Registration has been required on restricted firearms for several generations. Non-restricted firearms have historically not required any registration. However, since 1998, even non-restricted guns have needed to be registered to the buyer.

We frequently encounter unregistered non-restricted firearms offered for sale. This is not a problem, as these can be successfully registered under Canada’s new firearms system. Firearms that we purchase are registered into our inventory immediately; consigned guns are registered at the time of sale. Until mandatory registration of longarms is implemented (currently slated for January 1st, 2003), unregistered rifles and shotguns can be consigned to us as long as the owner/executor is licensed. After that date, even consigned firearms will need to be registered to the licensed individual or executor.

It is unlawful to come into possession of a firearm without properly registering it before accepting it, whether through purchase, inheritance, or any other means (other than temporary lending between two appropriately licensed persons). Do not be misled into believing that unregistered longarms can be sold without registration, with the expectation that the buyer will register it along with his existing collection. Some registered rifles and shotguns are wrongfully being sold as “unregistered,” which will cause problems when the new owner tries to register it and finds it legally belonging to someone else.

Restricted and prohibited firearms must be registered in order to be sold or consigned. There is currently (until Dec. 31st, 2002) an amnesty program in place to allow the new registration of unregistered restricted handguns. There is no amnesty in place for unregistered prohibited firearms. Any firearm that cannot be transferred, due to a lack of registration, may still have value for its parts. The receiver or frame of such a gun must be destroyed.