It is important to store, transport and display your firearms safely to deter loss, theft and accidents.

These are the rules set out in the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations. There are different rules for businesses.

Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and by-laws may also apply.

Storing Firearms Safely

Unload and lock your firearms!

Store the ammunition separately or lock it up. It can be stored in the same locked container as the firearm.

Non-restricted firearms

• Attach a secure locking device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock (or remove the bolt) so the firearms cannot be fired; or
• Lock the firearms in a container or room that is hard to break into.

An unloaded non-restricted firearm can be kept unlocked:

• temporarily if it is needed to control animal predators in an area where a firearm can lawfully be fired (ammunition must be kept separate or locked up); or
• in a remote wilderness area (ammunition may be kept readily accessible).

Restricted and prohibited firearms

• Attach a secure locking device so the firearms cannot be fired and lock them in a cabinet, container or room that is hard to break into; or
• Lock the firearms in a vault, safe or room that was built or modified specifically to store firearms safely.
• For an automatic firearm, also remove the bolt or bolt carrier (if removable) and lock it in a separate room that is hard to break into.

Transporting Firearms Safely

Non-restricted firearms

Unload your firearms

Muzzleloaders can be kept loaded when being transported between hunting sites but the firing cap or flint must be removed.

Restricted and prohibited firearms

• Unload the firearms; and
• Attach a secure locking device to the firearms; and
• Lock the firearms in a sturdy, non-transparent container; and
• Remove the bolt or bolt carrier from any automatic firearms (if removable).
• Obtain an Authorization to Transport (call 1 800 731-4000).

Leaving Any Class of Firearm in an Unattended Vehicle

• Lock non-restricted firearms and locked containers carrying restricted or prohibited firearms in the trunk or in a similar lockable compartment.

• If the vehicle does not have a trunk or lockable compartment, put firearms and firearm containers out of sight inside the vehicle and lock the vehicle.

• If you are in a remote wilderness area and cannot lock your non-restricted firearms inside your vehicle, unload them and put them out of sight. Attach a secure locking device unless they are needed for predator control.

Shipping Firearms

Firearms must be unloaded, packaged and shipped in a safe and secure manner to deter loss, theft and accidents.

Displaying Firearms Safely

Unload and lock your firearms!

Here are the rules for displaying a firearm in your home.

Ammunition cannot be displayed with, or accessible to, the firearms.

Non-restricted firearms

• Attach a secure locking device to the firearms; or
• Lock the firearms in a container or room that is hard to break into.

Restricted and prohibited firearms

• Attach a secure locking device to the firearms; and
• Securely attach them to something that cannot be moved.
• For an automatic firearm, also remove the bolt or bolt carrier (if removable) and lock it in a separate room that is hard to break into.

Some rules may be different for firearms displayed away from home– for example, at a gun show. Refer to the Gun Shows Regulations for details.

This fact sheet is for general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations