Noob question, please forgive me... What classifies a firearm as a handgun?

[signupwithjack]

As the title suggests, I apologize for my ignorance but I am ignorant on the topic and looking for clarification.

I understand that Bill 21-c put a national freeze on handguns, but I can't seem to find a clear definition of a handgun is.

Is there a barrel size that makes something a handgun vs a rifle? What is the difference between hand guns and restricted firearms?

Would appreciate any answers. Thanks guys!

 

[Jahnj0584]

if it was designed to be used with one hand.

 

[signupwithjack]

Simple is that, eh? Do you know anywhere with additional information on this?

Thanks for your response

 

[m1008]

Simple is that, eh? Do you know anywhere with additional information on this?

Thanks for your response

Good luck with your book report/news article

 

[Canada1812]

Well the Ruger charger is classified as a "pistol" which helped create the whole 10 round mags only in the 10/22 issue.
LAR 15's are technically classified as a pistol.
VZ61 Skorpions are classified as restricted rifles here instead of pistols despite being very similar in size.

Honestly is probably comes down to a combination of the manufacture / government agreeing to market / classify the firearm a certain way.
Just look up some of the "pistols" classified as such in the US.

 

[OkayShooter]

I got a pistol that if it entered Canada with a 18inch barrel and stock it be NR. But nope 10inch barrel and pistol grip. Handgun.

 

[signupwithjack]

Understood! Thanks for the information!

 

[OkayShooter]

Understood! Thanks for the information!

Honestly Canada firearm and classifications make no sense really.

 

[skwerl]

Hey Signup , Welcome 2 CGN.

 

[Wendell]

...I can't seem to find a clear definition of a handgun. What is the difference between hand guns and restricted firearms?

The answer is found in the law.

handgun means a firearm that is designed, altered or intended to be aimed and fired by the action of one hand, whether or not it has been redesigned or subsequently altered to be aimed and fired by the action of both hands; (arme de poing)

restricted firearm means

(a) a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm,

(b) a firearm that

(i) is not a prohibited firearm,

(ii) has a barrel less than 470 mm in length, and

(iii) is capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner,

(c) a firearm that is designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise, or

(d) a firearm of any other kind that is prescribed to be a restricted firearm; (arme à feu à autorisation restreinte)

restricted weapon means any weapon, other than a firearm, that is prescribed to be a restricted weapon; (arme à autorisation restreinte)

Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)