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How many firearms can I own in South Africa?
It depends on the section of the Firearms Control Act each firearm is licensed under. Each firearm needs its own licence.
The limits
| Section | For | How many |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Self-defence | One |
| 14 | Restricted firearm for self-defence | One, only where a section 13 handgun is not enough |
| 15 | Occasional hunting and sports-shooting | Up to four; three if you also hold a section 13 licence; no more than one of them for a handgun |
| 16 | Dedicated hunter or dedicated sports person | No fixed number; you need dedicated status from an accredited association and a motivation for each |
| 17 | Private collection | No fixed number, as a member of an accredited collectors' association |
| 20 | Business purposes | As the business needs |
Section 15(3) of the Act sets the four, three and one-handgun limits.
Want more than four?
Most people who need more firearms for hunting or sport become dedicated hunters or sports persons through an accredited association, and license further firearms under section 16. See dedicated status explained.
Every firearm needs
- A valid competency for that type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun).
- Its own licence application (SAPS 271) and motivation.
- Safe storage: a safe that meets the standard, bolted down.
This is general information about South African firearm law and SAPS procedure, not legal advice, and we are not SAPS. Where your situation is unusual, a past conviction, a pending case, a firearm inherited from a deceased estate, speak to a firearms attorney.
Frequently asked questions
How many firearms can I own for self-defence in South Africa?
One, under section 13 of the Firearms Control Act. A section 14 restricted firearm is only for a need a section 13 handgun cannot meet.
How many firearms can I license for occasional hunting and sport?
Up to four under section 15, or three if you also hold a section 13 self-defence licence, and no more than one of them may be a handgun.
Is there a limit for dedicated hunters and sport shooters?
Section 16 has no fixed number. You need dedicated status from an accredited association and a motivation for each firearm.
Let us prepare it for you
Firearm License Pro SA builds your complete SAPS-ready application from the details on your profile, the correct SAPS form, a motivation letter written for your section, and a checklist of the supporting documents you need for your next firearm licence. You check it, print it, and hand it in.
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