r/canadaguns • u/Objective-Cod4160 • May 28 '26
Application / Regulation advice Worth it?
My question is about the purpose of getting a PAL. I have done quite a bit of research on how to get a PAL in Canada and I found a place near my house. I have shot many firearms in my life and I always have fun shooting. I grew up around firearms too so I am pretty comfortable around them (taught as a kid about muzzle sweeping and trigger discipline). That being said I’m still a total newb. I have also been warming up to the idea of possibly getting into hunting (although I’ve never hunted before). What is the culture and people like around gun ranges? Firearms seem so heavily regulated in Canada, I was wondering if people who have gotten their PALS find that it was worth all the effort?
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u/Lumindan May 28 '26
Take the course
Do your paperwork
Buy a gun
Hit the range.
It's that simple.
People are super friendly at the range I go to, especially to new folks, I've had plenty of people ask what I'm shooting and I'll let em pop off a few rounds on my rig to see if they like it etc.
I would 100 percent recommend you get your PAL.
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u/BrotherLefthand May 28 '26
PAL is cheap as piss. Do it. No downsides.
If you can't afford a PAL, you got too much going on that you need to prioritize.
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u/Hot_Cheesecake_905 May 28 '26
What is the culture and people like around gun ranges?
It depends on your particular gun club, but at a Toronto club, 99% normal people, 1% weirdos just like in life?
I was wondering if people who have gotten their PALS find that it was worth all the effort
From an ROI perspective, definitely not, your bank account will be drained by this hobby 😂
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u/Professional_Chef379 May 28 '26
Yeah, if we are just talking traditional ROI, the ROI is not good.
But, if you have an economist background and you convert your satisfaction level into dollars, the ROI is incredible. Lol
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May 28 '26
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u/Memorywipe May 28 '26
Is it worth driving out to Silverdale from the GTA? What's the second-best option?
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May 28 '26
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u/Foreign_Active_7991 May 30 '26
Up to 200 yards with 2 pistol ranges and trap at only 500$ a year.
Only $500/year? The Fish and Game club an hour away from me has a pistol range, 2 rifle ranges (100 and 200 yards,) a cowboy shoot mock town, blacl powder range, both adult+youth and kid archery ranges, arguably the best trap/skeet range in the province, plus has camping sites and a fish hatchery with which they stock the lake, and a couples membership is only $250/year.
I think y'all are getting hosed in Ontario, just saying.
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u/Hopeful_Relation_441 May 29 '26
last comment is true... when you lock a gun in a safe.. they tend to multiply
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u/Fit_Fuel_6515 May 28 '26
I haven't shot in absolute ages, but I love having a PAL and just holding my guns...
So IMO, very worth it.
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 May 28 '26
Looks like this is your reminder to get out and shoot maybe get something new like a makasi or a 1301 or a cool bolt gun
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u/Fit_Fuel_6515 May 28 '26
I don't need to, every few days some crazy stuff happens and I get to shoot an infinite amount of bullets without needing to reload, and the sound comes from my mouth actually.
Like one time 40 ninjas broke in and I had to get them all, one time I got transported into the middle of the forest and I had to defend myself from a wolfpack, and the time I got transported into a a covert tactical espionage mission and had to rescue the hostages and plant a bug in the enemies servers...
My life is a movie, and no, I will not take my meds.
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 May 28 '26
Hell ya never take the meds because those damn ninjas poisoned them in an attempt to make you pass out for several days so that they can transport you to their secret underground layer and once you get there they will get the Wolfpack and then they will torture you until you divulge your secrets
True story this actually happened to me when I took my meds
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u/Fit_Fuel_6515 May 29 '26
How do you know so much about their evil plan??? Are you working with them?? I thought I could trust you, but you're just like the rest...
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u/Relevant_Diver_3228 May 29 '26
no I'm not working with them I'm working for the aliens the ninjas are our bitter enemies
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u/Professional_Chef379 May 28 '26
I've had my PAL for just under a year and never fired a gun before that.
It's awesome, you should have it.
I do find though the culture, when politics gets involved, can be unpleasant. Most people I met have been chill, but some of the stuff on Reddit is a bit much for me
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u/Natural_Comparison21 May 29 '26
People online are caricatures of there irl selves 99% of the time. Generally I am a pretty non confrontational person irl as I don't get into situations that are confrontational. However online I am faced more with situations where I am going to get snarky.
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u/SerGT3 May 28 '26
If you want a firearm you'll have to take the course and get your PAL. So yeah it's worth it if you want a firearm.
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u/FearlessDevil666 May 28 '26
Not only the firearm, but ammo and, if you hand load, powder require a PAL now.
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u/Ok-Bowler-203 May 28 '26
Sometimes I just randomly open my gun safe and admire my collection. Then I start doing math on when I can afford the next one.
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u/ovjho May 28 '26
Are you asking the gun subreddit if it’s worth getting a gun?
There’s a lot of doom and gloom, rightly so, with how the government is eroding this sport. However, there’s still plenty of awesome options on the market that are more than worth it.
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u/Lumindan May 28 '26
I want to say / hope op will hopefully see the opposite.
The more people who hold a PAL, the more representation the community gets and that's a net positive imo.
I say this as one of the most cynical people on this sub.
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u/MasterScore8739 May 28 '26
My “worth it” will never be the same as yours. I know people who won’t go shooting if it’s below -5, I know others who will go out at -30. Some won’t go if it’s the slightest chance of rain and others will go shooting in damn near hurricane rains. I don’t find an SKS to be worth anything over $500, people have bought multiple for 900+.
As far as the culture, it’s kind of like any other hobby. You’ll meet people who will happily talk your ear off and others who will shun you because you bought anything other than a flint lock hunting rifle.
Thankfully it’s mostly people who’ll talk your ear off. I’ve met people at ranges and ended up going for supper after the range… mind you it usually just McDs or A&W.
The vast majority of us welcome new comers with open arms. We’re more than happy to answer questions or at least do our best to point you in the right direction to find answers.
I’ve had my PAL for about 14 years now and find it well worth it. I haven’t gotten into hunting for food but I have gone for coyote and made a bit of money selling them for their pelts. Not enough to quit my day job but enough to buy a couple boxes of ammo.
It’s also a great way to just get outside with friends. We’ve spent entire days at outdoor ranges either going through different drills or just going for the smallest groups.
Do our gun laws kind of suck compared to other places? Absolutely. However we can at least still own and use firearms, so best get after it sooner than later if it’s something you want to do. Specially because no one really knows how things are going to look for firearms owners in Canada in the next few years.
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u/airchinapilot May 28 '26
Doing the course I found interesting, educational and fun in itself. So even if you don't do anything beyond getting license, it's a good education and may be useful in real life. I say the same thing to people thinking about learning to ride a bike, learn to swim, getting their drivers license, learn first aid or martial arts. It's a skill you can develop further.
Going beyond the course and getting the license, obviously you touch on hunting. It's hard to hunt without one unless you want to go the archery route. If hunting is something you want to pursue, look at your area and what you imagine yourself hunting and you can figure out if it is worth getting into.
Target shooting itself is fun to me personally. One thing you find out is that there is a lot of different types of shooting from static olympic style shooting, to long range marksmanship, clay sports and - although now neutered - dynamic shooting sports like IPSC and 3Gun.
The culture question is an interesting one. I met lots of good people in person at my club which lead to hunting and it becoming one of my favourite things. The social aspect is important to me as it gets me out of the apartment and in nature and being with people I know I can depend on. Some people can be guarded about their pastime so you have to respect their boundaries and let people approach you who want to help.
Politics can lead you to disagreements so I try not to go there if possible. As a young adult in university, I was enculturated in the right-left dichotomy and gun ownership was always associated with right wing and USA. But once I got into shooting sports later in life I found the right-left perspective to be too rigid and now I don't like to be labeled as one or the other.
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u/MrWrock May 28 '26
the government is doing all they can to squash the hobby, so range owners/members/enthusiasts are likely to be more than welcoming and helpful to newcomers as an extra "fuck you" to the regulators. If you show up and tell them you have no experience, you're likely to get a lot of help and no judgement.
I don't think the rpal is worth it so you can do half the course and just get your pal. 1 day of work and you can acquire and own firearms for the rest of your life (as long as you renew your license when it expires)
I've found it lots of fun, recently got my CORE (hunting license) and am hoping to check a bucket list item off with it (harvest my own red meat) but shooting trap and skeet, along with precision 22 has been a pretty cheap and enjoyable hobby
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u/Scott-YYC May 28 '26
Hell yes. Learn the ACTS and PROVE concepts, the PAL course / test is based primarily on this. Most people I've met at shooting ranges have been friendly, it's a fun hobby despite all the BS going on these days in this country.
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u/Johnny-Unitas May 28 '26
You should definitely do it. Loads of fun. Also asking if it's worth owning a gun on a sub full of gun owners is like going on the tools sub and asking if owning tools is worth it.
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u/No-Night-48 May 29 '26
Well, I'm in my mid 40's. Been around guns the majority of my life. You'll find few on the left, and lots on the right. Depends on what you're looking for. I stick to my friends and have taught countless people about the fun of shooting, and converted just as many that guns aren't the evil, it's what the person is. So, if you want to have a blast (pun intended) get into the expensive hobby of shooting. The more PALS (pun intended again) we have to represent, the stronger our case in defending our sport. Remember, never trust a government or the rich that disarms its people.
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u/StalkerRigo May 28 '26
planning to move to canada and that is exactly my story as well... Feels like a lost cause at this point
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u/Natural_Comparison21 May 28 '26
Do it for spite.
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u/TheLastEmoKid May 28 '26
Totally. Worth it. Wish i had access to handguns but my lee enfield goes BANG
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u/BlandRusk06 May 28 '26
Yes, it is worth it. And it can take a while, so get started as soon as you can. My PAL was definitely worth it, and I want to get my RPAL soon. Since you are a newbie, I would recommend starting with a simple .22 rifle. Get used to the use of it and the gun range practice. People at gun ranges are normally friendly, or quiet and mind their own business. Just follow the rules and be safe, and you will be fine. Good luck!
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u/Iokua_CDN May 28 '26
Something I find. I'm a bit of a loner at the range, just want to shoot and be by myself. That being said, I've actually ended up talking to a lot of folks at the range. People seem really really happy to talk about their guns. Many have offered to let me shoot their guns. One group basically got me into skeet shooting and let me use their clay chucker. Like amazing people all around
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u/gussy1412 May 28 '26
Getting the PAL is easy. The course is not challenging especially if you have some sort of prior knowledge. I’m in the same boat as you where I’m just now getting into hunting as an adult, and as intimidating as it seems (and kind of is) I feel like it’s worth it in the long run. If you love the outdoors and shooting guns, go for it.
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u/DblockDavid May 28 '26
yes, using the (limited) rights you have is always worth it
ranges are super friendly, you can show up knowing nothing and find someone to help you. just start with a 22 and work your way into it, don't go in head over heels because it can get expensive
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u/Hopeful_Relation_441 May 29 '26
i am unsure of your location but June 6 is range day at alot of clubs....to get a feel for the place the culture and general vibe of the sport.......Guelph rod and Gun has one coming up.. the money goes to a local charity and there is also a food drive
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/grgc-national-range-day-2026-tickets-1989095037803
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u/itsagrapefruit May 28 '26
100% worth it. My wife and I go to the range every other weekend and it’s a great way to spend time together. Every member that I’ve encountered has led to a great conversation and the older ones have a lot of knowledge to learn from.
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u/h3IIfir3pho3nix N E R F G U N S May 28 '26
I mean...do you want to own a gun? If yes, then a PAL is absolutely worth it because it's the only way you can legally own a gun.
Range Culture is gonna depend on your specific range, but almost everyone I've met in my club are great.
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u/groggygirl May 29 '26
Do you live in a place where ranges or crown land are available for you to shoot (and do you have a car to get there)? Do you have enough money to spend on guns and ammo without it making you miserable?
There's no point getting emotionally invested in something and then realizing it's not going to be practical for you.
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u/snakeleather45 May 31 '26
100% worth the effort for the simple fact that it allows you legal access to firearms, which should be a right.
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u/ScaredArrival2048 Jun 02 '26
Totally worth it.
The safety courses were easy. They want you to pass. Highly recommend going for both CFSC and CRFSC at the same time. (In case of law changes, like removing the handgun freeze you'll have it already.).The online application takes less than an hour.
Once you do your courses you'll probably find that at least the non-restricted firearms are surprising not that regulated. Not alot of restricted left to buy so that's mostly a non- issue. No need for cases and fancy dancy safes.
Range culture is pretty welcoming, and you can always keep to yourself if you'd like of course. Watch out for the old Fudds, I've found them the be the most dangerous members. 😂
Firearms can be very expensive, but you can do it real cheap too! Borrow a plinker, buy a brick, and head to crown land.
Hope you go for it! Join usss.
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u/Big-Guitar-1979 May 28 '26
non-restricted is worth it. Restricted is not.
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u/Pale-Memory6501 May 29 '26
Currently. With the up coming court challenges there is some hope (dont hold your breath though!) that things could change again in the future.
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u/Memorywipe May 28 '26
Of course it is