PAL Test Questions and Answers

50 free PAL (CFSC) practice questions with answers

Try each one, then open the answer. For a timed experience use the free mock exam.

1. 1. What do the 'shell stops' (shell latches) in a pump shotgun do?

   1. A. Hold the barrel firmly onto the receiver
   2. B. Stop the fore-end from sliding at all
   3. C. Hold shells in the tube until one is fed
   4. D. Stop the shot pattern from spreading
   Show answer

   C. Hold shells in the tube until one is fed

   Shell stops keep shells in the tube until the action releases one onto the carrier. Pressing them is also one way to unload the magazine (CFSC Handbook, Module 6).

2. 2. When deciding eligibility, which past court order involving an intimate partner must a CFO take into account?

   1. A. A parking ban at a condominium
   2. B. A family court order on child support
   3. C. A firearms ban after violence to a partner
   4. D. A civil judgment for unpaid rent
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   C. A firearms ban after violence to a partner

   Firearms Act s.5(2)(e) directs the CFO to consider whether, in respect of an offence involving violence against an intimate or former intimate partner, the person was previously prohibited by a prohibition order from possessing firearms and other weapons.

3. 3. A cartridge is described as '6.5 mm'. What does the number refer to?

   1. A. The barrel length in inches
   2. B. The case length in centimetres
   3. C. The rough bullet diameter in millimetres
   4. D. The number of cartridges per box
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   C. The rough bullet diameter in millimetres

   Metric calibres give the approximate bullet or bore diameter in millimetres. Case length, capacity and barrel length are other measurements.

4. 4. When firing a shotgun, where should your body weight be?

   1. A. On the back leg
   2. B. On the leading leg
   3. C. Evenly on the heels
   4. D. On the toes of the back foot
   Show answer

   B. On the leading leg

   When firing a shotgun, shift your body weight to the leading leg, with the leading hand on the fore-stock pointing naturally at the target.

5. 5. For a right-handed shooter in the standing position, how is the body placed?

   1. A. About 45° to the right of the target
   2. B. Square to the target
   3. C. Back to the target
   4. D. About 90° to the left of the target
   Show answer

   A. About 45° to the right of the target

   In the standing position, a right-handed shooter turns about 45° to the right of the target with the feet about shoulder-width apart.

6. 6. You are hunting alone and come to a barbed-wire fence. What is the safest way to cross?

   1. A. Unload, slide it under the fence, cross away from the muzzle
   2. B. Climb over holding the loaded rifle
   3. C. Lean the loaded rifle on the fence and climb
   4. D. Cross with the safety on and finger outside the guard
   Show answer

   A. Unload, slide it under the fence, cross away from the muzzle

   Unload the firearm and PROVE it, place it on the far side or slide it under the fence with the muzzle pointed away from where you will cross, cross at a different spot, then pick it up by the stock and check the bore before reloading.

7. 7. You sell your non-restricted rifle to a licensed buyer who lives in another province. What is required?

   1. A. A registration certificate
   2. B. The buyer's licence and a valid reference number
   3. C. Nothing extra; out-of-province sales are unregulated
   4. D. A permit from both provinces
   Show answer

   B. The buyer's licence and a valid reference number

   Firearms Act s.23 applies to any non-restricted transfer in Canada: the buyer must hold a licence to acquire it and you must obtain a valid reference number from the Registrar. Licences are valid throughout Canada (s.63). Shipping must follow SOR/98-209.

8. 8. When may you load one barrel of a double-barrelled percussion shotgun?

   1. A. Only with both hammers cocked
   2. B. Only after the other barrel's cap is off
   3. C. Only after firing both barrels
   4. D. Any time, if the muzzle is up
   Show answer

   B. Only after the other barrel's cap is off

   Do not load one barrel of a double-barrelled muzzleloading shotgun unless the percussion cap on the other barrel's nipple has been removed.

9. 9. Why should you never shoot at flat, hard surfaces or at water?

   1. A. The noise is much louder
   2. B. It damages the barrel's rifling
   3. C. Bullets can ricochet unpredictably
   4. D. It is only a problem with shotguns
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   C. Bullets can ricochet unpredictably

   Projectiles striking water, rock or other flat, hard surfaces can glance off (ricochet) at unpredictable angles and carry dangerous energy a long way. The CFSC teaches choosing targets with a safe backstop that will stop projectiles.

10. 10. What is the 'hammer' on a firearm?

    1. A. The part that strikes the firing pin or primer
    2. B. The sling attachment at the butt
    3. C. The part used to clean the bore
    4. D. The part that holds the magazine
    Show answer

    A. The part that strikes the firing pin or primer

    The hammer is a spring-powered part that, when released by the trigger, strikes the firing pin (or directly the primer in some designs) to fire the cartridge. It may be exposed or internal.

11. 11. On a flintlock, what is the frizzen?

    1. A. The small tube that leads fire to the powder
    2. B. The rod used to push the ball down the barrel
    3. C. The steel face the flint strikes to make sparks
    4. D. The spring that holds the flint in the jaws
    Show answer

    C. The steel face the flint strikes to make sparks

    The frizzen is a hinged piece of steel over the flash pan. When the cock falls, the flint scrapes the frizzen, throwing sparks into the pan and exposing the priming powder (CFSC Handbook, Module 2).

12. 12. Which household situation creates the greatest risk of unauthorized firearm use?

    1. A. A firearm with a trigger lock and ammunition locked away
    2. B. A firearm locked in a safe
    3. C. A firearm with its bolt removed and stored
    4. D. A firearm left out with ammunition nearby
    Show answer

    D. A firearm left out with ammunition nearby

    A firearm left out with ammunition nearby gives anyone, including children or thieves, easy access to a working firearm. The other options meet the storage rules in SOR/98-209 s.5.

13. 13. Where is a firearm's serial number usually found?

    1. A. On the recoil pad
    2. B. On the sling
    3. C. On the front sight only
    4. D. On the receiver or frame
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    D. On the receiver or frame

    Serial numbers are usually stamped on the receiver or frame, the part that houses the action. Many owners record them in case the firearm is lost or stolen (CFSC Handbook, Module 3).

14. 14. At a trap range, when should shells be loaded into the shotgun?

    1. A. While walking between the stations
    2. B. While waiting behind the line
    3. C. Before leaving the car at the club
    4. D. Only at the station, on your turn
    Show answer

    D. Only at the station, on your turn

    On clay ranges, load only at your station when it is your turn, and keep the shotgun open and unloaded between stations (CFSC Handbook, Module 8).

15. 15. Does the Canadian Firearms Safety Course include live-fire shooting?

    1. A. Yes, at least 50 shots are required
    2. B. Yes, but only with a shotgun
    3. C. Only if the student asks
    4. D. No; live firing is not part of the course
    Show answer

    D. No; live firing is not part of the course

    The course is made up of classroom instruction and the handbook, followed by written and practical tests. Live-firing exercises are not offered as part of the course (CFSC Handbook, Introduction).

16. 16. Who is an 'inspector' for the Firearms Act inspection powers?

    1. A. Any range safety officer on duty
    2. B. Any police officer while on patrol
    3. C. Any employee of a licensed gun store
    4. D. A firearms officer or a designated person
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    D. A firearms officer or a designated person

    Firearms Act s.101 defines 'inspector' for ss.102 to 105 as a firearms officer, including, for a province, a member of a class of individuals designated by the provincial minister.

17. 17. What is the maximum prison term, on indictment, for knowingly breaching a condition attached to your firearms licence?

    1. A. Thirty days
    2. B. Two years
    3. C. Ten years
    4. D. Five years
    Show answer

    B. Two years

    Firearms Act s.110 makes it an offence to contravene a licence condition without lawful excuse, and s.111 sets the penalty: up to two years on indictment, or summary conviction.

18. 18. While cleaning, you leave a patch stuck halfway down the bore and forget about it. What is the danger?

    1. A. It will fall out on its own
    2. B. There is no danger
    3. C. It will clean the barrel as you shoot
    4. D. The obstruction could burst the barrel
    Show answer

    D. The obstruction could burst the barrel

    Anything left in the bore, even a cleaning patch, is an obstruction. Firing with it in place can cause a bulge or burst barrel. Always examine the bore after cleaning (the E of PROVE).

19. 19. What is a 'shotgun'?

    1. A. A handgun that fires one bullet at a time
    2. B. A rifle that has a very long barrel
    3. C. A long gun, usually smoothbore, for shot or slugs
    4. D. A firearm made with no stock at all
    Show answer

    C. A long gun, usually smoothbore, for shot or slugs

    A shotgun is a shoulder-fired long gun, usually with a smooth bore, designed to fire shells loaded with many pellets or a single slug (CFSC Handbook, Module 1).

20. 20. At a gun shop, the clerk slides a rifle across the counter with the bolt closed. What should Ines do first?

    1. A. Shoulder it to test the fit
    2. B. Point it safely and open the action to check
    3. C. Close her hand around the trigger
    4. D. Ask the clerk to hold the muzzle
    Show answer

    B. Point it safely and open the action to check

    Under ACTS, assume it is loaded, control the muzzle and keep the finger off the trigger, then see that it is unloaded by opening the action and PROVING it safe (CFSC Handbook, Vital Four ACTS).

21. 21. Owen's sturdy steel gun cabinet holds his unloaded rifles with no trigger locks. He always leaves the key in the cabinet lock. What is the problem?

    1. A. Rifles must be stored lying down
    2. B. The cabinet is not being kept securely locked
    3. C. Steel cabinets are not a storage option
    4. D. Each rifle also needs its bolt removed
    Show answer

    B. The cabinet is not being kept securely locked

    Section 5(1)(b)(iii) allows storage in a container or room that is kept securely locked and hard to break into. A key left in the lock means the cabinet is not kept securely locked, so Owen must remove the key or use trigger locks.

22. 22. Kay's semi-automatic .22 rifle has a tube magazine under the barrel. How is it unloaded?

    1. A. Remove the barrel from the receiver first
    2. B. Cycle the bolt once and call it empty
    3. C. Shake the rifle hard with the muzzle down
    4. D. Pull the inner tube, empty it, clear the chamber
    Show answer

    D. Pull the inner tube, empty it, clear the chamber

    Pull out the inner magazine tube and let the cartridges slide out, then open the action and check the chamber and feed path (CFSC Handbook, Module 6).

23. 23. Which is an offence under Criminal Code s.107?

    1. A. Forgetting to lock a gun cabinet at home
    2. B. Losing your firearms licence card
    3. C. Knowingly falsely reporting a firearm stolen
    4. D. Buying ammunition for a licensed friend
    Show answer

    C. Knowingly falsely reporting a firearm stolen

    Criminal Code s.107(1) makes it an offence to knowingly make a false report or statement to a peace officer, firearms officer or CFO about the loss, theft or destruction of a firearm, licence or registration certificate.

24. 24. True or false: when leaving a non-restricted rifle in the locked trunk of an unattended car, the law does not also require a trigger lock on the rifle.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False
    Show answer

    A. True

    SOR/98-209 s.10(2)(a) requires only that the unloaded firearm be in the securely locked trunk. A secure locking device becomes mandatory for unattended non-restricted transport only under the remote-wilderness rule in s.10(3). Adding a lock is still a sensible extra precaution.

25. 25. Shooting standing, your sights wander too much to shoot accurately. A large rock is next to you. What should you do?

    1. A. Fire quickly while the sights pass the target
    2. B. Hold your breath until they steady
    3. C. Rest the rifle on the rock with padding
    4. D. Grip the rifle as tightly as you can
    Show answer

    C. Rest the rifle on the rock with padding

    If there is too much movement, do not shoot. Rest the rifle on a stable object such as a tree or rock, with padding beneath it; a sling also helps.

26. 26. Hunting at dusk, Joe hears branches snap and sees something brown move in the brush. What should he do?

    1. A. Fire toward the sound, since it must be game
    2. B. Not shoot until he clearly identifies the target
    3. C. Fire a warning shot into the air
    4. D. Shoot low to be safe
    Show answer

    B. Not shoot until he clearly identifies the target

    Never shoot at sound, movement or colour. You must positively identify your target and know what lies beyond it before firing (CFSC Handbook, Module 4).

27. 27. Carrying a firearm or ammunition for a purpose dangerous to the public peace is an offence under which section?

    1. A. Criminal Code s.105
    2. B. Criminal Code s.108
    3. C. Firearms Act s.64
    4. D. Criminal Code s.88
    Show answer

    D. Criminal Code s.88

    Criminal Code s.88(1) makes it an offence to carry or possess a weapon, an imitation of a weapon, a prohibited device or any ammunition for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence.

28. 28. In a hunting party walking side by side, what is each hunter's 'zone of fire'?

    1. A. The area ahead where they may safely shoot
    2. B. The whole area behind the group
    3. C. Anywhere that game happens to appear
    4. D. The whole area around the group
    Show answer

    A. The area ahead where they may safely shoot

    Each hunter has an agreed zone of fire, usually straight ahead within a limited arc, where they may safely shoot. Never swing across a partner's zone or shoot toward other hunters.

29. 29. What is the difference between a fixed and a detachable magazine?

    1. A. A fixed one holds only shotgun shells
    2. B. A detachable one never needs a spring
    3. C. A fixed one is always tubular
    4. D. A detachable one can be removed from the firearm
    Show answer

    D. A detachable one can be removed from the firearm

    A detachable magazine can be taken out to load or unload; a fixed (internal) magazine stays in the firearm and is loaded and unloaded through the action or a floorplate (CFSC Handbook, Module 3).

30. 30. You store your bolt-action rifle with its bolt removed. What else does the law require for this storage to be legal?

    1. A. The bolt is kept in a different province
    2. B. It is unloaded, away from accessible ammunition
    3. C. It also has a trigger lock through the action
    4. D. It is also inside a locked safe or vault
    Show answer

    B. It is unloaded, away from accessible ammunition

    Removing the bolt satisfies SOR/98-209 s.5(1)(b)(ii) only. Paragraphs 5(1)(a) and (c) still require the rifle to be unloaded and not readily accessible to ammunition unless the ammunition is securely locked up.

31. 31. A shotgun has been altered so that it is 700 mm long overall, but its barrel is now 430 mm. What is its class?

    1. A. Prohibited
    2. B. Restricted
    3. C. Antique
    4. D. Non-restricted
    Show answer

    A. Prohibited

    Criminal Code s.84(1), 'prohibited firearm' (b)(ii), covers a firearm adapted from a rifle or shotgun that is 660 mm or longer but has a barrel less than 457 mm. At 430 mm, the altered barrel is under that limit.

32. 32. Which two items of personal protective equipment should be worn before entering an active shooting range?

    1. A. Eye protection and hearing protection
    2. B. Gloves and a vest
    3. C. A helmet and knee pads
    4. D. Boots and a hat
    Show answer

    A. Eye protection and hearing protection

    Shooting glasses guard against fragments, powder and ricochets, and hearing protection prevents permanent hearing loss.

33. 33. Which statement about a PAL and a provincial hunting licence is correct?

    1. A. A hunting licence replaces the PAL
    2. B. A PAL includes hunting privileges everywhere
    3. C. They are separate; hunting usually needs both
    4. D. Neither is needed on private land
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    C. They are separate; hunting usually needs both

    The PAL is a federal firearms licence issued under the Firearms Act; hunting licences are issued by the provinces under their wildlife laws. To hunt with a firearm, you generally need both, plus any provincial hunter education.

34. 34. While cleaning your shotgun, a child wanders into the room. What should you do?

    1. A. Hand the shotgun to the child to look at
    2. B. Stop, secure the firearm and supplies, supervise the child
    3. C. Let the child hold the cleaning rod through the barrel
    4. D. Keep cleaning; it is unloaded
    Show answer

    B. Stop, secure the firearm and supplies, supervise the child

    Children must not have access to firearms, solvents or cleaning tools. Stop, secure the firearm and supplies, and deal with the child before continuing.

35. 35. Once the bore is clean, what is the next step before storage?

    1. A. Run a lightly oiled patch
    2. B. Pack the bore with grease
    3. C. Leave the bore bone dry
    4. D. Plug the muzzle with a cork
    Show answer

    A. Run a lightly oiled patch

    Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore, using only light gun oil, then wipe the outside and store the firearm properly.

36. 36. What is 'headspace' in a firearm, in general terms?

    1. A. The distance from the eye to the scope
    2. B. The space above the scope
    3. C. How the cartridge fits the closed chamber
    4. D. The room between two shooters
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    C. How the cartridge fits the closed chamber

    Headspace refers to how the cartridge fits in the chamber against the closed bolt or breech face. Incorrect headspace can cause case failures and dangerous gas leaks; checking it is a gunsmith's job.

37. 37. When mounting a shotgun, what is the recommended order?

    1. A. Stock to the shoulder first, then the cheek
    2. B. Stock to the cheek first, then the shoulder
    3. C. Stock to the chest, then the cheek
    4. D. Stock under the arm, then the cheek
    Show answer

    B. Stock to the cheek first, then the shoulder

    Bring the stock to the cheek first, then to the shoulder. This places the shotgun in the same position every time you shoot.

38. 38. What is 'dry firing', and what precaution does it require?

    1. A. Firing without any hearing protection
    2. B. Trigger practice without ammunition, after PROVING it
    3. C. Firing blank cartridges at a range
    4. D. Shooting only in dry weather conditions
    Show answer

    B. Trigger practice without ammunition, after PROVING it

    Dry firing is practising the trigger squeeze and sight picture with an unloaded firearm. Before starting, PROVE the firearm unloaded, keep all ammunition out of the room and point at a safe backstop. Some firearms, such as many rimfires, can be damaged by dry firing without a snap cap.

39. 39. You bring a semi-automatic rifle to a crowded range. Where should you choose to shoot?

    1. A. Next to the busiest bench
    2. B. At the far end facing the line
    3. C. Where you can fire over others
    4. D. Where ejected casings won't disturb others
    Show answer

    D. Where ejected casings won't disturb others

    Range courtesy asks shooters firing semi-automatic firearms to take a firing point where ejected casings will not disturb other people.

40. 40. Why should you always unload a firearm before transporting it?

    1. A. A bump in transit could make it fire
    2. B. It makes the firearm lighter
    3. C. It keeps the bore cleaner
    4. D. It prevents rust in the magazine
    Show answer

    A. A bump in transit could make it fire

    Unloading before transport prevents an unintentional discharge if the firearm is bumped and reduces the chance of an unqualified person firing it.

41. 41. Which ammunition is more likely to hang fire?

    1. A. New rounds from a sealed box
    2. B. Inert dummy practice rounds
    3. C. Plastic snap caps
    4. D. Old, damp or oily ammunition
    Show answer

    D. Old, damp or oily ammunition

    Degraded primers or powder, often from age, moisture or oil, are a common cause of slow ignition (CFSC Handbook, Module 5).

42. 42. Under the Firearms Act, a minor's licence can be issued to a person of what age?

    1. A. 12 to 17 years old
    2. B. 10 to 17 years old
    3. C. 14 to 19 years old
    4. D. 16 to 18 years old
    Show answer

    A. 12 to 17 years old

    Firearms Act s.8(3) makes an individual who is 12 or older but under 18 eligible for a licence to possess a firearm for target practice, hunting, instruction or organized competition, under conditions set by the chief firearms officer.

43. 43. While unloading a pump shotgun, you have worked out all the shells you can see. What confirms it is empty?

    1. A. Look and feel in chamber, lifter and tube
    2. B. The safety catch is on
    3. C. Hearing no more shells drop out
    4. D. The gun feels lighter in weight
    Show answer

    A. Look and feel in chamber, lifter and tube

    Shells can stick in the magazine tube or rest on the lifter. With the action open, look and feel the chamber, lifter and tube (the O and V of PROVE), then examine the bore.

44. 44. On a range, when may your finger enter the trigger guard?

    1. A. When you pick up the firearm
    2. B. While you walk to the line
    3. C. Whenever the action is open
    4. D. When aimed downrange to fire
    Show answer

    D. When aimed downrange to fire

    Range rules keep fingers out of the trigger guard and off the trigger until the firearm is pointed downrange and you are ready to shoot.

45. 45. What does it mean when a firearm's safety is "on"?

    1. A. The action is locked open
    2. B. The firearm is unloaded
    3. C. The firearm cannot fire under any circumstance
    4. D. The safety mechanism is engaged to block firing, but it may still fail
    Show answer

    D. The safety mechanism is engaged to block firing, but it may still fail

    "Safety on" means the mechanism is set to block the firing sequence. Safeties can fail, so never rely on one - follow ACTS at all times.

46. 46. Why do some hunters choose lead-free bullets made of solid copper?

    1. A. They leave no lead fragments in game
    2. B. They are much cheaper than lead ones
    3. C. They cannot ricochet off any surface
    4. D. They make no noise when fired
    Show answer

    A. They leave no lead fragments in game

    Solid copper bullets expand without leaving lead fragments in meat. They still carry the same safety hazards as any bullet (CFSC Handbook, Module 5).

47. 47. Leah holds a PAL. Her new partner, who lives with her, is under a court order banning him from possessing firearms. What can a peace officer ask a judge to do?

    1. A. Nothing at all, since Leah is under no order
    2. B. Charge Leah with an offence under s.117.01
    3. C. Revoke Leah's PAL for the rest of her life
    4. D. Set conditions on Leah's own firearm use
    Show answer

    D. Set conditions on Leah's own firearm use

    Criminal Code s.117.011 lets a peace officer, firearms officer or CFO apply for an order imposing terms and conditions on a person's use and possession of firearms if they cohabit with, or are an associate of, someone under a prohibition order who might gain access.

48. 48. True or false: a bolt-action rifle must be manually cycled by the shooter to chamber each new cartridge.

    1. A. True
    2. B. False
    Show answer

    A. True

    A bolt action is a manually operated repeater: the shooter lifts and draws back the bolt to extract and eject, then pushes it forward and down to chamber the next cartridge.

49. 49. How do you open a typical bolt action?

    1. A. Slide the fore-end to the rear
    2. B. Lift the bolt handle and pull it to the rear
    3. C. Push the top lever to the side
    4. D. Swing the lever down and forward
    Show answer

    B. Lift the bolt handle and pull it to the rear

    On a typical bolt action, you lift the bolt handle to unlock it and draw the bolt rearward, which extracts and ejects any cartridge in the chamber. Pushing it forward and down chambers a round and locks the action.

50. 50. Why should you leave enough space between yourself and other shooters?

    1. A. To keep your score private
    2. B. To avoid sharing a bench fee
    3. C. For safety
    4. D. To see the targets better
    Show answer

    C. For safety

    Range courtesy asks shooters to leave enough space between themselves and others to ensure safety.

Frequently asked questions