I've been wanting to learn how to shoot for some time now, and I've been looking into this on various weapons forums and can't seem to get a straight answer..
Many people have said that you are out of luck in the GTA/surrounding areas if you do not have a license, although some have said that some ranges offer 'day passes.' I called a few places (Hamilton asking if they have day passes available and they said no. From what I have gathered even trying to become a member, with a license, is sometimes lengthy in this area
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
I can understand you wanting to try shooting a firearm as a learning experience or to scratch an itch.
But why would you want to learn to shoot when a PAL is needed to purchase a firearm, ammunition, and to own one.
Could you clarify your post for me?
HTP
Silverdale is a range near Fonthill. They allow non members to shoot Saturdays and Sundays. You must be accompanied by someone with a PAL. The cost is $20 for the day which includes targets.
JAB
Go to the Range in person, I also understand what you want for you want to see if you will like it or not, or if you can or not.
Since I was a Range Master and assisted many getting started, all I can say is YES.. you will like it, you will do good. My observations have been that Women Learn to shoot better and faster than Men. There was a Range in Markham before, try them.
Do you know anyone that does shoot?
You can go with them and shoot at their range as long as they supervise you. If you intend to own guns you're just as well off to spend a weekend to take the course and get your PAL, or the extra few hours for your RPAL.
Lets face it people, you need a license to buy firearms, so if your just curious it would be better for you to get a air pistol or paint gun to practice with.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
If I was one that was interested in shooting without a license, and in an urban area, I'd make friends with a licensed club member and drag him/her to their range every chance I could. Of course, I'd offer to pay for the day's ammo and help to clean the guns afterwards (another vital thing to learn and practice). One doesn't need to have a gun license to fire a gun under the supervision of one that has one. Most clubs have a guest rule as well. Most clubs welcome new members, but they have to make sure that one is safe as well. In many cases, they accept that you've done the safety course. In many other cases, they have their acting range officer watch you or spend some time with you to make sure your not a hazard. It's nothing personal.
And I'd agree that if one was dead set against getting licensed then air gun is probably the way to go. But I never fired an air gun that really compares to the feel and noise of a real firearm. Go to the course. Get the PAL. There's no real good reason not to, except financial I suppose. If the desire to learn and practice is there, even a humble .22 rifle goes a long way in overcoming what many new shooters experience...yanking back on the trigger and flinching at the point of fire.
I firmly believe the largest impediment against getting legal with firearms in Canada is the cost. I'm not sure about other areas, but to get fully licensed in my area is like $400 - for the PAL course, the RPAL course (usually the same course, except for a few extra hours for the RPAL) and then the foolish license admin fees.
Runs With Scissors
Most gun ranges have many friendly members that often let other people shoot their firearms, just by watching & striking up a question. I know if a friendly person came to my range, they would get invitations to try out a gun. Ive had a husband/wife couple with no firearms experience watch me shoot & other people shoot just to see what it was like. I could tell by their smiles that they were excited about hearing the guns go off, watching the muzzle flash, and seeing holes punched. I asked them if they wanted to try it, and they accepted the offer. After I gave them some safety lessons, and tips on shooting, I let them try it out, under close supervision. I was just loading one bullet at a time for them, and was within arms reach at all times for safety....After a few months went by, I ran into them at the range because they decided to get their PALs after I let them shoot once.
If you really want to go shoot, and rent a gun for an hour, I know theres a place in Buffalo, NY that caters to that, but it is a couple hours drive & costs money.
I have scene employees at shooters choice bring people from the sales counter to the indoor range to try shooting a gun, with zero experience. They want your business, so its smart to get people hooked on shooting, so they sign up for a course & buy a gun from them.
A pellet pistol or rifle that fire under 500 feet per second is a great and can be an inexpensive way to get trigger time without a licence.
I still use a CO2 pistol for trigger control and quickdraw practice at home.
Hmmm, maybe I should rethink the quiet part...