GUN LAWS -- SOUTH AFRICA ------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: Anthony Selikow ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I have some info on South African Gun Laws. There may be slight flaws in this info, as I have not consulted the official statute books, but have compiled the info from my knowledge. Thus, in general, it is applicable and correct. Fire-Arm Licence Application Procedure : Fill in application for fire-arm licence at any police station. This includes finger-prints being taken ny the police. These forms are then sent to a central fire-arms licence application processing centre. Here they check on your details (that were filled in on you application form.) These include your criminal record(if any), other fire-arms(if any), reason for fire-arm etc. If all is in order, they will grant the licence and send it to the police station where the application was filed. This procedure can take from four (4) to ten (10) weeks (typically six (6) weeks.) Types of Fire-Arms : For reasons of personal (self) defence and/or target shooting, a licence can be obtained for almost any REVOLVER or SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. It is almost impossible to obtain a licence for any FULL-AUTO PISTOL. (With the obvious exclusion of law enforcement agencies.) SHOTGUNS (PUMP, SIDEbySIDE, OVER/UNDER and other) single shot mechanisms may be licensed for defence of private property and sporting reasons. It is almost impossible to obtain a licence for any SEMI- or FULL-AUTO SHOTGUN. (With the obvious exclusion of law enforcement agencies.) RIFLES and CARBINES (BOLT, LEVER, SLIDE and other) action of various calibre may be licensed for hunting and other reasons. It is almost impossible to obtain a licence for any SEMI- or FULL- AUTO RIFLE. (With the obvious exclusion of law enforcement agencies.) EXCEPTIONS : If one lives in a remote border area, licences for one/some of the above "non-obtainable" fire-arms may be granted, at the discretion of the police. Carry Laws : PISTOLS and REVOLVERS may be carried on private property and in public provided the carrier is in full control of the fire-arm at all times. (I !think!, since it has/is changing, that one may NOT carry UNCONCEALED IE. one MUST CARRY CONCEALED!) Carry conditions are not dictated, so one may carry wit one-up and a full mag or full cylinder or however you want! RIFLES and SHOTGUNS must be concealed in a suitable carry bag when in public. Additional information: * One must apply for each and every gun licence ie. a different licence for each gun. These licences are stuck into your identity book, which must be on your person when you are carrying. * A twelve (12) gun limit exists, but special application may be obtained if more firearms are desired (a collectors permit or the like.) * Ammunition can be purchased on presentation of your identity book (see above) which contains the relevant licence(s) for that caliber(s). The restriction is (I think) only on posinous (sp ?) rounds and explosive rounds ie. hollowpoints etc. are legal. (The only problem is getting hold of them in S.A. Winchester Silvertips, Fedral Hydra-Shok, Hornady XTP and the like are occasionally avalible (at horrible prices.) A seperate point of interest is that the government impose import dutys of over approx. 130% on some imported firearms. For example, a Glock (say 19) sells for approx. SAR 3600. (USD 1 ~ SAR 3) This is about three times the average US price! The police (if you are interested) use only 9mm and .38spl firearms (handguns) (mostly 9mm Luger or Parrabellum). Only FMJ (full metal jacket) ammo is used. The most common make of service weapon is the Baretta 92. A S.A. copy of the Baretta is now in service, called the Z88. It looks identical!