Just got date confirmed for my CFSC.
- Thread starter 2strklvr
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As others have said, ACTS/PROVE are huge. And never point a gun or have your finger on the trigger or even inside the triggerguard unless expressly told to do so. You treat every gun as if it's always loaded until you have checked it yourself, and the second it passes out of your direct control it becomes 'loaded' again. During your practical exam(s) pointing the gun at yourself or the instructor is an instant failure. During my course one guy was actually asked to leave even before exams because during the hands-on portions he repeatedly pointed a firearm at himself or others and/or had his finger on the trigger.
Beyond that, just read your books and pay attention, it's not rocket science and (except for some of the laws) common sense will take you far. If the course is anything like the one I took, you will have regular lecture-style class with a few "quizzes" and Q&A on important points, and a 'handling' section with various types of rifles/shotguns to get a feel for the guns and learn proper loading, clearing, stances, etc. If you're taking RPAL course as well, it's basically the same thing except you'll learn the restricted laws and handle various pistols. In short, nothing to worry about.
Beyond that, just read your books and pay attention, it's not rocket science and (except for some of the laws) common sense will take you far. If the course is anything like the one I took, you will have regular lecture-style class with a few "quizzes" and Q&A on important points, and a 'handling' section with various types of rifles/shotguns to get a feel for the guns and learn proper loading, clearing, stances, etc. If you're taking RPAL course as well, it's basically the same thing except you'll learn the restricted laws and handle various pistols. In short, nothing to worry about.
Most of it really is common sense. I challenged the test last year after a long absence and did fine. Like others have said, know ACTS and PROVE forwards and backwards.
The only annoying part for challenging it was the question asking if gun cleaning was taught in the course. That question has absolutely nothing to do with my knowledge of gun safety, it's only asking about my knowledge of the course which I didn't have.
The only annoying part for challenging it was the question asking if gun cleaning was taught in the course. That question has absolutely nothing to do with my knowledge of gun safety, it's only asking about my knowledge of the course which I didn't have.
Yeah... that's what instructors will try to burn this into your head, for good reason! Whenever you put down the firearm (aka leaves your hand) and if you pick it up again... You must PROVE it safe again no matter what.
Even before the class, my cousin told me that who lives in the US.
We were out shooting in the desert. I picked out a pistol to use.. Left it on hood of car and grabbed it 5 mins later. I checked the chamber and bullet popped out. I'm like damn dude... you didn't tell me you loaded it... he said yah.. see... always check and make sure pistol is safe. Damn straight!
eh class gives absolutely good advice. I might add that it helps to "verbalize" and talk it through as you are doing the ACTS and PROVE, so there is no mistake about what you are doing or that you have actually done it.
You will always learn more by taking the course than challenging the exam and I'm sure even instructors absorb a little extra info from most courses given and new questions being asked by the students.
Yeah... You learn a bit more outside what needs to be known.
A student asked an interesting question during my course. Asked if it's true that an unloaded shot gun can be stored under bed and ammo in night stand. Instructor said yes. It meets all the requirements. Technically, sounds perfectly legal.
First post here and this is a subject I know well. Took the PAL and RPal Courses last weekend and they are well worth the money. Many have said what needs to be said, ACTS and PROVE are the keys.
Remember all of the steps to load the guns that are given in class and be sure to follow them to the letter in the test and say them as you are doing them. Go slow and as was mentioned say out loud the prove steps as you do them so the examiner can see and hear what you are doing.
I lost points in the PAL test because I forgot to put on a safety and to check a data stamp on a shotgun because of nerves and going too fast. When I did the RPAL test the next day, I went slow, spoke each step as I did it and got 98 on the practical (missed picking out the FMJ bullet).
Don't point the guns anywhere other than where the examiner tells you is the safe zone and keep your finger out of the trigger guard. Take is very seriously the test is not rocket science but you're not playing with toys either.
Cactus
Remember all of the steps to load the guns that are given in class and be sure to follow them to the letter in the test and say them as you are doing them. Go slow and as was mentioned say out loud the prove steps as you do them so the examiner can see and hear what you are doing.
I lost points in the PAL test because I forgot to put on a safety and to check a data stamp on a shotgun because of nerves and going too fast. When I did the RPAL test the next day, I went slow, spoke each step as I did it and got 98 on the practical (missed picking out the FMJ bullet).
Don't point the guns anywhere other than where the examiner tells you is the safe zone and keep your finger out of the trigger guard. Take is very seriously the test is not rocket science but you're not playing with toys either.
Cactus
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If you get a chance to have a range day before hand it will really help. The pass rate is really high, especially if you have more than a fleeting interest in firearms.
When doing the practical, talk it out and tell the instructer what and how you are doing things, over exagerate safety checks so they don't miss anything
When doing the practical, talk it out and tell the instructer what and how you are doing things, over exagerate safety checks so they don't miss anything
If talking helps you keep track of what you're doing by narrating, fine. When I'm administering tests I pay no attention to what people are saying - I just watch what they're doing. You'd be surprised how many people say the right thing but do the wrong thing...
Silvercore
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Free study material can be found at www.firearms-safety-course.com. It also has a free “email a CFSC/CRFSC instructor questions” link at the bottom. You will find that most members of the firearms community are more than willing to assist new shooters learn how to safely and legally enjoy the sport, so don’t be shy.
Take care.
Travis Bader
Take care.
Travis Bader
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Well I took the course this week-end and still haven't stopped telling anyone that will listen how worthwhile it was. I definitely learned a ton. Had a great instructor that kept things interesting and the 10 hours just flew by. Got 100% on both the practical and written portions of the test. Now I just gotta wait for the paperwork to come back stamped from the CFO's office and I can mail my app. for the PAL. Should've done this years ago.
