How to store, transport and display guns safely

The Firearms Act of 1995 lays out rules for storing, transporting and displaying non-restricted firearms.

Storing guns

All guns must be stored unloaded and separate from any ammunition.

They must also be made inoperable with a trigger lock, or, for a bolt-action gun, by removing the bolt. Alternately, the gun can be stored in a locked gun case or box just for that purpose.

If you are camping out on the land where there may be polar bears or other dangerous animals, guns may temporarily be kept unlocked, but the firearm must be unloaded and separate from ammunition. In a truly remote area, unloaded guns can be kept handy and unlocked, with ammunition also near at hand.

Displaying guns

All guns on display in your home or workplace must be unloaded.

In addition, the firearm must be made inoperable with a trigger lock, or by removing the bolt of a bolt-action gun. Alternately, the firearm can be put on display in a locked display case or in a display case in a locked room.

Guns on display should not be visible to people passing by outside, and must not be displayed with ammunition.

Transporting guns

Firearms must be unloaded before being taken in a car, boat or skidoo.

If you pack up your gun to take on the land and stop for cigarettes or gasoline, your gun must be locked in the trunk of your car or a similar compartment, or it must be locked inside the vehicle and out of sight — for example, behind the seat of a truck.

If you’re on a snowmobile or kamotik with no locking compartment, you should use a trigger lock or otherwise disable the gun (unless polar bears are a concern,) and keep the gun out of sight when left unattended.

Source: the Canada Firearms Centre.