Firearm Competency: Shotgun
Unit Standard 119652: 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 • 10 free "Watch & learn" videos
For South Africans preparing for the shotgun 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 shotgun assessment works
• How to use this pack
• Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills (Topics S1 to S6)
• 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 shotgun assessment works
You normally do the shotgun unit (119652) 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 of chamber AND magazine tube, clearing failures to fire, feed and extract, basic
inspection and cleaning without tools other than a cleaning kit, including showing the barrel is clear
and dry), then shoot. The SAQA range statement for unit standard 119652 refers to 5 out of 5 shots
from a distance of at least 10 metres, on a target the size of an A5 sheet (wood, a falling plate or
paper; no larger than A4, smaller allowed). It notes that the required percentage may take the type
of shot into account. Fired unsupported (no dead rest; two hands allowed). 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 S1: The law for shotgun owners
Where it sits: Common law; Act s4, s13 to s16, s84, s120; Reg 86
Which licence for which shotgun
s13 (self-defence): a shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic, e.g. a pump-action or a break-
action. Only one s13 licence per person.
s14 (restricted, self-defence): a semi-automatic shotgun is a restricted firearm (s14(1)(a)). You
must show that a s13 firearm will not give enough protection. Only one s14 licence; valid 2 years.
s15 (occasional hunting/sport): shotguns that are not fully or semi-automatic. s16 (dedicated):
shotguns that are not fully automatic, so semi-autos are possible.
Fully automatic shotguns are prohibited (s4(1)(a)). Shortening a barrel without the Registrar's
written permission makes the firearm prohibited (s4(1)(f)(iii)). That covers backyard "sawn-off"
jobs.
Carrying, storage and use
In public, a shotgun must be carried in a holder designed, made or adapted for it (a gun bag or
slip), completely covered, under your effective control (s84).
Store it in a SABS 953-1/953-2 safe whenever it is not under your direct personal and physical
control (Reg 86(1)). Unless it is a s13 firearm, store it unloaded (Reg 86(11)(a)).
Private defence rules are the same as for any firearm: an unlawful attack that has begun or is
imminent, a necessary and proportionate defence aimed at the attacker, and it ends when the
attack ends.
Shot spreads. At home-defence distances the pattern is small, but pellets still pass through drywall
and doors. Rule 4 (target and beyond) matters even more.
Pointing (s120(6)), discharge in a built-up area (s120(7)), handling under the influence (s120(4)) and
failing to report a loss within 24 hours (s120(11)) are all offences.
Exam traps
Pump and break-action: s13 possible. Semi-auto shotgun for self-defence: s14 (restricted).
Cutting a barrel shorter without permission = prohibited firearm, not "just a modification".
A gun bag must completely cover the shotgun (s84(2)).
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
Can you Shoot Someone in South Africa? (Gunlicence): private defence in plain language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-Zrc-YMDc
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 3
Unit Standard 119652: 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 • 10 free "Watch & learn" videos
For South Africans preparing for the shotgun 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 shotgun assessment works
• How to use this pack
• Part 1: Study notes, exam traps, videos and drills (Topics S1 to S6)
• 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 shotgun assessment works
You normally do the shotgun unit (119652) 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 of chamber AND magazine tube, clearing failures to fire, feed and extract, basic
inspection and cleaning without tools other than a cleaning kit, including showing the barrel is clear
and dry), then shoot. The SAQA range statement for unit standard 119652 refers to 5 out of 5 shots
from a distance of at least 10 metres, on a target the size of an A5 sheet (wood, a falling plate or
paper; no larger than A4, smaller allowed). It notes that the required percentage may take the type
of shot into account. Fired unsupported (no dead rest; two hands allowed). 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 S1: The law for shotgun owners
Where it sits: Common law; Act s4, s13 to s16, s84, s120; Reg 86
Which licence for which shotgun
s13 (self-defence): a shotgun that is not fully or semi-automatic, e.g. a pump-action or a break-
action. Only one s13 licence per person.
s14 (restricted, self-defence): a semi-automatic shotgun is a restricted firearm (s14(1)(a)). You
must show that a s13 firearm will not give enough protection. Only one s14 licence; valid 2 years.
s15 (occasional hunting/sport): shotguns that are not fully or semi-automatic. s16 (dedicated):
shotguns that are not fully automatic, so semi-autos are possible.
Fully automatic shotguns are prohibited (s4(1)(a)). Shortening a barrel without the Registrar's
written permission makes the firearm prohibited (s4(1)(f)(iii)). That covers backyard "sawn-off"
jobs.
Carrying, storage and use
In public, a shotgun must be carried in a holder designed, made or adapted for it (a gun bag or
slip), completely covered, under your effective control (s84).
Store it in a SABS 953-1/953-2 safe whenever it is not under your direct personal and physical
control (Reg 86(1)). Unless it is a s13 firearm, store it unloaded (Reg 86(11)(a)).
Private defence rules are the same as for any firearm: an unlawful attack that has begun or is
imminent, a necessary and proportionate defence aimed at the attacker, and it ends when the
attack ends.
Shot spreads. At home-defence distances the pattern is small, but pellets still pass through drywall
and doors. Rule 4 (target and beyond) matters even more.
Pointing (s120(6)), discharge in a built-up area (s120(7)), handling under the influence (s120(4)) and
failing to report a loss within 24 hours (s120(11)) are all offences.
Exam traps
Pump and break-action: s13 possible. Semi-auto shotgun for self-defence: s14 (restricted).
Cutting a barrel shorter without permission = prohibited firearm, not "just a modification".
A gun bag must completely cover the shotgun (s84(2)).
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
Can you Shoot Someone in South Africa? (Gunlicence): private defence in plain language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh-Zrc-YMDc
Latest Exam Packs | Independent study aid, not affiliated with SAPS, CFR, PFTC or SASSETA | Page 3
