Article originally published on Krugersdorp News.
Local firearm expert explains the steps on how to get your competency and firearm license.
Most residents would agree that even if you have a state-of-the-art security system at home, you’re last line of defence is having a firearm at home to protect you and your loved ones.
But as many would know, you cannot just walk into a firearm store and buy one. There is a long process.
The Krugersdorp News spoke to the CEO at International Firearm Training Academy, Nikki Pretorius, who has almost a decade’s experience in the field, on what the process is to get a firearm.
Step 1
Nikki stated, the first thing you need to get is a firearm certificate of competency, and she could not stress enough that you need to do your research to find an accredited training provider.
Step 2
She continued that you will then need to book a course, where you will learn about the Firearms Control Act and basic knowledge, including the laws, handling of a firearm, storage of ammunition, safety and travelling with one.
Step 3
Nikki explained that next, you will learn and follow the guidelines for a firearm, where you will write an open-and-closed book exam, as well as do a qualifying shooting course.
“If the training provider does not do this, they are most likely not accredited at the Professional Firearm Trainers Council (PFTC), where the certificate of competency will thus not be valid,” she expressed.
Step 4
She said that after you have completed steps 1–3, you will be found competent for a firearm, where the training provider will print out your certificate of competency with a statement of your results, accredited by the PFTC.
Step 5
“Next, you will have to take both these documents to your local police station and apply for your competency with the designated firearm officer. You will then apply for your competency with them. They will take your fingerprints and your application will go to the central firearms registrar, where they will do a background check, and if it is successful, your competency will be issued within three to six months,” she explained.
Step 6
She says next, you will need to apply for your firearm license with the police, which includes numerous documents they will provide, as well as a motivation.
“Your motivation includes why you need a firearm, for example, you work or live alone in dangerous areas,” she said.
She emphasised that at this point, you should know what firearm you want to buy, as you need the unique serial number on it. You will need to buy it first, where it will be kept safe at the dealership until your license application is approved.
Additional information
Nikki recommends that while you wait for your license’s approval, join a shooting club where you can get to know your firearm and practice shooting with it.
“I understand you might want fast fast-track the process and take shortcuts, but I plead with residents to understand a firearm is dangerous and you should be properly trained to use it,” she emphasises.
She added, to get your competency for a firearm, it is only a day course where you will learn the above-mentioned.
Types of licenses
There are three types of licenses you can apply for a firearm:
• Section 13 license: This license is for a self-defence firearm, which includes handguns and shotguns
• Section 15 license: This license is for occasional sport shooting and hunting
• Section 16 license: This license is for a dedicated sport shooter and a dedicated hunter
