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Owning a private, legally licenced firearm in a country with the levels of violent crime as prevalent as in South Africa, is a highly popular option.
As expected, there are costs involved. This is obviously referring to costs over and above the purchase price of the firearm, relevant kit and ammunition.
As such a popular question we often get is about costs related to obtaining a firearm licence, as well as firearms type of training.
As the minimum legal requirement an applicant for a firearm licence is required to undergo – and pass – a test that must be taken at specific registered firearms training providers to ensure they understand the legal aspects involved, as well as basic firearm handling and safety skills. Once the applicant receives a licence that permits legal ownership and on person carry, it is extremely highly recommended that regular further training courses are done in order to continuously upskill shooting and firearm handling skills, specifically under duress. These courses will entail further costs.
Firearms Proficiency Tests
Typically a unit standard test involves a theoretical as well as practical part. Costs are applicable for both the relevant study material, firearm rental, certification as well as ammunition for the practical part.
You can choose between 1 to 4 disciplines depending on your requirements for a licence. These are handgun, shotgun, rifle and self loading carbine.
On average 1 discipline plus law will cost you around R1600. Additionally you may require a motivation for competency at around R450 as well as a motivation for an application for firearm licence which will cost around R950.
Should you require licencing for 2 types of firearms, 2 disciplines plus law will cost around R2300.
3 disciplines plus law around R3100 and 4 disciplines plus law around R3600.
Add the costs for the motivations as mentioned earlier to these amounts.
Understanding these costs and the various packages available is essential for your financial and legal preparation.
Do your homework well.
It is also important to note that for the renewal of a firearm licence, an application must be submitted at least 90 days before the expiry date renewal deadline.
Continued Training For Licenced Firearm Owners
A multitude of companies offer more advanced training in South Africa. These will vary from basic courses for handguns as an example, to teach students a higher level of fundamental skills with their own firearms, right up to very demanding tactical type of courses for more advanced students.
Apart from these, companies like Fortis Training also offer specialized courses like the Defensive Shotgun course which are specifically designed to further enhance the skills of the students.
A crucial aspect to consider is the frequency of training, with world-class shooters recommending at least 2 fundamentals courses annually, regardless of your proficiency level, to build and maintain muscle memory and technique consistency.
Non-accredited training for civilian firearm owners in South Africa concentrates on developing skills that go beyond the unit-standard based training required for firearm licensing.
This type of training isn’t mandatory for obtaining a firearm license but is designed to enhance your confidence and proficiency in using firearms.
The training content is customized for real-life scenarios, including life-threatening situations. You’ll learn proper firearm carry in a holster, instruction on drawing the firearm from the holster, and training on quickly and efficiently placing sights on the target. Moreover, you’ll be taught how to clear firearm malfunctions and conduct magazine changes while in motion and under induced stress.
Courses like the Shooting for Ladies Introduction Course by Fortis Pro Active Defence, place an emphasis on enhancing shooting skills with proven methods and are aimed at novice female shooters.
These skills contribute very valuable benefits for firearm owners. Non-accredited training builds your confidence in handling firearms and develops muscle memory for critical actions. It enhances your skills for practical use, making it suitable for first-time firearm owners post-licensing.
Overall, this training improves your proficiency and readiness, focusing on practical skills rather than just meeting licensing requirements.
The costs of non-accredited training vary depending on the provider and courses chosen.
While there’s no particular industry rate mentioned, the quality of the training can vary based on the chosen service provider as well as course you want to attend.
Costs Involved
A course that runs over one year, requiring a commitment of one weekend per month from students, can start at around R880 per month. A typical example would be the Lone Operator course as offered by Fortis Pro Active Defence Solutions.
Courses such as CIRS – Civilians In Riot Situations – spans over 6 modules, with each module starting at R880.
Vehicle Combat For Couples typically stretches over 3 modules, 1 day per module with each module starting at R880 per person.
Shooting Introduction For Ladies (Le Femme) stretches over 4 modules with each module starting at R880 per person.
Basic Intro For Carbine is a standalone course lasting 1 day and starts at R880 per person.
Anti Hijack Courses starting from around R500 per person.
Defensive Shotgun Courses starting at R880 per person.
Stand alone courses at various relevant service providers can start from as little R500 per person for a half day course, to thousands of rands for more intensive, advanced courses often stretching over several consecutive days.
Indicated course fees generally include range fees and relevant theoretical material, and excludes ammunition costs. Course information should ideally always include the amount of rounds required per course.
Conclusion
In South Africa, the cost of firearm training can be substantial, but it’s a necessary investment for responsible gun ownership.
While it may seem ironic that safety requires such a financial commitment, it’s a small price to pay for the knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely and effectively