Hobbies And Interests
Definition of Firearm
According to the Canadian Firearms Program, a firearm is any weapon whose projectiles have a muzzle velocity higher than 500 feet per second, or have a muzzle energy is greater than 4.2 foot pounds of force. Many airsoft enthusiasts attempt to have their airsoft guns classified as replica weapons. A weapon can only be classified as a replica weapon if it is unable to cause bodily harm. Because airsoft guns are powerful enough to break the skin and cause significant damage to an unprotected eye, they don't qualify as replica weapons.
Firearm Registration
Any weapon that qualifies as a firearm must be registered.
Each firearm that an individual possesses requires a valid registration certificate. A certificate issued under the former firearms legislation (prior to December 1, 1998) is no longer valid. An amnesty may offer protection from penalties under the Criminal Code for the possession of a non-restricted rifle or shotgun without a valid registration certificate.
Importing
It is illegal for an individual to import airsoft weapons into Canada, and any airsoft weapon brought across the border into Canada will be confiscated. Only merchants holding a Business Firearms License are allowed to import airsoft guns into Canada.
Minimum Age
Because airsoft guns qualify as firearms, the same restrictions on ownership apply. No minor may import or own a firearm and must apply for a minor's license to use one. Minor's licenses can be obtained for the purposes of instruction, hunting, organized shooting competitions and target practice.