r/canadaguns • u/CombustionGFX • Aug 14 '26

Misc Firearm familiarity

Hey all,

Has anyone here had any experience with private firearm training?

I got my PAL last year and while I aced the written portion, I didn't do so well on the practical. A lot of the types of firearms I had never seen in person before, let alone handle. To be fair, I did sort of rush them and could have taken more time to learn about them.

I was thinking of buying a Ruger 10/22 in order to start my journey and to learn more about how to operate it safely. That being said, I live somewhere where it is illegal to plink on crown land so I would need to go to a range. It would be ideal to just take it out in the woods and learn on my own but alas. I obviously know the minimums of firearm safety but I wouldn't want to put anyone at risk if something went wrong at the range. I also don't wanna look like an idiot lol.

So with all that being said, has anyone here ever hired someone for training? Were they a range officer or just a buddy who knows that specific firearm?

What would you do in my situation?

Thanks

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u/TheeJoCanadian Aug 14 '26

What kind of training are you looking for and where are you located?

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u/CombustionGFX Aug 14 '26

Really just how to operate it safely at a range, like if it jams or if you get a misfire or something along those lines

NS

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u/Holiday_Equivalent15 Aug 15 '26

If you're in NS and are relatively close to or are able to get to Dartmouth, give Nova Tactical a shot. They've got a bunch of different packages that let you try several different firearms and calibres. It's a little pricey, as this sport tends to be, but in my experience, the staff has always been super friendly, accommodating and patient, and willing to answer any questions you have relating to firearms and their operation.

If you plan on buying a 10/22, get yourself some snap caps for dry firing and get a feel for your rifle and trigger weight. Don't feel embarrassed about training yourself in safe habits, like safe carrying in a confined space or barrel and trigger discipline. I guarantee you almost everyone here has LARP'ed in their basement at least once with their favourite toy, including proper carrying, cycling actions, and yes, pretend shootouts.

But really, the most important things are exactly what they taught you in the safety course: Don't point the barrel at anything other than your target, so keep the barrel skyward until you're at your lane; don't load the magazine or chamber a round until your target is set up, and once you're locked and loaded, don't touch the trigger until your barrel is on your target. Other than that, as with anything, practice, practice, practice.

Welcome to the sport, friend!