Can't touch a restricted handgun without RPAL?
- Thread starter bristow84
- Start date
You guys have to remember that criminals are using the dash-out-the-door method of robbery. A too-trusting clerk who hands over a pistol to a person (who turns out to be an unlicensed crackhead or gangbanger) under the principle of direct and immediate supervision just might find himself in a sprinting footrace out the door and down the street. Jewellery stores have been suffering from robberies like this, as have gun stores, and filling stations.
I don't particularly like the CFO mandating this policy to a dealer, but then again I don't like having to have to pay before I pump gasoline either.
I don't particularly like the CFO mandating this policy to a dealer, but then again I don't like having to have to pay before I pump gasoline either.
HAPPENED TO ME AT WHOLSALE SPORTS IN NANAIMO.(i am old and look it) BUDDY WAS PURCHASING A NEW SEMI AUTO. BUDDY PASSES IT TO ME AND COUNTER FELLOW GRABS IT THEN SAYS, YOU HAVE A R.PAL?. I SAY YES BUT GUN IS BACK IN BOX BY NOW. I TELL BUDDY LETS GO TO ---------= IN CAMPBELL RIVER,I'LL PAY FOR GAS AND LUNCH PLUS PRICE DIFFERENCE. AS IT WAS.IT TOOK ALMOST A WEEK TO GET HIS STATT. BEFORE HE COULD TAKE IT HOME. THATS WHEN WHOLESALE SPORTS JUST OPENED. I SHOP THERE UNDER PROTEST.
Amen. I think customer service in general has gone for crap in Canada over the last number of years. Granted, the counter people should use their heads, and the practice may in fact be store policy for a number of reasons such as insurance requirements, etc. If it's such a bit deal, those stores should have a "panic button" at the counter that instantly locks the doors so smash and grab artists would likely be caught IN the store and not escape outside.
If a bunch of gangsta wanna be's came strutting into the store and wanted to handle a Glock, I would likely be inclined to ask for their RPAL.
In my younger days, I used to shoot fairly often. I'm just now getting back into the game. I've recently taken my PAL and RPAL courses and am waiting for the licensing process to give me the nod. However, even for me the gun shop is still a bit of an intimidating place right now. If I'm contemplating my first purchase after I unwrap my license and would like to get a feeling for the difference in feel between a G17 and Sig 226, what's the harm? The one that takes the time to hold my hand and answer all my questions and walk me through the details of a particular gun will make a far more positive impression than the old cranky guy that wants me to produce my RPAL or I have to just settle with looking at it from behind the yellow line. I can do that on the internet. Stores don't want me to stay home. If I stay out of the store, I don't spend my cash.
Yup, and the want of a cheap piece of plastic with a photo on it ain't gonna keep a punk grab and go robber from "having" an RPAL. A good photocopier, laminator, and the kind of gun store clerk folks on here ##### about every day, and ganga banga gonna beat feet for the door.
But, blame to CFO 'cause you go the customer service creds of a sewer truck driver, (sorry guys who do that for a living) and for sure, keep away the tire kickers. We don't need anybody else in the shooting game. Hey, we got rid of the long gun registry, so all is fine in shooter land, and new shooters just take up space, on the line and in the store.
Sheet.
But, blame to CFO 'cause you go the customer service creds of a sewer truck driver, (sorry guys who do that for a living) and for sure, keep away the tire kickers. We don't need anybody else in the shooting game. Hey, we got rid of the long gun registry, so all is fine in shooter land, and new shooters just take up space, on the line and in the store.
Sheet.
- Location
- New Brunswick
As far as my knowlegde goes that only applies in stores and its store policy like other guys have stated, if its at a range as long as your under the direct supervision of someone with a pal or rpal youll be alright
I have no issues with a store requiring a PAL or RPAL prior to handling firearms. If one doesn't have the required paperwork, they won't be buying at that time. Should a car dealer let an unlicensed teenager take a car for a test drive? How about a motorcycle dealer, should the guy without a motorcycle licence be taking a bike out?
I have been to some stores that ask for my RPAL before handing over a firearm, others that don't. Many in the States are pushing firearms into my hands while I try to explain that I can't purchase from them, just looking at the new stuff before it makes its way to Canada.
I don't like to waste a salesman's time, I'll tell them straight out that I'm just looking, not buying that day. If things are slow, and they offer, I will look, but if a buyer walks to the counter, I hand it back and step back.
When you get kids wanting to see everything, and then poses with a gun while his buddy takes a picture, you can understand why they "pre qualify" before showing.
Now I think I'll take a run over to the local Ferrari dealer and test drive something that looks interesting,,,,
I have been to some stores that ask for my RPAL before handing over a firearm, others that don't. Many in the States are pushing firearms into my hands while I try to explain that I can't purchase from them, just looking at the new stuff before it makes its way to Canada.
I don't like to waste a salesman's time, I'll tell them straight out that I'm just looking, not buying that day. If things are slow, and they offer, I will look, but if a buyer walks to the counter, I hand it back and step back.
When you get kids wanting to see everything, and then poses with a gun while his buddy takes a picture, you can understand why they "pre qualify" before showing.
Now I think I'll take a run over to the local Ferrari dealer and test drive something that looks interesting,,,,
Time for a trip to the US. I only have non-restricted in Canada, but have shot handguns before. Went to Florida, shot Glock 17, Beretta 92, and a BRAND NEW Springfield 1911A1. 200 rounds of ammo, rental, targets, etc and it all only cost me US$120, which included an Alaskan Hunting licence to use as American ID.
They even put the guns in a little box for me to carry to the range, and the door to the range was right beside the door to exit the gun shop.
That experience made me extremely envious of our neighbours to the south, especially in light of the OP's experience in our home country...
They even put the guns in a little box for me to carry to the range, and the door to the range was right beside the door to exit the gun shop.
That experience made me extremely envious of our neighbours to the south, especially in light of the OP's experience in our home country...
No touching
Several years ago, I had taken my courses and was waiting for my plastic. I called a dealer, introduced myself and made an appointment to come to the store later in the day.
When I arrived, I was "buzzed" into the store but then basically ignored for ten minutes which wasn't a problem as I had lots of time. I had already told the person I called that I was ready to make a commitment.
Finally, he did get around to talking to me. I was 65 years old, parked my $60 k truck outside and don't look like a "Gangsta".
He would not show me a gun and obviously had very little time for me. Two weeks later I bought a $3k SIG X-Five and most of the equipment I needed elsewhere. Since then I have purchased five more handguns including a 1911 semi-custom. I have five or six holsters, belts and every accessory on the market. Not $1 was spent in that store despite it being just 30 minutes from my home.
When I had a small business, I quickly learned that the best prospective customer is the newbie that doesn't have anything yet. If the "no touch" thing was store policy it was stupid in the extreme as was the attitude.
Several years ago, I had taken my courses and was waiting for my plastic. I called a dealer, introduced myself and made an appointment to come to the store later in the day.
When I arrived, I was "buzzed" into the store but then basically ignored for ten minutes which wasn't a problem as I had lots of time. I had already told the person I called that I was ready to make a commitment.
Finally, he did get around to talking to me. I was 65 years old, parked my $60 k truck outside and don't look like a "Gangsta".
He would not show me a gun and obviously had very little time for me. Two weeks later I bought a $3k SIG X-Five and most of the equipment I needed elsewhere. Since then I have purchased five more handguns including a 1911 semi-custom. I have five or six holsters, belts and every accessory on the market. Not $1 was spent in that store despite it being just 30 minutes from my home.
When I had a small business, I quickly learned that the best prospective customer is the newbie that doesn't have anything yet. If the "no touch" thing was store policy it was stupid in the extreme as was the attitude.
- Location
- Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
We have found that for every 10 people wanting to handle restricted firearms atleast 5 of the people do not even have a regular PAL. It is not fair to sell a firearm with finger prints of other people (who had no intention of buying) to someone who takes the time to get the RPAL and comes up with the money. Once we see the RPAL once we do not need to see it again. With handgun sales there is always the remote chance of a gab and run. Asking to see the persons RPAL pretty much eliminates this posibility by limiting who can look at the firearm. Dont take it as an insult if you are asked for your RPAL.
If you choose to buy from a store who has this policy, you can be fairly certian that your new handgun has not been handled, field stripped (or attempted field stripped), or shoved in someone waist band to look cool by the last 10 people without cards wanting to kill time to looking at "cool guns". We are not the SS asking to see papers to discourage you from buying guns. We are protecting ourselves and limiting the handling of firearms to those who can actually buy the firearms.
There is a big difference, a very slim precentage of adults do not have their DL, half of those wanting to view restricteds have not PAL at all.
If you choose to buy from a store who has this policy, you can be fairly certian that your new handgun has not been handled, field stripped (or attempted field stripped), or shoved in someone waist band to look cool by the last 10 people without cards wanting to kill time to looking at "cool guns". We are not the SS asking to see papers to discourage you from buying guns. We are protecting ourselves and limiting the handling of firearms to those who can actually buy the firearms.
There is a big difference, a very slim precentage of adults do not have their DL, half of those wanting to view restricteds have not PAL at all.
Well said!
Finger prints really is that the best you can come up with... I would be more worried of the weekend warrior that says he knows how to handle a firearm then a someone that doesn't have an idea at all. That and the fact that you assume every non-carded person wants to look at a handgun cause they want to live out there days as a Call of duty player or some wanna be gangster is just plain ignorant. I don't see a problem with a stores right to refuse questionable people but it only takes a quick min to talk to someone to realize their intentions.
The only reason my fiance and I got into this is because the open nature to firearms in the states, it's to bad that you can't look down upon the pedestal you hold yourself on to show a possible new sale/enthusiast about this great sport.
Also I wanted to thank you for your poor ignorant Fudd attitude it just made it easier to decide what stores I will continue buy products from.
The only reason my fiance and I got into this is because the open nature to firearms in the states, it's to bad that you can't look down upon the pedestal you hold yourself on to show a possible new sale/enthusiast about this great sport.
Also I wanted to thank you for your poor ignorant Fudd attitude it just made it easier to decide what stores I will continue buy products from.
Last edited:
I have to agree as I spent almost 15 years running a retail store and learned never to judge or turn away a potential customer based on quick judgements. Someone may be inspired to get into the "sport", why turn them away because they don't have a RPAL (yet).....but that's my experience as I have seen many people spend thousands that I did not know they had
. A happy retail experience makes a customer for life.
