There is absolutely no need for you to pay for a course if you have access to a few of the firearms (perhaps a friend who has a few). I could basically tell you everything that's on the written and practical test, it's just the small things that might get you like how exactly the release buttons look like etc. etc. Reading the books will pass the exams no problem. I'll write up the whole process for the practical as spare time comes my way today and post it.
edit: Here it is:
Long-gun practical:
General:
-Always maintain gun aimed at safe zone, do NOT point it at anybody, be careful of passing ANY body part in front of the muzzle (waving hand in front to grab something, pointing it down at the floor and passing over your foot, etc.) it will result in an automatic FAIL.
-EVERY time you pick up a gun, PROVE IT SAFE, the instructor does not have to tell you to do this
-Take your time, but act confident in what you're doing
-ALWAYS leave the gun unloaded/proven in the most OPEN position on the table
You will be tested on three long guns which will be: Pump action shotgun, bolt action rifle, and break shotgun OR lever action rifle
You will be asked to pick up certain ammunition (just look at the stamps, know the different types of bullets like wad cutter, full metal jacket, etc.).
Break action shotgun: This will probably be a single-barrelled shotgun but it may have two. Pick it up and check for a safety (most likely wing). To check magazine/bore and feeding path all that is needed to do is push the release lever to the right and break open the barrel. Look through the barrel.
Bolt action rifle: You will see the large bolt action which will swing around before coming back (this is the locking mechanism and differentiates it from a semi-auto). Pick it up, check for a safety near the trigger most likely. Remove the magazine by pressing the release button and pulling it out. Check the magazine and then place it down. Pull the action back and check the chamber. You will most likely be able to see down through the feeding path with the magazine removed. Look down the bore.
Pump action shotgun: Pick it up and check the magazine, use your finger to push inside to make sure there are no shells, but only the follower. Press the action release and look into the chamber, look through the chamber into the magazine to verify feeding path. Check the bore, remembering NOT to hold the shotgun by the pump as the weight of the shotgun can move the action closed. For loading simply push the shells in from the bottom into the magazine, the magazine door will close behind each one. To unload ammo you must repeatedly pump the shotgun (shells will fly out by themselves). Do not pick up the shells with the gun in hand. Do it after you've PROVEN it safe yet again and placed it down.
Firing: You will be asked to go into firing position. Make sure the safety is off, use a stance (standing or kneeling) and lean slightly forwards while targeting.
Crossing a fence: after proving it safe, place it under the fence as far forward as possible. After you cross make sure you DO NOT pass in front of the rifle. Pick it up and prove it safe again. Do NOT turn around and walk back, you will have pointed the gun in the wrong direction.
Carrying: Probably will ask ready carry, just read up on the different carrying positions.
Handgun practical:
You will always be asked to handle the following three: single action revolver, semi automatic pistol, double action revolver
Single action revolver: Look for the revolver with the larger hammer and smaller trigger gap. Once picked up, you will most likely have to move the hammer into a half-cock safety position to allow for the chambers to spin. Look through the right side while holding the loading gate open and spin the chambers to look for chambered cartridges. Since you cannot verify the feeding path/bore because the cylinder does not swing out, pick up a bore rod from the table, measure it up against the barrel length, and insert it to ensure no obstructions are in there.
Semi automatic pistol: Pick it up and check for a safety. Press the magazine release button. Check it for cartridges and place it down. You may have to turn the safety off at this point to pull the slide back. Pull the slide back with your non-dominant hand and flick the slide lock on with the thumb of the hand gripping the pistol. Make sure the pistol is pointed in a safe direction. Check the chamber, feeding path and then bore.
Double action revolver: Pick it up and check for a safety (probably will not have one). Press the cylinder release button and swing it out. Check for cartridges and push the ejector button if you need. You can look through the feeding path/bore of this firearm.
Loading ammunition: Loading a semi automatic pistol, you will load the magazine with two bullets and stick the magazine into the pistol. Remember when unloading you must PROVE IT as a round may be chambered when the slide closes. For revolvers, look for a marking on the cylinder that tells you the direction it turns. Make sure to have the first cartridge ONE chamber before the barrel, as when you "fire" this next position will move in line with the barrel to be fired, NOT the one that is currently in line.
Firing position: one handed or two handed. Remember for two handed your thumbs will cross for a revolver, but MUST be parallel for semi automatic, or else the slide will cut your hand when you fire.
You will also be tested on putting trigger locks on, and asked a few questions. When you pack up, make sure to PROVE it safe, trigger lock it, place it in the briefcase, place the ATT papers in the case and then lock the case as well.
Hope this helps.
