Firearm Competency: Self-Loading Rifle or
Carbine
Unit Standard 119650: Exam-Style Practice Pack with Explained
Answers + Practical Shoot Prep
6 topics of plain-language study notes • exam traps per topic • 60 practice questions (multiple choice,
true/false, fill-in and scenario) • a 30-question mock test • every answer explained • practical-shoot
prep checklist • 13 free "Watch & learn" videos
For South Africans preparing for the self-loading rifle/carbine theory and practical assessments of the
firearm competency course
Independent study aid. This pack is not affiliated with, produced by or endorsed by the South African Police Service
(SAPS), the Central Firearms Register (CFR), the PFTC, SASSETA or any training provider. All notes, questions and
explanations are original and written for practice. They are not copies of any provider's test, manual or question
bank. Quotations from the Firearms Control Act and its Regulations are for study.
It does not replace accredited training. To get a competency certificate you must complete training and the theory
and practical assessments at an accredited training provider. Always follow your instructor, the range rules and the
manufacturer's manual. This pack explains the law as we understand it from the published Act and Regulations
(October 2026). It is not legal advice.
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 1
,Contents
• How the self-loading rifle or carbine assessment works
• How to use this pack
• Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills (Topics L1 to L6)
• Part 2: Mock test (30 questions)
• Part 3: Mock test answers explained
• Part 4: Practical-shoot prep checklist
• Part 5: Revision sheet
• Things to confirm with your training provider
• Sources
How the self-loading rifle or carbine assessment works
You normally do the self-loading rifle or carbine unit (119650) after the law unit (117705).
Theory: each accredited provider sets its own test against the unit standard, often an open-book
workbook followed by a closed-book test. Providers commonly mix multiple choice, true/false, fill-
in-the-missing-word, "list" and short scenario questions, so this pack practises all of them. Pass
marks are set by the provider (commonly around 80%).
Practical: you show safe handling (muzzle direction, finger off the trigger, loading, unloading and
proving clear with the magazine out FIRST, clearing stoppages, basic inspection and cleaning,
showing the barrel is clear and dry), then shoot. The SAQA range statement for unit standard
119650 refers to 10 out of 10 shots on an A5-size target from a minimum distance of 10 metres.
The distance may be increased but not decreased, and the target size may not be altered. Fired
unsupported (no dead rest). Providers usually expect 100%.
Unsafe handling during the practical (e.g. sweeping someone with the muzzle, finger on the trigger)
can fail you even if every shot hits.
How to use this pack
Read the notes for a topic, do the drill without looking, then read every explanation.
For scenario and fill-in questions, write your answer down before reading ours. The model answers
show the points a marker looks for.
Practise the handling drills only under supervision at your provider or an accredited range, with
dummy rounds or snap caps. This pack explains them; it does not replace hands-on training.
Use Part 4 the week before your practical.
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 2
, Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills
Law references are to the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 ("s") and its Regulations ("Reg"). Handling
methods differ between models and providers: follow your instructor and your firearm's manual. Videos
are from overseas channels unless noted; where they differ from South African law (e.g. any automatic
fire shown), South African law applies.
Topic L1: The law for self-loading rifles
Where it sits: Act s4, s14, s16, s20, s84, s91, s120; Reg 86
A restricted firearm
A semi-automatic rifle (one shot per trigger pull, reloading itself) that cannot readily be converted
to fully automatic is a restricted firearm (s14(1)(a)).
s14 (restricted self-defence): only if you show that a s13 firearm won't give enough protection; one
licence; valid 2 years.
s15 is not available for semi-auto rifles (s15(1)(b)). s16 (dedicated hunting/sport) covers rifles that
are not fully automatic, so a semi-auto is possible here; valid 10 years. Businesses (e.g. security,
hunting) may apply under s20.
Fully automatic firearms are prohibited (s4(1)(a)). Converting a firearm to fully automatic, or
altering the barrel length without the Registrar's permission, makes it prohibited (s4(1)(f)(i), (iii)).
Carrying, storage, ammunition
In public: in a holder designed or adapted for it, completely covered, under effective control (s84).
Storage: SABS 953 safe (Reg 86(1)), unloaded (Reg 86(11)(a)). Store magazines unloaded too, or
apart, as a good habit.
Ammunition: 200 cartridges per licensed firearm unless exempt (s91). Dedicated hunters and
sports persons are exempt (s91(2)(a)).
Rapid fire doesn't change the law: every shot must be justified and you are responsible for where
each bullet goes.
Exam traps
Semi-auto rifle = restricted; not s15.
Full auto or a home "conversion" = prohibited.
s14 licence: 2 years, one only.
Watch & learn (free on YouTube)
South African Firearm Licence Q&A: Top Questions Answered by Gunlicence.co.za (Grey Man
Operations): section 13 vs section 16 and other common licensing questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_32UviiG7Ts
Top 10 South African Gun Myths Debunked! (Gunlicence): clears up common SA gun-law myths.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEIaTh_wh3U
Quick-check drill: Topic L1 (10 questions)
L1.1. Which licence section can NOT be used for a semi-automatic rifle?
(a) Section 15
(b) Section 16, for dedicated hunting and sport-shooting
(c) Section 14, for restricted firearms used for self-defence
(d) Section 20, for businesses such as hunting outfitters
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 3
Carbine
Unit Standard 119650: Exam-Style Practice Pack with Explained
Answers + Practical Shoot Prep
6 topics of plain-language study notes • exam traps per topic • 60 practice questions (multiple choice,
true/false, fill-in and scenario) • a 30-question mock test • every answer explained • practical-shoot
prep checklist • 13 free "Watch & learn" videos
For South Africans preparing for the self-loading rifle/carbine theory and practical assessments of the
firearm competency course
Independent study aid. This pack is not affiliated with, produced by or endorsed by the South African Police Service
(SAPS), the Central Firearms Register (CFR), the PFTC, SASSETA or any training provider. All notes, questions and
explanations are original and written for practice. They are not copies of any provider's test, manual or question
bank. Quotations from the Firearms Control Act and its Regulations are for study.
It does not replace accredited training. To get a competency certificate you must complete training and the theory
and practical assessments at an accredited training provider. Always follow your instructor, the range rules and the
manufacturer's manual. This pack explains the law as we understand it from the published Act and Regulations
(October 2026). It is not legal advice.
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 1
,Contents
• How the self-loading rifle or carbine assessment works
• How to use this pack
• Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills (Topics L1 to L6)
• Part 2: Mock test (30 questions)
• Part 3: Mock test answers explained
• Part 4: Practical-shoot prep checklist
• Part 5: Revision sheet
• Things to confirm with your training provider
• Sources
How the self-loading rifle or carbine assessment works
You normally do the self-loading rifle or carbine unit (119650) after the law unit (117705).
Theory: each accredited provider sets its own test against the unit standard, often an open-book
workbook followed by a closed-book test. Providers commonly mix multiple choice, true/false, fill-
in-the-missing-word, "list" and short scenario questions, so this pack practises all of them. Pass
marks are set by the provider (commonly around 80%).
Practical: you show safe handling (muzzle direction, finger off the trigger, loading, unloading and
proving clear with the magazine out FIRST, clearing stoppages, basic inspection and cleaning,
showing the barrel is clear and dry), then shoot. The SAQA range statement for unit standard
119650 refers to 10 out of 10 shots on an A5-size target from a minimum distance of 10 metres.
The distance may be increased but not decreased, and the target size may not be altered. Fired
unsupported (no dead rest). Providers usually expect 100%.
Unsafe handling during the practical (e.g. sweeping someone with the muzzle, finger on the trigger)
can fail you even if every shot hits.
How to use this pack
Read the notes for a topic, do the drill without looking, then read every explanation.
For scenario and fill-in questions, write your answer down before reading ours. The model answers
show the points a marker looks for.
Practise the handling drills only under supervision at your provider or an accredited range, with
dummy rounds or snap caps. This pack explains them; it does not replace hands-on training.
Use Part 4 the week before your practical.
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 2
, Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills
Law references are to the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 ("s") and its Regulations ("Reg"). Handling
methods differ between models and providers: follow your instructor and your firearm's manual. Videos
are from overseas channels unless noted; where they differ from South African law (e.g. any automatic
fire shown), South African law applies.
Topic L1: The law for self-loading rifles
Where it sits: Act s4, s14, s16, s20, s84, s91, s120; Reg 86
A restricted firearm
A semi-automatic rifle (one shot per trigger pull, reloading itself) that cannot readily be converted
to fully automatic is a restricted firearm (s14(1)(a)).
s14 (restricted self-defence): only if you show that a s13 firearm won't give enough protection; one
licence; valid 2 years.
s15 is not available for semi-auto rifles (s15(1)(b)). s16 (dedicated hunting/sport) covers rifles that
are not fully automatic, so a semi-auto is possible here; valid 10 years. Businesses (e.g. security,
hunting) may apply under s20.
Fully automatic firearms are prohibited (s4(1)(a)). Converting a firearm to fully automatic, or
altering the barrel length without the Registrar's permission, makes it prohibited (s4(1)(f)(i), (iii)).
Carrying, storage, ammunition
In public: in a holder designed or adapted for it, completely covered, under effective control (s84).
Storage: SABS 953 safe (Reg 86(1)), unloaded (Reg 86(11)(a)). Store magazines unloaded too, or
apart, as a good habit.
Ammunition: 200 cartridges per licensed firearm unless exempt (s91). Dedicated hunters and
sports persons are exempt (s91(2)(a)).
Rapid fire doesn't change the law: every shot must be justified and you are responsible for where
each bullet goes.
Exam traps
Semi-auto rifle = restricted; not s15.
Full auto or a home "conversion" = prohibited.
s14 licence: 2 years, one only.
Watch & learn (free on YouTube)
South African Firearm Licence Q&A: Top Questions Answered by Gunlicence.co.za (Grey Man
Operations): section 13 vs section 16 and other common licensing questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_32UviiG7Ts
Top 10 South African Gun Myths Debunked! (Gunlicence): clears up common SA gun-law myths.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEIaTh_wh3U
Quick-check drill: Topic L1 (10 questions)
L1.1. Which licence section can NOT be used for a semi-automatic rifle?
(a) Section 15
(b) Section 16, for dedicated hunting and sport-shooting
(c) Section 14, for restricted firearms used for self-defence
(d) Section 20, for businesses such as hunting outfitters
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 3
