How to get a firearm licence in South Africa - and the battle against new gun laws

[Georgios]

Make sure you know all the parts of the 4 different classes of firearms.
Study the law side
You do law first if passed then you do firearm section if passed you go shoot all 4 Good luck.
I've recently done all 4 at NSN haven't had time to submit the 3 for compentcy yet.

Okay thanks for the info. I think the lecturer said that the law is multiple choice and the firearms exam is written.

 

[Georgios]

The closed book questions will basically be the open book questions you did originally. So know those, and you'll be fine.

Thanks. Will just have to study everything parrot fashion then.

 

[Georgios]

Thanks everyone for all the help. Wrote both the exams today and completed all 4 proficiencies. Now to start the process for my competencies.

 

[Ponderer]

Thanks everyone for all the help. Wrote both the exams today and completed all 4 proficiencies. Now to start the process for my competencies.

Congrats.
BTW - what firearm did you buy (or planning to buy)?

 

[Georgios]

Congrats.
BTW - what firearm did you buy (or planning to buy)?

I am not sure at this stage. Looking at a subcompact. I have been looking at G26, H&K SFP9 SK or CZ P-10 S. Anybody have any info on these 3 firearms?

 

[Foxhound5366]

I am not sure at this stage. Looking at a subcompact. I have been looking at G26, H&K SFP9 SK or CZ P-10 S. Anybody have any info on these 3 firearms?

H&K is too expensive, frankly. G26 is too small to grip. Maybe look at the G43X instead. Another compact I like is the Sig P365XL.

Is there any reason you want a subcompact specifically?

 

[SoldierMan]

I am not sure at this stage. Looking at a subcompact. I have been looking at G26, H&K SFP9 SK or CZ P-10 S. Anybody have any info on these 3 firearms?

Make sure you shoot a subcompact and a compact like a Glock 19 before buying. A compact is very easily concealed and is way better to shoot than a subcompact. If you own a gun that is not easy to grip and shoot you are less likely to train and use it. Just some thoughts.

 

[Defonotaltaccount]

You can get extended mags for the 26 if you want to put in range time, dont fall for the 43x meme unless you are shaped very similarly to the guys punting it, before you buy anything, decide what you want and how much to spend, then look around for places to shoot those you can afford, this will cost a few hundred bucks, do it once or twice over a couple weeks so you get a feel for each weapon's trigger feel/creep, the sights, the safety if any and mag release etc.

Buy a rifle safe if you have space to mount it, handgun safes are a waste of time and if you decide you like guns you have saved money.
Rifle safes can also store other stuff besides guns.

oh yeah dont buy niche guns, you will not only struggle for spares but also for holsters, mag holders etc.

 

[Georgios]

H&K is too expensive, frankly. G26 is too small to grip. Maybe look at the G43X instead. Another compact I like is the Sig P365XL.

Is there any reason you want a subcompact specifically?

Isn't the grip the same width as a G19? Or do you mean length is too short? I may have trouble with not being able to get all my fingers around the grip with the G26.

I would like something light and easy to carry while either doing sporting activities or driving for extended periods. Figured smaller is better for these situations.

Can I use a weapon registered under section 15 as an EDC? Or does the weapon I intend to use for EDC need to be registered under section 13?

I did shoot the G19, CZ P75 Omega and HK SFP 9. Lovely weapons. I really liked the HK, the cz was great but it was damn heavy. Glock was good as well. Maybe just stick to Glock. Keep it simple and cheaper.

 

[RanzB]

You can get extended mags for the 26 if you want to put in range time, dont fall for the 43x meme unless you are shaped very similarly to the guys punting it

A guy I shoot with weekly in a competition style setting uses a 43x and loves it. He's about 6ft4.

G26 is too small to grip.

I agree, but you can modify it slightly with a +2 shoe or something similar to give it a better grip.

 

[Georgios]

Make sure you shoot a subcompact and a compact like a Glock 19 before buying. A compact is very easily concealed and is way better to shoot than a subcompact. If you own a gun that is not easy to grip and shoot you are less likely to train and use it. Just some thoughts.

Is it way easier to shoot because the G19 is heavier and bigger and recoil is less? I did find the G19 comfortable to shoot.

 

[Georgios]

You can get extended mags for the 26 if you want to put in range time, dont fall for the 43x meme unless you are shaped very similarly to the guys punting it, before you buy anything, decide what you want and how much to spend, then look around for places to shoot those you can afford, this will cost a few hundred bucks, do it once or twice over a couple weeks so you get a feel for each weapon's trigger feel/creep, the sights, the safety if any and mag release etc.

Buy a rifle safe if you have space to mount it, handgun safes are a waste of time and if you decide you like guns you have saved money.
Rifle safes can also store other stuff besides guns.

oh yeah dont buy niche guns, you will not only struggle for spares but also for holsters, mag holders etc.

I not sure what the 43x is compared to other glocks. Thanks for the tips. I'll start going to the various gun shops and to get a feel for the weapon and prices.

I didn't even think to just get a rifle safe and be done with it. I'll look into this. Thanks.

 

[RanzB]

Isn't the grip the same width as a G19? Or do you mean length is too short? I may have trouble with not being able to get all my fingers around the grip with the G26.

The width is the same as the 19 as it's a double stack. It is a bit short for bigger hands, but as I mentioned above, it can be modified. Go out and test your options.

I would like something light and easy to carry while either doing sporting activities or driving for extended periods. Figured smaller is better for these situations.

Honestly I would look into getting both a 19 and a 26. If you can afford it, you may as well do both licences at the same time. I would say a 19 and a 43x but during a training session I attended the instructor made a valid point about being able to swap out mags between your weapons if the need arises.

Can I use a weapon registered under section 15 as an EDC? Or does the weapon I intend to use for EDC need to be registered under section 13?

You can lawfully carry and defend yourself under any of 13/15 and 16.

 

[Defonotaltaccount]

I not sure what the 43x is compared to other glocks. Thanks for the tips. I'll start going to the various gun shops and to get a feel for the weapon and prices.

I didn't even think to just get a rifle safe and be done with it. I'll look into this. Thanks.

43x is a glock model.
It's the latest wonder 9 slimline/singlestack model with an extended handle, can make it more difficult to conceal, may make it about as hard to conceal as a 19 in which case the 19 is better due to round count.

 

[RanzB]

I not sure what the 43x is compared to other glocks.

It's a single stack handgun, meaning it's a lot slimmer.

Is it way easier to shoot because the G19 is heavier and bigger and recoil is less? I did find the G19 comfortable to shoot.

Yeah pretty much.

 

[Defonotaltaccount]

Is it way easier to shoot because the G19 is heavier and bigger and recoil is less? I did find the G19 comfortable to shoot.

Dont forget, depending on where you work, it may be a must to conceal 100%, 100% of the time, which is what you should try strive for.
The 19 is easy enough to conceal but will be spotted by keen eyed coworkers if you bend wrong or start rolling into the office in Richards bay in summer in a jacket.
Depends on level of activity, body shape etc, watch a load of vids on youtube and consider what you need.

 

[Georgios]

The width is the same as the 19 as it's a double stack. It is a bit short for bigger hands, but as I mentioned above, it can be modified. Go out and test your options.




Honestly I would look into getting both a 19 and a 26. If you can afford it, you may as well do both licences at the same time. I would say a 19 and a 43x but during a training session I attended the instructor made a valid point about being able to swap out mags between your weapons if the need arises.




You can lawfully carry and defend yourself under any of 13/15 and 16.

Okay thanks for the info. I do have big hands and long fingers. I find that my finger tips tend to dig into the palm of my hand when I grip a thin firearm.

I would like to go see the G26 with an extended mag. Try and shoot it as well.

You say have both weapons, would I register either one as a section 13 and the other as a 15?

 

[Georgios]

Dont forget, depending on where you work, it may be a must to conceal 100%, 100% of the time, which is what you should try strive for.
The 19 is easy enough to conceal but will be spotted by keen eyed coworkers if you bend wrong or start rolling into the office in Richards bay in summer in a jacket.
Depends on level of activity, body shape etc, watch a load of vids on youtube and consider what you need.

I'll start doing some research on how and where to conceal.

 

[RanzB]

Okay thanks for the info. I do have big hands and long fingers. I find that my finger tips tend to dig into the palm of my hand when I grip a thin firearm.

I would like to go see the G26 with an extended mag. Try and shoot it as well.

You say have both weapons, would I register either one as a section 13 and the other as a 15?

There's various ways to go about doing it. That's one way. Another would be to go full Section 16.

The advantage there is that you will be able to purchase as much ammo as you'd like, and there's less restrictions on the number of guns you can own.

It is a bit more difficult when it comes to licencing though.

Oh and don't forget that 15/16 licences are valid for 10 years, as opposed to 5 years for the Section 13.

 

[Ponderer]

Okay thanks for the info. I do have big hands and long fingers. I find that my finger tips tend to dig into the palm of my hand when I grip a thin firearm.

I would like to go see the G26 with an extended mag. Try and shoot it as well.

You say have both weapons, would I register either one as a section 13 and the other as a 15?

I have a G26 and 2 (different) mags.
It really is very compact, and as such, it allows me to conceal it in many different ways.
I never go anywhere without it.

The only "negative" thing about the G26 is the small grip.
I found the best way is to only have my 2 bottom fingers curled around the grip, use my middle finger for the trigger, and have my index finger lined up (to the target) just below the slide (and supporting my shooting hand with the other hand).
It takes a little getting used to, but once you are used to it, it works very well.

My (further) 2 cents of advice.
Practice, practice, practice.
Even if you don't go to the range, regularly do a few "dry draws".
Drawing and shooting should be so ingrained that it is kinda automatic/instinctive.
When you need it, you will most likely not have the luxury of plenty of time - drawing and shooting must be an "automatic" muscle-memory thing, and it must be fast and smooth.

Good luck.