Basic Firearm Training
May 1, 2025 @ 08:00 - 17:00
The Basic Firearm Training Course consists of a minimum 2 unit standards: (1) The Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000), and (2) at least one of the following: Handle & Use a Handgun, Handle & Use a Shotgun, Handle & Use a Manual Rifle, Handle & Use a Self-loading Rifle, or Handle & Use a Muzzle-loading Firearm.
This course is the minimum required by law for a person applying for competency with the SAPS.
A person need only to complete the Knowledge of the FCA once, even if applying for more than one firearm type. The contents of the “Handle & Use”-series, are identical in terms of content for all the different types of firearms. There are specific differences in certain modules, e.g. Legal Aspects is the same for all types of firearms, where Parts & Functions will be firearm specific.
The following Unit Standards is relevant:
| Typical Firearm: | Unit Standard name:
Handle & Use a… |
Unit Standard No: | |
| 1 | Any revolver or pistol, irrespective of caliber. | Handgun | 119649 |
| 2 | Pump action or double-barrel shotgun | Shotgun | 119652 |
| 3 | A bolt-action hunting rifle | Manually Operated Rifle or Carbine | 119651 |
| 4 | A semi-automatic rifle, e.g. a LM6 | Self-loading Rifle or Carbine | 119650 |
| 5 | Any muzzle-loader, irrespective of type or mechanism. | Muzzle-Loading Firearm | 243200 |
The Handle & Use-course is an entry-level course specifically for persons with no or very little knowledge of firearms, as well as for persons applying for competency the first time.
Course Contents: Legal Aspects, Safety, Parts & Functions, Fundamentals of Shooting, Loading & Unloading, Ammunition, Maintenance & Malfunctions, a Practical Evaluation, a Theoretical Exam and a Qualification Shoot.
Course Duration: About 20 hours (Theory: 12 hrs, Practical: 8 hrs) The course normally runs on a Thursday-evening (Theory), Saturday-day (Practical) & Tuesday-evening (Exams) – this is one course. Before attending the class the learner need to work through the training manual and complete the open book exam in the manual.
Cost: R1,450 per person (All inclusive) for the first firearm type, R1,200 if you use your own firearm & ammo), R1,000 per additional firearm type. (Muzzle-Loading – R750 with your own firearm & “ammo”, R1,000 – if we supply. The muzzle-loading prices EXCLUDES the Knowledge of the FCA).
SPECIAL OFFER: Complete the Knowledge of the FCA, Handgun, Shotgun, Hunting Rifle and Semi-auto Rifle for ONLY R3,900-00.
Pre-requisite: None
Equipment: All equipment necessary will be provided, including training manuals, firearms & ammunition*, eye- & ear protection, targets, patches, range fees, etc. It is advisable however that students who already own a handgun, make use of their own firearm.
