Shotgun competency test questions

For a shotgun competency you train against unit standard 119652 as well as Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act. These practice questions cover shotguns: gauges, chambers, chokes, shot and slugs, unloading and safe handling.

Practice questions

1. What does a shotgun's 'gauge' tell you?

Answer: The bore size: the number of lead balls of that bore's diameter that weigh one pound. Gauge is an old measure: a 12-gauge bore fits lead balls of which 12 weigh one pound. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

2. Why is it dangerous to have 20-gauge shells with a 12-gauge shotgun?

Answer: A 20-gauge shell can slip into the barrel and lodge, and the next 12-gauge shot can burst the barrel. A 20-gauge shell can slide down a 12-gauge barrel and block it. Firing a 12-gauge shell behind it can burst the barrel. Keep gauges strictly separate. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

3. What is a choke?

Answer: A narrowing at the muzzle that controls how the shot spreads. A tighter choke keeps the pattern tighter for longer distances. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

4. What is a slug?

Answer: A single large projectile fired from a shotgun. A slug is one heavy projectile and travels much further than birdshot. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

5. How do you unload a break-action (double-barrel) shotgun?

Answer: Open the action and remove the shells, then check the chambers. Break the action open, remove the shells and look into each chamber. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

6. With a pump-action, what causes 'short-stroking'?

Answer: Not pumping the fore-end fully back and forward. A half pump can fail to eject or load properly. Pump fully and firmly. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

7. Under which section could a private person license a semi-automatic shotgun for self-defence?

Answer: Section 14 (restricted firearm). A semi-automatic shotgun that can't readily be converted to fully automatic is a restricted firearm under section 14. Source: Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, s14(1)

8. Can birdshot pellets cause injury beyond their effective hunting range?

Answer: Yes, pellets can still injure people at longer distances. Pellets lose energy quickly but can still injure, especially eyes, well beyond hunting range. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

9. Where do you find a shell's gauge?

Answer: On the shell's head (headstamp) and the box. Check the markings on the shell and box against the gauge and chamber length marked on the barrel. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

10. Why should a shotgun be mounted firmly into the shoulder?

Answer: To control recoil and avoid bruising. A firm mount spreads the recoil and keeps your aim consistent. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

11. On a double-barrel shotgun, can the two barrels have different chokes?

Answer: Yes, often one tighter and one more open. Many doubles have a different choke in each barrel for different distances. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun

12. You're out shooting with a 12-gauge. What's the safest way to carry spare shells?

Answer: Only carry shells of the correct gauge and length for your gun. Carrying only the right shells avoids loading the wrong one by mistake. Source: Unit standard 119652: handle and use a shotgun; Basic firearm safety, as taught in all the firearm unit standards

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 shotgun 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 shotgun?

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.