Hi everyone. I am aspiring to get my non-restricted firearm license, and have been casually studying up on the subject. I've taken some quizes online, and watched videos like these, but I'm not sure whether that is enough. How hard is it for the average guy to get his PAL? Is it essential to read through the actual manual in order to pass?
PAL license
- Thread starter kesler12
- Start date
Unless you have previous experience with a variety of firearms, and someone who trained you on the safe use/storage of them, you would be better off to study the package. Its big but you can get through it quickly and its there to read and know for your own benefit and safety and for others around you.
Hi. It's more about your experience handling firearms. If you have a bit(common sense applies a lot), you can challenge the written tests(do the RPAL at the same time. Saves a bit of money.), but you still have to pass the practical.
The actual manuals are on-line, here. Read 'em, then decide if you think you can pass. No W's.
firearms-safety-course.com/
The actual manuals are on-line, here. Read 'em, then decide if you think you can pass. No W's.
firearms-safety-course.com/
That brings me to my next question, what are the most important parts of the manual to memorise? 270 pages is alot of material, are there any sections I can skip over?
Another concern of mine is that I underwent some anxiety treatment a couple years ago, and that this might be used to somehow disqualify me from acquiring my PAL. Do the chief firearm officers have a record of discriminating against people in my situation?
Theres chapter tests in the book and if you do good on those without having to look back for answers then you should be good to go on the test. You will have to read all of it. The practical handling exam is just as or more important than the multiple choice.
ACTS and PROVE are essential.
Assume every firearm is loaded. Control the muzzle direction. Trigger finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard. See that the firearm is unloaded.
Once you have a good handle on keeping those two points in mind, you won't go too far afoul of much else.
I only had a minor exposure to firearms growing up, and I only signed up for my PAL, but I dropped in on the RPAL course and they had a spot open. I got the book five minutes before the course started and I think I got 98%.
As mentioned, if you can do the RPAL course as well it can save you a bit of money down the road, and it gives you the option of expanding your firearm interests in the future.
Good luck, and remember that most instructors genuinely want to help you learn. If you have the opportunity to ask them questions, use it.
Memorize? Well....hmm.
Maybe I'm too old. You should know it. Not regurgitate it. It's been said before....ACTS/PROVE....extremely important. But know it, learn it. Don't memorize it.
You're in Abbotsford. I'm in Aldergrove. I have both the Safety Course books for restricted and non-restricted I will give to you. Incidentally, you should do your restricted at the same time. I did my safety course through Silvercore on a weekend at the Ramada by the Castle Fun Park. Silvercore was very good. I enjoyed the course. Anyhow, if you would like the books PM me here or at dougrmatheson@gmail.com
Like others have said - read the books. You won't need to memorize stuff in tables, but you will need a feel for the numbers ("at what distance is a 22lr considered lethal?" with multiple choice answers...) Listen during class. That did it for all the people in my courses, and some of them weren't what anyone would consider the brightest bulbs in the pack (and many had absolutely zero firearms exposure). Some of them didn't even read the book. The test is multiple choice and True/False. Everyone passed.
If you are concerned, google for PAL and RPAL summaries, notes, instructor's notes etc. I found several online that were 10-15 pages long and covered all the key points. I read those through a few times the night before the test. Was overkill, but made me feel better.
For the practical -
1. take your time during the test. Don't rush anything. That is how lots of folks made mistakes. Be methodical.
2. focus on muzzle control. This is especially tricky with RPAL (it is easy to point in the wrong direction with a pistol).
3. take every opportunity to practice ACTS/PROVES with the firearms they provide, so you are familiar and have physical practice.
4. Speak to the examiner. You can say "now I am doing this." If you accidentally forget a step (by rushing, for example) you can say "oh I wanted to do X but I didn't, can I start again?" - they will usually let you start over.
5. Review the rules for a fence crossing - every time you put the gun down, you have to ACTS and PROVES when you pick it up again. This got lots of people in my PAL group. Basically, EVERY TIME YOU PICK UP A FIREARM, ACTS/PROVES. Doesn't matter if you "kept it in sight" or you "know it is unloaded."
I was a little stressed beforehand, but afterward realized there was absolutely no need to be. Enjoy the course! And yes, take BOTH PAL/RPAL. More RPALs are good for all of us oppressed gun owners.
If you are concerned, google for PAL and RPAL summaries, notes, instructor's notes etc. I found several online that were 10-15 pages long and covered all the key points. I read those through a few times the night before the test. Was overkill, but made me feel better.
For the practical -
1. take your time during the test. Don't rush anything. That is how lots of folks made mistakes. Be methodical.
2. focus on muzzle control. This is especially tricky with RPAL (it is easy to point in the wrong direction with a pistol).
3. take every opportunity to practice ACTS/PROVES with the firearms they provide, so you are familiar and have physical practice.
4. Speak to the examiner. You can say "now I am doing this." If you accidentally forget a step (by rushing, for example) you can say "oh I wanted to do X but I didn't, can I start again?" - they will usually let you start over.
5. Review the rules for a fence crossing - every time you put the gun down, you have to ACTS and PROVES when you pick it up again. This got lots of people in my PAL group. Basically, EVERY TIME YOU PICK UP A FIREARM, ACTS/PROVES. Doesn't matter if you "kept it in sight" or you "know it is unloaded."
I was a little stressed beforehand, but afterward realized there was absolutely no need to be. Enjoy the course! And yes, take BOTH PAL/RPAL. More RPALs are good for all of us oppressed gun owners.
Manuals free online.
Non Restricted http://www.heafs.com/index_htm_files/CFSCmanual_E_non-restricted_2008_Greyscale%20Version.pdf
Restricted http://www.heafs.com/index_htm_files/CRFSCmanual_E_restricted_2008_Greyscale%20Version.pdf
Non Restricted http://www.heafs.com/index_htm_files/CFSCmanual_E_non-restricted_2008_Greyscale%20Version.pdf
Restricted http://www.heafs.com/index_htm_files/CRFSCmanual_E_restricted_2008_Greyscale%20Version.pdf
