PAL Firearm Safety Rules (ACTS/PROVE) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'A' in the ACTS firearm safety rules stand for?
- Always keep the safety on
- Assume every firearm is loaded (Correct answer)
- Aim only at approved targets
- Avoid handling unfamiliar firearms
Correct answer: Assume every firearm is loaded
The 'A' in ACTS stands for 'Assume every firearm is loaded' — this mindset prevents accidental discharges.
Question 2: What does the 'C' in the ACTS rules stand for?
- Check the chamber before firing
- Carry firearms unloaded
- Control the muzzle direction at all times (Correct answer)
- Clean your firearm regularly
Correct answer: Control the muzzle direction at all times
The 'C' in ACTS stands for 'Control the muzzle direction at all times,' meaning never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to shoot.
Question 3: What does the 'T' in the ACTS rules refer to?
- Trigger finger must stay off the trigger and outside the trigger guard (Correct answer)
- Test fire before use
- Transport firearms disassembled
- Turn the safety on immediately after use
Correct answer: Trigger finger must stay off the trigger and outside the trigger guard
The 'T' stands for 'Trigger finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard' until you are ready to fire.
Question 4: What does the 'S' in the ACTS rules stand for?
- Store firearms securely at all times
- See that the firearm is unloaded — PROVE it safe (Correct answer)
- Safety must be engaged during transport
- Shoot only at designated ranges
Correct answer: See that the firearm is unloaded — PROVE it safe
The 'S' in ACTS stands for 'See that the firearm is unloaded — PROVE it safe,' linking ACTS to the PROVE procedure.
Question 5: A friend hands you a rifle saying 'don't worry, it's unloaded.' What should you do first?
- Trust them and handle it normally
- Point it downward and hand it back
- Apply the PROVE procedure to verify it is unloaded yourself (Correct answer)
- Ask them to show you the chamber from a distance
Correct answer: Apply the PROVE procedure to verify it is unloaded yourself
Per ACTS, you must always assume a firearm is loaded and PROVE it safe yourself, regardless of what you are told.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes a 'safe muzzle direction' under Canadian PAL rules?
- Pointing at the ground anywhere indoors
- A direction where an unintended discharge would cause the least harm (Correct answer)
- Directly upward so rounds fall harmlessly
- Any direction away from other people in the room
Correct answer: A direction where an unintended discharge would cause the least harm
A safe muzzle direction is defined as the direction where an unintended discharge would cause the least harm to people and property.
Question 7: When receiving a firearm from another person, which ACTS rule is most immediately relevant?
- C — Control the muzzle direction
- S — See that the firearm is unloaded
- T — Trigger finger off the trigger
- A — Assume the firearm is loaded (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A — Assume the firearm is loaded
The moment you receive any firearm, the 'A' rule applies first — assume it is loaded before doing anything else.
PAL Firearm Safety Rules (ACTS/PROVE) 2
What does the 'A' in the ACTS firearm safety rules stand for?