Can you window shop in person while waiting for your PAL/RPAL?

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okshooter

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I was wondering if most stores will allow you to "window shop" while you are waiting for your PAL/RPAL.

I'd love to shop locally once the RPAL arrives (hopefully in a couple of month at most), but in the meantime I'd like to be able to handle a few in the shop, ask questions, get recommendations, etc. This would enable me to make a wish list and save up for when I'm actually allowed to buy firearms and ammo.

In your experience is this kosher or a bad idea?

Thank you.
 
Most stores will embrace someone coming into the hobby / sport.

I have never witnessed any of my local stores turn away a non pal or rpal holder.

I have read stories of people being asked for their PAL prior to being handed the firearm, but not in my area.

I say go for it. If you have friends that shoot, ask to tag along to the range. It may give you the chance to try a few.

good luck.

ITB
 
some of the bigger box stores will ask for one but its all just store policy. There is no law saying that you cant hold a gun with or with out a PAL. Example: taking non PAL holders out shooting with you...Its legal to let them hold and even shoot under your supervision. Go for it. The stores with the most knowledgably and helpful staff will be your best bet.

Welcome to the hobby (addiction:) )
 
I've yet to find anyone in Manitoba that will even take a Handgun out of the case let alone let me handle it unless I can produce an rpal, has made this wait even more excruciating as I want to get shopping before all the price increases continue climbing due to the dollar.
 
Chilidip said:
I've yet to find anyone in Manitoba that will even take a Handgun out of the case let alone let me handle it unless I can produce an rpal, has made this wait even more excruciating as I want to get shopping before all the price increases continue climbing due to the dollar.
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Try asking to see high end stuff...they seem to be more helpful
 
Go window shopping!
If they ask for your Pal before handling any firearms, explain to them exactly like you did here...that you are waiting for your Rpal to be processed and you are window shopping right now. If they still say no...then tell them , too bad, I was hoping you'd like a new customer in the near future...guess I'll go shopping elsewhere. That should set them straight!

I understand that some stores want to see your Pal first so they don't waste time with tire kickers who are unable to purchase but that seems like a silly policy to me and a potentially costly one for the business!
 
okshooter said:
I was wondering if most stores will allow you to "window shop" while you are waiting for your PAL/RPAL.

I'd love to shop locally once the RPAL arrives (hopefully in a couple of month at most), but in the meantime I'd like to be able to handle a few in the shop, ask questions, get recommendations, etc. This would enable me to make a wish list and save up for when I'm actually allowed to buy firearms and ammo.

In your experience is this kosher or a bad idea?

Thank you.
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You could handle, pick out and put a deposit on one or pay it outright before getting your RPAL if you are worried about the dollar cratering. Personally I don't think it will go much lower and oil prices will recover soon too.
 
Fretman said:
You could handle, pick out and put a deposit on one or pay it outright before getting your RPAL if you are worried about the dollar cratering. Personally I don't think it will go much lower and oil prices will recover soon too.
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I hope you're right Fretman!
 
I have been in three different stores that would plainly ask to see your PAL before you were able to either be in the room or able to have a gun handed across the counter for inspection. I assume this is to remove the idlers/looky-loos and in one case (Lever Arms downtown Vancouver) very possible to sort out the anti-gun crowd.
 
trebor2880 said:
North Bay and Sudbury have sporting goods stores that won't let you into the gun room without first showing your PAL
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I live in Sudbury and I have a feeling I know which ones (one in particular) in the city you're referring to. At one store in Sudbury I've bought five rifles and a shotgun in the past seven months, and a metric ton of hunting and shooting supplies, and they still ask me for my PAL when I ask to go into the gun room. I think one time the guy waved off my licence because he recognized me but every other time the request is made. I'm only annoyed by it when I happen to forget my PAL.
 
It's essential you try a handgun on for size. However it is rumoured there are some shops(in TO) that won't let you in the door without a PAL. They don't want your business.
 
My experience is similar..produce a license to shop..not to say the quick explanation won't get it in your hand.

My trips to the gun store almost always involve some tire-kicker at the counter whose RPAL has been on the way for 5 years and countless trips to the gun store to waste the staff's time and mine (while I wait my turn..to actually buy something). These are the same cats that want to argue firearms law and propagate myths with the counter help..say "weapon" as many times as possible in every sentence, etc.

I am the last to defend gun store employees my experiences are rarely positive..however I feel for them in this regard. Every soft-shell in town seems to want to show up at the gun store and get nose-prints all over the glass.

Present yourself as a serious buyer and explain your intent...it would be foolish to turn away a prospective buyer because he is new to the sport..but let's be fair there are alot more people who "always meant to apply" than actually applied.
 
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