Non-restricted firearms are ordinary hunting and sporting rifles and shotguns with an overall length of 660mm or greater. If it is a centrefire semi-automatic firearm, the barrel length must be at least 470mm to qualify as non-restricted. Certain firearms, although they meet the above criteria, have been classified as "restricted" or "prohibited" by order-in-council. While these firearms must be stored, transported and displayed according to the regulations, you do not need a permit to have them with you. Bear in mind that there are other Government bodies who may have a say in how these firearms are handled (for instance, hunting regulations require that firearms be encased at night). 

 Restricted firearms include all handguns, and other firearms which are shorter than the above specifications. Again, some other firearms are classified as "restricted" by order-in-council. A permit is required to move a restricted firearm from the location where the firearm is registered. 

Prohibited Firearms include all fully automatic firearms, and a variety of other firearms which have been classified as "prohibited" by order-in-council. Some prohibited firearms are "grandfathered" to their current owners, but they cannot transfer them to those not similarly qualified. For example, firearms converted from fully automatic to semi automatic, and certain handguns (barrel lengths under 105mm, .25 or .32 calibre) fall into that class.

There are other "prohibited weapons" that are not firearms. These include certain martial arts implements, switchblades, stun guns, high capacity magazines, etc.