Alberta Firearm Safety Training PAL - AFASTPAL

Hi there, I am Jim Stoetzel, your PAL instructor for the firearms safety courses.

If  you are looking at my page you most likely are interested in  learning more about getting your firearms licence.

 

Their are many options and facilities out there to help you achieve this goal. Not all are the same.

Things to consider when looking to take this course:

What is the experience of the person teaching this course?

I have been involved with many aspect of firearms since I was 12 years old. I have been involved with a wide variety of shooting sports throughout my life.

What makes my course different from all the other ones out there?

Well many places want to fill every empty seat and have the maximum number of students in each class. There must be one instructor for each 12 students.

So 12 students multiplied by the course fee can be a good amout of money. 

I try to keep my classes between 4 and 6 people. Yes it means not making the same money larger classes do because it isn't about the money its about making smaller groups successful and smaller groups make for smaller wait times. and better individual instruction.

 

What does a typical day look like for this course? 

The presentation of the Canadian Firearms Safety Training Course will be reviewed and goes through:

- The Intruduction to and history of  firearms

- A C T S and P R O V E to safely handle firearms

- Muzzle Loading FIrearms

- Major Firearms Parts - What they are?

- Ammunition - Rimfire, Centerfire and Shotgun cartridges

- Operation the different Firearms actions - Bolt Action, Semi Automatic Action, Break or hinge action, Lever Action, Pump Action and Muzzle loaders

- Safe Handling and carrying of Non Restricted Firearms

 

What are the benefits of taking our class over others?

Most places want to have the maximum number of students in each class to maximize their profits?

This means you will have to compete with 11 other people to handle 6 different firearms approximately 4 times at least  to be come proficient. Then each person must handle 1 firearm at a time which can be time consuming.

 

Our class room has 3 complete sets of 6 firearms to instruct up to 3 individuals at a time which can reduce handling time required by 66%.

Then after handling all 6 firerams and learning their individual functioning required to pick up, verify safe then learn how to safely Load  each firarm and prepare to fire it.

Then we must learn how to take out loaded firearm and make it completely safe and unloaded and prepare it for legally transport or how to safely store it and its ammunition at home.

 

We go through all aspects for each firearm as well as all types of ammunition being Rimfire, Centerfire and shells.

 

WRITTEN TEST TIME

Once we have handled all we will go through a quick review presentation right before we write the written test that consists of 50 true and false and multiple choice questions. You must achieve 40 or of 50 to pass this portion.

 

Now we will go and handle the firearms 3 to 4 more times to reinforce all of the handling you have learned so far.

 

PRACTICAL HAND ON TEST

When we are ready to perform the practical test we must examine each person seperately one at a time.

 

HOW LONG IS COURSE AND WHY DOES IT DEPEND ON NUMBER OF STUDENTS?

This is where you will see the benefit of small classes, as this test is 20 to 30 minutes per person. That means a group of 12 people receiving their final exam is 12 x minimum 20 minutes = 4 hours to a maximum of 30 minutes = 6 hours of testing. 

These is no way around this as it is mandatory testing time. Ask yourself this... do you want to be the last person to be tested and wait that long. Do you think paying a similar price to many others in the area but to be a much smaller class with more firearms and less waiting time is a major benefit to your being successful???

 

When will I get my PAL ( Possession and Aquisition License) 

This course is the pre-requisite for being able to apply for your license. After I give you paperwork for a successful course you can fill out the application, attach a current passport style photo of yourself (No older than 90 days). Once completed you mail them in to the Canadian Firearms Center. This process can take up to 8 to 10 months.

 

A simplier and better way to apply is to fill out the application provided to you and then sign in to the RCMP website. You will setup a password for this site or you can sign in through what is referred to a SIgn-IN Partner being the Bank you deal with by clicking on the specific bank LOGO and entering your bank card number and password. It will then send you a confirmation to your confirmed email address on file with your bank.

 

Once you are in the site you can now find the application for a Non-Restricted Possession and Aquisition License. Once completed you will need to upload a copy of your final paperwork given to you by the instructor and also you must upload a digital Passprt Photo.

 

Once you submit the application you will receive a Reference Number. This reference number can be given if you are requesting updates to the processing of your License application. Submitting this way can help receive your License in 8 to 10 weeks. if you mail this in it could take up to 8 to 10 MONTHS.

 

If you have any questions at all feel free to text or call me at 780-499-1017