Thread: Firearms license advice

Originally Posted by Dorkus

My comments regarding not studying are in jest, anyone handling firearms should be well versed in the Arms Code and in particular the cardinal rules. That said, my comments regarding the testing leniency was unfortunately an accurate account. Other than the instructors/assessors, i'm pretty sure I was the only one in the room with English as a first language.

Your last sentence there is a cause for concern, I think. Welcome to NZ, I suppose...

Don't stress at all just read the questions carefully. My wife has just passed hers and she just did as the others are suggesting and studied the code.
Good luck.

After reading that article on stuff the other day about the dude who had his license taken away for going on anti depressants my anxiety about the whole thing has gone through the roof. Like i know with 110% certainty i'm all good, and so does everyone around me but will they think the same? Shit's making me super nervous cos i've worked really hard to get to this point.

Re anti-depressants

That you acted and asked here shows rational thinking.

That those around you are aware you use ADs will no doubt be fully supportive too

You can only do your best. Tell the truth.

If, just if the Arms Officer raises it as a concern, ask constructive questions; eg “can you advise me what information I might also provide to reassure you regarding this”.

The screening Qs asked to your sponsors are quite focussed on mental health. If they’re 100% confident in their support of your application that goes a long way.

Angus, I look forward to reading that you aced the test and your licence is in the mail.
It’s been a long time getting to this point and I wish you well.

Originally Posted by Moutere

Angus, I look forward to reading that you aced the test and your licence is in the mail.
It’s been a long time getting to this point and I wish you well.

I bet you are gonna cook up a mean feast for all your pals on the forum after you blast your first meat pack! maybe a meat cake?

Originally Posted by 40mm

I bet you are gonna cook up a mean feast for all your pals on the forum after you blast your first meat pack! maybe a meat cake?

You bet your ass i will.

Originally Posted by Angus_A

You bet your ass i will.

Oh boy! ill bring the tomato sauce!!!!!!

Originally Posted by 40mm

Oh boy! ill bring the tomato sauce!!!!!!

You bring that tucker fucker anywhere near my food and you'll lose yourself a plate

The other point worth keeping in mind Angus is that you’re not alone.... there’s a whole lot of us will know someone who like you, appreciates the fact that there are medications that bring life back into perspective and simply enable the ‘worry demons’ to be quietened.

I think some people here are getting confused between the Police Safety Test (some of which is still conducted by the Mountain Safety Council) and the vetting interview for a firearms licence. Most people sit and pass the safety test before they apply for a licence.

All good advice though as regards the vetting process.

Yes. Good point. They are separate and distinct.

About antidepressant, bottom line is you get it from your doctor, that means when you fell ill... you sought professional help. That is one big safety tick in your box.

Depression as such not a bar, a real history of suicidality or violence not good news. When I mean real suicidality, we are talking more than just thinking it would be great to beamed out of here by Scotty, but more active suicidality -- like toying with plans, buying rope, writing a farewell note, etc. In the end, once you have passed your test, you'll get someone interviewing you, your partner, your referee. You'll probably be asked to have your doctor send a note to the Arms Officer dealing with your application. I had some history myself, so had my GP send a note to the AO. I asked my GP to just write what he thought best and send it to AO without running it by me first.

Coming back to the exam, the questions are about SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY.
Go for the SAFETY answer, not the answer that seems right but is not about safety.
E.g. semi auto rifle drawbacks:
(1) every time you pull the trigger they will fire.
(2) because you can do quick follow-up shots, shooters may take less care when taking aim at an animal.
Which question is the correct one? Well, in real life both (1) and (2) can be real problems with semi-autos. But this is an exam about Firearm SAFETY, so the correct answer in a SAFETY context is (1). Any consolation, I remember that one because I got it "wrong" and selected (2).

Good luck. If you are a smoker, smoke a couple cigs immediately before the course and exam - it will sharpen you. If you are not a smoker, don't.

In the end the course it not about being clever, it is about being safe. It is not a firearms course, it is a firearms safety course. Don't lose sight of that.

I'm going to add my father as one of my references as he's a mental health professional and will be able to vouch for me i think.
Unsure who to pick for my second, can you have more than 2?

Angus the test is just a test nothing about your personal situation such as where you live or medication etc enters the equation.
Just learn up, your posts indicate an intelligent sensitive person with a sense of humor so the test should be no trouble its not ncea so ace it athen boast about it here. PS there is no dress code so a new shirt may be overkill.

PPS If I was running the course possum rendang or whores pasta would assure a pass mark (-: