Quote Originally Posted by blacksmithden View Post
When you do your practical portion, pick a break action shotgun. They're the easiest thing on earth to prove safe. Look down the barrel....yep....unloaded and safe. Done.
Didn't work that way in Nova Scotia. You are handed something random - no choice. You need to know how to prove it safe, identify ammunition for it, and secure it.

If you have that sort of test in your region, use the break times in the course to become familiar with every type of firearm. If there is a semi-auto shotgun, don't lose a fingertip in the action when you figure out where the bolt release button is. Some classes avoid stocking the semi-auto shotgun for liability reasons, but the place I went had the attitude to prepare you for everything rather than be too protective.