Guns & Ammo Trading

1. ✅ Check Eligibility

You must be:

• A South African citizen or permanent resident, typically aged 21 or older (under‑21 possible with club membership for sports/hunting)  
• A fit and proper person, which means:
  
  • No recent convictions for violent or dishonesty-related crimes
  • Mentally stable (no untreated mental illness, substance dependency)  
  • Not implicated in any firearms-control act violations  

2. 🧠 Firearms Competency Training

This is the foundation of firearm ownership:

• Attend a PFTC‑accredited training centre, choosing modules based on firearm type (handgun, shotgun, bolt-action rifle, semi-auto carbine, etc.)  
• Complete both:
  
  • A theory test (e.g. on Firearms Control Act)
  • A practical test, typically 4/5 accurate shots at close range  
• You’ll receive:
  
  • A Proficiency Training Certificate
  • A PFTC Statement of Results
• Cost example: ≈R2 000–R6 000 depending on modules  

3. 🛂 Apply for a Competency Certificate (SAPS Form SAPS 517)

With training complete:

• Fill out SAPS 517, supply:
  
  • ID copies & two passport photos
  • Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill)
  • Medical/psychological clearance from a doctor
  • Two character references (friend or family)  
  • Training certificates & results
• Submit to your local Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at SAPS
• Fingerprints and background checks are performed
• Processing: ~6–12 weeks, depending on queue  
• Competency certificate duration: 5 years for handguns, 10 years for long guns  

4. 🛍️ Acquire (or Select) Your Firearm

• You can purchase any legal firearm at licensed dealers or private sale
• The dealer will provide a SAP350(a) form containing firearm details (make, calibre, serial)
• Important: You cannot take possession until you have a valid SAPS license

5. 📝 Apply for a Firearm Licence (SAPS 271 Form)

For each firearm, complete SAPS 271:

1. Indicate the category of licence (e.g. self-defence, sports shooting, dedicated hunting)  
2. Attach required documents:
   
   • ID copy, proof of residence
   • Competency certificate, training results
   • Character references
   • Photo of your secure gun safe or storage facility (must meet legal requirements)  
   • Dealer’s SAP350(a) form or details from private seller
   • Medical certificate
4. Submit the application to your DFO (you need to be present for fingerprints, unlike competency)  

Processing time: up to 90 days by law ()

6. 🛡️ Storage & Legal Carry

• Store firearm securely according to standards (locked safe, bolted)
• You are allowed to carry licensed firearms in public (open or concealed), but:
  
  • Handguns: holstered or secured
  • Long guns: must be covered and under your control  

7. 🔄 Renewal & Additional Licences

• Renew licences 90 days before expiry (validity ranges from 2–10 years)  
• Want more than 4 firearms or extra ammunition? Join a registered sports/hunting club for “dedicated” status to lift limits  

8. 💡 Tips & Considerations

• Don’t tighten a ring-bound application—SAPS prefers loose documents  
• Don’t apply on behalf of someone else—must be in-person  
• Applications for under-21s require club membership & parental support  
• Staying informed? Groups like GOSA advocate firearm owners’ interests