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/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.