Frequently Asked Questions

We’re constantly adding to our knowledge base below. Please let us know if your question isn’t answered by contacting us.

Firearms / Gun Licences

  • Individuals need a firearms licence in order to lawfully possess/acquire both ammunition and firearms in Canada. If a person is found with firearms in Canada but does not have the appropriate licence, they are likely to be charged with a criminal offence.

    But why do some people in Canada require guns? The most common purposes for having firearms are hunting, participation in shooting sports, predator defence on farms (for example wolves and coyotes), and predator defence in the wilderness (for example, from bears).

    Many people collect rare or antique firearms or have inherited firearms, and don’t necessarily do any shooting. People working in security industries and outdoors industries are often required to obtain a firearms licence.

  • This type of licence is required for anyone wishing to acquire firearms. An individual must successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to obtain this licence for **non-Restricted** firearms. To upgrade this licence for **Restricted** firearms an individual must also successfully complete the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course and tests. There is a minimum 28-day waiting period for this licence.

  • Any permanent resident or citizen of Canada 18 or over may apply for their PAL (and upgrade to an RPAL). Non-residents in Canada are also eligible to apply as well. If you're unsure you're eligible, please contact the RCMP’s Canadian Firearms Program before you book a Range Arts class, at 1-800-731-4000 during business hours. Range Arts is responsible for delivering the course education and testing, however the RCMP is responsible for processing your application after the course is completed. If for any reason the RCMP does not approve your application Range Arts will not be responsible.

  • Non-Restricted and Restricted PALs are issued to adults aged 18-or-older. Minor’s Licences are issued for those who are 12-17. If you are under 18 but at least 12 years old you may apply for a Minor’s Licence which permits borrowing of Non-Restricted firearms for target practice, organized shooting competitions, hunting, and instruction in the use of firearms. If you are under the age of 18 we ask you contact us prior to making a booking.

  • 1. Complete a Canadian Firearms Safety Course for non-restricted firearms (such as rifles and shotguns).

    2. Successfully complete the examination at the end of the Course.

    3. Optional: complete a second Safety Course for restricted firearms (such as handguns).

    4. Apply to the RCMP for your Possession and Acquisition Licence (also known as a “PAL” or “PAL Licence”).

  • No. In summer 2022 the Canadian government froze all hangun transfers (a transfer takes place upon purchase, sale, or gift of a firearm, effectively ending all handgun purchases in Canada. We are hopeful this will change one day because it is incredibly damaging to shooting sports and limiting to safe and law abiding licenced firearms owners.

  • We always suggest doing some thinking about which licence is best for you based on what your needs and interests are. If your only purpose for an RPAL was to own a handgun then it might not be best for you anymore.

    However, having an RPAL is still more versatile than only a PAL.

    if you’re interested in learning to shoot handguns, many ranges still offer rentals. In order to use a handgun unsupervised you would require an RPAL. Or, if you have a friend who already owns handguns and wish to shoot it with them, you wouldn’t be able to use the gun in the very next lane to your friend if you don’t have an RPAL. You’d require immediate supervision.

    If you plan to join a range, some prefer you have an RPAL. We recommend checking with a range you plan to join to see what they prefer.

    There are of course other restricted firearms, other than handguns, still available for purchase or that you might want to try at the range.

    In general, we feel that those serious about getting into shooting benefit from the RPAL course because it’s simply more learning, but we appreciate some people just aren’t going to need the extra training.

  • Yes. Anyone who completes their licensing course with us is placed ahead of the general public when Down Range Sports memberships become available. This means you’ll receive earlier consideration and notification when new membership spots open, though availability is still limited and not guaranteed.

Application - Firearms Licences

  • Once you have passed the course you will receive course completion confirmation by email from the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) / RCMP in about 2-5 business days. You will then submit an application to the CFP / RCMP along with a carbon copy of your course results you receive at the end of your course..

    The application process can be completed online (preferred) or by mail (if required). It can take between 2 and 12 months to receive your results. During this time the RCMP will run a criminal background check and reference checks. Generally speaking we find the online application to be faster than mail applications.

  • Once you have passed the course you will receive a certificate of proof, called a course report, in the mail from the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO). It could take up to 8 weeks to arrive. You will submit this course report with an application to the RCMP for your gun licence.

    You can submit at the same time for non-restricted and restricted, this being the most cost-effective route to and RPAL.

    The application process can be completed online (by those eligible) or by mail. It can be quite slow and last between 2 and 12 months. During this time the RCMP will run a criminal background check, and reference checks. Generally speaking we find the online application to be faster than mail applications.

  • Yes. You can take both courses back-to-back and send both applications to the RCMP together. You need not actually wait to obtain your PAL to take the Restricted Course, rather, you need to have passed the Non-Restricted Course prior to taking the Restricted Course.

  • Here!

Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC)

  • This course is the first step in acquiring a firearms licence (PAL - Possession and Acquisition Licence). It is divided into modules that will cover the safe handling, transport, and storage of **non-Restricted** firearms (most rifles and shotguns). There are a total of 12 modules taught over 8.5 hours that will cover the essentials of each firearm type, safe handling, storage, transport, and laws. Upon completion of the course a written and practical test is administered.

  • Each course is just 1 day, in-person, with a Certified Instructor. Most of each day is training. At the end you complete a written and practical examination and, if successful, then you will be ready to send your licence application to the RCMP.

    Both courses can be taken separately or back-to-back, but you have to start with the Non-Restricted Course.

    Non-Restricted Course:

    During the course, called the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (or “CFSC”) you learn the basic skills and safety rules to operate and control different types of guns in order to be eligible to apply for your PAL. You will also learn all the laws and regulations around owning a gun, making you safe and responsible. There is no live fire during the course, so if you want some experience shooting booking a clinic after your course is the best way to do that.

    Some of the areas covered in the course are:

    * the evolution of firearms, major parts, types and actions;

    * basic firearms safety practices;

    * ammunition;

    * operating firearm actions;

    * safe handling and carry procedures;

    * firing techniques and procedures;

    * care of non-restricted firearms;

    * responsibilities of the firearms owner/user; and

    * safe storage, display, transportation and handling of non-restricted firearms.

    Once you have completed the course you will complete a written and practical examination, requiring a minimum score to pass.

    The day takes approximately 9 hours to complete.

  • This course is an upgrade to your PAL (possession and acquisition licence), allowing you to earn the Restricted designation (RPAL). This means you will now be able to own and use **Restricted firearms** (handguns and some rifles) where appropriate. This course has 6 modules which teach the safe handling, transport and storage of Restricted Firearms as well as the laws surround their ownership. The course runs approximately 6.5 hours followed by a written and practical test.

  • The restricted PAL is an add-on (or upgrade) to your gun licence. It adds the ability for you to purchase and possess restricted firearms (such as handguns). The process to obtain the restricted gun licence is similar to the PAL.

    You need to complete the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (also called “CRFSC”). This course will add to your skills, teaching you the differences in handling restricted firearms and the safety precautions surrounding them.

    Some of the areas covered in this course are:

    * evolution of firearms, major parts, types and actions;

    * basic firearms safety practices;

    * ammunition;

    * operating handgun actions;

    * firing techniques and procedures for handguns;

    * care of restricted firearms;

    * responsibilities of the firearms owner/user; and

    * safe storage, display, transportation and handling of restricted firearms

    Once you have completed the course you will complete a written and practical exam, requiring a minimum score to pass.

  • Non-Restricted (NR PAL, CFSC/Canadian Firearms Safety Course): typically gives you access to firearms such as shotguns and most sporting rifles, such as can be used for hunting and target shooting where allowed.

    Restricted (RPAL, CRFSC/Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course): gives you access to firearms such as handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles that have been classed Restricted by former Order-In-Council governmental actions.

    Minor’s Licences do not permit individuals under 18 to possess any Restricted or Prohibited classes.

    An individual must have a Non-Restricted licence if they wish to get a Restricted licence, however they may take the Non-Restricted course and then the Restricted course after that and submit the forms together.

  • No. The RCMP dictates students are responsible for making sure they take the Non-Restricted course prior to the Restricted course. If you are joining both classes please ensure you schedule your Non-Restricted course first.

  • No. These courses must be taken in-person as mandated by The Government of Canada.

  • You can! If our schedule at rangearts.ca/book-now allows feel free to book back to back courses. Please note PAL must be prior to RPAL. Also note weekends are very popular and book up fast - and we don't always run weekend courses because we are mere humans who need our weekends too!

Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP)

  • 1. Complete am Ontario Hunter Education Program Course.

    2. Successfully complete the examination at the end of the Course.

    3. Shortly after your course you’ll receive a Course Receipt by email. Take it to a ServiceOntario to get your Outdoors Card.

    4. Buy the relevant tags/licences for each species you plan to hunt.

  • This course is just 1 day, in-person, with a Certified Instructor. Most of each day is training. At the end you complete a written examination and, if successful, then you will be ready to get your Outdoors Card from a ServiceOntario location.

    Whether you’re looking to experience nature or put meat on the table, the Ontario Hunter Education Program teaches you all the basics of the hunting. Through the course you will learn the basics of:

    • ecosystems and wildlife management

    • hunting laws and regulations

    • hunter responsibilities

    • identification, biology, management and hunting techniques for the different species

    • hunting and survival equipment

    Each module is designed to cover the fundamental concepts, and act as an introduction to hunting. After completing the course, you should have a base understanding of the laws but also the sort of things you need to learn to become a proficient hunter.

  • No, but you cannot hunt with a firearm without one. If you do not have a firearms licence you can only hunt with a bow (with a hunting licence).

  • Once you have successfully completed the course and exam, you will receive proof by email. You can take that email down to your local Service Ontario to get your hunting license, which also doubles as your small game permit. A list of ServiceOntario locations that can provided these services can be found online at www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario-locations-hours-and-contact

  • There is a minimum age to get a hunting license as an apprentice hunter of 12 years old. That doesn’t mean you can't take your kids out if they’re younger, just that they cant buy tags or participate in draws for species tags.

  • If you lose the Course Receipt you can contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre by email at NRISC@ontario.ca or call 1-800-387-7011 (TTY: 1-866-686-6072). Support is available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm (ET).

Booking / Payment

  • Once you enter the booking system you will only see classes with remaining capacity. You can see remaining spots once you click on a date in the calendar. If you're on the "schedule" page elsewhere on the website it shows our entire schedule regardless of spots remaining.

  • Yes. If booking with friends you will need to repeat the booking process for each person and each class. If booking on behalf of others please ensure you enter their contact information and ensure they receive the confirmation emails. Everyone should understands the terms & conditions and COVID-19 safety precautions. If you use your credit card to book for someone else please be aware their actions could affect the deposit you paid or charges to your credit card. If you need help finding space for your group feel free to contact us for help.

  • Yes. We can deliver a private classes. Your group size must be a minimum of 10 in order to reserve a classroom for your group. We are also able to arrange courses off-site at businesses if groups of employees require training and should the facility be adequate. Please contact us for more information.

  • Range Arts accepts major credit and debit cards. We do not accept cash.

  • We charge a 50% deposit for enrolment in our courses. If you are unsure what payments you have made you can ask us when you arrive at a course, or email us by replying to your confirmation or reminder emails.

  • UP TO 5 DAYS BEFORE your booking: You can reschedule by following the "reschedule/cancel" link at the bottom of your booking confirmation email. There is no fee or penalty for rescheduling however cancellation will result in losing your deposit.

    2-5 DAYS BEFORE your booking: You will need to contact us to reschedule fewer than 5 days before your booking and this will result in forfeiting your deposit.

    WITHIN 48 HOURS of your booking: we consider you confirmed at this point and any changes are considered a "No Show". You will forfeit your deposit and your credit card will charge the remainder of the fee for the seat you have booked.

  • Please see www.rangearts.ca/booking-terms-and-conditions

  • We happily make refunds when we have made a mistake or when decisions we make impact the seat you have booked with us. For example, if we have made an erroneous charge to your card we will of course issue a refund as soon as we notice the error or you bring it to our attention.

    We will definitely NOT refund a deposit which has been forfeited under our Booking Terms & Conditions or fees charged for “no-shows”.

    Seating in these courses is extremely limited by regulations outside our control. We put a lot of time and effort into designing and maintaining an online booking system which reminds clients of their bookings. We do our part. If a client doesn't do their part by managing their calendar, or their transportation, or checking the weather, or whatever the case may be, we cannot be responsible for or be impacted by their inaction.

    We will charge the credit card validated at online checkout for the full fees stipulated in our Booking Terms & Conditions every time.

    Otherwise, we like to think we're pretty cool about rescheduling! Just please let us know well in advance if you can't attend your course. We'll even help you find another date.

  • When a refund is approved we issue it within 3 business days. You will receive an email from the payment processor (either Stripe or Helcim) confirming a refund once one has been issued. Refund requests to your bank or card issuer immediately, however it might take up to 10 days for the refund to appear in your account, depending upon the bank. Some refunds — those issued shortly after the original charge — appear in the form of a reversal instead of a refund. Refunds can be sent back only to the original payment method used in a charge. It’s not possible to send a refund to a different destination (e.g., another card or bank account).

  • There are two versions of the RPAL course. If you complete your CRFSC(RPAL) within 30 days of completing your CFSC(PAL) we will apply a $40 discount. To simplify booking we charge the deposit of 50% of the full price course and apply the discount to the balance due when you arrive for your course.

Attending Class

  • 1. **One** piece of federal identification such as your international passport or permanent residency card. An Ontario Driver’s Licence or Ontario Health Card is also acceptable.

    2. If you are taking the Restricted course, you must demonstrate you have already passed the Non-Restricted testing or have your PAL.

    3. Any glasses you require to see precisely or hearing aids you required to hear well.

    4. Any food or non-alcoholic drinks you may require throughout the day.

  • Hungry people don’t learn as well as well fed people, so we have snacks, drinks, an automatic espresso machine, and Keurig coffee machine. Ordering meal delivery to the building is also okay, as well as bringing your own snacks and lunch.

  • No, but it is a good resource to have. You can download a digital copy here.

  • Generally people don't struggle with the tests. It's important to have a good command of the English language, both written and spoken. Generally those who pay attention and take good notes will pass the tests.

  • We are committed to providing you the highest quality instruction so you have the highest chance of passing on your first attempt. "Plan A" is to see you successfully complete the course on the first attempt. If you are not successful we will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis, as all students are unique and have different learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. If simply re-taking the test is recommended there is a cost of $30 + HST and a minimum waiting period of one week. We might make other recommendations as well. If you are unable to attend your Upgrade to RPAL course because you did not successfully complete Obtain My PAL, we will allow you to cancel and rebook accordingly without penalty.

  • Class size is generally limited to 12 people.

  • 1. No outside ammunition/firearms allowed in the course. This is to comply with instruction regulations.

    2. No electronic recording during the course and cell phone use inside the classroom is restricted. You are welcome to use your phones outside of the class.

    3. Only handle Firearms when instructed and in the manner instructed.

    Failing to abide by these rules will result in failure.

    Please note NO live firearms or ammunition are used in any instruction. All training firearms and ammunition are rendered inert.

    We also reserve the right to dismiss any students who do not treat other students, instructors, or our training rooms with respect. Anyone dismissed from the course will not receive a refund or credit.

  • Sadly, our courses currently are taught only in English. Regulations require students complete the courses and testing in either English or French.

  • We will make reasonable accommodations during testing for those who may be physically disabled but who can still safely handle a firearm. Please contact us prior to booking so we may assist you and ensure, for example, you book a date with an accessible classroom.

  • Yes, our training firearms are real firearms, however our strict policy at Range Arts is to ensure all our training firearms are permanently deactivated and can no longer fire ammunition.

  • It’s really bad to be late for these courses. Here’s why: For each course there is a minimum number of hours each participant must complete in order to be eligible to write the test at the end of the day. These minimum hours are set by regulations outside our control, and it’s incredibly important we follow them.

    We plan for clients to be a few minutes late. We understand sometimes being late is truly beyond your control. Unfortunately if you are too late our hands will be tied.

    If you’re too late to reasonably catch up and complete your minimum hours without impacting other participants you will be turned away from the class. This will not entitle you to a refund or credit.

    Please plan a head accordingly.

  • All our confirmation and reminder emails / texts contain a link to directions.

    Here are the measures we take to ensure you can find the classroom:

    1. We send the link to detailed directions in 3 confirmation/reminder emails.

    2. There is a big sign on the building which says Range Arts.

    3. Our door has our logo and says Range Arts.

    Please enter the outer door. If the inner door is closed you will need to use the buzzer to request entry.

Glossary of Terms

  • The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website: www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp Phone: 1-800-731-4000

  • The person in authority in a province or territory responsible for licences, authorizations to transport, authorizations to carry, and other functions related to the administration of the Firearms Act and its Regulations.

  • The Firearms Act, introduced in 1995, replaced the former FAC (firearms acquisition certificate) with a licensing scheme, through PALs (Possession and Acquisition Licence) and POLs (Possession Only Licence, discontinued in 2001).

    The provisions of the Firearms Act works in conjunction with the Criminal Code and sets out the requirements for licensing and the process to be followed for applications, revocations, and appeals.

  • A barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other projectile can be discharged and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person, and includes any frame or receiver of such a barrelled weapon and anything that can be adapted for use as a firearm.

  • A firearm that is neither a prohibited firearm nor a restricted firearm under the Firearms Act.

  • 1. A handgun that is not a prohibited firearm.

    2. A firearm that is not a prohibited firearm, has a barrel less than 470 mm in length, and is capable of discharging centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner.

    3. A firearm that is designed or adapted to be fired when reduced to a length of less than 660 mm by folding, telescoping or otherwise.

    4. A firearm of any other kind that is prescribed to be a restricted firearm.

  • 1. A handgun that has a barrel equal to or less than 105 mm in length, or is designed or adapted to discharge a 25- or 32-calibre cartridge, but does not include any such handgun that is prescribed, where the handgun is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation.

    2. A firearm that is adapted from a rifle or shotgun, whether by sawing, cutting or any other alteration, and that, as so adapted, is less than 660 mm in length, or is 660 mm or greater in length and has a barrel less than 457 mm in length.

    3. An automatic firearm, whether or not it has been altered to discharge only one projectile with one pressure of the trigger.

    4. Any firearm that is prescribed to be a prohibited firearm.

  • An antique firearm refers to any firearm manufactured before 1898 that was not designed or redesigned to discharge rim-fire or centre-fire ammunition, plus any other firearm specifically identified as an antique by Regulations. Owners of antique firearms do not need to have a firearms licence or a registration certificate. There are also no restrictions on the transfer of antique firearms. However, antique firearms owners must comply with the requirements found in the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations.

  • A replica firearm is designed or intended to exactly, or almost exactly, resemble a firearm, but itself is not a firearm. Under Part III of the Criminal Code, a replica firearm is a prohibited device. Owners of replica firearms do not need to have a firearms licence or a registration certificate. However, replica firearms owners must comply with the transportation requirements found in the Storage, Display, Transportation and Handling of Firearms by Individuals Regulations.

  • A cartridge containing a projectile designed to be discharged from a firearm and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a caseless cartridge and a shot shell.

  • Inactive ammunition used for practicing handling of firearms. It has no primers or propellants.

  • Ammunition, or a projectile of any kind, that is prescribed to be prohibited ammunition.

  • 1. Any component or part of a weapon, or any accessory for use with a weapon, that is prescribed to be a prohibited device.

    2. A handgun barrel that is equal to or less than 105 mm in length, but does not include any such handgun barrel that is prescribed, where the handgun barrel is for use in international sporting competitions governed by the rules of the International Shooting Sport Federation

    3. A device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm

    4. A cartridge magazine that is prescribed to be a prohibited device.

    5. A replica firearm.

  • A device that can only be opened or released by the use of an electronic, magnetic, or mechanical key or by setting the device in accordance with an alphabetical or numerical combination; and that, when applied to a firearm, prevents the firearm from being discharged.

  • In respect to a firearm, this means that firearm is out of sight or arms reach. The firearm is not under the direct and immediate supervision of the person who was handling the firearm.

    In respect of a vehicle, means that the vehicle is not under the direct and immediate supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older or to whom a licence has been issued under the Act.

  • In respect of a firearm, means that any propellant, projectile, or cartridge that can be discharged from the firearm is not contained in the breech or firing chamber of the firearm nor in the cartridge magazine attached to or inserted into the firearm.

  • In Canada, technically, the correct spelling is Licences with a C. However our British English is at times influenced by our American friends to the South, and they like to spell it with an S, as in License. Since so many Canadians search the internet for "licenSe", despite perhaps meaning "licenCe", we decided the best way to reach everyone is to include both spellings throughout our website. Please pardon our inconsistency! Blame Google, not us!

  • Picasso wasn’t very safe around firearms… he’s very lucky he never shot anybody.