Looking at My Gun App (also searched as "MyGunApp")? Both apps help South African firearm owners track SAPS applications and keep their firearms in order. Here's an honest look at how they compare.
At a glance
| Feature | LicenseWatch | My Gun App |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks SAPS license, renewal and competency applications | Yes | Yes |
| Status history and processing estimates | Yes | Yes |
| Batch insights | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| Firearms with license expiry dates | Yes, with a 90-day renew-by countdown | Yes |
| Shooting log | Yes, with a yearly PDF for your association | Yes, with barrel life |
| Alerts when your status changes | Phone notifications and email | Email alerts |
| Saved documents | Encrypted document wallet (Pro) | Saves your details and documents for motivation requests |
| Mock theory test | Yes, free | Not listed on their Play Store page |
| Ballistic calculator | Yes (RangeWatch) | Not listed on their Play Store page |
| Firearm value checker | Yes | Not listed on their Play Store page |
| Motivation and form help | Review R199, or we write it R399 | From R350 per application |
| Android | Add it to your home screen from the browser (Play Store app coming) | App on Google Play |
| iPhone and computer | Works in any browser, add it to your home screen | Web app at mygunapp.co.za |
What My Gun App does well
My Gun App covers tracking, a firearm register with expiry dates, a shooting log with barrel life, email alerts and saved documents for motivation requests, in an Android app and a web app. It's a solid all-round option.
What you get with LicenseWatch
- Phone notifications and email the moment SAPS moves your application (on iPhone, after you add LicenseWatch to your home screen).
- Every SAPS status in plain English, with what to do next.
- Renewal reminders with your 90-day renew-by date and calendar alerts.
- A free mock theory test with 232 questions and every answer explained.
- RangeWatch, a ballistic calculator that tells you where to aim.
- An encrypted document wallet and a firearm value checker.
- A moderated community of South African firearm owners.
- A plan for dealers and trainers to track every client.
SAPS FLASH, TrackMyApp, My Gun App and LicenseWatch: how they fit together
SAPS FLASH (Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Control) is the part of SAPS that handles firearm licensing. Its online firearm status enquiry is where every application's status actually comes from. You can always check it yourself with your reference number, for free.
Apps like TrackMyApp, My Gun App and LicenseWatch don't replace SAPS FLASH. They check the same public SAPS status for you, so you don't have to look it up by hand every day, and add extras on top. None of them can speed up your application or change its status. For questions about your application, speak to the DFO at the police station where you applied, or the SAPS firearms call centre on 012 353 6111 (cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za).
How to check your SAPS firearm status yourself · What each SAPS status means
Which should you choose?
Both cover the basics. LicenseWatch adds plain-English statuses, renewal reminders, a free mock theory test, a ballistic calculator and a value checker, free to start. Start tracking your application in about a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is My Gun App the same as LicenseWatch?
No. They're separate apps from different developers.
Is LicenseWatch free?
Yes. Tracking, alerts, renewal reminders and the mock theory test are free. Pro adds faster checks, unlimited applications and more.
Are either of these apps from SAPS?
No. Both are independent and not affiliated with SAPS or the Central Firearms Register (CFR). Your status comes from the public SAPS FLASH firearm status enquiry, which you can also check yourself.