Black Powder Firearms

If you possess or wish to acquire a black powder firearm – whether it be a muzzleloader or a firearm that discharges black powder cartridges – here is some information you should know about requirements that may apply to you under Canada’s Firearms Act.

Muzzleloaders Made Before 1898

All black powder muzzleloaders made before 1898 are classified as antique firearms. Antique firearms are exempt from the licence and registration requirements set out in the Firearms Act.

Muzzleloaders Made After 1898

All matchlock, flintlock and wheel lock long guns are classified as antiques no matter when they were made. Like older firearms of these types, they are exempt from the licence and registration requirements set out in the Firearms Act.

Percussion cap long guns and muzzle-loading black powder handguns made after 1898 are not classified as antiques even if they are copies of an earlier antique model. Newer percussion cap long guns are classified as non-restricted firearms; newer handguns, including matchlock, wheel lock and flintlock handguns made after 1898, are classified as restricted if their barrel length is over 105 mm (about 4 inches), or prohibited if their barrel length is 105 mm or less.

It is important to note that there are a lot of reproduction firearms on the market. In addition, some firearms were made over a period of several years spanning the 1898 cut-off date. If you possess or wish to acquire a percussion cap firearm or a muzzle-loading handgun, you need to know if it was made before or after 1898 in order to know what rules apply to you.

Firearms that Discharge Black Powder Cartridges

A firearm that discharges black powder cartridges might be classified as an antique if it was made before 1898, but not necessarily. It would depend on the caliber or gauge. For example, a shotgun that discharges 12 gauge centre-fire cartridges would not be classified as an antique no matter how old it is. For more information on which ones are antiques, please refer to the fact sheet on antique firearms or call 1 800 731-4000.

Licence and Registration Requirements

There are no licence and registration requirements for antique firearms. In all other cases, you need a valid firearms licence authorizing you to possess that class of firearm and a valid registration certificate for each firearm in your possession. If you are a Canadian resident, refer to the fact sheet for firearm owners and users aged 18 and older to obtain more information. If you are a non-resident, refer to the fact sheet "Firearm users visiting Canada".

Obtaining Ammunition

You need a valid firearms licence to obtain ammunition. As defined in the Criminal Code: "ammunition" means "a cartridge containing a projectile designed to be discharged from a firearm and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a caseless cartridge and a shot shell." The definition does not include loose black powder and shot used in muzzleloaders. Black powder is regulated primarily under the Explosives Act, which is administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN). Check with NRCAN or refer to the Explosives Act for any requirements applying to the purchase of loose black powder.

Storing and Transporting Black Powder Firearms

As set out in regulations supporting the Firearms Act, you are required to store and transport all firearms, including antique firearms, safely to deter loss, theft and accidents. All firearms must be unloaded for storage and transportation.

Exception: Black powder muzzleloaders do not have to be unloaded when they are being transported between hunting sights if their firing cap or flint has been removed.

Information

For more information, contact us by one of the following methods:

telephone: 1 800 731-4000 (Toll Free)

web site: www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca

e-mail: cfc-cafc@cfc-cafc.gc.ca

This fact sheet is intended to provide general information only. For legal references, please refer to the Firearms Act and its regulations.

Provincial, territorial and municipal laws, regulations and policies may also apply.

Revised April 2005