By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.

Last updated: 28 September 2026

No, the Ruger 10/22 is not banned in Canada. The standard 10/22 rifle is a non-restricted semi-automatic .22 rimfire that you can buy and own with a regular PAL. The RCMP lists the Ruger 10/22 as non-restricted, and it was not included in the 2020, 2024 or 2025 prohibitions. (RCMP, Specific types of firearms)

The 10/22 is the rifle a lot of Canadians learn on, and we see it in the hands of new shooters all the time. It is also the rifle that generates the most panicked phone calls whenever a new ban list comes out. The rifle is fine. The magazine is where people get into trouble.

The short answer

• Status: non-restricted. PAL required. No federal registration.
• Not on the lists: the 10/22 was not prohibited in 2020, 2024 or 2025.
• Rimfire is outside the new definition: the December 2023 prohibited-firearm definition covers centre-fire only.
• Magazines: rimfire rifle magazines have no federal capacity limit, but the Ruger BX-25 is also designed for the .22 Charger pistol, so it is limited to 10.
• Charger pistol: the Ruger .22 Charger is a handgun, so it is restricted and caught by the handgun freeze.

Why wasn't the Ruger 10/22 banned?

The 2020 Order in Council and the later lists named specific makes and models in SOR/98-462. The 10/22 rifle is not on them.

The newer definition added to Criminal Code section 84 by former Bill C-21 covers firearms that discharge centre-fire ammunition semi-automatically, were originally designed with a detachable magazine of six or more, and were designed and manufactured on or after 15 December 2023. The 10/22 fires .22 LR, a rimfire cartridge, and has been made since 1964, so the definition does not apply to it.

For the basics of how the classes work, read our guide to the difference between non-restricted and restricted firearms.

Are 25-round 10/22 magazines legal in Canada?

This is the trap. The RCMP states that rimfire magazines designed for use in a rifle have no regulated capacity, rimfire magazines designed for a semi-automatic handgun are limited to 10, and a magazine designed for both a rifle and a semi-automatic handgun takes the handgun limit of 10.

The RCMP uses the Ruger BX-25 as its example. It is designed and manufactured for the Ruger SR22 rifle, the 10/22 family and the 22 Charger handgun, so an unmodified BX-25 is a prohibited device unless it is altered to hold 10 or fewer. (RCMP, Maximum permitted magazine capacity)

The standard 10-round rotary magazine is fine. For the full rules, see our page on magazine capacity limits in Canada.

Is the Ruger Charger legal in Canada?

The .22 Charger is the pistol version of the 10/22. Under section 84 a handgun is restricted unless its barrel is 105 mm or shorter, in which case it is prohibited, and the Charger's barrel is well over 105 mm. Under the national handgun freeze most individuals cannot buy, sell or transfer it. Do not confuse it with the 9 mm Ruger PC Charger, which is prohibited by name in SOR/98-462.

Existing owners can keep a .22 Charger registered to them before 21 October 2022. Read our page on whether you can still buy a handgun in Canada.

Can a folding stock or chassis make a 10/22 restricted?

It can. Under section 84, any firearm designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise is restricted, and that applies to rimfire rifles too. Some aftermarket stocks and chassis bring a 10/22 under that length. Cutting a rifle down to under 660 mm overall, or to a barrel under 457 mm, makes it prohibited. Measure before you modify, and check the configuration in the RCMP Firearms Reference Table.

Getting licensed

You need a PAL to buy a 10/22. Our CFSC course covers semi-automatic actions and the handling you will be tested on. If you think a Charger or any handgun is in your future, take the combined CFSC and CRFSC now. The Silvercore Club keeps you current and includes member liability insurance for lawful shooting.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ruger 10/22 restricted in Canada?

No. The standard 10/22 rifle is non-restricted. A configuration that can fire when folded or telescoped to less than 660 mm is restricted.

Was the Ruger 10/22 in the March 2025 ban?

No. It was not among the 179 makes and models prohibited on 7 March 2025.

Can I use a 25-round magazine in my 10/22?

Not a BX-25 in its original form. Because it is also designed for the .22 Charger pistol, it must be altered to hold 10 rounds or fewer.

Are semi-auto .22 rifles banned in Canada?

No. Semi-automatic rimfire rifles are non-restricted unless a specific model is prohibited by name, such as the Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22, or a folding configuration makes it restricted.

Do I need an RPAL for a 10/22?

No. A non-restricted PAL is enough for the rifle. The .22 Charger pistol needs an RPAL and is subject to the freeze.

Travis Bader, Silvercore Outdoors