r/canadaguns • u/AutoModerator • Aug 28 '22

Weekly Newbies & FAQ Thread - Post your questions here for PAL/RPAL application, timelines, CFSC/CFSRC, references & requirements, or general new to firearms ownership -type questions

This thread will be used for the "new"-type questions, PAL/RPAL applications, references, CFSC/CFRSC requirements, storage/transport, or other general "new-to-me" firearms ownership questions.

In response to this thread, the community was quite positive for a thread to cover these subjects.

These threads will be stickied for a week, renewing every Sunday @ about 0600 AST. Previous threads here. Take a look, your question may have been answered!

If you have any suggestions for this thread, please feel free to ask here, or send the Mods a message.

Thank you!

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

Hello everyone I have my cfsc next week, I've been pretty nervous about it an passing but I'm sure I have nothing to worry about, is there any tips or anything that I should do to help like bring my own notes etc also how hard did you guys find the course to be?

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

I was nervous like you when I took it but honestly it wasn’t hard at all.

The one piece of advice I’ll give you is when they give you time to handle the guns take as much time as you can and ask the instructor any questions you might have.

Other than that I think the biggest obstacle I faced was my own nerves, so try to relax as much as you can.

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u/Emotional-Bath-4506 Aug 30 '22

I went to a local shooting range before going for my pal/RPAL, and the range officer gave me and my friends a quick tutorial. Basically explained ACTS and PROVE in 5 minutes and made sure we understood.

Before touching any firearm, ALWAYS assume it's loaded. Point firearm in safe direction always. Finger off the trigger. Eject the magazine and work the action to empty any chambered rounds.

Once it's time to shoot, load the firearm, while keeping it pointed in a safe direction. Finger off the trigger until it's time to definitely shoot.

Simple. Even a child could understand

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Aug 30 '22

Download the CFSC manual, quick read

ACTS, PROVE, read headstamps, read barrel stamps, and why are 20 ga shotgun shell the only yellow ones (and always yellow)

The course is easy, you will be fine. Don't rush.

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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '22

Do we have to know about black powder firearms

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Sep 03 '22

Not really, download the manual.

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Sep 03 '22

Firearms safety course: ACTS, PROVE, headstamps, barrel data, squib loads. All in the manual. Videos

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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '22

I appreciate it am I aloud to bring in notes that I written down at home

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Sep 03 '22

I think notes wouldn't be a problem but you cannot use them for the tests and the course is seriously easy. Remember a handful of things for eight hours that get covered over ten times. Better to be relaxed than prepared.

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Sep 03 '22

/u/the_crover? How do you run a class?

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u/The_Crover Sep 03 '22

You can bring notes, but you'll likely be making a lot more in the course.

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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '22

Does the course really take 12 hours ?

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u/The_Crover Sep 03 '22

The Non-Restricted course is 8 hours long, with an additional 4 hours if you want to get the Restricted portion done as well.

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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '22

I’ve paid for my non restricted course an only that do they just give you the option if you want to stay an pay extra for the restricted or is the restricted free if you already paid for the non restricted course

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u/The_Crover Sep 03 '22

I have no idea what the business you're using does.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

Honestly it's super easy. My instructor told me the only time he failed someone was if they pointed a gun at someone or really didn't know anything. Just be confident and have fun!

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u/Grimmerthan Aug 30 '22

The course and test weren't hard, but it was long. It was a 12 hour day start to finish, for the first PAL course. I was towards the end of the hands-on-testing though.

My advice is get plenty of sleep, don't eat too much at lunch, use protein/fat for snacks, and stay hydrated. Treat it like an all-nighter study session.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/[deleted] Sep 02 '22

By cartridge do you mean each specific kind I need to know or just like the specific kind that’s shot out of a firearm like shotgun shell an rifle cartridge etc

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u/[deleted] Sep 02 '22

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/[deleted] Sep 03 '22

That makes more sense the course says it is 12 hours long does it really take that much time

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

Oh it's stupid easy, any idiot can do it, no need to prepare, really.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

if I never handled a firearm is it still that easy

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u/julian0021 Aug 30 '22

Try to get ACTS and PROVES cemented into your memory best advice I can give you

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Aug 30 '22

Always be aware of where it's pointing

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u/WhatAShame8 Aug 30 '22

I actually found it a bit worrisome how low the barrier of entry was. When I did the course I saw a few people who clearly needed more time learning the materials, and the instructors basically railroaded them with “tips” during the actual test. They all passed.

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u/Beretta_errata removeddit pro Aug 30 '22

An idiot can fail by pointing the firearm the wrong direction.

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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '22

Yes, don't do that.

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u/ClemementineSweetie Aug 30 '22

If you're really nervous, you can download the course book online and give it a skim. But, like others say, it's not really difficult, just need to be mindful and take your time on the safety handling stuff and you'll be fine. Remember, instructors want you to pass. We all want more good people taking part in the hobby

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u/jaredmn Aug 30 '22

It’s been about 10 years since I took mine, but I’m sure it’s the same. My instructor/tester took his job seriously, but he also made sure everyone passed. Make sure you know ACTS and PROVE, and the rules around storage and transport, and you’ll do fine. Good luck!