Mixed Deck — All FIREARM COMPETENCY Topics Flashcards
69 cards from real FIREARM COMPETENCY practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Mixed Deck — All FIREARM COMPETENCY Topics flashcards as text
What should a responsible firearm owner do immediately upon discovering that they have obtained the wrong calibre of ammunition for their firearm?
Answer: Store the ammunition safely and exchange or return it without attempting to use it
Using the wrong calibre ammunition can cause catastrophic firearm failure; the ammunition must be stored safely and exchanged for the correct calibre without any attempt to fire it.
What does the term 'calibre' refer to on a handgun?
Answer: The diameter of the bore and matching cartridge
Calibre describes the internal diameter of the barrel's bore and, by extension, the size of cartridge the firearm is designed to fire, such as 9mm or .38 Special.
Which of these is a common type of handgun action?
Answer: A semi-automatic pistol
Handguns are typically revolvers or semi-automatic pistols. Bolt, pump and lever actions are associated with rifles and shotguns.
What is a 'warning shot' considered under South African law and safe practice?
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.
What is the minimum age to be issued a competency certificate for a firearm in South Africa?
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.
What legal principle limits how much force you may use in self-defence?
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.
How long is a firearm competency certificate generally valid before it must be renewed?
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.
What is the effect of barrel rifling on a bullet in flight?
Answer: It causes the bullet to spin, which gyroscopically stabilises it for improved accuracy
Rifling imparts a spin to the bullet as it travels down the barrel; this gyroscopic spin stabilises the bullet in flight and dramatically improves accuracy.
What licence category typically applies to a firearm used for hunting and sport-shooting purposes?
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.
What does the term 'calibre' refer to when describing a firearm or cartridge?
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.
How many self-defence firearms may a person normally licence under Section 13?
Answer: One
Section 13 generally allows a person to be issued a licence for only one firearm for self-defence purposes.
When is the use of a firearm in self-defence legally justified in South Africa?
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.
What unit is commonly used to express bullet weight in ammunition specifications?
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.
What does the abbreviation 'FMJ' stand for in ammunition terminology?
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.
What is the correct order of the first two steps when applying for a firearm in South Africa?
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.
Who is legally responsible for the safekeeping of a licensed firearm?
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.
How must a firearm and its ammunition be stored at home under the FCA?
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.
What is the purpose of the safety catch on a pistol?
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.
Which government body issues firearm competency certificates and licences?
Answer: The South African Police Service (SAPS)
SAPS, through the Central Firearms Registry (CFR), processes competency, licence, permit and authorisation applications under the FCA.
Why must you use only the ammunition calibre marked on the firearm?
Answer: Wrong ammunition can damage the firearm or injure the shooter
Firing the wrong calibre or pressure of ammunition can cause dangerous malfunctions, damage the firearm, and seriously injure the shooter or bystanders.