Semi-Automatic Firearms?

Keebler Elf

The Original Elf
Aug 31, 2001
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The Keebler Factory
Are semi-auto firearms legal in Canada? What about semi-auto assault rifles?

Firearms aren't my thing so I have no idea...
 
Semi-auto rifles are legal, but they can only have so many bullets in the clip.
Semi-auto handguns I'm not sure, I dont think they're legal but I could be wrong

(You can thank Marc Lapine for all the new regulations btw)
 
Keebler Elf said:
Are semi-auto firearms legal in Canada? What about semi-auto assault rifles?

Firearms aren't my thing so I have no idea...


Short answer: Yes

Rifles, handguns, and assault rifles. But all need specific paperwork. And some items (including some calibers and barrel lengths for handguns as well as most assault rifles) can only be owned by people who already owned them before a specific date a few years ago.
 
LordLoki said:
Short answer: Yes

Rifles, handguns, and assault rifles. But all need specific paperwork. And some items (including some calibers and barrel lengths for handguns as well as most assault rifles) can only be owned by people who already owned them before a specific date a few years ago.
But they can only have so many bullets in the clip, right???
 
I recall that while semi-autos are legal (I happen to have a couple of .22's that are semi-auto) the bad thing is it is relatively simple to convert to full auto.

I remember reading somewhere that there is a kit to convert an AR-15 (civilian version of the M16) to full auto and the same for the AK-47.
 
tboy said:
I recall that while semi-autos are legal (I happen to have a couple of .22's that are semi-auto) the bad thing is it is relatively simple to convert to full auto.

I remember reading somewhere that there is a kit to convert an AR-15 (civilian version of the M16) to full auto and the same for the AK-47.
Yeah you can convert almost any weapon, but dont get caught or you will have a record, and
possibly do time.

And remember, a police record means you dont get to fly into the U.S. anymore.
Not even on connecting flights.
 
5 round max. You can get a vz 858 which is a czech variant and much improved Ak type assault rifle for $595 at marstar.ca or wolverine supplies. Ive got one, it kicks ass. AR type rifles are available and legal in semi-auto 5 round clip for around $1400. The VZ is way more fun and the 7.62x39 ammo is super cheap. M-14s are also available for around $400. The receivers in the ARs ant VZs cannot be altered to full auto. The only problem is that its hard to find a range where you can shoot these guns near the city.
 
Keebler Elf said:
Found the answer here:

http://www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/factsheets/default_e.asp

In short, yes, they're legal (unless they're on the list of restricted weapons).
"Restricted" doesn't mean illegal. I means that you have to apply for a a license permitting you to purchase restricted firearms. This involves a written and practical test, background check etc. Maybe you were thinking of "prohibited" firearms. Only those who are grandfathered can have these.
 
Keebler Elf said:
Are semi-auto firearms legal in Canada? What about semi-auto assault rifles?

Firearms aren't my thing so I have no idea...

Isn't anybody worried? I mean, cmon, an Elf with an Uzi......? That's gotta be trouble....:D
 
So I can own a semi? damn we need to toughen our gun laws I should not be able to get my hands on something like that.
 
gramage said:
So I can own a semi? damn we need to toughen our gun laws I should not be able to get my hands on something like that.

Semi-automatic simply means one shot for each pull of the trigger with the next round chambered using the power from the previous shot. You may be confusing this with full-auto which is multiple shots from each pull of the trigger.
 
LateComer said:
Semi-automatic simply means one shot for each pull of the trigger with the next round chambered using the power from the previous shot. You may be confusing this with full-auto which is multiple shots from each pull of the trigger.

good to know, but bottom line if I can get anything beyond your standard hunting rifle with my complete lack of experience with wepons, we need a higher standard.
 
Esco! said:
Yeah you can convert almost any weapon
Yes and no. Years ago, when I was in the military, we would sometimes convert our FNC1s (the standard semi-automatic rifle then used) to FNC2s (the fully automatic version) on exercises for fun. It only took part of a match inserted into the trigger mechanism. That was fine for firing blanks. However, if you tried doing the same thing with live rounds, you would quickly burn out the barrel. Firing live rounds from a weapon designed for semi automatic fire at a fully automatic rate, is not a good idea without extensive conversions. One reason is that fully automatic weapons usually have heavier barrels.
 
gramage said:
good to know, but bottom line if I can get anything beyond your standard hunting rifle with my complete lack of experience with wepons, we need a higher standard.

Not being a gun-owner I might be incorrect, but I believe you take a course as part of getting your FAC so hopefully that would correct your complete lack of experience to some extent.
 
Moraff said:
Not being a gun-owner I might be incorrect, but I believe you take a course as part of getting your FAC so hopefully that would correct your complete lack of experience to some extent.
You are correct. In order to buy any firearm, even a single shot hunting rifle, you have to pass a written and practical exam and pass a background check which includes a criminal record check as well checking with current and ex-conjugal partners etc. An additional course is required to purchase "restricted" guns (handguns etc). The whole process takes several months.
 
Moraff said:
Not being a gun-owner I might be incorrect, but I believe you take a course as part of getting your FAC so hopefully that would correct your complete lack of experience to some extent.

Yes, a special course and test is required for restricted weapons, as well as a ridiculously detailed (5 page) background check and survey, which includes a psych assessment and a list of references, including references who may be hostile towards your owning a weapon (ie. if you are divorced you have to cough up your ex's current contact info so he/she can be asked if they want you to have a weapon).

As well, prior to becoming licenced to own a restricted weapon, you have to prove membership in a certified shooting club, and you are ONLY allowed to take that restricted weapon outside your house in order to transit to that shooting club. And its not as simple as just lying. In Canada, they don't give away weapons (except knives and baseball bats). The licencing process also has to be repeated every 5 years.

Finally, it is noteworthy that the current spate of gun violence in some Canadian cities is not being perpetrated by legal gun owners. Its overwhelmingly perpetrated by hoodlums who are buying non-registered, illegally imported (black market) handguns from the States.
 
gramage said:
good to know, but bottom line if I can get anything beyond your standard hunting rifle with my complete lack of experience with wepons, we need a higher standard.

Stupidest thing I've ever read. The onus is on the bearer to control the weapon, not the other way around. By your logic, a new driver shouldn't have a car capable of more than 10 km/h.

If you don't know how to operate a semi-automatic weapon, LEARN HOW, instead of just clamoring to ban something you don't understand. Otherwise, leave such things to the men.