Challenging the exams

palmpalm

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Hey all,

I'm going to be taking the non-restricted and restricted exams soon. I read the two books but, beyond that, is there anything I should do to prepare? What should I know? Can anyone tell me exactly what will be on the exams?

Thanks
 
check out gunexams.com for some practice tests.

also check out the videos on the CFSC website...try to borrow a rifle from a friend to practice ACTS and PROVE (under their supervision).

I tried to get in contact with one of the local guys that runs the CFSC to set up a challenge against the non-restricted exam...he hasn't replied in a couple weeks :(
 
You have to know about:

ACT and PROVE
Transport safety
Weapon mechanism types (Pump action, etc.. and for pistols Single action, double, etc)
Ammunition parts
Ballistic range

That's about all i remember about it ;D
 
You have to know about:

ACT and PROVE
Transport safety
Weapon mechanism types (Pump action, etc.. and for pistols Single action, double, etc)
Ammunition parts
Ballistic range

:agree: I also challenged both exams and for the most part I didn't consider it to be hard at all (if you've had any exposure to firearms before) My biggest problem was actually working that particular version. For example: the catches, detents, safeties,etc. I knew what I had to do but when a catch, button or lever wasn't where I expected it to be, I started to get lost. Luckily my instructor was cool and let me take my sweet time. I talked myself through ACTS and PROVE out loud, which also helps b/c it tells the instructor what your doing so theres no missed steps he doesn't say "I didn't see you _____ the firearm."

PS: he also tricked me by making me do the "cross the fence" thing with a pistol. I did ACTS and PROVE perfect, went to put the pistol on the ground and he said "hey thats my pistol man, don't put it on the ground, would you lay your own pistol on the dirty ground like that? Start from the beginning again..." I knew they were messing with me so I took two steps back, walked up to the "fence" stuck the pistol in my waistband and jumped over the fence. Loaded pistol aimed right at my babymaker...smart.
But yeah, thats not a real question, so don't worry.
 
Keep your fingers away from the trigger. Keep the gun pointed to the safest direction all times, the instructor will fail you right way if you point the gun at anyone by mistake.
 
I was almost seventy when I moved here and took the exams (PAL and RPAL) by challenge. Before the exams I read the books carefully and made sure I knew all the acronyms and the questions at the ends of the chapters. I had no problem, and found the "practical" kind of enjoyable. But I'd been around guns for a very long time, and most of my effort was in making sure I got things right in terms of terminology, acronyms and priorities. If you have no prior experience with guns, just do a good job of learning what's presented in the books.
 
Do you know anyone with handguns?

Before I challenged the RPAL I visited a friend who had two revolvers and a semi-auto and he demonstrated how they worked to me and then I learned.

When I challenged the exam the semi auto I was tested on had a different kind of magazine release than had been on my friend's.

I just said I didn't know where the mag release was on that model of firearm and the examiner told me.

Years ago when the PAL first same out I challenged that too and in the exam i told the examiner that I was unfamiliar with pump action firearms and asked how the slide release worked.

He told me it was fine to ask a question or admit you were unfamiliar with that particular model of firearm BEFORE handling it.

And be as familiar as possible with all types of firearms you are going to be tested on.

You will be asked to pick up certain type of rifles, a lever action for example, and in the restricted, you will have to identify and demonstrate safe handling of single action, double action and semi-auto handguns.

And always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.

My favourite story about someone taking the exam is when the student is told to pick up a handgun, picks it up and immediately points it at the examiner and says "what do I do now?"


"Go home."
 
You have to know about:

ACT and PROVE
Transport safety
Weapon mechanism types (Pump action, etc.. and for pistols Single action, double, etc)
Ammunition parts
Ballistic range

That's about all i remember about it ;D

thats the jist of it. I was told if I read the book cover to cover and complete all the questions then read book cover to cover again, I should have no problem with the test. took his advice, challenged the test and got %100. ACTS and PROVE a big part as well as safety, storage Transportation and common sense
 
PS: he also tricked me by making me do the "cross the fence" thing with a pistol. I did ACTS and PROVE perfect, went to put the pistol on the ground and he said "hey thats my pistol man, don't put it on the ground, would you lay your own pistol on the dirty ground like that? Start from the beginning again..." I knew they were messing with me so I took two steps back, walked up to the "fence" stuck the pistol in my waistband and jumped over the fence. Loaded pistol aimed right at my babymaker...smart.
But yeah, thats not a real question, so don't worry.

There is a standard script for the questions. NO deviation from the script is allowed. Any instructor who jerks around like this could end up disciplined/decertified if someone complained to the CFO.
 
passed

Thank you for all the tips and advice. I challenged the exams and passed the non-restricted and restricted so now the waiting game for paperwork begins :)
 
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