Once you have successfully completed your training, your training centre will issue you with a proficiency certificate as well as a PFTC Statement of Results. This paperwork, along with a completed SAPS517 and required supporting documents must be submitted by you to your local DFO at SAPS and then you will await the approval of competency from SAPS.

Once your SAPS competency has been approved you will move on to the application for the firearm license. Each firearm you intend on owning requires its own license. You will need a SAPS271 and the required supporting documents per license application and this will also be handed in to your local DFO at SAPS.

Once your license application has been approved you will get the necessary permit/license card from your local DFO. You will need to bring that through to the gun shop in order to collect your now licensed firearm and because ownership does not end when your license is approved, it is time to start planning your training routine.

Having completed your competency training is like having completed your learners license. You’ve learnt the fundamentals. Once you now own a firearm it is time for you to get acquainted with your firearm, learning how it works and most importantly how it works best for you. With shooting being a perishable skill, it is important to fine tune your abilities and keep yourself is shooting shape always ready to tackle the fight when need be.

Its best to enlist the services of an instructor as no matter how great one may think they are at shooting we often cannot diagnose our own skills or shortcomings and building on bad habits will cost in the long run.