By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
Live-fire training comes after your PAL, because the PAL courses (CFSC and CRFSC) are non-firing. Silvercore runs nine live-fire courses covering rifle, rimfire carbine, handgun, shotgun and bear defence: all nine are $470 plus tax, and each requires a PAL or restricted PAL to register. The courses are typically held in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Chilliwack, and the range for your date is confirmed when you book.
Why is there no shooting in the PAL course?
The PAL course, the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) combined with the restricted PAL course (CRFSC), has no range component. The course page states: "Neither course involves live fire." It also states that the CFSC and CRFSC "are taught with non-firing, deactivated firearms only, and no range time is part of the course." The combined course is $270 plus tax. The licence steps after the course are in How to get your PAL in Canada.
Once your licence arrives, you can register for the live-fire courses below.
Which live-fire courses does Silvercore run?
Rifle
- Rifle Marksmanship Fundamentals (RF1): PAL required. $470 plus tax. The page describes "a one-day range course that introduces novice and intermediate shooters to the fundamentals of centrefire rifle marksmanship for hunting, target practice, competition or work".
- Rifle Marksmanship Intermediate (RF2): PAL required, and "Completion of Rifle Marksmanship Fundamentals RF1 is required before enrolling in this course." $470 plus tax.
Rimfire carbine
- .22 Rimfire Carbine Fundamentals (RC1): non-restricted PAL required. $470 plus tax. A one-day range course on .22 rimfire carbine marksmanship and manipulations.
- .22 Rimfire Carbine Intermediate (RC2): non-restricted PAL and completion of RC1 required. $470 plus tax. The page describes movement, positional shooting and use of cover.
Handgun
- Handgun Fundamentals (HG1): restricted PAL required. $470 plus tax. "A one day range course for both beginners and veterans, wishing to further build their marksmanship fundamentals."
- Handgun Intermediate (HG2): restricted PAL and completion of Handgun Fundamentals or recognized certification of formal handgun training through an official agency required. $470 plus tax.
- Handgun Dynamic / Professional (HG3): restricted PAL and completion of Handgun Intermediate or recognized certification of formal handgun training through an official agency required. $470 plus tax.
The HG1, HG2 and HG3 pages each state that Silvercore limits class size to a maximum of 6 students per instructor.
Shotgun
- Shotgun Fundamentals (SG1): PAL required. $470 plus tax. "This one-day, live fire course teaches the fundamentals of shotgun shooting."
Bear defence
- Bear & Wildlife Defence (BR1): non-restricted PAL required. $470 plus tax. The page describes "a one-day, on-range bear defence shotgun course geared towards any outdoorsman/woman travelling through bear country."
Do you need your own firearm and ammunition?
Plan to bring your own. Every one of these nine course pages states that firearm rentals and ammunition are not provided for the course. The RF1, RC1 and RC2 pages word it this way: "firearm rentals and ammunition are not provided by Silvercore for this live fire course". The RF2, HG1, HG2, HG3, SG1 and BR1 pages state that "neither firearm rentals nor ammunition are provided". Each page lists the firearm, ammunition and gear to bring, so check the kit list before you book.
The HG1 page adds that some venues offer rentals: "If you require a firearms rental from the venue, please contact our office to confirm in advance of the course date."
Each of the nine pages states that exceptions to the licence requirement may be made for active law enforcement officers, who should contact the office for details.
Where are the courses held?
Range venues vary by course date. Silvercore's live-fire courses are typically held in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Chilliwack, and have run at ranges throughout BC. The range for your date is confirmed when you book.
What about shooting on your own?
Drop-in shooting is a separate question from training. The ranges that take drop-in shooters in the Lower Mainland are listed in Where to shoot: drop-in ranges for the Lower Mainland.
If you hold a PAL and want structured range time, pick the fundamentals course for the firearm you own and start with RF1, RC1, HG1 or SG1.
Frequently asked questions
Is there live fire in the PAL course?
No. The Silvercore PAL course page states that the CFSC and CRFSC "are taught with non-firing, deactivated firearms only, and no range time is part of the course." Live-fire training comes after you hold your PAL.
Can I take a live-fire course without a PAL?
No. Each of the nine live-fire course pages requires a valid PAL number at registration, and the handgun courses require a restricted PAL. Each page notes that exceptions may be made for active law enforcement officers, who should contact the office.
Does Silvercore provide firearms and ammunition for live-fire courses?
No. Each live-fire course page states that firearm rentals and ammunition are not provided, and students bring their own firearm and ammunition as listed on the course page. The HG1 page adds that some venues rent firearms, and asks students who need a rental from the venue to contact the office in advance of the course date.
Which range will my course be at?
The range is confirmed when you book. Range venues vary by course date, and Silvercore's live-fire courses are typically held in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Chilliwack.
