Every time Ottawa adds to the ban list, straight-pulls get more popular. A straight-pull is a manual rifle: you pull the bolt handle back and push it forward, no lifting, no turning. That makes it nearly as fast as a semi-auto from the shoulder, and because it is not a semi-auto, none of the semi-auto rules apply. No 18.5 inch barrel minimum, no ban lists, no waiting to see what next spring’s order says. These are the best straight-pull rifles in Canada that we have in stock as of September 2026.
Why they are legal at 12.5 inches
The 470 mm (18.5 inch) barrel rule only applies to semi-automatic centrefire rifles. A manual-action rifle is non-restricted as long as it was made that way and its overall length is at least 660 mm (26 inches). That is why the Taipan and Renegade below come in 12.5 inch versions and are still non-restricted, and why nothing on this page is affected by the 2020, 2024 or 2025 prohibition orders.
Magazines follow the same logic as always: an AR-pattern mag is capped at 5 rounds because it was designed for a semi-auto, whatever rifle you put it in.
The AR-style straight-pulls
Maple Ridge Armoury Renegade Mark II, from $1,478.88
Built in Canada, and the closest thing to an AR you can buy without the paperwork. AR ergonomics, STANAG magazines, a top rail, a 1/2×28 threaded muzzle, a six-position collapsible stock and a smooth straight-pull bolt. Two barrel lengths: 16.1 inch at $1,498.88 for velocity and 12.5 inch at $1,478.88 for a truck rifle. Both are .223 Wylde, so they shoot .223 and 5.56 equally well.
đź›’ Buy the Maple Ridge Armoury Renegade Mark II, $1,478.88
SCSA Taipan EVO Scout .223 Wylde, $1,544.88
From Southern Cross Small Arms in Australia, where semi-autos have been off the table for decades and straight-pulls got good as a result. The EVO Scout is the compact 12.5 inch version with a Cerakote finish and an adjustable stock. We covered it in detail in our Taipan EVO Scout overview.
đź›’ Buy the SCSA Taipan EVO Scout .223 Wylde, $1,544.88
SCSA Taipan X .300 Blackout, from $1,358.88
The Taipan X does something odd and useful: it runs as a pump or as a straight-pull, your choice. The .300 BLK version has a 16.5 inch barrel and comes in FDE at $1,358.88 and bronze at $1,368.88. .300 BLK is a good bush deer round out of a short barrel and it uses the same magazines as .223.
đź›’ Buy the SCSA Taipan X .300 Blackout, $1,358.88
The hunting straight-pulls
Savage Impulse Big Game .30-06, $1,398.99
The straight-pull for someone who wants a normal hunting rifle that cycles faster. Savage’s ball-bearing lockup, a 22 inch threaded Cerakote barrel, a 4-round detachable magazine and a proper synthetic stock. Chambered in .30-06, so it is legal for every big game animal in every province. Savage Impulse Big Game .30-06.
đź›’ Buy the Savage Impulse Big Game .30-06, $1,398.99
Beretta BRX1 6.5 Creedmoor, $1,849.99
The most refined action here. Eight-lug bolt, reversible for left-handers, a three-position safety, and interchangeable barrels so one rifle can change calibre. It is a genuinely fast rifle to run and it shoots. Read our full BRX1 review, then buy the 6.5 Creedmoor, 24 inch.
đź›’ Buy the Beretta BRX1 6.5 Creedmoor, $1,849.99
Honourable mention: HERA H6 .223
The HERA H6 is a turn-bolt, not a straight-pull, but it belongs in the same conversation. German made, AR-style furniture and rail, 18 inch barrel. Black at $1,318.88, tan at $1,548.88.
Straight-pull or semi-auto?
If you mainly want a range rifle that handles like the one you had to hand in, the Renegade or Taipan will scratch the itch and will still be legal in five years. If you want the fastest follow-up shot for the money and are fine with a hunting-style rifle, the Akdas Alcor semi-auto is $1,399.99 and takes the same magazines. Our list of semi-autos still legal in Canada covers the rest.
Which one
- Closest to an AR: Maple Ridge Renegade Mark II, 16.1 inch.
- Compact and finished: SCSA Taipan EVO Scout.
- Deer and moose: Savage Impulse Big Game .30-06.
- Best action, money no object: Beretta BRX1.
Prices current as of September 2026. Check each product page for live pricing and stock.