Practical Test - don't know where to post this

bobusboy

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I know ACTS and PROVE; I've been shooting semi-auto, and bolt action rifles for years. I'm a member of the Canadian Forces so I'm familiar with our weapons. I've studied the CFSC book.

Will I have any issues with the practical test to get my PAL? Do I need to be familiar with leaver action and breach loading firearms?

Thanks.
 
Yes, if not, ask the instructor to show you how to proof and function. The big thing is muzzle control and being anal about triple checking caliber, chamber, etc.,etc.
Just when you're thinking your being stupidly anal, double the anality.
 
If you've studied the book then you should be fine. If there's anything you're not familiar with tell the instructor and ask for his help.
 
Yep, all of the above. 'specially the anality. I think that'll be my new word this week. Anyway, you have to ACTS PROVE every firearm (we had 3-4 rifles, 2 shotguns, 2 revolvers and 3 pistols). And of course, if you point anything at the instructor, end of exam. And you'll have to show a couple of safe carrying techniques, and describe how to cross a fence or get around a pond or cross water in a boat, all with safety first.
 
Yep, all of the above. 'specially the anality. I think that'll be my new word this week. Anyway, you have to ACTS PROVE every firearm (we had 3-4 rifles, 2 shotguns, 2 revolvers and 3 pistols). And of course, if you point anything at the instructor, end of exam. And you'll have to show a couple of safe carrying techniques, and describe how to cross a fence or get around a pond or cross water in a boat, all with safety first.

Like I said I'm in the CF (Army) weapons handling is a non issue for me IMO (re: pointing it at the instructor).

I guess my question is related more to if I'm not particularly familiar with leaver action ,breach loading and pump action firearms (used the latter not super comfortable though). Would I likely be able to pass the test?
 
Like I said I'm in the CF (Army) weapons handling is a non issue for me IMO (re: pointing it at the instructor).

I guess my question is related more to if I'm not particularly familiar with leaver action ,breach loading and pump action firearms (used the latter not super comfortable though). Would I likely be able to pass the test?

You'll probably be okay. I'd only ever handled a firearm a few times, many years before I did the test, and I walked out with a 96% I think on the practical portion.

Challenging the test might be a bit tricky, but if I recall correctly the instructor can help you identify parts of the firearm. If you ask him "Is this the action release?" He can confirm, but he can't walk you through the process.

However, if you do the course I think you'll be fine as you've already got a handle on the main issues of trigger control and muzzle control.

If you can find the time, go to a gun store or range and someone will probably be able to give you a quick demo so you aren't jamming the loading gate of the instructor's shotgun. Or youtube, lots of youtube.

I think you'll do good, though as I understand it there are some practices that are different from civilian/military firearms handling, such as using the optics on your firearm in place of binoculars. I don't really know of any other specifics, except perhaps that very few people in the real world will spin a firearm around to look down the barrel, which the CFSC course tells you to.

If you aren't sure, ask questions.
 
I don't think the practical will be an issue as long as you can recognize the different types of actions and PROVE the firearms safe.

I just passed my PAL/RPAL at the end of March with 96% and 98% with only 1h at the range as lifetime experience.

During class breaks an lunch fondle the firearms as much as you can to be comfortable with them. Ask question to the instructors if any.

Good luck
 
good grief! you will be fine! it takes but a smiggin on common sense to pass the test! your not being tested on the functionality of every firearm ever produced, just how to safely handle one. my instructor was great, anything i had not seen before i asked him about. basically keep your finger off the trigger and dont point the barrel at the instructor or yourself (ie dont rest it on your foot)
 
go to the canadian firearms center website or utube you can find the course videos there, there are a half dozen or so 5 or 6 min videos including the different actions that should be all you need to challenge the test
 
Keep your hand off the trigger finger till ur ready to shoot. Remember range commands, cease fire, fire line and flags. With all the other advice, you'll ace it
 
Like I said I'm in the CF (Army) weapons handling is a non issue for me IMO

Please refrain from using the word "weapons." I understand that it is due to force of habit because of your choice of career. Better words to use are "firearms" or "guns" at least.

The word "weapons" ranks up there these days with the words "assault rifle" or "sniper rifle."
 
Please refrain from using the word "weapons." I understand that it is due to force of habit because of your choice of career. Better words to use are "firearms" or "guns" at least.

The word "weapons" ranks up there these days with the words "assault rifle" or "sniper rifle."

I used the word weapon but I guess I got lucky and my instructor was not a jackass. Also I had never handled firearms before the course but I did know how to prove any type safe from lots of youtube videos.
 
My instructors said that its usually the cocky experienced shooters who fail the practical because they don't take it seriously and have bad habits. You will get a chance to work with the firearms with an instructor during the course. Just be proactive and ask questions. The test is not hard, Ive never held a gun before the course and I got 98% on the practical. (Kneeling position, I rested my trigger elbow on my knee for some reason, lol)
 
My instructors said that its usually the cocky experienced shooters who fail the practical because they don't take it seriously and have bad habits. You will get a chance to work with the firearms with an instructor during the course. Just be proactive and ask questions. The test is not hard, Ive never held a gun before the course and I got 98% on the practical. (Kneeling position, I rested my trigger elbow on my knee for some reason, lol)

Just ask the Instructor to show safe handling and ask questions then do it exactly the same way.. Done
 
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