1a) Join a shooting club that supports SADPA (or IPSC) : ~ R450
b) Join SADPA or IPSC (SA defensive pistol association) : http://www.sadpa.co.za/ : ~R350
c) get club log book

2a) go to training facility, buy competency material for LAW;
and/or HANGDUN
and/or SHOTGUN
and/or HAND MACHINE CARBINE (semi auto rifle/shotgun)
(each like ~R600)
b) book exam dates for +1week

3) complete open-book practice exams for each, before official exam.

4a) write official exams (duplicate of open-book)
b) insist to know when it'll be ready/marked/printed, many do it right there and then.
c) when you get the certificates, go to local SAPS office's "designated firearms officer" (DFO) and apply for competencies (paperwork done at station).
NOTE: make police-certified copies of ID and competency certificates, do not give originals. take along 2x ID photos.

5) in the meantime while competency is processing @ CFR, get random days at the range, to prove visits. range officer signs it each time. build up a history.

6) do a SADPA classifier to be able to join the official shoots and get points.
NOTE: you CAN take part in shoots before you complete a classifier and accumulate points, but the points will only "activate" once classifier is done.
even if you just spend time with the guys, pay attention to how its done, how it works, help patch targets, help pickup doppies. get tips.

7a) you need 5x 4points = 20points to get DEDICATED SPORT STATUS
b) email SADPA to apply for DSS

8a) you have DSS, congrats. go buy your firearm.
NOTE: you can buy the firearm at any point! Dealer will store it for you in the meantime!
b) email SADPA for endorsement of said firearm in your chosen division.

9) receive your competency certificates from SAPS first (~4months), before:

10a) submit section16 (DSS) application for firearm bought in #8.
b) submit section21 (temporary 1year) application for firearm bought in #8.
NOTE: BOTH require the same motivational documentation, but Section21 requires an "urgency clause/factor" too.
NOTE: Examples of letters are also available in the sticky'd thread @ http://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/show...amples./page10
NOTE: Every statement you make, must be officially proven/documented.

11) BUG THE **** out of DFO/provincial/CFR every day until you get your Section21 license(-s)
NOTE: Dec2011 : William Masilela still handles S21's. He can receive and approve on same day.
He will email permits to you.

12) Get Section permit, go enjoy your new baby at the range.
Total time until "gun-in-hand" : ~ 3-6months.

13) Continue asking CFR for weekly updates regarding normal Section16 applications @ 012 353 6111




Application paths:
local station -> provincial office -> Pretoria (CFR)
phone at least once a week, to find out exactly where the app is. insist on getting names and landline numbers for the person/dept currently working on it.








Mods, please feel free to update/modify/delete as necessary