor or wall. Stolen firearms are a significant source of illegal firearms in Canada. Transferring firearms to a person without a PAL is itself a criminal offence.
CFSC Safe Transport & Storage of Firearms 2
What are the Canadian Firearms Act requirements for storing a non-restricted firearm at home?