Where do I take my PAL?

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kolkim

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Courtenay, Vancouver Island
This feels like another stupid question but I can't find it anywhere.
To take my PAL I downloaded the application form, but don't I send that in after I do my written and practical tests?
For the tests anyways, do I go to the gun club, or service Canada, or anywhere specific because the only site that says is Silvercore and they are in Delta B.C.
 
I just read that Silvercore is pretty much the only place to challenge the PAL test.
It states however "People challenging the CFSC or CRFSC must be 18 years or older and have significant firearms experience."
I am 18 and have little firearms experience but I read the manual and I have good knowledge although not much hands-on knowledge. I'm sure I have the knowledge to pass the test but will they let me take the test and will they treat me badly? Like not show me where the safety is in the firearm before the test because I didn't take the course kind of treatment.
 
I read on someone else's thread asking about the practical, and somebody replied something like "The test giver will know that you have little experience with guns so if you ask before the practical to look and ask questions about the gun he will help you and tell you things like where the safety is in that particular model"
I assume I can do it I have been looking at the different actions, but since I am obviously new to guns will he be an ******* for not taking the course?
 
If you take the course, you are paying for the training. The idea of challenging the course is that you have the experience/knowledge and don't need the training. So if somebody can get the info without paying for the course, then what's the point in having the course or other people paying for it?
 
kolkim said:
This feels like another stupid question but I can't find it anywhere.
To take my PAL I downloaded the application form, but don't I send that in after I do my written and practical tests?
For the tests anyways, do I go to the gun club, or service Canada, or anywhere specific because the only site that says is Silvercore and they are in Delta B.C.
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Where are you located? I challenged the PAL and RPAL test through WANSTALLS In Maple Ridge. The have the course and tests once a month. Call the store and they will give you the phone number of the nice lady that is coordinating things.
 
kolkim said:
I read on someone else's thread asking about the practical, and somebody replied something like "The test giver will know that you have little experience with guns so if you ask before the practical to look and ask questions about the gun he will help you and tell you things like where the safety is in that particular model"
I assume I can do it I have been looking at the different actions, but since I am obviously new to guns will he be an ******* for not taking the course?
Click to expand...

For people challenging the tests, you aren't allotted any grace time to check out the firearms. They call your name, you go into the room and do the written exam. If you pass, they will then call you to do the practical. If you're new to shooting and not familiar with handling/working various firearms, you might be better off ponying up the extra $$ and take the full course.
 
The courses aren't available for a whiles here in Courtenay. Most CERTIFIED instructors are booked for at least a month.
Whatever if you guys think I shouldn't challenge it because I don't know where everything is located in every gun then that's fine, I'll just fail my test and you can be happier. Seeing as how you're treating me here, I'll assume the same treatment from the test instructor.

I'll check if we have a WANSTALLS, thanks I-OWE
 
I'm pretty sure everyone had to wait to take the course. There are only so many places that offer it. If I was an examiner and someone with little to no firearm experance came in to challange the test with out taking the course I would do everything in my power to make sure they failed.
 
I had to wait about a month from the time I signed up for my course to the time I actually got in. I have buddies here that waited 2-3 months. I guess it depends on the time of the year and the interest in any given month how full the classes will be.

I for one am glad that I took the classes and did not try a challenge. I had fired a few guns over the years but it was so nice to have the classroom and hands on instruction. By reading the books I am confident that I would have passed the written portion as all the info is there but I did get a lot out of going through the books with the instructor. I know I would have failed the practical though if I challenged.. things like lever action rifles and single action revolers I had never held before so I know I wouldn't have had a clue what I was doing.
 
Hey man, I don't think anyone is trying to give you a hard time. I think most people feel that the course was an integral part of the process. It's like taking a driving course. You can get your license without it, but you're probably a better driver if you learn from someone who knows.

I also think one of the main things you learn in your course is that knowing your firearm is just as important as the other safety measures that you take. I did both PAL and RPAL and got 100% on 3 of the 4 tests, and the one that I lost marks on was because I didn't know the particular pistol I was holding well enough and I extracted a round when trying to apply the safety.

Also, you can challenge the tests, and you will probably pass. But count on waiting months for your actual PAL or RPAL. And if that's the case, why not wait an extra month (5 months instead of 4) and get the course done... just food for thought.

Either way, good luck man.
 
Somebody needs to take a chill pill. I don't see why the OP needs to get so hot under the collar when it is suggested he take the full course instead of challenging it.

OP, nobody is saying you MUST take the course. it's only a suggestion. If you're getting so worked up by silly recommendations from peeps on the internet, what's going to happen when you get worked up with a gun in your hand? Control your temper. Chill out. YOU are the one who decides to challenge or take the course so don't feel like you HAVE to do anything people on the internet suggests.

I was shooting since I was 10yrs old. Got my FAC and hunting lic when I was 19yrs and owned firearms till the FAC and restrictions kicked in under Kim Campbell. I stopped shooting for some 20yrs and only now started back. I could have gone and challenged the exam but I chose to take the full course and I'm glad I did because I learned how the examiners wanted things done. I certainly don't regret taking the course as it was a refresher AND I became familiar with the workings of the guns used for the exams. You're not just paying for the course content but you're also getting valuable hints and tips from the instructor which would help you pass your exams.

Just my 2¢ CDN worth.
 
kolkim said:
I just read that Silvercore is pretty much the only place to challenge the PAL test.
It states however "People challenging the CFSC or CRFSC must be 18 years or older and have significant firearms experience."
I am 18 and have little firearms experience but I read the manual and I have good knowledge although not much hands-on knowledge. I'm sure I have the knowledge to pass the test but will they let me take the test and will they treat me badly? Like not show me where the safety is in the firearm before the test because I didn't take the course kind of treatment.
Click to expand...

Depending on where you are, there may be registered instructors that are able to administer both the written and the practical examinations.

Silvercore is correct in stating that you should have a comprehensive hands-on knowledge of firearms. The fact is that you may not get to pick which firearms you have to demonstrate all of the safety procedures on. Based on your own admission that you don't have that much hands on knowledge, and you would be setting yourself up for failure.

I had experience handling firearms 20-30 years ago, with a significant gap between then and now. I am glad that in my 50's, I decided to do the training. It was a great refresher, and it gave me insight on many of the safety requirements that may be a bit difficult to figure out on your own.

As far as treating you badly, the exam invigilators are usually firearm safety instructors themselves. When you fill out the application paperwork to do the exams, they will see that you are applying without recent training. Because they did not already have the benefit of observing you handle firearms, such as in a training course environment, they will be watching you very carefully while you are handling the firearms during your practical. This is where your lack of experience will fail you. These are facts, and while you may think you are being penalized, it is for your, and everyone else's safety.
 
I strongly would suggest taking the course as well. During the course you are given an opportunity to screw up and the instructor to catch you and tell you what you did wrong.

I was really green when I took the course. I learned so much that weekend. It was great. It was also fun hanging out with people chatting guns for an entire weekend. Well worth the money.

I bet you would have to wait a few months to challenge the exam anyway. Its not like you can take the exam on any day of the week. The testing is done after the course. What would happen if you decided to challenge (my bet) is you would show up on a given day to a classroom setting full of people who just finished taking the course and are ready for the exam. You would sit there and take the tests with them and do the practical with them. I don't think you would save any time by just wanting to challenge it.
 
Fully agree with everything being said already. It'll take a weekend to do the course, but it will be time well spent. Not only will you learn a bunch of great bits of info about firearms, but you'll get those extra tidbits that aren't in the book because the instructor has been dealing with firearms for so long. For example I learned on my course how to fill out a LTATT so that I can travel on any day, at any time, to any range (gunsmith, etc, etc) with any restricted that I possess a reg cert for. If I had just challenged the test (not only would I have most likely failed) I wouldn't have learned that. Also keep in mind that you will meet other people that are starting into guns (or getting back into them), who knows you might just make yourself some new friends to go out shooting with. I'm not trying to insult you here, but if you have very little experience with holding actual firearms you are more than likely going to fail the challenging of the tests. Please don't be insulted by this, but I find there are a lot of younger people out there that feel they know firearms because they've played lots of video games and seen a bunch of movies (I was like that when I was younger). But dealing with actual firearms is nothing compared to either of those. Again I'm not saying that this describes you, but just making an observation based on my experiences.
 
Im pretty sure to even challenge the rpal test you HAVE to have taken the pal course.

I was wrong,this is off the RCMP site:In accordance with the Firearms Act, a new firearms safety course focusing on restricted firearms (primarily handguns) was developed and implemented on February 1, 1999. The legislation stipulates that individuals wishing to acquire restricted and/or prohibited firearms must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) and pass the tests OR challenge and pass the CFSC and the CRFSC tests without taking either course.
 
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Nobody is trying to get you down man. The other posters have made valid points. If you're trying to do the challenge because you're in a hurry you are going to be severely disappointed when you send in your paperwork. Last I heard it was taking 3 weeks just for them to open the envelope after receiving it, it's the busy season again. You won't see your PAL card in 2012. Take your time, do it right. The handling experience of the course is a huge asset when doing the test and in the real world. On the topic of your question about safety locations, guess where the safety is on most lever actions? It's the hammer itself, surprise, that one gets a lot of new people and could cost you points on your practical. The course is worth the time and money and you'll feel better having done it. Cheers!
 
At the very least, buy the books that go with the course, and study them.

Even someone who has been shooting for 30 years would probably fail if they didn't read the books.
 
Newbie is for asking these types of questions, so don't be afraid of asking.

First, the course is administered by approved people and companies. It's up to those companies if they choose to let people challenge the course. I believe LEGALLY they all must allow people to challenge, but in practice unless it's very clear you've been handling firearms and know what you're doing, they'll fail you. This is of course just my opinion and can't prove it :). You don't sound that 100% comfortable, so it's my strong suggestion you sign up for the course. Day one is boring, it's true, but at least you're in a room with an expert who can answer questions and you can talk to like-minded folks (who'll probably be going to the same range as you). Day Two is full of hands-on practical. You'll pick up, examine and cycle the actions on the same firearms you'll be tested on. In my course there was about 20 long guns, and 4 were picked to be used on the practical test.
Once you pass the written and practical, things change depending on where you are. In Ontario, your results are disclosed to you (so you know you passed) but they're then sent to the CFO's office for review. From there they come back to your home. You can read the "Shorten PAL approval time" thread for tips of getting the clock moving before your results come home.

It would help if you posted where you are and we can help you find an accredited training group. There's a few you want to avoid too.
 
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