The transition for many Canadian firearm enthusiasts from looking at products on the shelves to searching online is now normal. It does not matter if you are a sports shooter in Ontario, a Hunter in the Rocky Mountains, or a collector in the Maritime Provinces; the combination of home delivery, competitive pricing, and shopping online makes good sense.
Buying firearms online in Canada, however, requires more than an online credit card; you need a site that understands the complexities of the Firearms Act, will provide you with the support and resources you need as a customer, and will maintain an open Inventory. Here we compare two of the most trusted names in the industry in Canada, CanFireArm & The Gun Dealer.
Navigating the Digital Frontier of Canadian Firearms
The Canadian online firearm market is a heavily regulated area in which consumers need to be diligent, and retailers need to be transparent as they navigate this complex process together. Online platforms are evolving into much more than just an electronic marketplace; they now include integrated licensing verification processes and customized delivery logistics to enable every transaction to comply with Federal Law.
Consumers who choose to use reputable online platforms will be able to access a larger assortment of firearms and other accessories that many local gun stores are unable to provide on their store’s floor space. They will also benefit from the knowledge base of many experienced customer service representatives.
1. Canfirearm: The Service-First Powerhouse
Canfirearm has quickly become one of Canada’s leading online firearm retailers, thanks to a service-first philosophy. Rather than simply acting as a middleman between the manufacturer and customer, Canfirearm has positioned itself as a full-service partner for the firearm owner. Canfirearm does not simply sell products, but rather provides a level of support for the customer before, during, and after the sale of their products, which is extremely rare in today’s digital age.
What Makes Canfirearm Different
- Featured Inventory: The Adler RF224 tactical is a featured item on the Canfirearm platform that has become one of the most sought-after rimfires due to its popularity among gun enthusiasts.
- Unlimited Help Desk: One of the only online platforms that provides an unlimited 12-hour per day help desk window. Unlike other retailers that have limited support options, this help desk is available for all aspects of the firearm, including technical issues.
- Video Call Troubleshooting: Canfirearm has revolutionized the way that firearm troubleshooting takes place. Not only do they have a help desk available via phone and email, but they can also conduct live video calls for assistance if needed.
- Professional Gunsmithing: Canfirearm employs some of the best gunsmiths in Canada. As such, if you have a firearm purchased from them that needs to be repaired, Canfirearm will send it to one of their experienced gunsmiths for repair. Additionally, while there may be a cost associated with repairs for misuse, the majority of advice offered by Canfirearm is provided at no charge to the consumer.
- Fast Shipping: Canfirearm ships most items in stock in 3–7 business days, depending on where the item is shipping to. However, shipments can reach Southern Ontario consumers in less than 2 days.
Inventory Categorized into Product Groups:
- Modern Rifles & Shotguns: Canfirearm has an extensive selection of modern rifles and shotguns from manufacturers like Ruger, Benelli, and Turkish imports (Tactor, Akdas).
- Airguns & Archery: Canfirearm has created a separate category for high-powered air rifles (Diana, Norica) and crossbows.
- Self Defense & Accessories: Canfirearm has a very large variety of self-defense related items, including hearing protection (Axil), knives, and tactical gear.
- Ongoing Support After Purchase: Once you’ve made your purchase, Canfirearm continues to assist you. They provide information on how to maintain and replace parts for the life of your product.
- Educational Focus: Canfirearm uses its website to educate the public about firearms. Each product description includes details about the various caliber options and action types that allow customers to make informed purchasing decisions.
The Canfirearm shopping experience is designed specifically for the modern user, with a simple, organized design.
2. The Gun Dealer: The Traditional Alternative
Canfirearm may represent the future of the gun industry; The Gun Dealer represents the past. As such, the Gun Dealer also has strong ties to most of the older traditional firearm manufacturers.
What Makes The Gun Dealer Different
- Legacy Brands: They are one of the biggest distributors for companies like Browning, Beretta, and Winchester.
- Stocks of Ammunition: Due to the size of their inventory, The Gun Dealer will always be one of the last stores in Canada to run out of ammunition during times of shortage caused by supply chain disruptions.
- Private Shuttle Service: To help meet the needs of elite customers, The Gun Dealer offers a free shuttle service from the Fredericton airport to their private showroom.
The Gun Dealer website is a utilitarian site that focuses on the use of data. It doesn’t have all the service-oriented features of Canfirearm, but for those who are old school hunters or collectors and want to know what is available now, the Gun Dealer site is a perfect place to look.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | Canfirearm | The Gun Dealer |
| Support Model | Proactive: Video calls & 12hr Help Desk | Reactive: Standard Phone/Email |
| Technical Edge | In-house Gunsmithing included | Sales-focused |
| Order Processing | Same-day CFO submission (Restricted) | Standard processing times |
| Versatility | Firearms, Archery, & Tactical Gear | Mostly Firearms & Ammunition |
| User Experience | Modern, high-touch, & educational | Utilitarian & stock-focused |
The Legal Reminder
Regardless of whether you go through this website or the firearms dealer’s website, the legal requirements for purchasing firearms in Canada will remain the same.
To make a firearm purchase through either website:
- License Verification: You must have an active, valid PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) to buy through these websites or the firearms dealer’s websites.
- Order Processing: In order to process your order, they will require you to enter your date of birth, as well as the information about your PAL, so that they can verify it with the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).
- Shipping: All firearms purchased through these websites must be delivered to the address listed on your PAL, and the person who receives the firearm at delivery must be 18 years of age or older.
The Verdict
Both Canfirearm and The Gun Dealer provide an example for how online firearm retailers in Canada can operate successfully as online businesses, providing a level of service that is the gold standard in terms of product offerings and customer support. In comparison to each other,
Canfirearm has a greater emphasis on offering modernized services and superior technical expertise, while The Gun Dealer provides a larger array of products and a longer history of being an active participant in the firearms industry.
As a result of using these two established retailers, Canadian gun owners can obtain the products they require to comply with federal regulations regarding the sale and transfer of firearms, and can also take advantage of a wide variety of quality products from which to choose, many of which are not readily available at most local, physical gun shops.
