Handgun competency test questions

For a handgun competency you train against unit standard 119649 as well as Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act. These practice questions cover pistols and revolvers: parts, loading and unloading, malfunctions, sights and safe carry.

Practice questions

1. What are the two main types of handgun?

Answer: Pistols (self-loading) and revolvers. Pistols feed from a magazine and reload themselves. Revolvers hold cartridges in a rotating cylinder. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

2. Unloading a self-loading pistol: what must you do FIRST?

Answer: Remove the magazine. Remove the magazine first. If you work the slide with the magazine still in, it just loads another round. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

3. Why is a pistol NOT unloaded just because the magazine has been removed?

Answer: There may still be a round in the chamber. A round can remain in the chamber. Always check the chamber after removing the magazine. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

4. What does the slide stop (slide release) on a pistol do?

Answer: Holds the slide open, and releases it. The slide stop locks the slide open (often automatically after the last shot) and can be used to release it. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

5. What happens in a double-action trigger pull?

Answer: The trigger both cocks the hammer (or striker) and releases it, so the pull is longer and heavier. In double action, one trigger pull cocks and releases the hammer, which gives a longer, heavier pull. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

6. Your pistol goes 'click' instead of firing. After waiting in case of a hang fire, what is the common way to clear it?

Answer: Tap the magazine to seat it, rack the slide, and reassess. For a simple failure to fire, the usual drill is to tap the magazine, rack the slide to load a fresh round, and reassess before firing. If the shot sounded weak, check for a stuck bullet first. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

7. Two rounds try to feed at once (a double feed). What is the usual fix?

Answer: Lock the slide back, remove the magazine, rack the slide to clear the rounds, then reload. A double feed can't be fixed by tap-rack. Lock the slide, strip out the magazine, clear the chamber, then reload. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

8. What is correct sight alignment on a handgun?

Answer: The front sight centred in the rear notch, with the tops level. Align the front sight in the middle of the rear notch, with equal light on each side and the tops level. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

9. How should you press the trigger?

Answer: Smoothly and straight back, without disturbing the sights. A smooth, straight press keeps the sights aligned while the shot breaks. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

10. Drawing from a holster: what must you avoid?

Answer: Pointing the muzzle at any part of your body (sweeping yourself). Keep the muzzle away from your body and your finger off the trigger until it points at the target. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

11. How should a handgun be gripped for control?

Answer: Firmly and high on the grip, usually with two hands. A firm, high, two-handed grip controls recoil and keeps the sights on target. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

12. 9 mm Parabellum ammunition is also known as...

Answer: 9×19 mm (or 9 mm Luger). 9 mm Parabellum is 9×19 mm, also called 9 mm Luger. 9×21, 9 mm Short and 9.3×62 are different cartridges that must not be mixed up. Source: Unit standard 119649: handle and use a handgun

13. What is the safest way to hand a firearm to someone else?

Answer: Unloaded, with the action open, muzzle in a safe direction. Hand it over unloaded with the action open so the other person can see it's empty, and keep the muzzle in a safe direction. Source: Basic firearm safety, as taught in all the firearm unit standards

14. You hear movement in the bush during a hunt. What do you do?

Answer: Never shoot until you have clearly identified your target. Never shoot at sound, shape or movement. Positively identify what you are shooting at and what is beyond it. Source: Basic firearm safety, as taught in all the firearm unit standards

15. When you're tired, angry or upset, what's the safest choice with firearms?

Answer: Don't handle them until you're calm and alert. Good decisions and safe handling need a clear head. Source: Basic firearm safety, as taught in all the firearm unit standards

Practice only. LicenseWatch is independent and not affiliated with SAPS, the Central Firearms Register (CFR), PFTC, SASSETA or any training provider. These are our own questions based on the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, its regulations and the published unit standards, with the source for every answer. Your accredited training provider sets and marks the real test, and passing here doesn't mean you'll pass yours.

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Frequently asked questions

What is in the handgun competency theory?

Safe handling and muzzle control, loading and unloading, storage and carrying, common malfunctions and how to clear them, basic maintenance, and when a firearm may and may not be used. Your training provider sets the actual test.

Do I need a separate competency for a handgun?

Yes. Proficiency training and competency are done per type of firearm: handgun, self-loading rifle or carbine, manually operated rifle or carbine, and shotgun.

LicenseWatch is an independent service. It is not SAPS or the Central Firearms Register (CFR), and it is not affiliated with them. It reads the same public SAPS status enquiry you can use yourself.