South African Firearm Competency Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the main practical difference between a rifle and a shotgun at distance?

A shotgun fires further
There is no difference
A rifle is generally more accurate over longer distances (Correct answer)
A rifle has no sights

Correct answer: A rifle is generally more accurate over longer distances

A rifle's rifled barrel spins a single projectile for accuracy over long distances, whereas a shotgun's spreading shot pattern is suited to closer ranges.

Question 2: What should you do if your licensed firearm is lost or stolen?

Report it to SAPS immediately (Correct answer)
Tell only your insurer
Buy a replacement quietly
Wait to see if it is found

Correct answer: Report it to SAPS immediately

A lost or stolen firearm must be reported to the South African Police Service immediately, both as a legal duty and to limit your liability for its misuse.

Question 3: Why is hearing and eye protection recommended when shooting rifles and shotguns?

To protect against muzzle blast, noise and ejected debris (Correct answer)
Because the law bans shooting without it indoors only
To look professional
To improve accuracy

Correct answer: To protect against muzzle blast, noise and ejected debris

Muzzle blast can permanently damage hearing, and ejected casings, gases or fragments can injure the eyes, so proper protection is strongly recommended.

Question 4: When should you apply to renew a firearm licence before it expires?

On the day it expires
At least 90 days before the expiry date (Correct answer)
After it expires
Renewal is never required

Correct answer: At least 90 days before the expiry date

An application for renewal must be made at least 90 days before the licence expires; failing to renew in time can make possession of the firearm unlawful.

Question 5: How many self-defence firearms may a person normally licence under Section 13?

One (Correct answer)
Up to four
Two handguns
As many as they can afford

Correct answer: One

Section 13 generally allows a person to be issued a licence for only one firearm for self-defence purposes.

Question 6: What legal principle limits how much force you may use in self-defence?

Proportionality (Correct answer)
Equality of arms
Seniority
Right of way

Correct answer: Proportionality

The force used must be proportionate to the threat. Using deadly force against a minor or non-life-threatening attack can make the defence unlawful.

Question 7: May you use a firearm to protect only property, such as a cellphone being stolen with no threat to life?

Yes, if it is expensive
Only at night
Yes, always
Generally no, lethal force to protect property alone is rarely justified (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Generally no, lethal force to protect property alone is rarely justified

Using lethal force purely to protect property, where there is no threat to a person's life or bodily integrity, is generally not justified and may be unlawful.

Question 8: Which law governs the possession and use of firearms in South Africa?

The Dangerous Weapons Act
The National Road Traffic Act
The Criminal Procedure Act
The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000

The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (FCA) is the principal law regulating firearm competency, licensing, possession and use in South Africa.

Question 9: Which component of a cartridge is responsible for initiating the firing sequence?

The primer (Correct answer)
The propellant powder
The cartridge case
The bullet

Correct answer: The primer

The primer is a small explosive compound that ignites when struck by the firing pin, which in turn ignites the propellant powder.

Question 10: If an attacker is fleeing and no longer poses a threat, may you shoot them?

No, the threat must be ongoing for defensive force to be lawful (Correct answer)
Yes, to stop them escaping
Yes, if they took something
Only with a warning shot

Correct answer: No, the threat must be ongoing for defensive force to be lawful

Once the attacker is fleeing and the threat has ended, the justification for defensive force falls away. Shooting a retreating person can amount to a crime.

Question 11: Who carries the burden of acting within the law when a firearm is used?

The licensed firearm owner (Correct answer)
SAPS
The firearm dealer
The attacker

Correct answer: The licensed firearm owner

The licensed firearm owner is responsible for ensuring that any use of the firearm falls within the bounds of the law of private defence and the FCA.

Question 12: What licence category typically applies to a firearm used for hunting and sport-shooting purposes?

A dedicated hunter or sport-shooter licence under Section 16 (Correct answer)
A self-defence licence under Section 13
A business licence
No licence is needed for hunting

Correct answer: A dedicated hunter or sport-shooter licence under Section 16

Hunting and sport-shooting firearms are generally licensed under Section 16 of the FCA, often linked to membership of an accredited hunting or sport-shooting association.

Question 13: What is the primary purpose of the cartridge case in a round of ammunition?

To reduce the recoil felt by the shooter
To increase the bullet's velocity
To guide the bullet through the barrel rifling
To house and protect the primer, propellant, and bullet as a single unit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To house and protect the primer, propellant, and bullet as a single unit

The cartridge case holds all four components — primer, propellant, bullet, and case — together as a complete, loadable round.

Question 14: What must you usually do immediately after a self-defence shooting?

Hide the firearm
Say nothing to anyone ever
Report the incident to the police and cooperate (Correct answer)
Leave the scene quickly

Correct answer: Report the incident to the police and cooperate

You should report the incident to SAPS as soon as possible, ensure scene and personal safety, and cooperate with the investigation that follows.

Question 15: What may disqualify a person from being declared a fit and proper person to hold a firearm?

Living in a city
Being over 60 years old
A history of violence or relevant criminal convictions (Correct answer)
Being left-handed

Correct answer: A history of violence or relevant criminal convictions

A history of violence, certain criminal convictions, dependence on substances, or being subject to a protection order can result in a person being found not fit and proper.

Question 16: Which type of bullet is specifically designed to expand upon impact with a target?

Round Nose (RN)
Hollow Point (HP) (Correct answer)
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Armour Piercing (AP)

Correct answer: Hollow Point (HP)

Hollow point bullets have a cavity in the tip that causes the bullet to expand on impact, transferring more energy and reducing over-penetration.

Question 17: A competency certificate confirms that the holder is competent in which of the following?

Vehicle maintenance
Business management
Advanced marksmanship only
Knowledge of the Act and the safe handling of a firearm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Knowledge of the Act and the safe handling of a firearm

Competency confirms the person knows the relevant provisions of the Firearms Control Act and can handle the specific type of firearm safely and responsibly.

Question 18: What does 'rifling' inside a barrel do?

Spins the bullet to stabilise it in flight (Correct answer)
Cools the barrel
Reduces the noise
Slows the bullet down

Correct answer: Spins the bullet to stabilise it in flight

Rifling is a series of spiral grooves cut into the bore that impart spin to the bullet, stabilising it so it flies straight and true.

Question 19: What documents typically accompany a firearm licence application?

A driving licence only
Competency certificate, ID, proof of address and motivation (Correct answer)
Only a photograph
A passport stamp

Correct answer: Competency certificate, ID, proof of address and motivation

Applications generally require your competency certificate, identity document, proof of residential address, fingerprints and a motivation for needing the firearm.

Question 20: Where is the ammunition held in a typical semi-automatic pistol?

In an internal tube under the barrel
Loose in the grip
In a rotating cylinder
In a detachable magazine (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In a detachable magazine

A semi-automatic pistol feeds cartridges from a detachable box magazine, usually housed in the grip, into the chamber as each round is fired.

Question 21: What information is typically found on the headstamp of a cartridge?

The manufacturer and calibre of the cartridge (Correct answer)
The maximum safe chamber pressure
The expiry date of the ammunition
The bullet weight only

Correct answer: The manufacturer and calibre of the cartridge

The headstamp is stamped on the base of the cartridge case and typically identifies the manufacturer and the calibre designation.

Question 22: What does a shotgun typically fire?

Compressed air
A single solid bullet only
Blank cartridges only
Multiple small pellets (shot) or a slug (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Multiple small pellets (shot) or a slug

A shotgun usually fires a cartridge containing many small pellets called shot, though it can also fire a single solid projectile known as a slug.

Question 23: What is the purpose of the safety catch on a pistol?

To load the magazine faster
To help prevent the firearm from firing unintentionally (Correct answer)
To improve accuracy
To clean the barrel

Correct answer: To help prevent the firearm from firing unintentionally

A manual safety is a mechanical device intended to reduce the risk of an unintentional discharge, but it never replaces safe handling and trigger discipline.

Question 24: What should you do if a semi-automatic pistol fails to fire when you pull the trigger?

Shake the firearm vigorously
Pull the trigger repeatedly and quickly
Keep it pointed in a safe direction, wait, then clear it (Correct answer)
Look down the barrel immediately

Correct answer: Keep it pointed in a safe direction, wait, then clear it

On a misfire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, wait several seconds in case of a hang-fire, then safely clear the stoppage.

Question 25: What is a soft point (SP) bullet designed to do compared to a full metal jacket?

Expand upon impact while retaining more mass than a hollow point (Correct answer)
Reduce muzzle flash when fired
Penetrate armour more effectively
Travel faster due to reduced friction

Correct answer: Expand upon impact while retaining more mass than a hollow point

A soft point bullet has an exposed lead tip that causes controlled expansion on impact, making it suitable for hunting as it transfers energy efficiently while retaining mass.

Question 26: How is the size of a shotgun bore most commonly described?

By calibre in millimetres
By gauge (Correct answer)
By magazine size
By barrel length

Correct answer: By gauge

Shotgun bore size is usually expressed as a gauge, such as 12-gauge or 20-gauge. A smaller gauge number means a larger bore diameter.

Question 27: What does 'imminent threat' mean in the context of self-defence?

A threat made on social media only
A danger that is about to happen or is happening now (Correct answer)
A possible future argument
A threat that happened last week

Correct answer: A danger that is about to happen or is happening now

An imminent threat is one that is occurring or about to occur. Defence is not justified against a threat that has already passed or is merely anticipated far in the future.

Question 28: What happens to your firearm licence if your competency certificate lapses and is not renewed?

Your authority to possess the firearm can be affected and you risk unlawful possession (Correct answer)
You receive a new firearm
Nothing changes
The licence automatically becomes permanent

Correct answer: Your authority to possess the firearm can be affected and you risk unlawful possession

Competency underpins your licence, so allowing it to lapse without renewal can place you in unlawful possession and lead to enforcement action by SAPS.

Question 29: What does a '+P' marking on a box of ammunition indicate?

The ammunition has a positive rifling twist
The ammunition is suitable for pistols only
The ammunition has a polymer-tipped bullet
The ammunition is loaded to higher-than-standard pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ammunition is loaded to higher-than-standard pressure

+P indicates overpressure ammunition loaded to higher chamber pressures than standard, which increases velocity but should only be used in firearms rated for it.

Question 30: What unit is commonly used to express bullet weight in ammunition specifications?

Grains (Correct answer)
Grams
Ounces
Milligrams

Correct answer: Grains

Bullet weight is conventionally measured in grains (gr), where one grain equals approximately 0.0648 grams, allowing for precise specification of bullet mass.

Question 31: Under which section of the FCA is a firearm for self-defence usually licensed?

Section 16
Section 20
Section 9
Section 13 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 13

A firearm for self-defence is licensed under Section 13 of the Firearms Control Act, which permits one handgun (not fully automatic) for that purpose.

Question 32: How long is a firearm competency certificate generally valid before it must be renewed?

5 years (Correct answer)
1 year
2 years
10 years

Correct answer: 5 years

A competency certificate is valid for the same period as the related licence, commonly five years for self-defence, and must be renewed before it expires.

Question 33: Which action is commonly found on a hunting rifle?

Bolt action (Correct answer)
Blow-back pistol action
Revolver action
Break action with shot

Correct answer: Bolt action

Bolt-action rifles are popular for hunting and target shooting because they are accurate, reliable and chamber rounds one at a time with a manually operated bolt.

Question 34: What is the safest way to carry a holstered firearm in public for self-defence?

Concealed and secured, with the trigger guard covered (Correct answer)
Loose in a jacket pocket
Tucked into the waistband without a holster
Held in the hand at all times

Correct answer: Concealed and secured, with the trigger guard covered

A firearm should be carried concealed in a proper holster that covers the trigger guard and retains the firearm securely, preventing accidental discharge or loss.

Question 35: Which government body issues firearm competency certificates and licences?

The Department of Defence
The Department of Home Affairs
The Department of Justice
The South African Police Service (SAPS) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The South African Police Service (SAPS)

SAPS, through the Central Firearms Registry (CFR), processes competency, licence, permit and authorisation applications under the FCA.

Question 36: What is the correct order of the first two steps when applying for a firearm in South Africa?

Join a club, then buy ammunition
Apply for the licence, then do training
Obtain a competency certificate, then apply for the firearm licence (Correct answer)
Buy the firearm, then apply for competency

Correct answer: Obtain a competency certificate, then apply for the firearm licence

You must first complete training and be issued a competency certificate by SAPS, and only then may you apply for the licence for the specific firearm.

Question 37: What does the term 'calibre' refer to when describing a firearm or cartridge?

The length of the firearm barrel
The maximum range of the projectile
The weight of the bullet in grains
The internal diameter of the barrel, typically expressed in millimetres or inches (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The internal diameter of the barrel, typically expressed in millimetres or inches

Calibre refers to the internal diameter of the firearm barrel and is used to match the correct ammunition to the firearm.

Question 38: Where must you keep your finger until you are ready to shoot?

Inside the trigger guard
On the trigger
On the safety catch
Off the trigger and along the frame (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Off the trigger and along the frame

Keep your finger off the trigger and straight along the frame or slide until your sights are on the target and you have decided to fire.

Question 39: Why should you be sure of your target and what is beyond it before firing?

To improve your aim
Because a bullet can pass through or miss and harm others (Correct answer)
Because the law requires a warning shot first
To save ammunition

Correct answer: Because a bullet can pass through or miss and harm others

A projectile can over-penetrate or miss the target and travel far beyond it, so you must identify the target and the backstop to avoid harming bystanders.

Question 40: How must a firearm and its ammunition be stored at home under the FCA?

In a drawer next to the bed
In the boot of a vehicle
Anywhere out of sight of children
In a prescribed safe or strong-room (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In a prescribed safe or strong-room

The Firearms Control Act requires firearms to be stored in a safe, strong-room or device that meets the prescribed SABS standard to prevent loss or theft.

Question 41: When is the use of a firearm in self-defence legally justified in South Africa?

Only when there is an unlawful, imminent threat to life and force is necessary and proportionate (Correct answer)
When someone insults you
Whenever you feel threatened in any way
Any time you are on your own property

Correct answer: Only when there is an unlawful, imminent threat to life and force is necessary and proportionate

Private defence requires an unlawful and imminent attack on a legal interest such as life, where the defensive force used is necessary and proportionate to the threat.

Question 42: What is 'limp wristing' and why does it matter with a semi-automatic pistol?

A cleaning technique
A type of holster
A method of aiming
A weak grip that can cause feeding malfunctions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A weak grip that can cause feeding malfunctions

Limp wristing is a loose, unsupported grip that absorbs recoil energy needed to cycle the slide, often causing the pistol to jam or fail to eject.

Question 43: What is a 'warning shot' considered under South African law and safe practice?

A way to scare off any intruder safely
Mandatory in all cases
A legal requirement before defending yourself
Generally discouraged and potentially dangerous and unlawful (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Generally discouraged and potentially dangerous and unlawful

Warning shots are discouraged because the bullet can injure innocent people and the act may itself be reckless; defensive force should be used only when genuinely justified.

Question 44: What must you do before cleaning or handing over a firearm?

Engage the safety only
Fire one round to clear it
Make sure it is unloaded and the chamber is clear (Correct answer)
Remove the magazine but leave the chamber

Correct answer: Make sure it is unloaded and the chamber is clear

Before cleaning, storing or handing over a firearm, remove the magazine and physically and visually confirm the chamber is empty.

Question 45: What does the abbreviation 'FMJ' stand for in ammunition terminology?

Full Metal Jacket (Correct answer)
Flat Metal Jacket
Fixed Muzzle Joint
Forward Motion Jacket

Correct answer: Full Metal Jacket

FMJ stands for Full Metal Jacket, describing a bullet where the lead core is fully encased in a harder metal shell, typically used for target practice.

Question 46: Who is legally responsible for the safekeeping of a licensed firearm?

The dealer who sold it
The licence holder (Correct answer)
SAPS
Any adult in the household

Correct answer: The licence holder

The licence holder remains personally responsible for the safe storage and use of the firearm and can be held accountable if it is lost, stolen or misused through negligence.

Question 47: What is the role of the propellant powder inside a cartridge?

To stabilise the bullet in flight after leaving the muzzle
To produce rapidly expanding gas that propels the bullet forward (Correct answer)
To lubricate the bullet as it travels down the barrel
To cool the barrel during rapid fire

Correct answer: To produce rapidly expanding gas that propels the bullet forward

When ignited by the primer, the propellant powder burns rapidly and produces high-pressure gas that accelerates the bullet down the barrel.

Question 48: What is the minimum age to be issued a competency certificate for a firearm in South Africa?

16 years
25 years
18 years
21 years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 21 years

An applicant must generally be 21 years or older to be declared competent, although the Registrar may make an exception for younger applicants in limited circumstances.

Question 49: What may happen if you possess a firearm without a valid licence in South Africa?

A written warning only
Nothing, if you have a competency certificate
A criminal offence with possible imprisonment (Correct answer)
A small administrative fee

Correct answer: A criminal offence with possible imprisonment

Possessing a firearm without a valid licence is a serious criminal offence under the FCA and can result in arrest, prosecution and imprisonment.

Question 50: What must you obtain before you can apply for a firearm licence in South Africa?

A driving licence
A competency certificate (Correct answer)
A trading licence
A hunting permit

Correct answer: A competency certificate

A competency certificate, issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS), is a legal prerequisite before you may apply for a firearm licence.

South African Firearm Competency Test

The South African Firearm Competency Test assesses knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and firearm-specific handling, safety, and legal use requirements before a licence can be issued by SAPS.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

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