Ultimate Firearms Academy

Manually Operated Rifle (MOR) training teaches the safe, lawful and competent use of rifles that require a manual action between shots, such as bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action and similar manually cycled rifles.

For firearm proficiency training in South Africa, the training normally focuses on:

Firearm safety: muzzle discipline, trigger-finger discipline, safe loading/unloading, checking that the firearm is clear, and correct handling on and off the shooting range.
Knowledge of the rifle: identifying the action, barrel, chamber, magazine, safety mechanism, sights, stock and other major components.
Ammunition: correct calibre identification, safe inspection, storage and handling of ammunition, and understanding the dangers of using incorrect or damaged ammunition.
Operating the action: correctly loading, chambering, firing, extracting and ejecting cartridges while maintaining control of the firearm.
Safe firing techniques: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.
Malfunctions and stoppages: recognising problems and responding safely without unnecessarily endangering the shooter or others.
Range procedures: understanding range commands, shooting positions, safe direction, cease-fire procedures and the responsibilities of the shooter.
Legal knowledge: understanding the responsibilities placed on firearm owners and users by the Fi****ms Control Act 60 of 2000, including lawful possession, transport, storage and responsible use.
Practical assessment: demonstrating that the learner can safely handle, load, fire, unload and make the rifle safe under assessment conditions.

A manually operated rifle course is particularly relevant for people intending to use rifles for hunting, sport shooting, farming-related lawful activities, or other authorised purposes. The objective is not merely to teach someone how to fire a rifle, but to develop a shooter who can handle the firearm safely, responsibly, accurately and within the law.

For your training material, an appropriate heading would be:

MANUALLY OPERATED RIFLE TRAINING – UNIT STANDARD 119651

The key message to students should be: competency is demonstrated through safe handling and responsible decision-making first; accurate shooting comes second.

SELF-LOADING RIFLE TRAINING

Unit Standard 119650 – Handle and Use a Self-Loading Rifle or Carbine

Self-loading rifle training is designed to teach the learner how to handle, operate, carry, load, unload and use a self-loading rifle or carbine safely, responsibly and competently.

The training generally covers:

Firearm safety rules and safe muzzle direction.
Identification of the main components and controls of a self-loading rifle or carbine.
Understanding how the self-loading operating system functions.
Correct loading, making ready, unloading and proving the firearm safe.
Correct use of the safety selector and other controls.
Safe handling of magazines and ammunition.
Correct shooting stance, grip, shoulder position and sight alignment.
Correct use of iron sights and, where applicable, optical sights.
Trigger control, breathing and follow-through.
Accurate shooting from appropriate firing positions.
Safe magazine changes and firearm manipulation.
Identification and safe clearing of common stoppages or malfunctions.
Maintaining control of the firearm during all handling and shooting exercises.
Safe storage, transportation, cleaning and basic maintenance.
Understanding the legal responsibilities associated with possessing and using fi****ms in South Africa.
Practical assessment demonstrating that the learner can operate the firearm safely and competently.

Examples of fi****ms falling within this category may include AR-platform rifles, AK-pattern rifles, self-loading sporting rifles and pistol-calibre carbines, depending on the firearm's configuration and the applicable competency category.

The objective is not simply to teach a person how to fire the firearm. The learner must demonstrate continuous safe handling, responsible decision-making and competent operation before being found competent.

For firearm owners, this training also provides an important foundation for lawful sporting activities, further skills development and, where applicable, an application for the relevant SAPS competency certificate.

SHOTGUN TRAINING – U/S 119652
Handle and Use a Shotgun

Training includes Knowledge of Shotgun Safety, Pump-Action Shotguns, Self-Loading Shotguns, Break-Action Shotguns, Ammunition Identification, Safe Loading & Unloading, Range Procedures, Practical Firearm Handling, Shooting Fundamentals, Maintenance and Safe Storage.

Professional firearm training with safety, responsibility and legal compliance at the centre of every course.

Training on a handgun for self-defence purposes is important because lawful firearm ownership requires more than simply possessing a firearm. A person must understand how to handle, operate, store and use the handgun safely, responsibly and within the limits of South African law.

Proper training teaches the firearm owner the fundamental safety rules, correct loading and unloading procedures, safe handling, malfunction management, secure storage, basic shooting techniques and responsible decision-making. It also develops familiarity with the handgun so that the owner is less likely to make an unsafe or negligent mistake during a stressful situation.

For self-defence specifically, training is also important because a firearm may only be used within the legal principles governing private defence. The owner should understand that possession of a firearm does not automatically justify its use. The circumstances must legally justify defensive action, and any force used must be directed at protecting life or preventing an unlawful attack in accordance with applicable law.

Under South Africa's Fi****ms Control Act 60 of 2000, competency is an important part of the licensing framework. Training therefore assists the applicant in demonstrating the required knowledge of firearm safety, lawful possession and responsible handling before applying for competency and, where applicable, a licence for self-defence under Section 13.

In practical terms, handgun training for self-defence is intended to produce a safe, competent, legally informed and responsible firearm owner who understands both the capabilities of the firearm and the serious responsibilities associated with possessing it.

Why Knowledge of the Law Is Required for Firearm Training

Knowledge of the law is a fundamental and compulsory component of firearm training in South Africa. A person who wishes to possess, use, handle or apply for a licence for a firearm must understand that firearm ownership carries serious legal responsibilities.

The purpose of the Knowledge of the Fi****ms Control Act training is to ensure that the learner understands the relevant provisions of the Fi****ms Control Act 60 of 2000, its Regulations, and the legal duties that accompany the possession and use of a firearm.

Before practical firearm training can be properly applied, a learner must understand the legal framework governing fi****ms. This includes, among other matters, the lawful possession and use of fi****ms, safe custody and storage requirements, transportation and carrying of fi****ms, the duties of a licence holder, circumstances relating to loss or theft, prohibited conduct, and the consequences of negligent or unlawful firearm use.

Firearm competency is therefore not only about being able to operate a firearm safely and accurately. A competent firearm owner must also know when, where, why and under what legal circumstances a firearm may lawfully be possessed and used.

The legal component of firearm training assists learners in making responsible decisions and helps prevent negligent, unlawful or uninformed conduct. It also reinforces the principle that a firearm must at all times be handled, stored and used in accordance with South African law.

For this reason, the applicable Knowledge of the Law unit standard forms an essential foundation of accredited firearm competency training. Practical firearm skills and legal knowledge work together to develop a firearm owner who is safe, responsible and aware of the legal consequences associated with firearm ownership and use.

At Ultimate Fi****ms Academy, we regard knowledge of the law as one of the most important aspects of firearm training. Our objective is not merely to teach a learner how a firearm functions, but to ensure that the learner understands the responsibilities that accompany lawful firearm ownership in South Africa.

Responsible firearm ownership begins with knowledge of the law.

Safety, safety, safety......... ALLWAYS