Canadian Firearms Safety Course (PAL)

Island Outfitters hosts PAL and RPAL courses weekly.

Call or visit the store for course availability and come into the store to sign up. Keep in mind the courses fill up about 4-6 weeks prior to the actual course date.

PAL courses are on Saturdays and cost $175 CASH. No Debit, No Credit Cards, Cash only as Island Outfitters are only the hosts, and your payments are going to the Instructor.

RPAL courses are typically on the last Sunday of the month and cost $100 CASH. You must have completed your PAL course prior to attending the RPAL course.

For ease, the instructor typically does a PAL/RPAL combo weekend near the end of the month for $275, again CASH only.

This is one of the most popular classes and the first step for those who want to participate in sport shooting, hunting, a job in law enforcement, the forestry industry or the film industry.

Get certified to do the things you love, safely.

Continue reading for more information on the different Licence options and general FAQ.

Take the Canadian firearms Safety course and get your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), to learn how to safely operate, shoot and handle firearms.

Here in Canada, firearms are broken down into three classes, Non-Restricted, Restricted and Prohibited.

Non-restricted

This class includes any rifle or shotgun that is neither restricted nor prohibited. Most common long guns are non-restricted, but there are exceptions.

Restricted

This class includes most handguns and some rifles that have a barrel shorter than 470mm in length. Firearms designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise.

Prohibited

Generally, you may have prohibited firearms only if you have been "grandfathered" under section 12 of the Firearms Act. Being grandfathered means that you can keep certain prohibited firearms that were registered to you on specific dates set out in the Act.

 

For more information on the classes of firearms in Canada follow the link below.

https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/classes-firearms/classes-firearms-canada

 

If you are interested in acquiring a PAL or RPAL, you must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before you can apply. Applications can be sent in by mail or online.

Follow the link below for more details on the application prosses.

https://rcmp.ca/en/firearms/apply-firearms-licence

The Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is the only licence available to new applicants aged 18 or older.

A PAL for non-restricted firearms allows its holders to acquire and possess any non-restricted firearm, while an RPAL for restricted firearms allows the holder to acquire and possess restricted firearms. And only those who are grandfathered into the prohibited class of firearms can possess this class of firearms.

 

Canadian Firearms Safety Courses:

 One of the Canadian Firearm Safety Course and Canadian Restricted Firearm Safety Course classes is held at Island Outfitters, and are taught by certified instructor Murray Kilshaw, with more than 50 years of firearms experience in policing, and in the hunting and fishing community you know that you are getting top safety education from the best in town. 

This all day course will cover topics from the basics of firearms to safe storage, display, and transportation of your firearm. Making sure you leave with the must have knowledge of firearm law and safe-handling procedures.

Once the course is completed, individuals will then have to pass a test. The content of the course and test is controlled and approved by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (RCMP)

Completing and passing this course is a federal requirement to apply for your non-restricted and restricted Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). This is not negotiable.

 

Frequently asked Questions & Answers

 

Where do I register?

At the gun desk at Island Outfitters, located at 1681A Island Hwy. across from the Elements casino, in the same parking lot as Burger King.

 

How much does it cost?

PAL courses are $175 per person for the Non-restricted classes only, and Restricted classes are an additional $100 per person. (Total of $275 for both PAL & RPAL)

- Prices as of September 2024 subject to change.

 

When is the next available course?

Currently, courses fill up about 4-6 weeks prior to the actual course date. Please call Island Outfitters, (250)475-4969 or email gunshop@fishingvictoria.com  to find out when the next available PAL course is. 

 

How often is the course taught?

Most weekends, The Non-restricted courses happen on most Saturday’s and the Restricted Course once or twice monthly on Sunday’s

 

Can I sign up over the phone?

No, because Island Outfitters is Only the host / location for this course, it is required that you come in person to sign up and pay cash for the course at the time of sign up.

 

Do I need the Firearm Safety Manual?

We recommend that you do pick up a manual at Island Outfitters, for $29.99, and read it before the class.

 

Where is the classroom & how long are the classes?

Located at Island Outfitters – the store is open at 8:00am on Saturday’s and the PAL course Starts at 8:45am it is recommended that you arrive by 8:30, gather around the gun desk, and Murray will take you to the classroom just before the start time of 8:45am. These classes usually go until 4:00pm

 

Should I bring lunch?

If you'd like! There is a Burger King, and Serious Coffee close by, that you can go to on the lunch break. 

 

Can I get my Restricted PAL without my non-restricted PAL? 

NO! Individuals wishing to obtain a restricted PAL (RPAL) must have a non-restricted PAL. This is government policy, and we cannot make any exceptions.

 

What if I already have my unrestricted PAL?

Yes, you can get your restricted PAL (RPAL) if you have already completed the course and test for your non-restricted licence.

 

How long will it take for my license to come in?

Once you have completed and passed the course, you have to send in your application via mail or it can now also be submitted online, be sure you have all your ducks in a row and send everything you are required to such as a passport photo must be attached, and appropriate references attached with completed information.

 If the submission is done properly, they will begin the process within 30 days of receiving documents. We find most students receive their PAL/RPAL within 8-10 weeks of application. This will vary. If you have queries regarding your application, you may call 1-800-731-4000.

 

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Island outfitters via email - gunshop@fishingvictoria.com or phone 250-475-4969