Handgun Shooting Before RPAL

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Chopperjake

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Hello all,

Was over at Stittsville Shooting Range this afternoon looking around and asking about membership. In order to fire a handgun on their range, you need to take a $75 safety course. That seems pretty standard and I was planning to do it after I receive my RPAL (taking the CRFSC course on 4 Dec). They suggested I do their safety course before the CRFSC to give me some practical experience handling handguns.

What do you guys think? Is the RPAL difficult to get for someone with zero handgun experience? I'll admit, I am a bit nervous.

Thanks!
 
The PAL/RPAL process/courses arent that difficult but good in that they focus on safety. My wife took the courses with me and got her RPAL and had never held a gun before. However, doing the course at the range and handling firearms first doesn't hurt IMHO, even if just for peace of mind that you have a head start.
 
I shot handguns in Vegas for about 30 mins. Came back to NS and took the RPAL course and got 100% on the hands on no problem. Pay attention, handle the guns when you are given the chance and pass the test
 
I never handled any kind of gun before I signed up for the firearms course. Took notes, listened and handled the firearms at the course as much as possible when we were given practise time. Only time I took a course at a range was when I was joining that club. Which is mandatory for their insurance/liability. I'm also in Ottawa by the way and was at the RA Centre but now a happy member at EOSC.
 
I think it's a good idea to get some handling experience before the test. The more confidence and familiarity you show the better your chances of passing.
 
Go shoot for fun anytime you get a chance. Your CRFSC instructor is supposed to give you beaucoup opportunity to handle (correctly, but no penalty for accidental errors) properly de-activated handguns throughout the course, so by the time you take the hands-on portion of the test, the only issue will be nerves. I had several recently retired police take the course from me, and to a man, they were all as nervous as a bride at a ISIS wedding! Didn't keep them from acing it though!

Of course, going to the range and shooting one or two action types will not provide hands-on experience for the many actions that may show up on a practical test, but if you master the ACTS PROVE, keep your muzzle down range, remember the "paperwork" and to trigger lock the gun and the gun case, can't go wrong.
 
The PAL courses are designed with new shooters in mind. It's pretty easy. If you have a chance to get some handling and shooting time in before you go go for it. A day at the range is always a good day
 
fiancée and I just took it yesterday. She found the handguns and revolvers easier to do than the long guns, just because they were smaller and lighter and easier to maneuver to operate the actions. She got a better score on the practical for the CRFSC than the CFSC
 
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