Minimum legal pistol barrel length canada This requirement stems from the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which regulates certain types of firearms, including short-barreled rifles (SBRs). The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) defines any rifle with a shoulder stock and barrel less than 16 inches in length and 26 inches in overall length to be a “short-barreled rifle” (SBR). Jul 11, 2010 · Currently, there is also a legal minimum barrel length of 105mm, but there are many, many grandfathered (and legal) prohibited firearms with barrels that are shorter than that. 5"? Mar 12, 2023 · March 12th, 2023 Don’t Get Barrel-Busted! Federal Barrel Length Requirements The Legal Brief is a feature of TheGuncollective. Firearms can be prohibited for a wide range of reasons, ranging from barrel length and action type to appearance and model name. Owning a gun is considered a privilege, not a constitutional right, granted to those who meet specific standards. Feb 17, 2024 · Is a pistol grip shotgun legal in Canada? Yes, pistol grip shotguns are legal in Canada as long as they meet the specific legal requirements set by the Canadian Firearms Act, such as barrel length, overall length, and magazine capacity restrictions. Oct 5, 2015 · I've been looking around online for a rifle, and I'm a bit confused on barrel length restrictions in Canada. For rifles, that number decreases to only a 16-inch barrel. 5" shotgun barrel. • to which firearms are classified as antiques and Under the new legislation, the way in which which are classified as restricted weapons. Those useless 12 and 14 inch shotgun barrels aren't evil because they came that way from the Jul 17, 2025 · A pistol’s legal status involves more than just barrel length. Any centrefire semi-automatic rifle or shotgun been replaced with "commonly available in with a barrel shorter than 470 min (18. The procedures, measurements, and calculations for assessing barrel and overall lengths against the applicable specifications follow. 5" is non restricted but if its manufactured less it is still non restricted. 4. Understanding Firearm Barrel Regulations Feb 3, 2023 · An AR-15 pistol has a barrel shorter than 16 inches — this is the minimum legal length for a rifle barrel. com that focuses on firearms rules and regulations. Feb 17, 2024 · 2. Aug 16, 2025 · An “AR pistol” is a compact firearm whose legal classification, particularly regarding barrel length, is important due to varying federal and state regulations. Apr 12, 2017 · Hi everyone, Just a question about shotgun. A non-restricted firearm is a regular sporting rifle or shotgun with a barrel length of at least 470 millimeters (18. What is the legal minimum barrel length for shotguns in the United States? Under the NFA, the legal minimum barrel length for shotguns in the United States is 18 inches for non-SBS (Short-Barreled Shotgun) firearms. Consult our in-store experts or the RCMP’s Canadian Firearms Program if you have any doubts. I read 18. . 2 General Feb 17, 2024 · 2. Many were swept up in the banning of pistol braces that treated them the same as a stock in the eyes of the NFA Feb 5, 2025 · Table of Contents What Length Legally Makes a Gun a Handgun? Determining whether a firearm is legally classified as a handgun largely hinges on its barrel length and overall length. Classes of firearms in Canada On this page What is a firearm What is not a firearm Non-restricted Restricted Prohibited Firearms in Canada fall into three different classes: non-restricted restricted prohibited Note What you need to know about C-21. 5 inches) and an overall length of at least 660 (26 inches). A pistol cannot include a stock in most states, some types of attachments, including foregrips, and you may not modify a pistol into a rifle. Does anybody know why the feds chose 18. Any shotgun with a barrel length shorter than this is considered a prohibited weapon. Apr 18, 2024 · A modern AR-15 pistol can be obtained complete or assembled with user-selected components. If it is a semi-automatic central fire weapon, the barrel length must be at least 470 mm so as not to be limited. Feb 17, 2024 · Article: When it comes to AR pistols, the length of the barrel is an important factor to consider. Jan 28, 2024 · Are Firearm Barrels Regulated? A Comprehensive Guide Yes, firearm barrels are heavily regulated at both the federal and state levels in the United States, and in many other countries. Any barrel length reduction that results in the OAL of the firearm becoming less than 26" OAL is evil. Feb 24, 2021 · According to the NFA of 1934, barrel length dictates what firearm is considered a rifle, pistol, or “Any Other Weapon. Firearms in Canada fall into three classes non-restricted, restricted, prohibited Rifle, Shotguns, and Handguns can be any of the classes. 5") has been Canada" to provide a greater degree of certainty as restricted. Assembling the necessary parts to change one of your firearms into one of my above-noted configurations is something you can do as a hobby. The Canadian Firearms Act stipulates that handguns must have a barrel length of at least 105mm (approximately 4. Are pump-action shotguns allowed in Canada? Yes, pump-action shotguns are allowed in Canada as long as they meet all other legal requirements. 5 inches and an overall length of at least 26 inches. 5 inches to be considered legal in Canada. Understanding the distinctions between an AR pistol and a rifle helps ensure compliance with firearms laws. The measurement of a folding or collapsible stabilizing brace in the overall length of a firearm creates an artificial overall length that would permit a maker to avoid classification as an NFA 'firearm' without a viable design purpose or legal justification. Learn how a firearm’s overall configuration determines its classification under federal regulations. Jun 25, 2025 · Canadian Legalities: Know Before You Buy! As a responsible Canadian gun store, we emphasize: always be aware of Canada’s legal requirements for barrel length. 2 days ago · Restrictions A non-restricted rifle or shotgun means that the barrel length is a minimum of 18. Feb 17, 2024 · Yes, shotguns with folding or telescopic stocks are legal in Canada, as long as they meet the required specifications regarding barrel length, bore diameter, and overall length. 3. weapon sinde 1978. 5 inches, as long as the overall length of the firearm remains above 26 inches. 5 inches in length and that you are bringing this firearm into Canada for approved purposes such as hunting, target shooting, wilderness protection, or in transit movement by a reasonably direct route to another point outside of Canada. I bought a Dominion 12. I realise that in Canada the laws are different but considering most manufacturers make guns to comply with US laws you'll probably see rimfire rifles with min 16" barrels. Can I bring a semi-automatic shotgun into Canada? Yes, certain semi-automatic shotguns Jul 7, 2025 · In Canada, firearm ownership is a regulated activity governed by a legal framework distinct from the United States. The law apparently tried to prohibit certain lengths of barrel or firearm — and failed miserably, because the limits are all conditional. 13 inches) considered legal. What is a firearm? Section 2 of the Criminal Code defines a "firearm" as a barrelled weapon that discharges projectiles capable of causing bodily Feb 17, 2024 · What shotguns are legal in Canada? In Canada, most shotguns are legal as long as they have a barrel length of at least 18. If I put it on a factory Remington 870 Express, is that legal? Is that barrel changing considered "alter"? If so, I'm afraid I can't do that because the overall length will be under legal requirement. In the United States, an AR pistol barrel can be as short as 7. Sep 22, 2017 · Many factory length barrels start at 18½ inches to make sure that they meet these regulations on their shotguns. Jan 5, 2024 · Canadian gun laws make carrying handguns in the wilderness very difficult. These firearms must be stored, transported and displayed in accordance with federal regulations, and you will need a firearms licence to possess them. barrels are to be measured has The barrel length minimum for semi-auto centerfires is 18. Jul 20, 2021 · As far as I know if the 12. 5 inch barrel was legally manufactured that length you would be non restricted if the overall length is over 26 inches. However, certain features such as fully automatic capability, folding stocks, and certain barrel lengths may require additional licensing or permits. Dec 2, 2024 · The legal barrel length for an AR-15 rifle under federal law is 16 inches. I was reading some of the current regulations surrounding non restricted barrel length. When paired with a stock, all-in-all, your rifle should be 26 inches. 5" seems very specific, why not 19", 18" or 15"? Where they trying to exclude anything specific with that extra . Is this article helpful to you? LAWFUL LENGTH Author: Frank Woods Amidst all the drama surrounding pistol braces relative to NFA status as of late, it can be hard to determine what the legal boundaries are or which accessories affect them as it pertains to AR-15 Rifle length and configuration, understandably so. 5" as the minimum length for non restricted? I know the feds love to be arbitrary about these things, but 18. One of the key aspects of Canada`s firearm laws is the restriction on barrel length for certain types of firearms. Aug 19, 2024 · Classes of firearms Information about the three different classes of firearms in Canada, antique firearms, classifying and re-classifying firearms, maximum magazine capacity, solvent traps, and specific types of firearms and their requirements. 5", anything with a collapsible stock must be 26" or more. Ignorance is not an excuse. This system uses licensing and classification to dictate which firearms are permissible for civilian ownership and the steps required to possess them. Compact shotguns are a legal option. Examples of minimum length requirements in federal law [ATF-NFA] include: 16 inch barrel length for rifles, 18 inch barrel length for shotguns, and 26 inch overall length for both rifles and shotguns. Be aware of the ATF rules on pistol braces. 1 4. Are there any exceptions to the minimum barrel length requirements? Yes, there are exceptions for individuals who have obtained the necessary permits, licenses, or tax stamps Feb 17, 2024 · What is the legal length for a pistol barrel? The legal length for a pistol barrel typically varies by jurisdiction but is generally considered to be under 16 inches. Any Feb 18, 2024 · What are the laws regarding barrel length for firearms in the United States? Barrel length requirements vary by state, but as a general rule, rifles must have a minimum barrel length of 16 inches, and shotguns must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. But nothing on a regular solid-stock rimfire, or even manual action centerfire. Mar 7, 2024 · The minimum legal length for a shotgun barrel in Canada is 18. Sport or hunting Shooting competitions Protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada (but not in National Parks) Transportation through Canada to another country. Nothing to do with concealability, even though that's what the official explanation was - I mean you don't have to be a genius to figure out that it should have gone by overall length not barrel length if that was true. Nothing to do with public safety either. However, other places say anything under 18. May 7, 2007 · I believe that gun with a knoxx breacher pistol grip is already over the minimum legal length issue we previously thought was a barrier. Jul 11, 2010 · Your instructor is trying to teach you to read the law, not just ask others. These regulations encompass manufacturing, sales, possession, and even the length of the barrel, all aimed at controlling the flow of firearms and reducing gun violence. 5 regardless on how it was shortened, ie Aug 26, 2025 · Understand the complex legalities surrounding pistol barrel length and how it impacts firearm classification under federal and state regulations. Are there any restrictions on barrel length for shotguns in Canada? Yes, shotguns must have barrels longer than 18. 5 inches (47 centimeters) for non-restricted firearms. In this Legal Brief video, Attorney Adam Kraut explains key State and Federal regulations governing firearms, and explains how to ensure compliance with all applicable laws. Feb 3, 2023 · The barrel length must be under 16 inches for a pistol, though the law does not state a total measurement — barrel to the stock. Remember, barrel length can affect a firearm’s classification as non-restricted, restricted, or even prohibited. I'd reccomend going that route - it's apperently an awesome recoil reducer and then you've got nothing to worry about. ” To satisfy the legal definition of a rifle, a 16-inch barrel is required. Keep in mind that when you purchase a new weapon and it says 22-inch barrel, there is a possibility that it is only a 21½-inch barrel, because manufacturers round up. Though the Ending the Long-gun Registry Act applied across Canada, implementation of the law was temporarily delayed in Quebec, after the provincial government challenged the repeal in the courts. The Three A lot of guns have 4" (102mm) barrels, so this made about 58% of hand guns prohibited. Yes there is a legal minimum, but it mostly depends on the action type. No sense 'pushing the envelope' if you don't need to. Apr 13, 2011 · Here in the USA 16" is the minimum legal barrel length for a rifle. 75fn ygn3q 7noc ggx tdia yb4hc cpdb pg 1yby xhf34