Are Semi-Automatic Rifles Legal in Canada?

Shooter aiming at a target on an outdoor range

Oct 24, 2026

Information & Education

By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

Yes. A semi-automatic action on its own does not make a rifle prohibited in Canada, and many semi-automatic rifles remain non-restricted and legal to own with a PAL. A semi-automatic rifle is prohibited when it is named (or is a variant of a model named) in the federal classification regulations, or when it meets the Criminal Code's technical definition for new centre-fire designs. Barrel length or overall length can make it restricted.

What does the Criminal Code say?

Section 84(1) of the Criminal Code sets three classes: prohibited, restricted and non-restricted. A non-restricted firearm is "a firearm that is neither a prohibited firearm nor a restricted firearm." Semi-automatic action appears in two places:

Restricted: a firearm that is not prohibited, has a barrel less than 470 mm long, and is capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner. All three conditions must be met.
Prohibited, paragraph (e): a firearm that is not a handgun, discharges centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner, was originally designed with a detachable cartridge magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more, and is designed and manufactured on or after the day that paragraph came into force. Bill C-21 (S.C. 2023, c. 32, royal assent 15 December 2023) added it. It looks forward only: it applies to new designs, and it does not reach back to rifles designed before it took effect.

The 470 mm barrel rule applies only to centre-fire. A semi-automatic rimfire rifle that is not named in the regulations and cannot be fired at an overall length under 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise is non-restricted.

What made certain semi-automatic rifles prohibited?

The named-model lists in the classification regulations, SOR/98-462.

1 May 2020. SOR/2020-96 added items 87 onward to Part 1 of the schedule, prohibiting approximately 1,500 models across nine principal designs and their variants, including the AR-15, the Ruger Mini-14 and the M14. It also added any firearm with a bore diameter of 20 mm or greater and any firearm capable of a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules. The RCMP lists the full set.
5 December 2024. The government prohibited 104 families covering 324 unique makes and models, according to Public Safety Canada. We list them in the official list of 324 newly banned firearms.
7 March 2025. A further 179 makes and models were prohibited, effective immediately (Public Safety Canada).

Each of these lists names specific models and their variants. None prohibits semi-automatic rifles as a group. Public Safety Canada stated in both announcements that over 19,000 non-restricted makes and models remain available for hunting and sport shooting.

Does magazine capacity change a rifle's class?

No. Magazine capacity limits apply to the magazine, which is a prohibited device when it exceeds the limit. The RCMP sets the maximum at 5 cartridges for most magazines designed for a semi-automatic centre-fire long gun and 10 cartridges for most handgun magazines. With some exceptions, there is no limit for semi-automatic rimfire long guns or for long guns that are not semi-automatic. Our magazine capacity post covers the exceptions.

How do I check my own rifle?

Use the RCMP Firearms Reference Table (FRT). The RCMP publishes it as a downloadable PDF for the public. The online version is limited to authorized users. The FRT is an administrative document and not a legal instrument; the Criminal Code and the classification regulations are the legal authority. FRT questions go to [email protected] or 1-800-731-4000 extension 1082, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Eastern.

Check the exact make, model and variant. Two rifles that look alike can sit in different classes. The SKS and the Ruger 10/22 each have their own post.

What do I need to own a semi-automatic rifle?

A non-restricted rifle needs a non-restricted PAL, which requires the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC). A restricted semi-automatic, such as a centre-fire with a barrel under 470 mm, needs a restricted PAL and the restricted PAL course (CRFSC). Our PAL course covers both in one combined course over two consecutive days or three consecutive evenings for $270 plus tax. The RCMP fee is $70.38 for a non-restricted PAL and $93.84 for a restricted PAL.

Frequently asked questions

Are all semi-automatic rifles banned in Canada?

No. Semi-automatic action alone does not make a rifle prohibited. Prohibition comes from named models and variants in the classification regulations or the Criminal Code's technical definition for new centre-fire designs. Barrel length or overall length can make a rifle restricted.

Is a semi-automatic .22 rimfire rifle legal in Canada?

A semi-automatic rimfire rifle that is not named in the regulations and cannot be fired at an overall length under 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise is non-restricted. Check the exact model in the RCMP Firearms Reference Table.

What is the magazine limit for a semi-automatic rifle in Canada?

The RCMP sets 5 cartridges for most magazines designed for a semi-automatic centre-fire long gun. With some exceptions, there is no limit for semi-automatic rimfire long guns.

How do I find out if my rifle is prohibited?

Look up the exact make, model and variant in the RCMP Firearms Reference Table, which the public can download as a PDF. The Criminal Code and the classification regulations are the legal authority.

The Silvercore Path

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