This seems like a silly question

MelanieCouroux

MelanieCouroux

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Hey all,
I am completely new to this world and I have been reading and looking into everything, and some of it makes sense, while other parts do not.

What steps do I need to do to be able to own, and go to a range to shoot an handgun?
I know I have to get my PAL, but is there another course and license that I need to have before I can begin to look and think about going to a shop and range?

Thanks in advance
 
You need your RPAL to buy a handgun or any restricted firearms. 1st get the PAL then take the other course for restricted. You will need to join a club before buying any restricted. You will have plenty of time to look for one.
 
You can shoot a handgun with a restricted license holder anytime as long as the license holder is with you and is in the immediate vicinity. If you have your restricted license already you need to be a member in good standing with a club/range in order to purchase and keep a restricted firearm. Just a PAL wont do it, it has to be an RPAL (R for restricted). Dont forget about LTATT (Long term authorization to transport) and STATT's (Short term authorization to transport) also. An LTATT is needed so you can drive your handgun or what have you, to and from the range as well as gun smiths. An STATT is needed to get the firearm from the store to your house. Most times the store takes care of the STATT for you.
 
Hmm,
I never would have thought that would be okay. Kind of nice that you can enjoy learning and testing out what some friends have before acquiring your own license and purchasing.
I am assuming that this would have to be done at the range/club the license holder is a participant of?
 
MelanieCouroux said:
Hey all,
I am completely new to this world and I have been reading and looking into everything, and some of it makes sense, while other parts do not.

What steps do I need to do to be able to own, and go to a range to shoot an handgun?
I know I have to get my PAL, but is there another course and license that I need to have before I can begin to look and think about going to a shop and range?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

There is always the route of joining the club and making friends with the other shooters. Find out who has guns for sale, who is willing to coach you and whose opinions are worth listening to. That will pass the time waiting for things to happen with your courses and paperwork.
 
A restricted firearm must only be fired at a range or club. Mountain shooting with a restricted firearm is a no no and could result in a ruined weekend or much worse.
 
In Ontario, you do not need to be a member at a club in order to own a restricted firearm.

I understand this is unique to Ontario versus the other provinces.

You wouldn't be able to use that firearm anywhere except at a range, or on private property that has been set up to meet the requirements of a range.

You would also need an authorization to travel to transport the firearm anywhere.
 
If your thinking of getting your RPAL do it as soon as possible. Filing the paper work and finally getting your license can take many months, 2 references will be needed as well as a phone conversation with the RCMP. It is a long process, so you will have 3-6 months to decide on what handgun you would like to eventually buy.
 
Depending on where you live you may have a few choices for joining a gun club, doing so would allow you to meet others and most members are more than willing to let new members try firing their guns and also they can help guide you with any questions you might have. :cheers:
 
In quebec it's a little different we also have a Bill 9 to go trough after your RPAL licensing that's another $40 but the rest is all the same LATT and STATT We do have more choices regarding Ranges tho compared to a few other provinces. And yes you can shoot someone elses handgun when he's/she's present at the range he's/she's member to
 
Where you are makes a difference. The Liberals gave the administration of the Firearms Act(FA) to the Provinces, so the law gets applied differently by Province. Most of it is strictly policy of the Chief Provincial Firearms Officer(CFPO). Said policy says that since you cannot discharge a restricted firearm anywhere but on an approved range you must belong to a shooting club. The clubs either rent or own the ranges.
In Ontario, for example, the clubs sponsor their members for the ATT(Authorization To Transport a restricted firearm.) There's nothing new about it, but it isn't a law. It's policy. There are two ATT's, as well. Short Term(STATT) and Long Term(LTATT). The Short is usually the one you get to take a newly purchased firearm home or to the border if you're going Stateside(if your's doesn't have that on it. That'd be part of the different application of the law) or to a gunsmith. The Long is the one you get via the club. Stop being a club member for whatever reason and you lose the ATT. But only until you join another club. Ontario's CPFO also requires a club level safety course, usually at a cost to you on top of the club membership. No law for that either.
A lot of PAL instructors offer the RPAL course at the same time as the PAL. Doesn't save any money but it does save some time.
 
Thank you all for your advice and help.
It has made the process look a lot more straight forward.
I was looking at the Colby Shooting Club in Waterloo. Is anyone a member there? Do you enjoy it?
 
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