r/canadaguns • u/GeneralMastodon9994 • Mar 11 '26
Application / Regulation advice Cons to having a PAL in Canada?
Hey everyone, I am considering getting the PAL license (restricted and non-restricted), and I wanted to ask if there are any cons to being a PAL holder in Canada?
Is it true that the government can pose you as a suspect if anything happens in the area where you live (firearm related) or just in general is it true that the government keeps an eye on you as a PAL holder?
193
Mar 11 '26
[deleted]
10
u/SecureNarwhal Mar 11 '26
yeah, back when the long gun registry existed, it did jack shit for investigating crimes and now the government has even less data directly
6
u/TheBakerification Mar 11 '26
Also at worst would just be mildly inconvienient. You’d be ruled out extremely quickly, assuming you and your guns weren’t actually involved any crimes…
-67
u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26
Accept if you do commit some minor gun related infraction/mistake you'll likely be worse off then a true criminal...
8
u/Canadian-AML-Guy Mar 11 '26
I dont see many cases in the media of PAL holders getting 5 year sentences for minor storage violations.
It is pretty hard to end up in a scenario where you are interacting with the police and your firearms other than some kind of project the police are doing stopping people near a range, and so long as you are transporting correctly, you should be fine.
I could be wrong, but firearm charges only really end up happening when you've had a breakin and you use a firearm or a firearm gets stolen, or they are searching your house for some other reason (e.g. drugs) and are stacking on storage violations to throw the book at you.
31
u/TryInitial2042 Mar 11 '26
This is untrue. For minor mistakes nothing happens you just get a warning.
15
Mar 11 '26
While some police officers might give you a warning they are well within their right to charge you with violating the firearms act. Which comes with a maximum penalty of 5 years in a Federal Prison. Which is exactly whats wrong with the system
What are we defining as minor here?
3
u/TryInitial2042 Mar 11 '26
Missing ATT. I know multiple people that have had their gun taken as they get the proper paperwork then given back to them when they have it in their possession.
Pointing a firearm at someone. ( By accident) Almost never charged.
I am not saying there are zero but it is absolutely not the norm to see charges for minor offenses with nothing else going on.
I knew another person who moved without updating their address and getting a ATT. CFO just gave them a verbal warning.
2
u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26
Thank you...
Well thats just it there's slew of things that could end up as violation.. but I'd say the most easy to commit would be storage and transport laws. But the point is criminals don't follow any and only get a slap if they commit multiple infractions that would put a PAL holder in jail + confiscation.
2
u/givemehellll al Mar 11 '26
According to my math, if you commit a minor “gun related infraction” that is a crime. Which would make you a criminal. And shouldn’t have a gun.
4
u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26
So if you stop to get gas and don't have a lock on a firearm you should get 5 years and property taken? You don't need a lock to transport a firearm. Anyway my point isn't that it's right or wrong I'm just saying your worse of to be a PAL owner in that situation.
As we our learning our government prefers to persecute it's regular citizens who don't commit violent crimes vs dangerous criminals.
44
u/Lumindan Mar 11 '26
Hey everyone, I am considering getting the PAL license (restricted and non-restricted), and I wanted to ask if there are any cons to being a PAL holder in Canada?
The only issue is cost and time, you'll need to have time to take the safey course, you'll need to have the funds to pay for plus equipment down the road (it's not terribly expensive to get into but there's a slippery slope in every sport)
Is it true that the government can pose you as a suspect if anything happens in the area where you live (firearm related) or just in general is it true that the government keeps an eye on you as a PAL holder?
No that’s not how it works in Canada. Having a firearms licence does not automatically make you a suspect if something happens nearby, especially given that plenty of legal firearms are unregistered ( non restricted class) so no one knows you have them unless you flaunt it.
If you have a PAL or RPAL, you’re subject to what’s called continuous eligibility screening run by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Canadian Firearms Program. People hear that and assume it means the government is “watching” PAL holders, but it’s not surveillance. It just means if you get charged with something serious, have a domestic violence complaint, protection order, etc., it can flag your licence for review.
That’s it. It’s basically an automated check tied to police databases.
Now technically, Police can see if someone at an address has a licence through their system, but that’s mostly used for officer awareness when responding to calls not because PAL holders are being treated like suspects by default. So unless you're expecting cops at your home frequently it's a non issue and frankly, if you're getting a PAL you're hopefully already a law abiding citizen with nothing to hide.
If you're worried about government surveillance, there's plenty of other cases to be worried (hot new bills being pushed through the house).
Tldr; get your license, hit the range and have fun.
10
u/ProtoJazz Mar 11 '26
You don't technically need any money for equipment just to get the license
I know people who have take the course, get the license, and that's it. They never buy anything more.
I get what you're saying, and most people do buy stuff. But they're seperate things. Buying things requires the license, but not the other way around
3
u/Lumindan Mar 11 '26
I mean you straight up need to pay for the course / licensing fees if you want to get into the nitty gritty of it.
And typically people get the license with the intention of acquiring firearms (the general case).
1
u/ProtoJazz Mar 11 '26
Yes, but specifically my comment was about needing money for equipment after taking the course.
3
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Thank you for the detailed response, really appreciate it and helps a lot
36
u/live_long_die_well Mar 11 '26
Continuous Eligibility. Your name is continuously monitored in CPIC. If you are involved in an altercation and have firearms, expect a visit from the police.
I'm actually fine with that, even if that's an unpopular opinion.
5
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Thanks for the reply. Can you explain a little more what type of altercation? If in the odd scenario you get into a fight in public the only way they would come to you is if your identity/name gets exposed then they would revoke your pal?
16
u/live_long_die_well Mar 11 '26
If you're convicted of assault, say goodbye to your new hobby. Not a bad thing.
5
1
5
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
Assault, the threat of assault, getting into a fist fight where the other guy technically agreed to fight you (mutal combat)
Any sort of domestic if your neighbors hear about it and wanna make a stink/ partner makes a stink about it.
All reasonable reasons assuming the complaint is justified and not just someone upset with you.
3
u/mischling2543 Mar 12 '26
Imo the mutual combat one is not reasonable. Getting into a run of the mill barfight shouldn't even be considered assault.
2
u/satansnacks Mar 12 '26
I agree tbh, but it is what it is. In my locality's instance if vpd nicked you for a mutual combat esque thing you'd be fine, but if rcmp nicks you on a mutual combat thing, their argument is that "nobody can consent to being injured" and they may press charges even if the other party wont. Super weird
4
u/mischling2543 Mar 12 '26
Yeah especially when MAID exists lol. Clearly the government is fine with people consenting to harm, just not like that.
1
1
u/pr1me_time Mar 12 '26
For curiosity’s sake what happens if you tell police you don’t own a firearm
1
u/satansnacks Mar 12 '26
I mean if you do own one and they find out after the fact they can charge you with an array of not so fun charges Ie. Obstruction Or if they choose to interpret the deceit as such: Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Not a legal expert by any means but if you dont want to disclose it youd be better off going the i dont want to answer that question route/ remaining silent etc
28
u/Bearthegood Mar 11 '26
I don't know where you heard all this but tell whomever did to take off their tinfoil hat.
There are no downsides to having a PAL. Unless you consider the $$$ you are about to spend on guns to be a downside.
21
u/FunkyFrunkle Mar 11 '26
You need to have your head on straight in every circumstance. No getting into altercations, no fights, no heated arguments. If you value having firearms, you’re going to have to get real comfortable with walking away even if you’re right.
Having a PAL means you have every good reason to stay out of trouble.
1
18
15
u/_Connor Mar 11 '26
PAL holders are statistically less likely to commit crimes in Canada than the general population so it would seem extremely odd to me that police would automatically be targeting you as a suspect if someone happened in your area.
-6
u/Financial_Initial_92 Mar 11 '26
Is this your opinion or fact? Please provide source.
7
u/_Connor Mar 11 '26
https://nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articles/law/opinion/2021/irrational-lawmaking
PAL holders less than half as likely to commit murder than the general population. Bunch of articles if you google it.
Gary Mauser (a prof at SFU) has an article about it that’s pretty easy to find.
0
u/Financial_Initial_92 Mar 12 '26 edited Mar 12 '26
Thx :) Although the article states that “Crime statistics indicate that PAL holders are less than half as likely as the average Canadian to commit homicide.” Not crime in general. Just homicide.
8
7
u/BaseCommanderMittens Mar 11 '26
Cons: the government will blame and punish you in perpetuity whenever it's politically convenient for a few ridings in Montreal.
6
u/blueline731 Mar 11 '26
Your only con is that you better start saving now, or seek a higher paying job. It gets expensive quick.
7
u/SwapsandChill Mar 11 '26
The biggest con about having a PAL is that half the country who are clueless about firearms are going to make decisions that impact your life.
17
u/Swellchapo95 Mar 11 '26
I believe if you have an rpal they’ll keep more of an eye but even then I don’t think it’s anything to worry about but as for cons? Idk maybe just that any firearm you buy will maybe become illegal at some point in the future lol
13
u/GodsGiftToWrenching Mar 11 '26
It's kind of annoying when places require me to get a certified background check when, realistically, my RPAL should be sufficient proof of a background check
-5
Mar 11 '26
As someone who doesn't keep up with the law this is why I don't have a PAL, I LOVE guns but I will never buy any unless our country becomes reasonable about them.
5
2
19
u/Asleep_Log1377 Mar 11 '26
You would have a criminal record check ran on you every day. You'd be one bar fight or one argument with your wife away from losing your firearms.
3
3
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Thanks for the info. Not too concerned about this but I’d like to know for knowledge purposes, if you do get into a fight at the bar/club, would you only get your PAL seized if they ban you by reporting it on your ID, how does this work? Also if it’s just a fight in general public then unless you get charged you wouldn’t get them seized correct?
7
u/airchinapilot Mar 11 '26
It's not guaranteed anything happens to you if you are in a fight in a bar. At every point the police may not even arrest anyone. Depending on how serious it is, the Crown may not lay any charges. They don't automatically take away your PAL. That requires a lot of things to happen.
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Makes sense thanks for the reply, and yeah most the times bar fights I’ve heard/seen don’t even lead to anything, everyone goes home after lol
1
u/airchinapilot Mar 11 '26
I haven't been in any kind of scuffle since high school and can count on one hand the times I've even seen anything close to a fight in public. Having something that could potentially be lost does change your outlook, however. So someone living rough and tumble, maybe they need to change their exposure to that environment first.
1
1
1
u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26
Thats only true for Rpals with Rs registered to them.
1
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
No, if you get into a bar fight with someone, and it gets reported/someone wants to press charges cops run your name- will see that you have a PAL. Wont know what you have but are obligated to go check and confiscate your firearms if there are any. Doesnt always happen but it does happen with just standard PAL holders.
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Makes sense so for example if no charges were pressed but you just got a club ban would that be an issue too?
Thanks for explanation!
1
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
Its usually upon the rcmp's discretion, but if no charges are pressed nothing will happen. Further if you do get your PAL and firearms confiscated and charges get dropped down the line you will get your PAL and firearms back, its just a bit of a pain in the ass.
1
1
u/geo-desik Mar 11 '26
Ya okay but that's not what you said... u said if u have PAL your name gets checked everyday, which is not true unless you have Rs
4
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
Brother google it, all PAL holders are subject to "continuous eligibility screening" which takes the shape of daily record checks every 12-24 hours
2
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
Hell call a firearms lawyer if you dont believe google lmao. My buddy literally just went through the process of petitioning for his license and firearms to be returned and that came up multiple times.
5
u/therowdyirishman Mar 11 '26
You mean besides being the Gov's defacto kicked dog for a gun violence issue we have absolutely nothing to do with?
4
5
u/erpvertsferervrywern Mar 11 '26
You're gonna go through a lot of disposable income on parts and accessories.
11
u/MLI691H Mar 11 '26
Lots of cons, for example:
You make new friends with similar interest.
You get to enjoy shooting sports & hunting. Which is precisely what the Liberals don’t want you to have, enjoyment of things. (We are not happy until you are not happy. You will own nothing and be happy).
Your criminal record is checked once every 24 hours. Makes you one of the people least likely to commit crime.
You become more aware of government corruption and incompetence (look at all the scandals and no one is going to jail).
You look at MSM as propaganda machines for the Liberals, which is 110% true (look at the bombshell that just came out out yesterday).
3
u/satansnacks Mar 11 '26
If you have an rpal and restricted firearms you can get a visit from the rcmp sometimes to inspect storage but standard pal is not subject to that and from what i hear the visit itself isn't that common. Potentially viewed as a downside but is whatever imo, your name is ran through the criminal database every 12hrs, if there's any sort of semi violent offense (road rage etc) that gets reported, they can come take your firearms and PAL away pending investigation/court.
An aside handy tip is dont advertise that you own anything to anybody you dont trust. Takes one person with a gripe to get you unjustifiably red flagged.
2
3
u/Dickastigmatism Mar 12 '26
If you really get into the hobby the political stuff can be a bit much. It's a little daunting sometimes that your very expensive things can become illegal at the stroke of a pen.
Most people I've met are actually pretty neutral on firearm ownership, but there is a non zero chance of running into somebody who is really uncool with it.
But oh well, on both.
5
u/h3IIfir3pho3nix N E R F G U N S Mar 11 '26
If you have a PAL then your name is run in a daily CPIC check for criminal records (which is a good thing honestly). Other than that there's no extra scrutiny, you're not automatically considered a suspect in crimes or anything.
Having your PAL is definitely worth it. Aside from having general safety and awareness training, it's the only way to legally own guns in Canada. Sports shooting is a lot of fun!
2
Mar 11 '26
Con : your weiner gets really big and everyone thinks ur way cooler all of a sudden. Also men respect you more and when u wake up u can hear the beatles "here comes the sun" playing faintly somewhere far off
2
u/sargentmyself al Mar 11 '26
No there's not really any drawback. Technically the RCMP runs an automated background check on you like every day or something, but that doesn't really effect you in any way unless you commit a crime that would invalidate your PAL.
Not really sure if getting your restricted is worth it in any way anymore but I guess if the extra course isn't a big deal to you there's no drawbacks to getting it either.
1
u/Automatic-Height4246 Mar 11 '26
Takes a lil time n money for your new hobby, js make sure dont do anything related to bar fights or domestic violence related problems , plus alot of types of guns are currently either frozen or banned, js get it, and enjoy, just in case if any guns are unbanned or legalized in the future.
1
Mar 11 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/canadaguns-ModTeam Mar 11 '26
As per the subreddit rules, your post/comment has been removed for the following reason:
[11] OIC Discussion & Politics Threads
https://www.reddit.com/r/canadaguns/wiki/rules/#wiki_.5B11.5D_weekly_politics_threads
Due to recent high volume of traffic & similar/repeat threads being constantly posted, many OIC Ban related posts & discussion will be sent to the OIC Discussion & Politics Thread(may also be named Weekly Politics thread until it refreshes).
If you cannot find the OIC Discussion & Politics Thread or Weekly Politics Thread, set your sort to "Hot" on the main subreddit page.
If you believe a mistake was made, please feel free to message the moderators. Please include a link to the removed post.
1
u/NemrahG Mar 11 '26
Really the main downside is how much guns and ammo will cost, and your gun might randomly get banned, otherwise there really isn’t anything else.
0
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Thanks for the reply, if it does get banned can you still keep it or how does that work?
1
u/NemrahG Mar 11 '26
For now you just can’t use it, and it stays in the safe. The government says you should turn it in, but the government is also required to provide compensation, which they aren’t doing so well. So ya idk just chill I guess, the whole thing is a mess and our gun laws are sort of busted at the moment.
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 11 '26
Thanks for lmk. That’s hella annoying man, libs acc messing it up Fr
1
u/Ok-Bowler-203 Mar 11 '26
If that were true all the PAL holders in Surrey BC would be weekly suspects. And like others said the only real downside is (well not really a downside) is all the money you’ll pour into this hobby.
1
u/MourningWood1942 Mar 11 '26
Only real con I had was I’ve developed a foot fetish, but seems like it happens to all PAL holders so maybe it’s not such a bad thing.
1
u/theservman on Mar 11 '26
If you're charged with a criminal offence they'll know about it right away. Apart from that, not really.
1
u/RelativeFox1 Mar 11 '26
I don’t think that’s a concern. Lots of firearm related calls in my neighborhood, they know I have an AR and a pistol, they have never targeted me in an investigation.
My kids are getting theirs just because I offered to pay for the course. And I’ll have someone to will stuff to.
1
1
u/No-Night-48 Mar 11 '26
If a keyboard warrior uses their communication skills face to face with you, when you punch them in the face, and the police are involved, kiss your guns goodbye in most circumstances.
1
1
u/Barbarian_818 Mar 11 '26
Cons? Here are a few:
1) your name will be run against a crime database every day. If you're ever convicted of a crime, even a nonviolent, non firearms related crime, you can have your license revoked. It's unlikely, but possible to have a false positive match and then have to go through some bureaucratic bullshit to prove that while you're John Doe, you are not the John Doe convicted of fucking around and finding out.
2) the RCMP has proven that it can change its mind about a firearm and make it illegal retroactively. It seems the Mounties do this to satisfy the gun banners agenda. So the Firearms Program IS biased, and not in your favor.
3) similarly, the politicians have discovered a new way to take a short cut around the legislative process and ban guns by fiat through an Order In Council. And the Liberals are just going buck wild banning everything in sight. There's a good chance that, no matter what you buy, the Liberals will decide to fuck you over next time they have a big scandal they want to push out of the headlines.
1
u/Barbarian_818 Mar 11 '26
Thought of a few more;
1) technically, you lose the legal protection about due process before being subject to search and seizure. Technically, if you have a PAL, the authorities can come at any time to inspect your storage methods. I have never heard of a case where they just showed up unannounced. But it is technically possible.
2) it is RCMP officers who do these inspections, so if there is any other evidence of crime or evidence of suspicious activity, they can arrest you based on what they saw in passing.
3) housing can be a PITA. Some landlords try to forbid gun owners from keeping their firearms in the unit. Legally they don't have a leg to stand on. But who wants that hassle. Also, should you decide to get an RV and pursue the nomadic life with just a mail drop somewhere, registration becomes a hassle as well.
4) "why do you want a gun" for?" That's something you'll have to get used to hearing. There is a lot of simple prejudice about firearms ownership in Canada. Especially in liberal and urban populations. Legal gun culture flies under the radar a LOT in this country. Yet reports of armed crime happen every week it seems. (RCMP proudly showing off seized "fully semi automatic submachine gun" .22 plinkers or paintball guns doesn't help) The result is the automatic assumption that if you want to have guns, it's likely for some nefarious reasons. People will tend to assume you're some far right "ammosexual" who must be watched.
1
u/Enlinze Mar 11 '26
You'll have to look at your guns while not shooting them sadly, then you'll shoot them and be happy for a bit.
Cons, costs money
1
u/AFireinthebelly Mar 11 '26
That would be an RPAL - that’s for restricted and non restricted. The PAL is for non restricted only.
There are no cons to having your firearms license.
1
u/KnifeNPaper Mar 11 '26
If you go ahead with your restricted, you sign away your right to warrant, and open yourself up to potential search and seizure with no judiciary authorization. Thats what people mean by suspected, and in todays age of fear and rumours, if someone so much implies that you scared them, with or without a weapon, or someone of your household makes a stupid threat, you can lose your possessions and be treated like a criminal. It is something to be mindful of, and its worth noting that the restricted license doesnt really give any benefits now.
1
u/IPSC_Canuck Mar 11 '26
Definitely not the case of listing you as a suspect. I’ve never even heard of anything like that before to be honest.
You are subject to a continued eligibility screen in the CPIC system every 24 hrs. But if you’re not doing assaulty stuff you’re gonna be fine.
However you do, in a way, open yourself up to warrantless searches in that you can be inspected for compliance with 24 hrs notice from the CFO. That said, I’ve NEVER heard of this happening with anyone who was law abiding and not being an idiot.
Long story short. It’s a great hobby with lots of super nice folks.
What you in theory give up, doesn’t take away from what you do get from it.
As an aside, I would look into what firearms you can even buy with an RPAL right now before you spend a bunch of money on it. You can’t transfer handguns, most(if not all?) of the rifles that were classified as restricted are now on the ban list. So i’m not sure there would be a reason to have the licence. That said, if you think that one day in a different political environment that stuff will be reversed and you want to be in a position to buy immediately, then go for it. But in my opinion, that’s a huge “IF” unfortunately.
1
u/BlackElmyr Mar 11 '26
As screwed as the system may be, it's not some crazed pudding brained Hollywood conspiracy film. As to keeping an eye on us? I'm told we all get daily police system checks against our names for incidents that might negate our right to our PAL or RPAL. There's not enough money on earth to pay for worthwhile physical surveillance on all of us.
1
u/Orcasystems99 Mar 12 '26
After reading all of the replies, and your responses... I would suggest you don't bother getting either. The last thing we need is someone with Paranoiaa and a firearm running around.
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 12 '26
😹😹🤓🤓 it’s called being informed for every scenario, your only paranoid until you educate yourself
1
u/nortontwo Mar 12 '26
Pro that isn’t often talked about.
It’s a helpful 3rd piece of ID.
Lots of folks renew their Drivers License and Services card at, or around, the same time. Having a PAL saves you from that awkward inbetween period when you’re awaiting your new ID’s.
Especially since they updated the look of the PAL cards from the old ugly purple nonsense. They look legit af
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 12 '26
Bet bro thanks
1
u/nortontwo Mar 12 '26
Oh and also, get the full shebang with the RPal. Don’t get lazy and just to NR. Even if you have no intention of acquiring a restricted.
Back in the day you could get prohib, converted automatic, and whatnot on your license as well. But they stopped issuing those. So the only people who have em are the fortunate old timers who already had em.
And I wager same thing will happen to restricteds.
1
u/jpnc97 Mar 12 '26
The more of us with it, the more strength we have when calling their bs about us and our guns being any sort of problem
1
u/After_Winner5075 Mar 12 '26
I've never been viewed as a suspect even with a shooting down the road. However, you do get a 24hr background check to remain eligible for the pal
1
u/HappyCan7250 Mar 13 '26
As others have said, it is an expensive hobby. I'd suggest starting with a 22lr and maybe a 223 if costs are a factor at all. I've probably spent $10-15k on guns an ammo in the last year, maybe even 20k, it is a substantial amount of my "disposable income". Doesn't have to be that way, I just really like guns and like to have lots of ammo on hand so that if finances change, I'm never out of ammo.
That said, guns also hold their value extremely well, so if you buy a rifle, I always look at it like that money isn't gone, it's just tied up. Selling a gun used, in good shape, you'll usually get about 80% of what you paid for it back. Sometimes even more than you paid depending on how values go up and down. SKS used to be a $200 gun, it's now nearing $1000. A lot of guys have turned a nice little profit when selling their SKS.
Took me ages to get my approval when I did mine, 18 months of waiting with no explanation really, never contacted my references or anything. Just the luck of the draw I guess. Some people have them approved in weeks, some wait a year or more. Getting your application in sooner is better than later.
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 13 '26
Hey bro, appreciate the detailed response, I’m an investor so this info helps a lot. I was thinking of starting with a 22, but I’m also like you I’d love collecting long term, I did already register for the course and am looking forward to it next month!
Definitely something that’s always good to have and I guess you just have to budget smartly for the year.
1
Mar 13 '26
[deleted]
1
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 13 '26
Makes sense, thanks for the info! Not that it matters but according to my research CSIS or any gov can’t monitor your texts/calls without a warrant/reasonable cause, can you tell me more about this?
1
u/Dangerous-Ad-354 Mar 13 '26
If had a firearms permit long enough that my first one was an FAC. Am I under constant unknown surveillance? Possibly. As of yet they haven't made themselves known to me though.
1
u/scottsuplol Mar 11 '26
Cons, it holds you more accountable than your everyday citizen in Canada through daily background checks.
1
u/dirkdiggler2011 Mar 12 '26
If you have to ask that question, you may not be suitable for the responsibility.
1
0
u/altiplano777 Mar 12 '26
I wouldn't bother with a restricted. Not much you can get restricted anymore Can't buy pistols, most restricted rifles are prohibited now...
2
u/GeneralMastodon9994 Mar 12 '26
Makes sense thanks, I was just thinking to get both incase laws change in the future then I won’t have to do the rpal course again
1
u/altiplano777 Mar 12 '26
Fair enough, RPAL is additional cost though. Both up front and more expensive to renew. If you aren't getting any benefit from it, can't buy any restricted guns, what's the point?
I also won't ever again buy a gun that I have to register with the government (ie. restricted) they have shown now that property rights don't matter and they are willing to come take it, if I had previously non-restricted semi-auto rifles instead of AR15s they wouldn't know to come looking for my guns with their ban.
-13
u/saneboy Mar 11 '26
PAL holders get a daily screening called continuous eligibility (basically a CPIC check) and any violent or domestic incident can result in firearms being removed from the household. The present federal government has been very clear that they think private citizens should have less access to firearms than they do based on the multiple OIC bans.
It feels like it would be easier not to be licensed these days.
7
292
u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 Mar 11 '26
You'll be spending a lot more money on your new hobby.