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RPAL (CRFSC): 50 practice questions

Real test: 50 questions, 60 minutes, pass 40/50 (80%). Answer key on the last page. From canadianlicensetest.com · independent study aid, not an official test.

  1. 1. When holstering a handgun where club rules allow it, what is the main safety concern?

    1. A. The grip panels coming loose
    2. B. The sights picking up dust
    3. C. Something catching the trigger
    4. D. Scratching the holster's finish

  2. 2. Why do ranges usually prohibit shooting at targets placed on the ground in front of the backstop?

    1. A. It makes targets too easy to hit
    2. B. Shots can ricochet off the ground
    3. C. It damages the grass
    4. D. It is too hard to see

  3. 3. Racking the slide of her pistol, where should Zara place her support hand?

    1. A. Over the muzzle, to pull the slide back
    2. B. Wrapped around the trigger guard
    3. C. Flat across the open ejection port
    4. D. On the rear serrations, behind the port

  4. 4. How is a typical single-shot break-open pistol loaded?

    1. A. Open it on its hinge and insert one round
    2. B. Insert a magazine into the grip
    3. C. Load a cylinder through a gate
    4. D. Pour powder down the barrel

  5. 5. Yves's pistol is in a locked safe, but he tells guests at a party the safe code so they can 'look at his collection' while he is outside. What is the risk?

    1. A. None, as long as the safe met the regulations
    2. B. Careless storage under Criminal Code s.86(1)
    3. C. Only a breach of his shooting club's rules
    4. D. Only a delay in renewing his licence

  6. 6. Hal keeps spare 9 mm cartridges rattling in his jacket with his car keys for weeks. What is the concern?

    1. A. It makes the cartridges more accurate
    2. B. It keeps the cartridges warm in winter
    3. C. It stops the cases from corroding
    4. D. Primers or bullets can be damaged or pushed in

  7. 7. You inherit an old rifle with no data stamp showing its calibre. What should you do before firing it?

    1. A. Have a qualified gunsmith examine and identify it
    2. B. Fire one reduced load to test it
    3. C. Try the most common calibre for its age
    4. D. Match it by sliding cartridges into the chamber

  8. 8. Sara wants to lend her restricted pistol to her brother for a club match she will not attend. He holds only a non-restricted PAL. May she lend it?

    1. A. Yes, if she lends him the certificate
    2. B. Yes, if he signs a loan form
    3. C. Yes, any PAL holder may borrow it
    4. D. No, he needs a licence for restricted firearms

  9. 9. Neil's paper-hulled shotshells got wet and have swollen. One is hard to push into the chamber. What should he do?

    1. A. Hammer it in with the heel of his hand
    2. B. Trim the hull with a knife
    3. C. Not force it; set damaged shells aside
    4. D. Dry it by the campfire

  10. 10. Why must you never fire a modern smokeless-powder cartridge in an old firearm designed only for black powder?

    1. A. It will leave no fouling residue
    2. B. Higher pressure can burst the firearm
    3. C. It will be far too quiet to hear
    4. D. Smokeless powder cannot be ignited

  11. 11. Which act is an offence under Firearms Act s.107?

    1. A. Forgetting your licence at home
    2. B. Altering or defacing a licence
    3. C. Letting a licence expire
    4. D. Losing a licence by accident

  12. 12. Ned finds a pistol cartridge whose bullet has been pushed deeper into the case than the others. What should he do?

    1. A. Set it aside and not fire it
    2. B. Fire it first to get rid of it
    3. C. Pull the bullet out with pliers
    4. D. Tap it on the bench to reseat it

  13. 13. At a gun show, a visitor asks to hold a restricted pistol chained to a display table. When may the exhibitor detach it?

    1. A. Whenever the visitor shows a valid driver's licence
    2. B. During handling under the exhibitor's direct supervision
    3. C. Only after the show has closed for the day
    4. D. Never; displayed firearms may not be detached at all

  14. 14. What is the first thing to do before cleaning a firearm?

    1. A. Unload it and PROVE it safe
    2. B. Oil the trigger
    3. C. Remove the sights
    4. D. Apply solvent to the bore

  15. 15. May a shooter fire across the range at another lane's target if nobody is using it?

    1. A. Yes, if the lane is empty
    2. B. No, shoot only at your own target
    3. C. Only with a .22 calibre
    4. D. Yes, with the Range Officer watching

  16. 16. 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

  17. 17. Is it acceptable to point a firearm at something you do not intend to shoot?

    1. A. Yes, if it is a joke
    2. B. Yes, if the safety is on
    3. C. No, never
    4. D. Yes, if it is unloaded

  18. 18. A friend who owns firearms tells you he feels hopeless and 'doesn't see the point anymore'. What is a helpful step?

    1. A. Tell him to lock up his firearms more tightly at home
    2. B. Encourage help now; suggest storing his firearms elsewhere
    3. C. Change the subject to cheer him up
    4. D. Keep it secret to respect his privacy

  19. 19. 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

  20. 20. Which phrase in s.6(b)(ii) sets a purpose-built gun room apart from an ordinary locked room?

    1. A. It is 'approved in writing by the RCMP'
    2. B. It is 'windowless and fire-rated'
    3. C. It is 'inspected yearly by a firearms officer'
    4. D. It is 'specifically constructed or modified'

  21. 21. When a prohibition order takes effect, what happens to the person's licence and registration certificates for the items covered?

    1. A. They are revoked or amended as needed
    2. B. They stay valid until renewal
    3. C. They are sent to the person's club
    4. D. They are converted into ATTs

  22. 22. At the range, Omar packs his pistol in its locked case but has lost the key to his trigger lock. What should he do before driving home?

    1. A. Drive home without a lock, since the case is locked
    2. B. Get a locking device, such as a cable lock, before transporting
    3. C. Keep the pistol in his jacket for the drive
    4. D. Leave the slide forward to make it safer

  23. 23. 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

  24. 24. Before driving to the range, Anh puts her unloaded pistol, trigger-locked, in a locked case. She places loaded magazines in the same case, not inserted. Which statement is correct?

    1. A. The pistol counts as loaded because magazines are nearby
    2. B. The pistol is still unloaded, since no magazine is inserted
    3. C. Magazines may never travel with a restricted firearm
    4. D. The case must be left unlocked so police can inspect it

  25. 25. When loading a flintlock rifle, which step should be done last, just before firing?

    1. A. Priming the flash pan
    2. B. Pouring the measured powder charge
    3. C. Seating the patched ball on the powder
    4. D. Wiping the bore between shots

  26. 26. In general, into which class does a handgun fall if it is not a prohibited firearm?

    1. A. Non-restricted
    2. B. Antique
    3. C. Restricted
    4. D. Replica

  27. 27. When a court makes a prohibition order against a person, what happens to their firearms licence under Criminal Code s.116?

    1. A. It stays valid until it expires
    2. B. It is transferred to a family member
    3. C. It is suspended for 30 days only
    4. D. It is revoked or amended to match the order

  28. 28. Which person fits the trapping ground for an authorization to carry in SOR/98-207?

    1. A. A tourist on a guided trapline tour for a day
    2. B. A professional trapper trained as the province requires
    3. C. A farmer who controls gophers on his own land
    4. D. Any hunter who sets a few snares each winter

  29. 29. Why might two cartridges with the same bullet diameter still not be interchangeable?

    1. A. They come in different box sizes
    2. B. Their case length and shape can differ
    3. C. They are made in different countries
    4. D. Their bullets are different colours

  30. 30. Under the current Firearms Act, who issues an authorization to carry needed to protect life?

    1. A. The provincial chief firearms officer
    2. B. The Registrar of Firearms
    3. C. The local chief of police
    4. D. The Commissioner of Firearms

  31. 31. Under the Criminal Code, what is the class of a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm?

    1. A. Non-restricted
    2. B. Antique
    3. C. Replica
    4. D. Restricted

  32. 32. Which statement about antique-style muzzle-loaders at a modern range is true?

    1. A. They are toys and need no special care
    2. B. They can be loaded while pointed at people
    3. C. They cannot cause injury because they are old
    4. D. Every safety rule for modern firearms still applies

  33. 33. At a hunting camp, a friend hands Luc a rifle with the action open and says it is clear. Luc sees an empty chamber. What should he still do?

    1. A. Nothing more, since the chamber is empty
    2. B. Check the magazine and feed path himself
    3. C. Close the action and dry-fire it
    4. D. Hand it back without looking further

  34. 34. A hunter uses the riflescope instead of binoculars to look over the terrain and identify what is moving. Why is this unsafe?

    1. A. The scope may lose its zero
    2. B. It drains the scope's battery
    3. C. Scopes are illegal for hunting
    4. D. He is pointing the loaded firearm at whatever he looks at, possibly a person

  35. 35. While waiting for a partridge to flush, a hunter rests her finger inside the trigger guard 'to be ready'. What is wrong?

    1. A. She should rest it on the trigger instead
    2. B. Keep it outside the guard until ready to fire
    3. C. Nothing, if she is an experienced hunter
    4. D. Nothing, if the safety is on

  36. 36. Under SOR/98-209 s.15, where may an individual load a firearm?

    1. A. Anywhere on private land
    2. B. Only inside a locked vehicle
    3. C. Only where it may lawfully be discharged
    4. D. Anywhere, if the safety is on

  37. 37. Which of these is safe practice when you are tired after a long day of hunting?

    1. A. Carry it loaded to save time
    2. B. Keep your finger on the trigger for grip
    3. C. Unload and case your firearm
    4. D. Let a tired friend carry two firearms

  38. 38. Wyn's club holds a match at a second approved range in the same province. He has an automatic range ATT. After the match, can he stop at his office to drop off files with the pistol in the trunk?

    1. A. Yes, if he leaves it with the receptionist
    2. B. Only if it stays a reasonably direct route
    3. C. Yes, any stop is fine if the trunk is locked
    4. D. No, he must mail the pistol home

  39. 39. On a double-action revolver, which trigger mode usually gives the lightest, shortest trigger pull?

    1. A. Double action, from an uncocked hammer
    2. B. Both modes have the same pull
    3. C. Single action, after cocking the hammer by thumb
    4. D. Neither; the pull depends only on the cartridge

  40. 40. Why does the CFSC say secure storage may help prevent some suicides and homicides?

    1. A. Locked firearms can't be stolen
    2. B. Stored firearms don't need licences
    3. C. Such acts are often sudden impulses
    4. D. Police check locked firearms

  41. 41. What is a 'bolt carrier' in some semi-automatic rifles?

    1. A. The part that moves the bolt as it cycles
    2. B. A padded case for storing spare bolts
    3. C. An attachment point for the rifle sling
    4. D. A type of box magazine for the rifle

  42. 42. In the PROVE sequence, what is the first step?

    1. A. Point it in the safest available direction
    2. B. Examine the bore for obstructions
    3. C. Observe the chamber for a cartridge
    4. D. Remove all ammunition from it

  43. 43. 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

  44. 44. Under what condition may ammunition be stored together with a non-restricted firearm?

    1. A. Never, under any circumstances
    2. B. When both are in the same unlocked closet
    3. C. When the firearm has a trigger lock
    4. D. When the ammunition is in a container that is kept securely locked

  45. 45. Which cleaning product choice is safest for a handgun?

    1. A. Mixing several solvents for strength
    2. B. Products made for firearms, used as labelled
    3. C. Any strong household acid
    4. D. Gasoline, because it dissolves fouling

  46. 46. Why does s.6 require restricted firearms outside a purpose-built safe to have BOTH a locking device and a locked container?

    1. A. Because trigger locks are unreliable in cold weather
    2. B. So that the firearm can be displayed
    3. C. To make them lighter to carry
    4. D. To add two layers against theft and misuse

  47. 47. Under Firearms Act s.6.1, which of these makes an individual ineligible to hold a licence?

    1. A. Having unpaid parking tickets
    2. B. Having failed the CFSC once before
    3. C. Living with a person who hunts
    4. D. Being subject to a protection order

  48. 48. 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

  49. 49. On a double-action revolver, what does the hammer block or transfer bar do?

    1. A. It rotates the cylinder when the gun is dropped
    2. B. It helps prevent firing unless the trigger is pulled
    3. C. It locks the cylinder closed for storage
    4. D. It adjusts the trigger for single action only

  50. 50. Which is good range courtesy before handling another shooter's firearm?

    1. A. Pick it up while they are away
    2. B. Ask the owner's permission first
    3. C. Check it only if the action is open
    4. D. Handle it if it looks unloaded

Answer key

  1. 1. C — The finger must be off the trigger, and clothing or holster straps must be clear, because anything pressing the trigger during holstering can fire the handgun.
  2. 2. B — Shooting at the ground, especially at shallow angles, can cause ricochets that leave the range. Targets should be at a height where shots hit the backstop (CFSC Handbook, Module 8).
  3. 3. D — The slide is grasped at the rear serrations, with the hand behind the ejection port and well clear of the muzzle, while the pistol stays pointed downrange.
  4. 4. A — A break-open (hinge-action) single-shot pistol opens on a hinge to expose the chamber. One cartridge is inserted, the action is closed, and after firing it is opened again to remove the case.
  5. 5. B — Criminal Code s.86(1) makes it an offence to store a firearm carelessly or without reasonable precautions for others' safety. Giving the code to unsupervised guests defeats the lock and risks misuse.
  6. 6. D — Loose ammunition can be knocked, dented or have its bullet pushed back into the case, which can raise pressure. Carry it in its box or a proper holder.
  7. 7. A — Without a data stamp you cannot be sure which ammunition is safe. A gunsmith can identify the chambering and check that the firearm is safe to use.
  8. 8. D — Firearms Act s.33(a) allows an unsupervised loan only if the lender has reasonable grounds to believe the borrower holds a licence for that kind of firearm, and lends the registration certificate. A non-restricted PAL is not enough.
  9. 9. C — Damaged or swollen shells may not chamber or extract properly and can be unsafe. Never force ammunition into a chamber, and never heat it (CFSC Handbook, Module 5).
  10. 10. B — Smokeless powder generates much higher pressures than black powder. Firearms designed for black powder, especially old ones, may not withstand those pressures and can burst. Use only the ammunition or powder the firearm was designed for.
  11. 11. B — Firearms Act s.107 makes it an offence, without lawful excuse, to alter, deface or falsify a licence, registration certificate or authorization. Losing a licence must be reported (Criminal Code s.105), but losing or forgetting it is not tampering.
  12. 12. A — A bullet set back into the case reduces the space for the powder and can raise pressure dangerously. The cartridge should not be fired and should be disposed of safely.
  13. 13. B — SOR/98-209 s.9(4) states that the attachment requirement does not apply while the firearm is detached so that it may be handled by a person under the direct and immediate supervision of the individual displaying it.
  14. 14. A — Before any cleaning or maintenance, point the firearm in a safe direction, unload it and PROVE it safe. Many accidents happen during cleaning with firearms assumed to be empty.
  15. 15. B — Cross-range shooting is not permitted. Shoot only at your own target straight downrange.
  16. 16. D — 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).
  17. 17. C — Controlling the muzzle (the C of ACTS) means never pointing a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Pointing at a person is also a Criminal Code offence (s.87), loaded or not.
  18. 18. B — Statements of hopelessness can signal suicide risk, and access to firearms raises that risk. Take it seriously: encourage him to get help now (a crisis line or doctor; 9-8-8 in Canada), and suggest temporarily storing firearms away from his home with a trusted licensed person.
  19. 19. D — 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.
  20. 20. D — SOR/98-209 s.6(b)(ii) refers to a vault, safe or room 'specifically constructed or modified for the secure storage of restricted firearms' and kept securely locked. The regulation does not require RCMP approval or a fire rating.
  21. 21. A — Criminal Code s.116 says every authorization, licence and registration certificate relating to anything the person is prohibited from possessing is revoked, or amended, as the case may be, for the period of the order.
  22. 22. B — SOR/98-209 s.11(b) requires a restricted firearm to be rendered inoperable by a secure locking device during transport, in addition to the locked opaque container in s.11(c). Many ranges and shops sell cable locks.
  23. 23. A — Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore, using only light gun oil, then wipe the outside and store the firearm properly.
  24. 24. B — SOR/98-209 s.1 treats a firearm as unloaded if no cartridge is in the breech, chamber or a magazine attached to or inserted into it. Keeping ammunition separate is still wiser; a locked case satisfies s.11.
  25. 25. A — The powder charge and projectile go in first, and the priming (powder in the pan, or a cap on a percussion gun) is added last, only when ready to shoot. Until primed, the firearm cannot readily fire (CFSC Handbook, Module 2).
  26. 26. C — Criminal Code s.84(1), paragraph (a) of the definition of restricted firearm, covers a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm.
  27. 27. D — Criminal Code s.116(1) says every licence, authorization and registration certificate relating to things the person is prohibited from possessing is revoked, or amended, on the commencement of the prohibition order.
  28. 28. B — SOR/98-207 s.3(c) covers an individual engaged in the occupation of trapping in a province who is licensed or authorized and trained as required by the laws of that province.
  29. 29. B — Cartridges are designed for specific chambers. Two cartridges can share a bullet diameter but differ in case length, shape and pressure, so only the exact cartridge marked on the firearm should be used.
  30. 30. D — Firearms Act s.57.1 makes the Commissioner responsible for authorizations to carry under s.20(a) (protection of life), and s.54(2)(a.1) directs those applications to the Commissioner. CFOs issue s.20(b) occupational ATCs (s.57).
  31. 31. D — Criminal Code s.84(1) defines 'restricted firearm' to include a handgun that is not a prohibited firearm.
  32. 32. D — Muzzle-loaders fire real projectiles with enough energy to kill. ACTS, PROVE and all range rules apply just as they do to modern firearms (CFSC Handbook, Modules 2 and 4).
  33. 33. B — An empty chamber is only part of the check. PROVE requires removing all ammunition, observing the chamber, verifying the feeding path and examining the bore (CFSC Handbook, Vital Four ACTS and PROVE).
  34. 34. D — Glassing with a scope means pointing the muzzle at everything you examine, including people. Use binoculars to locate and identify; use the scope only to aim at an identified target.
  35. 35. B — The T of ACTS says the trigger finger stays off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you have decided to fire at an identified, safe target. A startle reaction or a stumble can cause a discharge if the finger is inside the guard.
  36. 36. C — SOR/98-209 s.15 allows an individual to load a firearm, or handle a loaded one, only in a place where it may be discharged under all applicable federal and provincial laws, regulations and municipal by-laws.
  37. 37. C — Fatigue affects judgment and control. Unloading and casing the firearm reduces the risk of a mistake (CFSC Handbook, Module 4).
  38. 38. B — His ATT covers transport to and from approved ranges by a reasonably direct route (SOR/98-206 s.4). A brief stop that keeps the route reasonably direct may be acceptable; a real detour is not. The unattended-vehicle rules also apply.
  39. 39. C — Cocking the hammer by thumb does part of the work in advance, so the single-action pull is short and light. Because of that light pull, the finger must stay off the trigger until ready to fire.
  40. 40. C — Suicides and homicides are often acts of sudden impulse. Many might not happen if firearms and ammunition were stored safely.
  41. 41. A — In some semi-automatics the bolt rides in a carrier that moves back and forth when the firearm cycles. Removing it can make the firearm inoperable (CFSC Handbook, Module 3).
  42. 42. A — PROVE begins with P: point the firearm in the safest available direction. Then Remove all ammunition, Observe the chamber(s), Verify the feeding path, and Examine the bore for obstructions.
  43. 43. C — 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.
  44. 44. D — SOR/98-209 s.5(1)(c): the firearm must not be readily accessible to ammunition unless the ammunition is stored, with or apart from the firearm, in a securely locked container or receptacle that cannot readily be broken into.
  45. 45. B — Firearm-specific solvents and oils used according to their labels clean safely. Household acids, fuel and mixed chemicals can damage the finish, create fumes or catch fire.
  46. 46. D — SOR/98-209 s.6(b)(i) combines a locking device, which stops the firearm from firing, with a locked container that is hard to break into. The two layers protect against theft and unauthorized use.
  47. 47. D — Firearms Act s.6.1 (added by former Bill C-21) makes an individual ineligible if subject to a protection order, convicted of an offence involving violence against an intimate partner or family member, or if a CFO reasonably suspects domestic violence or stalking, subject to s.70.3 and the regulations.
  48. 48. C — 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).
  49. 49. B — A hammer block or transfer bar is an internal safety that keeps the hammer's energy from reaching the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled fully. It reduces the risk of firing if the revolver is dropped, but it is not a reason to relax safe handling.
  50. 50. B — Range courtesy includes asking the owner's or shooter's permission before handling their firearm or equipment.

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