That was the same with me. I had handled only in Vegas and a couple times as a teenager and the course taught me well enough to pass easily.
PAL question about the practical test
- Thread starter kolkim
- Start date
That was the same with me. I had handled only in Vegas and a couple times as a teenager and the course taught me well enough to pass easily.
You are correct, shotgun shells are measured before they are crimped shut. You probably could add a bit to the unfired shell to get the right size, but if it is not marked, never assume. Do NOT put it in the gun, unless you know that ammo is for that firearm. All guns should be stamped for the ammunition they accept, if you cannot match the ammo to the stamp, do not put it in the gun.
A 3 inch shotgun shell will probably fit into a 2 3/4 inch shotgun if it has not been fired, but when you pull the trigger you are going to have a BIG problem. The crimp will try to open but will not be able to, and it will blow up the gun. Always, always always, match the ammo to the gun. my shotty will fire up to a 3 inch shell, but they guy i hunt with, his will only shoot 2 3/4, so I only ever buy 2 3/4, that way we will not have accidents by him grabbing my ammo.
Simply pick up the .22 rimfire cartridge as requested ..
What are you refering to when you say "The book states that rim-fire shots are not marked."?
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Flail like a flagellum and puke on the instructor.
Well, a major clue of how to separate rimfire from centrefire is that rimfire do not have a central primer. On centrefire of all caliber you will see the primer in the centre.
Generally 22 is easy to spot because they're probably the smallest ammo you'll ever see.
Good point. If you're not sure or the ammo is not properly/clearly marked, don't assume. Tell the examiner you are unsure and can't safely select a matching piece of ammo. If you do try to insert incorrect ammo, you are deducted a point. I forget how many minor blunders you are allowed before a fail. Immediate failures will include pulling the trigger and unsafe muzzle control. You may get a harsh warning for finger in the trigger guard and there probably won't be a second warning.
The book says "Some ammunition may not have a cartridge name head stamp such as rim-fire cartridges". And to refer to the ammunition box for information.
So my question is, how do I know that the rim-fire I grab is a .22 or not? Aren't there more than 1 calibre of rim-fire?
So my question is, how do I know that the rim-fire I grab is a .22 or not? Aren't there more than 1 calibre of rim-fire?
Did you download the course manuals? If not, see the sticky on the main Newbie FAQ section. I suggest reading the manuals seeing that you're not too familiar with ammo types.
In the pic below, L to R you have .22 Short, .22LR, .22 Winchester Magnum, .17HM2 and .17HMR. Not pictured is the .22Long. I don't even think you can buy .22Long anymore.
Learn the diff between the 303 Savage and 303 British and why they aren't interchangeable.
In the pic below, L to R you have .22 Short, .22LR, .22 Winchester Magnum, .17HM2 and .17HMR. Not pictured is the .22Long. I don't even think you can buy .22Long anymore.
Learn the diff between the 303 Savage and 303 British and why they aren't interchangeable.
lineofsight
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Lower Mainland, BC
So basically you're interested in learning what you need to know to pass the test rather than learn about firearms safety... The course costs next to nothing compared to firearms, ammo, etc... may do you some good to take it.
For example, learning that a .303 British and Savage are not interchangeable - what is the point of that? What about .308 and 7-08 (same case), or a .357 Mag in a .38 - seeing how it works the other way around...
Not picking up ammo if dropped during ACTS & PROVE... why not just understand muzzle control?
Your questions (i.e. shotgun shell length open or closed) suggest you have less of an understanding of firearms than presented in the course books which are available freely online... the level of effort you appear willing to expend to learn about firearms safety and intent to learn the minimum needed to pass the test is disconcerting. You're getting good help here though.
For example, learning that a .303 British and Savage are not interchangeable - what is the point of that? What about .308 and 7-08 (same case), or a .357 Mag in a .38 - seeing how it works the other way around...
Not picking up ammo if dropped during ACTS & PROVE... why not just understand muzzle control?
Your questions (i.e. shotgun shell length open or closed) suggest you have less of an understanding of firearms than presented in the course books which are available freely online... the level of effort you appear willing to expend to learn about firearms safety and intent to learn the minimum needed to pass the test is disconcerting. You're getting good help here though.
Going from what I'm gathering about your familiarity with ammo and firearms, I would strongly suggest taking the full course instead of trying to just get by. If you fail the tests, you have to pay again to redo. Some places may allow you to redo the tests the same day, others may tell you to book another test date.
Look, If I fail, then that's my problem. I am extremely confident in my own ability to pass the test and I have been asking questions AS I read the book, not after which I should have. Most of the things the book says however were better explained by forum members and gave me an easier understanding. I understand the extremely basic things as ammunition not being interchangeable.. I have looked at all silvercore videos on youtube, looked at laws and other threads on firearm safety and probably have done more research than most people before they challenge a test.
Why don't you just dish out the cash and take the course? They have the course for a reason and taking it would answer all these questions for you. I personally hope you do not pass and are forced to take the course. I am actually shocked that you can even take the test with out completing the course first
You sound intelligent so I think you are overthinking it. Without taking the course maybe you're not going to get perfect on the test but I think almost anyone with a grade 8 education can pass it (excepting making a mistake on the practical due to nervousness or momentary stupidity).
On the other hand: really the course is aimed at people who don't have a background in firearms. i.e. you. I don't think it was a waste of time at all because coming from a background of having very little hands-on with firearms I felt I learned a lot and felt reasonably entertained too. It's an environment where you can ask all the questions and not have people coming down on you. And you learn by the dumb questions asked by everyone else in your class too. And you get plenty of hands-on fondling of all the actions. If the weather is pissy outside it's a fun couple of afternoons to spend talking about guns and laws.
Internet knowledge < practical knowledge. ALWAYS.
Out of all the newbies I've taken to the range the one person I regret taking was a know-it-all who read up all about guns and nonsense on the interweb and was not open to learning when I finally put a gun in his hand. He just felt he knew everything about it and would not take instruction and was a #### besides. Don't be that guy. The course is cheap and is taught by real person who is paid to instruct.
So will you pass it by challenging it and asking questions in this thread? Probably. Will you come out of that test knowing as much as you would by taking the course? Probably not.
On the other hand: really the course is aimed at people who don't have a background in firearms. i.e. you. I don't think it was a waste of time at all because coming from a background of having very little hands-on with firearms I felt I learned a lot and felt reasonably entertained too. It's an environment where you can ask all the questions and not have people coming down on you. And you learn by the dumb questions asked by everyone else in your class too. And you get plenty of hands-on fondling of all the actions. If the weather is pissy outside it's a fun couple of afternoons to spend talking about guns and laws.
Internet knowledge < practical knowledge. ALWAYS.
Out of all the newbies I've taken to the range the one person I regret taking was a know-it-all who read up all about guns and nonsense on the interweb and was not open to learning when I finally put a gun in his hand. He just felt he knew everything about it and would not take instruction and was a #### besides. Don't be that guy. The course is cheap and is taught by real person who is paid to instruct.
So will you pass it by challenging it and asking questions in this thread? Probably. Will you come out of that test knowing as much as you would by taking the course? Probably not.
Ok thanks I really do understand how helpful the course is, but I stated that all the CERTIFIED course instructors are booked for at least another month which is why I figured I could read the manuals and pass the test myself within 2 weeks or so. It's been 4 days, I finished reading the book and I am ready to take the test.. Just a thought but once I have my license though, don't you think I will be learning enough about each gun I am purchasing? More time spent learning my own guns than guns I am never going to buy. Just a thought.
digital-audiophile
Member
- Location
- Calgary Alberta
I tell you what though, when I took the course I thought I would never own a cowboy action gun, but I bought one and it has quickly become my favourite pistol. I also never thought I would have any interest in a lever action rifle (which I found to be the hardest non-restricted to figure out in the course) and I have my eyes on one for christmas. Just my two cents there.
It's not so much that you're not going to buy a bunch of different firearms so no need to take the actual course. The thing is, you need to be familiar with whichever firearms they will be using for the practical exam and that is were familiarity with the guns is important. You can't go into the exam and ask "Oh, where is the safety on the lever action?" or "How do I release the action in this pump action shotgun?" and how the examiner expects you to know the steps to cross a fence etc. You are required to know these firearms like they were your own even if you think you will never buy a lever action, SAA, hinge action etc. etc.
If I'm not mistaken, most instructors end up becoming your examiner and if they are picky, they like things done "their" way. Not like they're out to fail you but make enough hiccups and you'll be rewriting.
We're not trying to "bully" you into taking the full course. We're just going by they type of questions you are asking and pretty much everyone came to the same conclusion that you are still pretty green. That's some of the best times when getting into firearms because there's so much fun learning going on. Being academically smart is one thing, having practical knowledge is something you gain from hands-on experience so don't take offense when we suggest you take the full course.
If I'm not mistaken, most instructors end up becoming your examiner and if they are picky, they like things done "their" way. Not like they're out to fail you but make enough hiccups and you'll be rewriting.
We're not trying to "bully" you into taking the full course. We're just going by they type of questions you are asking and pretty much everyone came to the same conclusion that you are still pretty green. That's some of the best times when getting into firearms because there's so much fun learning going on. Being academically smart is one thing, having practical knowledge is something you gain from hands-on experience so don't take offense when we suggest you take the full course.
If you are taking the restricted license, I believe the course is mandatory anyway.
I don't think you are able to just challenge the restricted license test like the non.
Seriously dude, just take the course. Its only a one month wait. You will wait many more months than that just to join a club. If the cost is the problem, maybe this isn't the sport for you. The cost of the test and license are cheep compared to buying guns and ammo.
Edit: Further reading suggests that you can just challenge the RPAL exam. I still don't think its the best idea though.
I don't think you are able to just challenge the restricted license test like the non.
Seriously dude, just take the course. Its only a one month wait. You will wait many more months than that just to join a club. If the cost is the problem, maybe this isn't the sport for you. The cost of the test and license are cheep compared to buying guns and ammo.
Edit: Further reading suggests that you can just challenge the RPAL exam. I still don't think its the best idea though.
Legally they can not do this, there MUST be MINIMUM 24 hour period between tests if you fail, you can not re-test that same day. If anyone is doing this they are risking loosing their certification as an examiner and as a student, you risk being retested on everything if the examiner is de-certified due to not following the rules.
Each examiner is different, if someone wants to challenge the tests and they ask me where the action release is or where the safety is on a given firearm I personally (usually) will not have an issue (though many do ..) as you are indicating you know what to do, just not how to do it on this particular firearm. As already stated, with your own firearms, you will get to know them intimately and this won't be a problem.
