Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ AND COMMON DEFINITIONS

We at CFI are always available to answer your questions regarding the process of obtaining your firearms certification.

1 – Nomenclature – 101

Action – contains all the moving parts of the firearm that chamber, fire, extract, and eject fired and unfired cartridges and shells. The five actions are a) bolt, b) hinge/break, c) lever, d)semi-automatic, d) pump
The “breech” is the rearmost part of the barrel.
Action Release – allows us to open the action to load, or unload cartridges or shells
Barrel – The metal tube of a firearm. The bullet, the shot or projectile accelerates down the barrel when the firearm is fired
Muzzle- The opening at the end of the barrel from which the bullet or shot emerges
CFSC Canadian Firearms Safety Course – possession and acquisition rifles and shotguns
CRFSC Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course – possession and acquisition of handguns and short barrel centre fire shotguns and rifles
Chamber – The portion at the breech end of the barrel. The cartridge is placed in the chamber ready for firing. The chamber is cut to the specifications and dimensions of the ammunition the firearm is designed to use. Also the term “Chamber a round” means to place cartridge in the barrel’s chamber.
Cartridge- A complete unit of ammunition consisting of a case, primer, powder and a projectile. Modern cartridges are generally classified into two types: centre-fire and rim-fire.
Lands and Groves – a spiral cut pattern inside the barrel that allows the projectile to spin and travel out of the barrel in a more linear trajectory
Shotgun Shell- A complete unit of ammunition consisting of a hull, primer, powder, wad and projectile(s) for use in shotguns (shot shell) ammunition for a “shotgun”
Shot-It contains multiple shot pellets or a single projectile called a slug
Stock -the part of the rifle or shotgun used to grip or hold the firearm
Ball – a lead projectile fired by black powder firearms usually muzzle loaded with a wad that allows the ball to nest on a bed of black powder and seal the barrel
Barrell – The metal tube of the firearm the bullet, ball, projectile accelerates down
Black Powder – a finely ground powder used in muzzle – potassium nitrate, sulphur and carbon (dry powder mixture, ignites easily/high energy, developed as explosive led to cannon
Breech Loader – a firearm loaded through the breech
Conical Bullet– a cylindrical shaped bullet with a cone shaped tip
Case, casing container of cartridge usually made of brass
Cock – set action into position for firing
Firing Pin – the part of the breech mechanism that strikes the primer
Muzzle Loader – a firearm loaded through the muzzle
Misfire– The failure of a cartridge to fire after the firing pin has struck the primer. Do not confuse with hang fire, which is a delay in firing.
Percussion Cap – a small metal explosive filled cap
Magazine Tube – are tubes that carry ammunition and are normally located underneath the barrel
Box Type Magazines – a box type magazine loaded with cartridges or shells and loaded manually into the firearm.
Data Stamp Information stamped on the barrel, slide, or frame that indicates what cartridges or shells the firearm is designed to use.
Head Stamp – Information on the base of the cartridge indicating calibre and manufacturer.
The muzzle contains the data stamp. This stamp tells you what ammunition you can use in the firearm *If your gun does not have a data stamp, take it to a qualified person/gunsmith to have the barrel properly identified*
Safeties – block some part of the action to prevent firing. Some firearms do not have safeties. The safety should be on whenever a firearm is loaded. Some safeties act as decocking levers. A safety should always be employed by never relied upon or trusted.
Decocking Lever – is a safety mechanism that drops the hammer without striking the firing pin. It may also disengage the trigger,
Rimfire the primer compound is located in the rim. No data is located on the rimfire cartridge it must be carefully measured against the box the ammo came from. Not reloadable not reusable.
Centre fire cartridge, the primer is located in the centre of the bottom or headstamp – small round insert (cylinder shaped) is called the primer. The headstamp on the centre fire cartridge tells you the calibre of the cartridge and the manufacturer. Centre fire spent cartridges containing brass is reusable and reloadable.
Shotgun shells have 5 components: 1) primer, 2) hull (plastic husk) 3)powder, 4)wad delivery system for the pellets, 5) the shot pellets or slug.
Choke – narrowing at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel that determines the shot pattern
The most common shotgun shot material is lead. Other materials used may be steel, bismuth, tungsten or iron. Why are we moving away from lead. Lead when swallowed can affect your health. Lead shot sometimes not removed from game if ingested can cause negative health effects.
What is the most common case material? BRASS
Direct control having the firearm within arms reach and or within eyesight. A firearm should be proved safe when it leaves your direct control.
Vital 4 ACTS, Assume every firearm is loaded (if chamber is closed it is potentially loaded & 2^nd most important). Control the muzzle direction at all times (1^st most important). Trigger, keep your finger out of the trigger guard and off the trigger. See that the firearm is unloaded and prove it safe.
PROVE, Point the firearm is the safest available direction, Remove all ammunition and the action must be opened (you have to open the action to unload the firearm). Observe the chamber, Verify feed path, Examine the bore.
Receiver. Firearm’s metal frame that generally contains the breech, locking and loading mechanisms. Normally the serial number is on the receiver. Also called the frame. A static and non-moving part of the firearm
Bolt a steel rod-like assembly that moves back and forth in an action, sealing the cartridge in the chamber during firing.
Feeding Path. The path the cartridge follows within the action
Grain a unit of weight used to measure the weight of the bullet (projectile) equivalent to one “grain of wheat”. (7000 Grains equal to one pound). Bullets come in different weights measured in grains.
Ricochet a redirection of a projectile during impact. Usually with a hard surface, like a rock.
Semi- automatic an action which fires, extracts, ejects, chambers and cocks with each separate pull of the trigger. Bolded terms are what actions are done automatically.
Trajectory the path a projectile takes during flight – trajectory is impacted by gravity, velocity, mass and air resistance
Trigger – The part of the firearm mechanism that releases the part of the action that fires the cartridge
Trigger Guard -The metal loop around the trigger made to protect it and prevent accidental touching of the trigger
Tigger Finger the finger used to pull the trigger, this is usually the index finger of the strong hand.
Firing Pin part of breech mechanism that strikes the primer of the cartridge
Ballistics – the study of a projectile in flight and what affects them. This means the barrel, in flight, and within the target, including trajectory, force impact and penetration.
Calibre – a measurement in metric or imperial units to describe the inside diameter of the barrel of a rifled firearm. Caliber is also used to describe the diameter of a projectile in a cartridge
Centre-fire cartridge- a cartridge with its primer located in the centre of the base of the case
Rim fire cartridge – a cartridge that has its primer located inside the rim of the case
Choke tubes – a tube screwed into the barrel that narrows the muzzle
Dangerous range – the maximum distance at which a projectile will travel
Effective range – the maximum distance for a shooter at which he/she can confidently hit the target. Also referred to the useful range of the projectiles.
Forcing Cone – a cone that joins the chamber to the bore. It assists the passage of the projectile into the bore. Also called a throat.
Full Metal Jacket bullet – a bullet with a jacket, usually of harder metal, encasing the core-core usually lead. a lead bullet wearing a copper jacket.
Gauge – the measurement of the diameter of the shotgun bore
Magnum – a cartridge or shell with a larger capacity or with a higher velocity than average – more pressure and more power
Primer pop or Squib – the sound of only the primer discharging due to no, or grossly inadequate charge of powder in the cartridge. (in-proper reloading, powder becomes wet or inert). This will push the projectile into the barrel and most often cause it to lodge itself in the barrel and obstruct the barrel. It is only dangerous if undetected.
Rifling – spiral groves inside the barrel. Rifling causes the bullet to spin, increasing its accuracy and range. The depressed portions of the rifling are called groves and the raised portions are called lands.
Rifled Slug – a large single projectile with spiral groves used inside shotguns.
Rimfire – small cartridge with primer located on the rim-base. The entire rim is coated in priming agent.
Rim- the edge base of a cartridge case. The rim is the part of the base that the extractor grips to remove the cartridge from the cylinder.
Round-nose bullet-bullet with a round nose
Slug – a large projectile in a shotgun shell
Trajectory – the path a projectile takes in flight. Affected by GRAVITY, AIR RESISTANCE, VELOCITY & MASS
Cartridge box type magazine – a device or container from which ammunition may be fed into firing chamber of a firearm
Chamber a cartridge or shell to place cartridge in the barrel’s chamber effectively load the barrel
Cross bolt/button safety/tang safety/wings safety a device that blocks the firing mechanism of a firearm
Half cock a safety feature on some firearm. When the hammer is pulled back half-way, it cannot be fired by squeezing the trigger.
Magazine follower the part of the magazine between the spring and the ammunition. You must be able to see or feel the follower to know the magazine is empty. See also magazine follower.
Double action an action that cocks and fires with a complete pull of the trigger
Ejector The mechanism that expels the cartridge or case from the firearm
Extractor mechanism that removes the cartridge or case from the chamber.
Lifter – raises shell or cartridge into position for loading into the chamber
Loading gate – the hinged cover over the opening through which cartridges are inserted into the magazine or chamber
Loading port- The opening through which cartridges are inserted into the magazine or chamber
Magazine release – a button or switch that allows for the removal of a magazine from the firearm
Selector lever a lever that places firearm on safe or in a condition to fire
Single action- an action that releases the hammer from a cocked position when the trigger is pulled. Usually found on handguns.
Backstop – outside is a manmade earth embankment /fabricated backstops using steel, concrete, or wooden cribs.
Cease Fire – As a verb – The command to 1) stop shooting, 2)unload firearms, and 3)step behind the cease-fire line. As a noun, Time or period of range inactivity while targets are changed or other activities are conducted.
Cradle Carry – Safe carry when shooting alone. However, in this carry, the muzzle points to one side. The other person has to walk on the opposite side of the muzzle.
Down Range – The direction from the shooting position towards the target on a range.
Elbow Carry – Is safe when walking in open terrain. Not in bush as branches can get tangled around the firearm and the barrel points towards you. Do not use this carry when others are in front of you.
Firing Line – a line of positions from which gunfire is directed at targets.
Safe Zones of Fire – an agreed area each shooter will cover, in order to prevent a shot fired in the wrong direction by a group member that might hit another person. You should always know exactly where your shooting partners are.
Shoulder Carry – The shoulder carry is the least safe of all carries. In a fall there is poor muzzle control. It must not be used for loaded firearms. Special care must be taken to keep the muzzle pointed upward. Do not use this carry when others are with you.
Sling Carry – The sling carry leaves both of the hunters hands free. However, do not use this carry when walking in dense bush. You firearm may get caught in brush and be pulled off your shoulder. Also twigs and other debris may fall into the upright barrel. If the hunter bends sharply forward, this carry is dangerous to those in front.
Trail Carry – The trail is best used when you are alone or standing still. Otherwise it is not recommended.
Two Hand Ready Carry – safest carry for shooters, It gives you the best control for your firearm and muzzle and also allows you to get into shooting position quickly
Vehicle – Any conveyance that is used for transportation by water, land, or air.
Open Sights – you must align front post in center of rear sight maintain equal height & equal light
Bead sight – found on shotguns just for aligning the barrel do not focus on bead focus on the target
Peep or Aperture sights – align front post in center of peep hole in rear sight. Different size holes for peep, smaller holes – better accuracy but limited vision down range
Telescopic sights – precision instruments that magnify target, magnify ambient light, focus cross hairs on where you want bullet to hit, must be handled with care jarring could damage them
RED DOT sights– Gives user a point of aim in the form of an illuminated red dot.
Sling or Sling Carry a leather band used to carry a long gun over your shoulder.
Silencer muffles the sound of a firearm. This is a prohibited device.
incendiary or explosive ammunition is prohibited meaning you may not lawfully possess them. Ammunition that is designed to pierce armour is also prohibited.
Flechette Rounds a shot shell loaded with small ceramic darts and is prohibited ammunition.
Prohibition Order an order from the courts preventing a person from possessing a firearm for a period of time or for life.
Secure locking device – includes a trigger lock or a cable lock, a security mechanism designed to delay access to a firearm and is a legal requirement
Handling legal requirement of firearms, at no time must the firearm be loaded with ammunition, or pointed at any person whether intentional or unintentional, whether loaded or unloaded
The only way to prevent injury and loss of life is to safely and secure firearms or safe secure storage.
ATT Authorization to Transport a condition that permits the transportation of firearms
Marksmanship one’s ability to hit the target through the exercise of skills, such as Grip, Stance, Trigger, Breathing, Follow Through and Stance.
Weaver Stance a shooting stance with one foot is in front of the other and shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent. Isosceles Stance a stance where feet are shoulder width apart and slightly bent.
Cease Fire a call to stop shooting immediately. Anyone can call a cease fire. A cease fire is called when someone is at risk of being hurt. When called, stop shooting, unload, prove safe, and step back 3 to 5 feet from the firing line and wait for further direction from the Range officer.
Safe Zones of Fire an informal firing line established by a group of hunters while outdoors to ensure who shoots, where and a clear zone that should not be crossed nor swept with the muzzle.
Powder Horn a container for gunpowder, and was generally created from cow, ox or buffalo horn. safe method to carry Black Powder.
Volumetric Measure accurate instrument used to measure the volume of black powder and used to load black powder into the muzzle.
Smokeless Powder gun powder used in modern ammunition. Smokeless Powder burns and releases pressure that drives the projectile through the muzzle.
3 parts of every firearm…stock, action and barrel.
Sight Picture when the rear sight and the front sight are aligned with a target. Sight Alignment when the rear sight and front sight are aligned.
Gauge standard use to determine the bore of a shotgun. shotgun gauge is calculated by the number of lead balls, with the same diameter as the shotgun bore, which collectively, weigh 1 pound.
Internal Safety – a safety mechanism built into the normal operation of the firearm, for example, the grip safety on a 1911. Manual safety is manually manipulated to turn on or off.
Magazine Well a reservoir in the grip of a pistol where the magazine is inserted.
Charging Handle a handle used to draw open a firearm’s action and when released chambers a cartridge by slamming the action shut.
PAL Possession and Acquisition License or Firearms License.
Extractor Rod a depress rod which when engaged assists in unloading the cylinder of a revolver.
Range Officer – responsible for supervising active shooting on a firing range and is responsible for all activity on, ahead and behind the firing line.
Master Eye the eye your brain prefers and will acquire a target and sharpen your field of view best and fastest, as it is the preferred eye
Strong hand the dominate hand or preferred hand. Support hand is the less dominant hand.
Two handed grip – thumbs facing the muzzle and along the slide (semi-automatic firearm), thumbs crossed (double action revolver), the thumb of the support hand is resting behind hammer (single action revolver).
Boarding House Lift a crane like method to pick up a firearm – safest method to ensure fingers do not enter the trigger guard.
RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Firearms Program In accordance with the Firearms Act, the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) oversees firearms licences and registration, maintains national firearm safety training standards, assists law enforcement agencies and aims to enhance public safety. Firearms in Canada continue to be regulated by the Firearms Act and Part III of the Criminal Code.
Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance Very important to abate corrosion, and keep the firearm working well.
Section 29 – Approved Firing Range, – Shooting Range

RPAL – Restricted Possession and Acquisition License

Courses at CFI are delivered by experienced shooters with extensive classroom teaching experience and firearms knowledge. Our classes are engaging! We get you up out of your seat and working with firearms. We enjoy providing an inclusive classroom environment that values good humor, rich classroom discussion and concentrated learning. We provide a relaxed non intimidating environment for all learners. We meet you at your level, beginning with foundational knowledge for new shooters and we also offer a high level of sophistication for students with extensive shooting experience. Join us, and you will quickly see why most people choose CFI.

2 – Frequently Asked Questions

F A Q

What do I need to bring? Please bring two snacks, lots of water to drink and a fulsome lunch. We have a full size kitchen with a fridge, microwave and everything you need to enjoy your meal. Bring a mask, a notebook and pen and most importantly your enthusiasm.
How long are the courses? Day 1 (CFSC) PAL is a long day. We begin at 8am and end instruction at 5pm followed by testing. The end of the day will conclude when you complete your written and practical test. If you happen to be last in the testing order, you will likely complete the day at 8pm. Practical tests are conducted individually, and one on one with the instructor. Day 2 (CRFSC) RPAL begins at 8am and instruction ends at 1pm. We begin the written testing followed by a practical exam. The last person in the practical test can expect to complete the course by 4pm. They are long days, but we don’t rush students and we do not begin testing until you feel confident.
What qualifications do FSESO instructors hold? Our instructors belong to the FSESO – Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario. Our instructors also have a designation from the RCMP to instruct and examine the CFSC and the CRFSC. Our Senior Instructor is also a Provincial CSSA Instructor, Gun Club Level Safety Instructor and a qualified Range Officer in multiple disciplines. Our Instructors are experienced shooters, and teachers.
What is the CSSA? The Canadian Shooting Sports Association.
What is a Firearms Safety Instructor? A person with proficient safety qualifications (CSSA) to assist new shooters to learn how to safely handle and discharge firearms while following the safety rules of the gun club.
When do we take breaks? We take a break at 10:15am for fifteen minutes, a half hour lunch break at 12pm, followed by an afternoon break at 2:15pm.
Do I need to study the Course Manual? No it is not required. No prep or previous experience is required before the course. The Course Manual is available for purchase or available in a printable PDF online.
Is the written test difficult? The written test will be conducted after the instructional curriculum is complete and when you feel comfortable. If you attend and participate in the course you will be successful. An 80% is a required mark to pass. Tests are in English.
What do you do during the practical test? The practical test is intended to review your gun handling learning from the day. There are no surprises just a consolidation of what you have learned and practised from the day.
How many students are allowed in each course? Courses are delivered in Simcoe County or York Region and a ratio of ten participants to one instructor.
Is there a cancellation fee? Yes if you notify the instructor of a cancellation well before the course begins the FSESO instructor can rebook your class. If you notify the instructor with less than two weeks notice a 100.00 CAD cancelation fee is retained. Please note if you cancel on the day of the course or do not attend the course without advising our CFI instructor the course fee will be forfeited.
Where are courses held? In Innisfil, at the Royal Canadian Legion or various community locations in Gilford
What amenities are available at the Royal Canadian Legion? We have a very large classroom that will allow students to sit at their desks and remove their masks. Students will need to mask once off their seat. We have a ladies and a gentlemen’s bathroom. A full and complete kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave oven and double sinks and ample counter space. The Legion also has a designated area where students can smoke outside.
What are topics covered in gun safety courses? How to legally handle, transport, store and display your firearm. Social, moral and legal responsibilities for gun owners are also reviewed.
What is a PAL? A PAL is a firearms license, it allows the bearer to Possess, and Acquire firearms. The firearm’s license will include privileges. Non-restricted privileges refer to shotguns and rifles, restricted privileges refer to handguns.
How do I apply for a firearms license? Once you complete the CFSC and CRFSC course you may apply for a Firearms License. Please send proof of course completion with your application to: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/firearms-forms
What is an FAC? Firearms Acquisition Certificate which preceded the PAL and is no longer a valid firearms license.
Do I have to take the CFSC course before the CRFSC? Yes you must complete the CFSC non-restricted pal course before you can take the CRFSC restricted pal course. The CFSC is a prerequisite course while the CRFSC builds on the foundational concepts, skills and knowledge acquired from the CFSC. Think of this as Part 1 and Part 2.
Is the PAL license only valid in Ontario? No the PAL license is valid Federally and across Canada.