RPAL test pointers!

Don't try to load a semi auto through the ejection port. A guy doing his test at the same time as me tried. Don't point the gun at the instructor.
 
ACT & PROVE the firearm before each time you put it down, and right after you pick it up.

Narrate what you're doing the whole time.

Example:

"- I'm picking up the firearm and assuming it is loaded
- so I will control the muzzle direction
- and keep my trigger finger out of the trigger guard.
- I will see that the firearm is unloaded, I will PROVE it safe

- I'm pointing the firearm in the safest available direction
- I am removing any ammunition and
- I'm observing an empty chamber,
- Verifying the feeding path
- And examining the bore.

The firearm is unloaded and safe"

Make sure you do it.
 
Oh, one more thing:

If you don't know where the slide release is, for example, tell the instructor:

"I know I am supposed to release the slide at this point, but I am not sure how this specific firearm functions in that way."

He'll show you how to do it, as long as you know what you're supposed to do.
 
MUZZLE CONTROL

Dont no if its the same where your taking it but at mine pointing the muzzle of the firearm out of the "safe zone" or at the instructor is an automatic fail. be carefull.
 
The main objective of the practical,is to show you know how to handle a pistol or revolver safely.If you are nervous,let some people go ahead of you first and watch what they do.Good Luck
 
I practice all the time with my air pistol Walther P99, I already had a good trigger finger control and muzzle control, but it has became second nature, even if it is not a real firearm, my finger is never in the trigger guard and I always point it to the floor or is someone is in front of me, to the floor at my left/right.
Be sure to know that your fingers go where your brain wants them to go, your trigger finger will never go in the trigger guard or worst on the trigger if you have good control of yourself (I hope you can control your hands.... lol).
I'll pass my CFSC (with the course) in two weeks, no worries about that one, november 8th, then the hunting initiation with firarms course the 15th, then the CRFSC with the course, I don't know when, I'll have to call fo that.
 
X2 on the suggestion to vocalize what you are doing.

When I did mine I had to handle single action revolver, double action revolver and semi-auto.

With the semi I lost a point because the instructor said I didn't prove it safe when I put it back on the table. I did, but she was looking at my test paper writing and didn't see that I did clear it. Oh well, 98% aint to bad.
 
Always remember the ACTS PROVE method..


Assume every firearm is loaded.
Control the muzzle direction at all times.
Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
See that the firearm is unloaded - PROVE it safe.

PROVE
Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
Remove all cartridges.
Observe the chamber.
Verify the feeding path.
Examine the bore
 
Good advice.

Make sure you know how to store the gun too. I almost forgot to put a trigger lock on when I put it away "after a day of shooting at the range was over". Nerves.
 
According to the testing standards, once the exam starts you're on your own. Examiners are supposed to NOT explain anything to you after the test starts. Ask any questions about controls before the start of the practical test. Some examiners coach people through the test. Hell, some let people use the manual during the closed book tests...

Got to go before I start to rant!!
 
A lot of people have said it. Take your time.

There's a mantra that I first came across during one of my driver courses in the military, and then I came across it in the movie Shooter. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

Focus on what you're doing and keep talking. If not to the examiner, to yourself about every single step of the process when you handle the firearms. And if you don't know where X is on gun Y, ask instead of fumbling around. Oh, and don't touch the trigger at all. The only time you should be able to touch the trigger is if you screw up the half-#### on a single-action revolver. And even then I'd ask the examiner before I'd do it.

Otherwise, just remember to keep breathing, and most importantly, TAKE YOUR TIME. It's not a race.

Oh, and in the written portion, sometimes there are 2 right answers to a question, but you have to pick the "most" right of the bunch.
 
Lot's of good advice in this thread.

Just a word about the written segment: On my test, it was exactly the same as my non-restricted test, except 4 questions had been changed to apply to pistols.

Don't sweat it
 
this pointer should be relatively drilled into you by now but PROVE the gun is safe to handle as soon as you pick it up ALWAYS assume your firearm is loaded
 
act and prove and keep your finger out of the trigger guard. And control the muzzle. A friend of mine failed because soemone knocked on the door of the intructors house and my buddy turned to look and the muzzle was pointing directly at the door. Automatic fail.
 
###XX said:
ACT & PROVE the firearm before each time you put it down, and right after you pick it up.

Narrate what you're doing the whole time.

Example:

"- I'm picking up the firearm and assuming it is loaded
- so I will control the muzzle direction
- and keep my trigger finger out of the trigger guard.
- I will see that the firearm is unloaded, I will PROVE it safe

- I'm pointing the firearm in the safest available direction
- I am removing any ammunition and
- I'm observing an empty chamber,
- Verifying the feeding path
- And examining the bore.

The firearm is unloaded and safe"

Make sure you do it.
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
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