Choosing a Firearm Training Provider Best Suited for you

CHOOSING A FIREARM TRAINING PROVIDER BEST SUITED FOR YOU

Accredited Firearm Training is an important part of firearm ownership in South Africa and is mandated under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 as amended by:

• Firearms Control Amendment Act 43 of 2003
• Firearms Control Amendment Act 28 of 2006
• Civilian Secretariat for Police Service Act 2 of 2011
• Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 6 of 2010
• Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011
• Dangerous Weapons Act 15 of 2013
• Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 37 of 2013

The Accredited Training Provider and the Firearm Instructors in the Accredited Training Provider plays an essential role in shaping your firearm ownership journey. Therefore, it’s important that you choose your Accredited Firearm Training Provider with utmost attention and ensure that it fulfils all the criteria of a Accredited Firearm Training Provider.

To choose an Accredited Firearm Training Provider, you should research carefully and gather all important information. There are certain points that will help you shortlist or finalize what Accredited Firearm Training Provider can provide you the best knowledge and education.

Here are some of the most important aspects that you must thoroughly research to find the best academy:

Accreditation

An Accredited Firearm Training Provider will need to be accredited with the Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC).

An Accredited Firearm Training Provider must obtain SAPS accreditation via the Central Firearms Registrar (CFR) as per the Firearms Control Act.

Accredited Firearm Training Provider must utilize Accredited Training Material and Assessment Tools to train and assess learners.

This process must be facilitated by Registered Instructors and Assessors.

It is recommended that the student verify the Accredited Firearm Training Provider and instructor’s credentials with the Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC), before signing up for firearm training.

Please visit https://pftc.co.za/ for more information and verification purposes.

Cost Factor

These days, people have a greater chance to purchase various firearm training products at various prices. While this tendency might bring many short term benefits, its drawbacks are overshadowed the positive outcomes.

Confirm what is included in the training course price. Here is a list to assist you:

• Is the Study Material included in course price?
• Is the Range Fee included in the course price?
• Is PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) included in the course price?
• Is Ammunition include in the course price?
• What happens if I need to shoot more?
• If I don’t successfully complete the Theory part is there a cost involved?
• Is refreshments included in course price?
• Is lunch included in course price?
• Is transportation available and included in course price?
• Is Accommodation available and included in course price?
• Is Firearm use/rental included in course price?

Brand Legacy

What helps in determining the present & future of a Firearm Training Provider is its past. Rich history, vast reach and a strong former student’s base are few of the decisive factors that contribute in making an informed decision when choosing an Accredited Firearm Training Provider.

Well Structured Course

The course structure refers to the choice of topics and the organization and sequencing of course content. Remember that the choice of topics and their organization should always support the learning objectives for the course.

Like providing a roadmap, instructors need to summarize key content, individually or in groups. Instructors might also forecast future content, in order to draw out connections among major class themes. This practice helps students improve recall, grasp major content, and practice owning their knowledge.

All of the above will be explained to you during your Pre- Assessment meeting.

It is recommended that the Pre- Assessment meeting be done with your instructor and / or assessor. This will create a strong student and facilitator bond, making for a pleasant experience during the training program. Be cautious of Pre- Assessment meetings where instructor and / or assessor is not available to conduct the Pre- Assessment meeting as this is your opportunity to obtain and ask questions .

Ammunition Policy

Firearm Competence skills are valued highly for your day-to-day safe handling of firearms. Choose a Firearm Training Provider that promotes skill-based training and follows a quality assured curriculum. The courses should have a balanced mix of theoretical and practical skills. 

For example, the recommended PFTC Ammunition Policy states:

“Ammunition quantity for practical proficiency should be (4) four times the ammunition used. International best practice recommends that in order to assess how much ammunition will be required on a practical course, the following guideline applies: The skill level one needs to achieve will be directly proportionate to the amount of ammunition specified in the Qualification Shoot Table. The amount of ammunition needed for the Qualification Shoot is then multiplied by (4) four to accommodate all the ammunition you will need, including practice shots and qualification shoots. In other words, if the Qualification Shoot is 10 rounds of ammunition then you should expect to shoot at least 40 rounds of ammunition in total during your course. Even if you pass the Qualification shoot with your first 10 shots, the additional shooting will be good practice and will make you more consistent. Best practice also dictates that you qualify with the same or similar caliber and type of firearm that you own or use.”

Note: – During your Pre- Assessment meeting, remember to ask your instructor and / or assessor on how much ammunition will be made available for the practical.

Expert Facility

Accredited Firearm Training Provider members with core industry experience are always recommended for firearm training. They not only teach the course curriculum but also train the students well for practical situations enriched with their professional experiences. While choosing a Accredited Firearm Training Provider, do make a point to visit their centre, and interact with the staff members to get to know them better and making an informed decision if they will be equipped for your training purposes.

We at Guns N’ Roses wish you all the best in making your firearm training experience memorable, based on research and being well informed.

 

Please contact us on info@gunsnroses.co.za for more information on or training programs.

 

Guns ‘N Roses Team