Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong on this, but my understanding is that you just need to contact the CFC about modifications if the modification changes the class of the registered firearm, the calibre, or the status as a "firearm" (deactivation), etc. Small modifications not affecting class, calibre, or status as a firearm need not be reported.
On my registration certificate letters it says right on there:
Standard Conditions:
Firearms owners must report to the Registrar of Firearms, within 30 days:
- any modification to the firearm that affects its classification (non-restricted, restricted, prohibited);
- any modification that results in the firearm ceasing to be a firearm;
- any change to a frame or receiver that allows it to discharge ammunition;
- any modification to the type, action, calibre or guage of the firearm; and
- any modification to an altered automatic firearm.
If you are changing a restricted firearm (say a .38 revolver with a 6" barrel) to a somewhat modified restricted firearm of the same class (say a .38 revolver with a 5" barrel), then you don't have to contact the registrar and get a new certificate printed out.
That is my understanding anyway, maybe I am wrong. The letter that comes with the certificate also says:
"Please verify the information for each firearm. Should changes be required, call 1 800 731-4000 to report them."
I suppose the question is: When are changes to the certificate required? Are they "required" when any of the information (such as the barrel length) is inaccurate or changes, or are they only "required" in the scenarios listed (change that affects class, calibre, etc.) or if the information (like the make, serial number, etc.) was wrong to begin with. I would say it is the later.
I searched the CFC website for clarification but didn't find much helpful. Just this:
Modified Firearms
There is a requirement to notify the Registrar if you modify a registered firearm in a way that will change its class, or if you modify a registered frame or receiver to make it capable of discharging ammunition. If you make the changes for the purpose of a motion picture, television, video or theatrical production or for publishing activities, the requirement to report the change applies only if the change lasts for more than a year. In that case, you have 13 months from the time the change was made - in other words, one month after the year's grace period is up - to notify the Registrar.
If the change was made for any other purpose, you must notify the Registrar within two (2) months of making any changes that last for more than a month.
Note that this actually contradicts what it says on the Registration Certificate letter. There is says 30 days. On the website it says two months.
I don't think verifying comes into it, unless class or calibre changes.
Why can't I find where this is spelled out in the Act or the Regulations? Does anyone know?
