FAQ’S

where can I download the CFSC/CRFSC manual?

You can download the manual at this link HERE.

WHo can take this course?

Any person in Canada over 12 years old can take the CFSC or CRFSC. Minor’s need a consent from their parent or guardian.

can visitors to canada take the pal course?

Yes. Any person in Canada over 12 years old can take the CFSC or CRFSC. Minor’s need consent from their parent or guardian.

can permanent residents in canada take the pal course?

Yes. Any person in Canada over 12 years old can take the CFSC or CRFSC. Minor’s need consent from their parent or guardian.

can international students in canada take the pal course?

Yes. Any person in Canada over 12 years old can take the CFSC or CRFSC. Minor’s need consent from their parent or guardian.

Where are you located?

We are located at 80 Esna Park Drive, Unit #15, Markham, ON, L3R 3R6. Near Steeles Avenue East and Highway 404.

IS THERE FREE PARKING AT SAMS TRAINING?

Yes.

What should we bring to the course?

You are doing 8 - 12 hours of training. Bring what you need to survive! Pens, highlighters, water, snacks, lunch (we do not provide lunch or dinner). Please bring indoor shoes / slippers in winter months.

How much is the course?

$455.40 TOTAL for the combined 2-day non-restricted and restricted course. $237.30 TOTAL for the 1-day CFSC (non-restricted only), or CRFSC (restricted-only course). This includes a course textbook, and HST.

HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?

CFSC (non-restricted) runs 8am - 9 pm is about 12 hours total, this includes 8 hours of training time, lunch break (around 1pm for 1 hour), 5 minute breaks (every hour) and testing time.

CRFSC (restricted firearms) is about 7 hours this includes 6 hours of training time, lunch break, 5-minutes breaks every hour, and testing time.

what the difference between non-restricted and restricted firearms?

Most of your questions will be answered by the infograph on this page, “CANADIAN GUN LAWS IN A NUTSHELL”

Can i do the restricted-only course?

You can do the Restricted-only course ONLY IF you already have a valid non-restricted PAL or have completed the non-restricted Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC). If you have not completed the CFSC, you must do the CFSC first and then the Canadian Restricted Firearms Course (CRFSC). The CFSC is the prerequisite course for the CRFSC.

HOW do I RESERVE A SPOT ON THE COURSE?

READ the registration page. GO to the Course Calendar, CLICK on one of the dates, and CLICK ON RESERVE and REGISTER YOUR SPOT HERE! button, follow the registration process on the Acuity Scheduling webpage. Please ensure that you check your spam, junk email folder for any emails from samstraining.ca@gmail.com

DO YOU PROVIDE THE HUNTER EDUCATION COURSE?

No, SAMS Training does not provide this training course. You can complete this course in-person or online with another provider. For the hunter education course in Ontario: https://www.ohep.net/ or go to https://www.huntercourse.com/canada/ontario/

Where can I learn more about hunting in ontario?

Go to the Ministry of Natural Resources website HERE.

Where can I buy guns once I get a pal?

Check out www.canadiangunnutz.com for Canadian gun dealers, all the ads at the top are Canadian firearms retailers! Or just do a search on Google Maps, “gun stores” or “firearms stores”.

how long does it take to get the pal licence?

Minimum 2 months, Maximum 1 year. Processing times for PAL applications depends on a few factors. It may take up to 1-6 months to get the PAL card, depends on the province, your background and the customer service capacity of the RCMP. Usual timeline, Complete CFSC / CRFSC, wait 6-8 weeks for course report, APPLY for PAL, wait 2-3 months or up to a year. If you submit your application on-line (as opposed to by paper application via mail) at the Canadian Firearms Program website, processing times tend to be quicker.

do i have to fluent in English to take / pass this course?

No. BUT THE ENTIRE COURSE IS IN ENGLISH. The lecture, slideshow, textbook, test are all in ENGLISH. If your English is weak, it can be a hard course to pass.

What languages are is the course provided in?

English and French: the 2 official languages of Canada.

can i use an electronic translation app on my phone during the written test / exam?

No cellphones, smartphones, or electronic devices are allowed during the written exam.

Is it an open-book test / exam?

No. You are not permitted to use the textbook or notebooks during the written test.

Do people fail the tests?

Yes. But most people pass the first try at SAMS Training. The tests are designed for the general public they are average level of difficulty. There is a written test with approximately 35 True or False questions and 15 multiple choice questions. A passing mark is 80%.

Why do people fail the tests?

Common reasons for failing. 1. Below average / weak English language reading, listening comprehension. 2. Students do not meet the Chief Firearms Officer’s requirements of the written and practical tests, eg. don’t pay attention / sleep during class / absent from the class for long periods / or fail to understand the concepts of firearms safety during the allotted time of the course.

Why should I book now?

COURSE DEMAND IS EXTREMELY HIGH!

There are several reasons for this.

1. The PAL application process is lengthy. It can take at least month or 6 months to get a PAL licence card. Plus, the RCMP processing centre is running with limited staff. It could take longer than the usual 2-3 months!

2. Limited spots on each course; max 12 students.

3. Course backlog. People who were registered for courses that got cancelled / postponed during lockdowns are still owed courses. Also, many people were waiting to take the course too!

4. Political climate. Given current trends in gun laws in Canada, many people feel the urgency to get their licence now.

5. Hunting season is coming. September to December is hunting season. People who want to hunt with guns want to be ready this season. Plus, most FSESO instructors are active hunters; less courses in the during this season!

6. Guns are cool. People have always enjoyed guns and hunting. The popularity of firearms in action films and video games is catalyzing the growing interest in the shooting sports. Hunting allows you to obtain the most expensive, free meat you can get. 100% natural, free-range, hormone-free, organic protein. If you are a chef, you can get the best cuts for any dish you would ever want to make. :)

7. SAMS Training is a safe, fun place to learn the basics to start off your shooting career! You will be armed with the correct knowledge and skills to be safe and legal when you acquire your first firearm and seek out the right advice when you need to!

WHICH COURSE SHOULD I TAKE? NON-RESTRICTED OR BOTH?

It is recommended to do BOTH at this time. Why?
1. Most of SAMS Training’s courses are the 2-day course because most people want both licences. MORE IS BETTER! It gives you access to more types of firearms, included restricted (shorter) rifles and shotguns which are still legal to own, use, buy, sell, inherit and acquire. Inevitably, once people get into long guns (non-restricted), they want to get into restricted firearms later on.

2. It is easier, cheaper, takes less time, and more convenient to do both at the same time. You can do the restricted licence course at a later date but it will cost about $60 more. Also there may be a time in the future when the Restricted course and licence classification will not be offered by the government any longer.

3. Most people are signing up to do the 2-day Firearms One-Stop which includes the non-restricted firearms course on the first day, and restricted firearms on the second day. Many current non-restricted only PAL holders are coming back to upgrade to restricted. Also, many firearms owners decide later after trying non-restricted guns, they want to try and own restricted firearms. All the people who only took the non-restricted course unanimously agree they should have done both at the same time. I

4. It will only be more difficult, and expensive to get the restricted licence in the future. The Canadian motto of gun ownership now, given the current trends and past history of gun laws in Canada, is “GET THEM WHILE YOU CAN!” The government MAY cease to offer the restricted licence and prohibit the further acquisition of this licence. Like in the past in the 1990s, there was the Prohibited class of firearms. When the laws changed, no more prohibited licences were issued, however those who already possessed the Prohibited licence and firearms were “grandfathered” and allowed to keep their licence classification and keep their prohibited firearms. This same pattern MAY be repeated with restricted firearms. That’s why there is such urgency for everyone to have both non-restricted and restricted license classifications.

ARE YOU STILL OFFERING THE RESTRICTED LICENCE COURSE?

YES. All FSESO / PAL instructors have been given direction to continue offering and teaching the restricted firearms safety course. WHY? This is because Canadian Border Service Agency applicants and armed security guards still require the RPAL for their jobs. Plus, you can still buy, sell, inherit and acquire restricted (shorter) rifles and shotguns, BUT not HANDGUNS. :(

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A GUN LICENCE?

Having a PAL allows you to legally acquire firearms for the classification you are allowed (non-restricted and / or restricted).

Non-restricted guns (rifles and shotguns)

• you may acquire (buy, purchase, trade, inherit) guns

• buy ammunition

• collect guns as part of a collection

• use firearms for hunting, sport shooting, competitions, join a shooting club, private or crown land where you have permission, and it is safe to do so, and not in contradiction to any municipal / regional, provincial, federal laws.

• gain employment with a legal profession that requires a PAL as part of your duties, (eg. armed security guard, Canadian Border Services Agency, museum worker, Park Ranger, Ministry of Natural Resources, bear baiter, trapper, film / theatre actor, gun handler, Special effects / props, work in a gun store, shooting range, gun manufacturing or repair facility, any occupation that requires you to possess or use a gun.

Restricted guns (handguns, or guns prescribed to be restricted)

Same as the above, but THERE IS NO HUNTING ALLOWED with restricted guns.

They can only be shot at a Canadian Firearms Officer (CFO) approved range for the discharge of restricted firearms. eg. a shooting club / shooting range (ie. you cannot shoot a handgun on your farm).

Be used for a lawful profession or occupation, (ie. armed security guard, eg. Brinks / Garda armoured car service).

To learn more about Firearms laws, regulations and the Canadian Firearms Program go here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms

Can I still buy a handgun if I get the restricted course and licence?

NO. YOU CANNOT LEGALLY BUY A HANDGUN NOW. As of October 22, 2022, the Government of Canada implemented the handgun “FREEZE” regulation. IT IS NOW ILLEGAL TO BUY OR SELL A HANDGUN IN CANADA. YOU CANNOT BUY A HANDGUN, PISTOL OR REVOLVER NOW.

are handguns banned now?

NO. Legal, licenced gun owners ie. PAL holders, can still possess and use handguns. They can store them in their house, transport them to the range, gunsmith, gun show, competitions etc. But they cannot buy or sell any handguns after Oct. 21, 2022.

I’m confused. can you please explain this handgun “freeze” ban???

It is illegal to buy, sell, trade, and inherit a Restricted handgun after October 21, 2022. HOWEVER, it is still LEGAL to own (possess) AND use restricted handguns if you currently have them. On May 30, 2022 the federal government announced a proposed law that would “freeze” handgun transfers. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? All handguns are Restricted class firearms, all Restricted firearms are registered to the owner; just like a car. In order to buy or trade or acquire a restricted firearm, a transfer of ownership must be completed by the Chief Firearms Office (CFO). Like when you buy a car at a dealership, you pay for the car, but you can’t take possession of the car until the dealer goes to Service Ontario to transfer the ownership registration to your name as the new owner. This handgun “freeze” was proposed on May 30, 2022. NOW that is regulation is in place now, whatever handguns you own, as of October 21, 2022, those are the only ones you can have, the sale, trade, or acquisition or inheritance of handguns will be PROHIBITED (ILLEGAL), you cannot get any more new handguns. IE. If you own ZERO handguns on Oct. 21, 2022, you get to own ZERO handguns. If you own 10 handguns on Oct. 21, 2022, you get to own 10 handguns until the law is changed or reversed or never if they never change the law.Whichever or however many guns a person owns on Oct. 22, 2022 will effectively worth $0.00 dollars. For example, if a restricted handgun owner dies the day after the law is passed, their handguns must be taken to a police station for destruction for $0.00 compensation. Another example, if a restricted gun owner finds out they have terminal disease and they have 3 months to live, after this handgun freeze law is passed, they cannot sell or transfer the ownership to their partner, or surviving family members or anybody. If they eventually die their entire handgun collection must be submitted to the police for destruction with $0.00 compensation. Even if they are historical or expensive or rare or valuable, and their collection of guns is 1 or 200 handguns worth $100 or $100,000 total, it will be effectively worth $0.00.

When the handgun freeze law was announced, many gun stores sold out their inventory of handguns at the end of May 2022. Many gun collectors sold all their handguns. Because the demand, gun prices are also inflated now. In reaction to all the legal (yes, LEGAL) PAL holders and LEGAL gun owners bought all the handguns on the market (ie. retail market and used, private gun sales), the federal government took action to prevent this, so the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly cancelled all the handgun importation permits. After August 18, 2022, NO MORE new handguns are allowed to be imported into Canada. Whichever LEGAL guns that were imported before August 18, 2022, THAT’S IT until handgun importation permits are re-enacted, reactivated or allowed. As a result of the record-breaking sale of handguns in 2022, the Chief Firearms office of Ontario was extremely overloaded with many, many handgun transfers as many gun owners and stores are tried to buy or sell as many handguns as possible before the deadline.

will the handgun freeze / ban law be reversed?

UNKNOWN. All gun owners and instructors are unsure of what will happen. It is all up to the government and what they decide. All current handgun owners are waiting to see what happens. The only possible way it will change is through a change in the political landscape and leadership. Historically speaking about the trends here in Canada, there are certain political parties that support gun ownership in Canada and those that do not. One way of this law could change is if a new party gets elected in the next election. Even if we have a new government, it is unknown if they will reverse or change existing gun laws that were passed. However, it is uncertain how all the new laws will affect gun owners. Proposed laws can be modified and / or amended during the law-making process, thus, gun owners and police are unsure about what the laws pragmatically mean, how they are enforced until they are enacted.

What is the outlook or likelihood of more firearms bans?

There have been many new bans and changes to gun laws in the past 3 years. May 1, 2020, the OIC “assault weapons* ban was passed. They gave gun owners a 2 year amnesty period, where gun owners did not have to surrender their guns immediately. This 2 year amnesty period expired April 30, 2022. As a result of failing to develop a firearms “buyback” program this amnesty period was extended another 18 months (October 30, 2023). And now most recently, they extended the amnesty period another TWO YEARS until October 2025! So they banned these firearms which were called “the guns designed to kill the most number of people in the shortest amount of time”, but they going to let the owners keep them for a total of 5 YEARS??! What happened to the approximately 9 models of firearms that they banned? Most owners presumably still own them. The guns they banned must be kept at the owner’s residence, unloaded, securely stored and not to be transported or used for hunting or at the shooting range. A pilot program for the buyback and confiscation program was supposed to be launched in PEI in January 2023, this was cancelled because the government did not take steps or were unable to start the program. The current government has tried various gun bans, changes to gun laws and proposed even more gun laws. But thus far, the trend has been that laws have been passed but no actual confiscation of guns has taken place.

If i can’t buy a handgun why should I get the restricted licence?

This course is still offered for armed security guards who require the restricted licence AND for civilians who wish to buy restricted rifles and shotguns (short barrelled firearms) which are still legal to buy / sell and own.

1. Restricted handguns are still legal to own and shoot. Which means handgun owners who are shooting club members still shoot them at clubs, ranges and competitions.

2. You can shoot a restricted handguns unsupervised. You don’t even need a licence to shoot a firearm, as long as you are in “direct and immediate supervision and control of a licensed adult”. Therefore, if the club rules allow it, if your friend has an extra handgun, and if you have a restricted PAL you can both shoot handguns at the same time.

3. You can borrow a restricted handgun. If your friend / family member owns a restricted handgun, you can still borrow a handgun if you have restricted licence.

4. If the laws are changed or reversed, you can buy a handgun right away.

5. It gives you access to more firearms that you can buy, own and shoot. Just like a driver’s license, if you have more classifications of vehicles (eg. ABCDFMZ class license), you have more access to more types of vehicles (eg. tractor-trailers, buses, dump truck, motorcycles etc.)

6. It’s cheaper to do both courses WITHIN 30 DAYS, you save $70 approx. If you take them separately the courses are longer and cost more.

7. The restricted license may not be available in the future. When you look at the trends of gun licensing; it will only get more expensive, more difficult, involve more steps and more paperwork to get this licence in the future.

8. Every non-restricted only PAL holder who comes back to do restricted, says they should have done both at the same time. Inevitably, once you get interested in non-restricted guns, your interests will expand to more types of guns available.

9. Why limit yourself? There are still many really cool restricted rifles that you can purchase. They include many makes and models that are hard to find as non-restricted or not made in a non-restricted configuration. People sometimes ask me, “What is your favorite type of gun, Sam? Non-restricted or restricted firearms?”
   I say, “It’s like food.”
   ”What do you mean, it’s like food?”
   ”I LIKE ALL THE FOODS, I don’t discriminate. MORE IS BETTER!”

10. The Canadian motto of gun ownership now is, “GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!”. Firearms and licences are a LIMITED TIME offer. There are only going to be more rules, regulations, costs, fees, administration and obstacles to jump over in the future to get the licences and the firearms, ammunition and parts as well.

Where can I learn more about gun laws and regulations?

Go to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS OR DEBIT?

We take credit cards or debit through PayPal for the course reservation deposit fee. The remainder of the course fee is paid in CASH PAYMENT upon arrival to the course.

HOW DO YOU GET A GUN LICENcE?

Getting into sport shooting or hunting is kind of a mystery until you start doing some research. If you look at the infograph to the left, it explains the basic steps.

1. Successfully complete the CFSC and / or CRFSC courses and tests. This is the first step. It’s a lot like getting your driver’s education class and driver’s license.

   To sign up for a course you must complete the entire reservation process to secure your spot on the waiting list. Once on the waiting list, you will be notified about all new course dates and cancellations. We DO NOT contact individuals who have NOT completed the reservation process. We ONLY accept students by reservation.
   
   The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) (for non-restricted, rifles and shotguns) consists of 8 hours minimum training (plus testing time) consisting of in-class lectures, and hands-on firearms handling practice. This course is the REQUIRED prerequisite course if you want to take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
   
   The Canadian Restricted Firearms Course (for handguns) if taken the day after the CFSC is 4 hours minimum training, plus testing time.

2. Once you successfully pass the course(s), your COURSE REPORTS will be sent to the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) for validation. The forms will be stamped with an approved Chief Firearms Office (CFO) stamp, and two copies will be RETURNED TO YOUR ADDRESS for your records. If you have also taken the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course, you will receive separate course report forms (two copies) for this course/test. It takes approximately TWO months from the date of your course(s) and/or test(s) to receive your stamped copies back from the FSESO. If you don’t receive your course reports in the mail, CONTACT FSESO.

3. Once you’ve received your two copies of the course report forms, you can apply for your PAL which is kind of like applying for your passport.

   YOU CAN NOW APPLY FOR YOUR PAL ONLINE, here are the instructions. 

   The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) is in the process of modernizing service delivery and, as a first step, has built an online version of our firearms licence application form (Possession and Acquisition Licence, or PAL), which is now live on the RCMP’s Firearms website! 

   We’re asking you to help us out by letting your students know about this exciting news. 

   As this is an early version of the online application, it is currently only available to new applicants. To be eligible to apply online, an individual must: 

   • Be a first time PAL applicant

   • Be a Canadian Resident

   • Be at least 18 years of age

   • Not wish to be subject to the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada Adaptations Regulations (Firearms)

   • Not request a fee waiver or photo waiver

   In order to successfully submit an application, they will need: 

   • A valid email address

   • Two pieces of government issued ID

   • Their safety course report

   • A digital licence photo that adheres to the photo requirements

   • A credit card or Visa or MasterCard debit card

   • Current and valid email addresses for: 

   • Two references

   • Photo guarantor

   • Current conjugal partner (if applicable)

   • Former conjugal partner (if applicable)

   NOTE: applicants, their references, photo guarantor, and conjugal partner(s) will be contacted via email. 

   If you have any questions, please contact us at CFP_UX-EU_PCAF@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. 

   Your support is appreciated as we work to make the CFP’s service delivery modern, efficient, and simple. 

   Thank you! 

   Here is the analog / paperwork / slower / old way of doing the PAL APPLICATION. 

   • Download and print RCMP application (individuals over 18 yo).

   • READ and FOLLOW instructions on application! If any info is missing or incomplete they will send it back and it will be delayed. Answer all the questions truthfully to the best of your knowledge. Do not provide false info; that's fraud!

   • The PAL PHOTO is NOT a passport photo. It is a different size specification. Follow the instructions on the PAL application if you want to make your own photo. If you go to a professional photo shop ie. Costco Photo / Walmart, ask for a PAL PHOTO (they know what that is). You can submit own digital photo, it doesn't have to be a professional photo, as long as it meets the specifications stated on the application. Cut out and glue the label in the PAL application instructions, fill out the label, make sure your guarantor PRINTS their name on the label and signs it with their signature. Must be dated and signed on the back of photo. The guarantor must also sign a section of the application.

   • Students should notify and brief your conjugal partner, ex-conjugal partner within the last 2 years (if you are still in contact with them) and references. "I am applying for PAL firearms licence, the RCMP may call you!"

   • QUESTION 20. c) Have you been certified by the Chief Firearms Officer as meeting the safety training requirements or have you successfully completed a course approved by the Attorney General of Manitoba or Quebec prior to 1995?
     This question is very confusing for some people. :)  It is asking: Did you do any safety training or complete a course BEFORE the year 1995 in Manitoba or Quebec? Chances are NO! That's why you did the training with me, which you answered in Question 20a. & 20b.

   • References (must be someone who is 18 years old or older, & you have known for 3 years or more, and not your current conjugal partner), just like a job reference (get permission from the person if they want to be your reference), pick good people (eg. someone with a PAL, or from the course), crime-free, reliable people, who speak English or French fluently, answer phone calls, has a voicemail set-up, check voicemails, awake during business hours, not too busy, easy to get in touch with, (preferably) that lives in the same time zone, not away from CANADA, willing and able to talk to police. Don’t pick anyone who is too busy or nervous to talk to the police, and supports your goal to get a gun licence. They call references randomly; if they can't reach your references this may delay your application.

   • Payment info must be correct, accurate, and current. They take all forms of payment. If you send a credit card info, you will see they will charge your card; your PAL application is being processed. If your credit card is cancelled during your application period, due to fraud or lost or stolen card, you may have to provide new info. That's why cheque or money order is better in a way. Payment is $83.40 TOTAL if you are applying for both non-restricted and restricted at the same time or restricted. If you just want non-restricted ONLY the fee is $62.55

   • Send PAL APPLICATION via registered mail / tracking number (no signature required) if not your application can be lost in mail, you will lose your course report.

   • WAIT 6 months for your PAL. If you are wondering about the status of your application, you can call the RCMP / Canadian Firearms Program. Or check the status of your application on-line at https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/individual-web-services. You will need your online banking info or a GC Key to login.

   • Your application may take longer than the regular 2-3 months. 

   If you have ANY questions regarding firearms, the law and regulations, go to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website or call them.
   The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (nationwide).
   Telephone:1-800-731-4000,
   Email: cfp-pcaf@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
   
   IF YOU ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12 AND 18, and you wish to apply for a Minor’s Licence, please call 1-800-731-4000 ext. 7548 to obtain a Minor’s Licence application OR CLICK on the button below.
   Questions regarding Minor’s Licencing may be directed to 1-800-731-4000 ext. 7548.

WHAT DO I DO AFTER THE COURSE?

CHECK OUT THE “WHAT’S NEXT?” FORM, YOU RECEIVED IN CLASS OR CLICK ON THIS LINK BELOW.

What if i have previous criminal charges, will I still qualify for a pal? could I get rejected?

As an instructor, I am not involved with the PAL screening / application process. My job is to provide the training course; that’s it. I do not have any knowledge regarding the criteria or background checks related to the process. I, personally am not a police officer, RCMP officer or employee. I do not know your own personal situation or case in which you got charged, the circumstances surrounding it, the outcome, history or timeline regarding your specific case. I do not know or cannot predict the outcome of your application or anyone’s application. I would guess, if you are a crime-free person, who has shown reliable, good behaviour who has a stable life then it is highly likely you will qualify for a PAL. However, if you have a criminal background, have a history of violence, drug/substance/alcohol usage, emotional / mental health problems, financial or / domestic problems, association with criminal or terrorist organizations these are issues that constitute being an unreliable background that would most likely result in your PAL application being denied. There are many people who get their applications denied and this is what keeps the public safe, and keeps firearms out of the hands of people who may misuse them. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to get a PAL, it is recommended you call the RCMP Firearm Program.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE COURSE?

The course is the same level of difficult as a driver’s education class. Children as young as 12 years old may take the course (CFSC only). Children do pass successfully with good marks / grades. You must pass with a minimum score of 80% for both the written and practical tests. You must be able to read and understand ENGLISH.

When do I write the tests & how difficult are the tests?

At the end of each day, you will take your written test, offered in ENGLISH or FRENCH (about 35 True / False questions, 15 multiple choice questions, there is maximum 3 hour time limit, but it usually takes most people less than an hour to complete. The practical test to demonstrate safe handling is done one-on-one, privately with an examiner (takes about 15-20 mins each person).

DO I HAVE TO READ THE WHOLE MANUAL?

NO. But if you want to be better prepared and more familiar with the concepts, it is recommended you read MODULE 5: AMMUNITION. It is the longest, most technical chapter of the manual. Here is a link to download the PDF copy of the CFSC / CRFSC manual. Make sure you are on WIFI before you click the automatic download (http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.801815/publication.html 11.8MB)!

is there an online program for the cfsc / crfsc?

There is NO OFFICIAL ONLINE program provided by the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO). The ONLY way to complete the CFSC / CRFSC is to complete the required course hours and test in person. Anything else is NOT the official program and will not provide the official course report REQUIRED to apply for the PAL.

Do you offer private 1-on-1 courses?

No we do not offer 1-on-1 course instruction. We run courses with a minimum of 9 students to a maximum 12 students depending on the COVID restrictions.

do you provide private group courses?

Yes. You must get 12 people to register and pay in full before reserving a course time. This fee is non-refundable. We only hold courses at our own private classroom in Markham. It meets all the specifications required to ensure all infection control measures are followed. If you are interested in doing this please contact directly via email.

are THE COURSE PROVIDED IN any other languages?

SAMS Training ONLY provides the course in English. All course tests, and learning materials are ONLY provided in the two official languages of Canada: English and French. There are other course providers that may teach the course in other languages.

CAN I SHOOT A GUN WITHOUT A GUN LICENCE?

YES, you may as long as you are under DIRECT and immediate supervision (within arms reach) of a LICENCED (for that firearm) adult and you are discharging the firearms in a place where is safe, and legal to do so.

can i go hunting with a gun after I receive my pal?

No. If you want to go hunting in Ontario with a firearm (only non-restricted) you must take the Ontario Hunter Education Course (OHEP) course and you MUST obtain a OUTDOORS card and all the applicable licenses and tags. We do not provide the OHEP course at this time. If you want a OHEP course go here: https://www.ohep.net/

DO I NEED A PAL TO GO HUNTING?

No. You can go hunting if you have completed the OHEP course and have an OUTDOORS card, but you may not use a firearm. You may use any other approved hunting device, ie. archery equipment (eg. any bow and arrow or crossbows) or pellet / BB guns that are air, spring, or gas operated that shoot a projectile under 500 feet per second. If you want to learn more about hunting in Ontario go here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/hunting

HOW LONG IS THE GUN LICENCE VALID FOR?

5 years. After that you can renew for the same cost to apply for about $60 or $80.

do i have to take this course again?

Only if you fail to renew you license for a lengthy period (eg. 6 months or 1 year). You may possibly have to take it again if you fail to meet the conditions of the license, and you have a court order to retake the course as a punitive legal, corrective measure. Kind of like if you get an impaired driving charge and you have to take a driver’s safety education course again.

WHERE CAN I SHOOT MY GUNS ONCE I GET MY PAL?

You may discharge firearms at a shooting club or range (which you most probably must be a member of or go with a member as guest.) Or private property where you have a. permission by the land owner, b. it is safe and legal to discharge firearms in that political jurisdiction, c. at a competition (which is held at official shooting ranges usually). d. crown land (where it is safe and legal to do so in that political jurisdiction).

What types of shooting sports can I do in ontario?

• Paper target shooting with rifles, shotguns (with slugs), and / handguns.

• Shotguns sports (shooting at flying clay pigeons / targets), this includes shooting sports games like skeet, trap, 5-stand, and sporting clays. Like Nintendo Duck Hunt, but way more fun!

• Plinking (fun shooting), shooting at various paper or steel targets for fun not taking score, just trying to hit a target, usually with rifles, shotguns with slugs at closer distances just for recreation at the range, farm or crown land.

• Competitive shooting of precision rimfire rifles (up to 300 m), precision centre-fire rifles (up to 1000 m), service rifle (up to 500 m), F-Class rifles (up to 1000 m), multi-gun competitions (shoot rifle, shotgun and or handgun all in one big match), handgun action shooting disciplines (shooting with a holster and gun belt) (eg. IPSC, IDPA, PPC etc.)

  How do I join a shooting club?

  Find them on Google Maps. Call them, email them, go their website, or BEST WAY is to go visit them during their operating hours and go TALK to the staff and inquire. Most clubs are non-profit organizations, they may not be open every day during business hours. The phone number is not manned all the time, or their website or email is not working or the guy who made and maintained the website is not monitoring that email or website anymore. You must go to the club and talk to people and get a hold of someone. Better yet find a buddy who is already a member of a club and tag a long with him / her.

  Is shooting and hunting an expensive sport?

  YES. Shooting involves a lot of equipment and gear in the beginning. There are on-going costs like club membership fees, and buying more ammunition once you expend it. Like most sports or hobbies, it takes about $1000 initially to get set-up. How much more involved you get from there is your choice. Sky is the limit! Guns are like TimBits; you can’t just have one! The cost of guns and ammo has gone up in recent years like most things. There are NO gun clubs in the City of Toronto, so you probably need your own car, plus gas, depending where you live. There are still cheaper ways to shoot and still have fun. Eg. buy a rimfire rifle, and shoot on your farm as long as it’s safe and legal. That’s still shooting and fun!

  Hunting intially involves getting your own personal hunting kit eg. knife, backpack, all-weather clothing, decoys, calls, binoculars, navigation equipment (compass, maps and or GPS), tree stands, camouflage, and other accessories.

  Hunting big game (eg. deer, bears, moose) usually involves travelling, buying licences, tags, bigger guns, bigger bullets etc. You need a place to go, so private land, or go to an outfitter, rent a hunting lodge, or buy a tent, or camping trailer, or RV, and camping gear if you want to try crown lands. You need a way to get there, so probably a pickup truck or SUV. And there are many other tools and things related to recovering the carcass and processing the meat, so other vehicles like boats, trailers, canoes, ATVs, or side-by-side Razor jeeps, meat grinders, smokers, food dehydrators, food processing equipment or pay for a butcher to do it all.

  Hunting can be cheap too too. Get the Outdoors card, buy a small game licence, a shotgun and or rimfire rifle and you can hunt small game, eg, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, birds etc.

  How do i know if I will be good at shooting sports?

  Try before you buy! Like most sports, you should try it first. Go with a buddy as a guest to the range. Go to Las Vegas. There are some ranges in the GTA, that allow you pay and shoot under the supervision of a range officer without a PAL; Target Sports in Gormley, ON and Easthill Outdoors in Orono, ON. Call ahead to make an appointment.

  You will be probably be good at the sport of shooting if you:

• have good vision, balance, and hand-eye coordination, good at following instructions, and an average level of physical fitness, shooting is a relative low-impact sport but it still requires to use your eyes, muscles and maintain balance.

• are good at other sports. Athletes are good at controlling their body and following instructions (from the range officers).

• have a job, or hobby that involves using or fixing machines or tools, you will probably understand firearms safety, how guns work, and be good at using / maintaining firearms (as they are all mechanical machines / tools that have metal parts, things that have to fit precisely, springs, levers, buttons, screws, pins, hinges, need maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments, and run on combustion like a car or motorcycle).