The key words are
semi automatic and
altered barrel. Your run of the mill TC single shots with pistol barrels and rifle stocks (is anyone really going to cut down a bolt action or lever action?) are fine.
Defining Firearm Status
Since the Criminal Code was enacted in 1892, the federal government has increasingly tightened restrictions on firearms. But the rules are often difficult to navigate. Current federal legislation defines three categories of firearms. Here's a look at what each means:
Non-restricted
Non-restricted firearms refer to most ordinary hunting or sporting rifles and shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500 shotgun and the Remington 700 rifle. However, there are exceptions: certain long guns could be restricted or prohibited.
Restricted
Restricted firearms refer to any handgun that isn't in the prohibited category. The restricted category includes:
- Any semi-automatic centre-fire rifle or shotgun, with a barrel less than 470 millimetres long, which isn't prohibited.
- Any shotgun or rifle that can be fired when its overall length is reduced to less than 660 millimetres -- through telescoping, folding or other methods.
- Any other firearm, including some long guns, deemed restricted by federal cabinet orders-in-council.
A licence to possess or purchase a restricted firearm can be granted for only four purposes: target-shooting practice/competitions; firearm collections; and, in limited circumstances, for employment or protection. An Authorization to Transport permit is needed to move restricted firearms from one location to another.
Prohibited
Prohibited firearms include:
- Any handgun that has a barrel length equal to or less than 105 millimetres.
- Any handgun adapted or designed to shoot .25- or .32-calibre ammunition.
- Any shotgun or rifle altered so that its overall length is less than 660 millimetres.
- Any shotgun or rifle with an altered barrel less than 457 millimetres long when its overall length is greater than 660 millimetres or more.
- Any automatic firearm or converted automatic.
- Any other firearms labelled as prohibited by orders-in-council.
Exceptions have been made to the prohibited category, such as some handguns used for international sporting competitions and that are listed in the restricted category. It's also possible to own a prohibited firearm if it is "grandfathered" -- already registered to the owner when it became prohibited and still properly registered.
More information on rules governing firearms in Canada can be found at
www.cfc-cafc.gc.ca/ Source: Canada Firearms Centre