Rules about taking a friend shooting

JT11

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Hi,

I am looking into taking the CFSC and getting my PAL. My girlfriend has expressed interest in learning too, but she doesn't foresee owning a firearm.

My question is: if I have my license, can I just bring her to the range and teach her to shoot, as long as she is under my supervision? Is this up to the discretion or policies of the shooting range, or is there a legal issue?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
According to most ranges that I have been to in BC...and depending to their rules...one or more guests (one is the most I've see) are allowed to a certain limit per year...they need not have a PAL but will required that you are not under probation with the range and is cleared as a full time member in good standing.
 
If you're a licensed member and bring a guest who holds a PAL/RPAL, it makes no difference. He/she has to be under your direct supervision while shooting and you are assuming full responsibility for your guest during his/her visit.
 
you and your guest cannot be firing or handling a firearm at the same time.


if you are than that means the guest is NOT under direct supervision.

IE, at my range if i bring some one we have to share ONE lane and i cannot leave the persons side at any time during them handling/firing my firearms.
 
Your GF can still become a member at the gunclub (most clubs have family memberships) and it is quite common what you are doing. My wife doesn't have a PAL but she is coming with me shooting on a regular basis. You will learn about the regulations when you take the course, don't sweat it.
 
And, be careful when CGNers make arbitrary statements such as that by 3Strokes. If your guest has an appropriate licence, the firearms laws do not require immediate superivsion. Some ranges may still require such (safety nazi's abound) but some ranges recognize that shooting is about the safest activity you can undertake, and after you have ensured your licenced guest is familiar with the local rules, you can both shoot, especially if there is a third person performing the role of Range Officer.

Since your GF will not be licenced, (for now!) you will need (by statute law) to supervise her. To my knowledge, what that means has never been tested in a Canadian court, as it refers to the Firearms Act. Some folks think it means hovering over your guest within arms reach - not too unpleasant in the case of a G/F), and clearly, some CFSC instructors feed this belief. Where they got that idea I know not, because, as I said, I do not believe it has been established in law. I do know that Range Officers "supervise" a firing line, and while they do not shoot, they supervise perhaps, in the case of large shoots, ten or twenty shooters at a time.

So, find out what the law says, then find out what prospective clubs insist on, and then, join the most laidback club you can afford! After you have assured yourself your G/F is responsible - what you are dong with her if she ain't, well I don't want to know - and she is reasonably competent with the four imperatives of gun safety, and won't be pointing a gun at you or anyone else, well, conduct yourself accordingly. Enjoy!
 
I concour with YK and Wendell; Unless your club has rules preventing it you can be in care and control of your firearms whilst your girlfriend uses them. The instructor at the C(R)FSC I just finished adhered to the 'arms length' rule also.
 
I concour with YK and Wendell; Unless your club has rules preventing it you can be in care and control of your firearms whilst your girlfriend uses them. The instructor at the C(R)FSC I just finished adhered to the 'arms length' rule also.


Does this refer to restricted firearms also?
 
It would make no difference restricted or unrestrictred. Arms length so that you can take control of it, solve any problems, etc. It means don't wander off, don't be shooting in another bay, don't go to the washroom and let the unregistered person keep shooting. This is fresh in my mind as I just did the orientation at the club I just joined.
 
You also have to remember that the gun clubs insurance sometime don't cover the guest in case of an accident. So supervision at all times is a must.
If you bring a guest, your responseable for there actions good or bad.
 
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