SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Handle and use a muzzle-loading firearm 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243200  Handle and use a muzzle-loading firearm 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons who use or wish to be declared competent in the use of a muzzle-loading firearm and or who requires a competency certificate in terms of current legislation. It will enable persons to handle and shoot muzzle-loading firearms safely and in line with current legal prescripts. This unit standard will not only enable persons to prove competency in line with legal prescripts but will also give them the necessary competencies to use such a firearm.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Handle black powder.
  • Handle a muzzle-loading firearm.
  • Use a muzzle-loading firearm.
  • Carry out elementary inspection and maintenance of a muzzle-loading firearm for safe use. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • 117705: "Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) applicable to possessing a firearm", NQF Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • Communication at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The learner must be assessed on a muzzle-loading firearm as defined by current legislation. Muzzle-loading firearms may include a muzzle-loading pistol, muzzle-loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun and a muzzle-loading canon. Current legislation refers to the applicable sections of the Firearms Control Act (as amended) Act 60 of 2000. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Handle black powder. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Handle refer to but is not limited to acquisition, storage, use and transport and the handling of black powder (propellant) related equipment (including safety equipment). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Storage methods of black powder and percussion caps are listed in line with the Explosives Act. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Storage refers to but is not limited to storing it in safe areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Permit requirements for purchasing and owning black powder are described in line with the Explosives Act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Black powder is handled according to legal prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors which influence the properties of black powder are described in terms of their effect on the use and safety aspects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of a black powder dispenser is demonstrated in a given situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Handle a muzzle-loading firearm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A muzzle-loading firearm is handled without threat of injury or harm to person(s) and property. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Threat may include but is not limited to accidental or intentional actions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A safe muzzle direction is defined and maintained at all times with due consideration for safety of persons and property. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The finger is held off the trigger until ready to fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is treated as loaded at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Loading is carried out in a safe manner appropriate to the mechanism of the muzzle-loading firearm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is controlled, carried and transported without threat of injury or harm to people in accordance with the requirements of current legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term control includes safe storage of black powder.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The precautions when handling a muzzle-loading firearm is explained in terms of their impact of safe handling. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use a muzzle-loading firearm. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The term: "use" includes pointing without firing, firing and general handling of malfunctions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Common law related to the use of muzzle-loading firearms is described using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fundamentals of muzzle-loading firearm handling are demonstrated appropriate to the muzzle-loading firearm. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals of muzzle-loading firearm handling refer to, but are not limited to stance, grip and aiming.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Scenarios in which a muzzle-loading firearm may and may not be used are described in line with current legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The target to be fired at and a suitable backstop is identified prior to firing the muzzle-loading firearm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is charged appropriate to the firearm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Target is hit accurately with control of bullet impact and accountability for every shot. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • "Accurately" means a minimum of 3 hits out of 3 from a minimum distance 5 m for black powder handguns and 10m for black powder rifles and shotguns, on an A2 target, no time limit. The distance may be increased, but may not be decreased. Target size may not be altered.
  • Bullet includes but is not limited to balls and projectiles.
  • The term accountability refers to the control of the shots fired.
  • The term hit refers to initial bullet impact.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Malfunctions are identified in terms of possible cause and corrective action. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Identifying includes identifying those corrective actions that can be handled by self, and those that need to be referred to a gunsmith.
  • Malfunctions could include but are not limited to: failure to fire (misfire, hang fire,) and a blocked nipple (also referred to as a blocked flash hole).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is restored to safe state in the event of malfunctions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is loaded and fired according to given specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Given specifications may refer to unsupported in the case of a handgun and supported in the case of a long gun as well as any instructions from an instructor.
  • Unsupported means without resting or supporting the hands or firearm on any object for stability purposes but allows firing with two hands.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Carry out elementary inspection and maintenance of a muzzle-loading firearm for safe use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Elementary maintenance is limited to cleaning and lubricating with the use of a cleaning kit. Elementary inspection includes establishing that the barrel is clear and dry and the visible mechanism functions as designed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inspections are conducted in order to identify firearm conditions that could impact on the safe functioning of the muzzle-loading firearm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The muzzle-loading firearm is cleaned and or cleared so as to ensure it is free of any obstructions and in a condition to be fired safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Muzzle-loading firearm is inspected to establish whether conditions exist where more than elementary maintenance is needed for referral purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Referral may refer to consultation with or referral to a recognised expert and or gunsmith.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic functioning of a muzzle-loading firearm.
  • Main parts of a muzzle-loading firearm and their functions.
  • Use of safety equipment and range rules where applicable.
  • Definition of black powder: The earliest form of propellant, first used for guns in the 14th century. It is a mechanical mixture of potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulphur.
  • Possible substitutes for black powder with similar burning characteristics.
  • Granulation grading such as: "Fg, FFg, FFFg and FFFFg," largest to smallest, respectively.
  • Definition of muzzle-loading firearm: definition as per the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000 (as amended).
  • Ignition systems appropriate muzzle loading firearms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to conditions for using the muzzle loading firearms and dealing with malfunctions and obstructions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively as the handling and use of a muzzle-loading firearm requires self-organisation and management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of inter-related parts of a system related to provision of descriptions on safe use of muzzle-loading firearms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to full development of oneself. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
  • Assessors must be registered with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessors must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard.
  • Assessors must have at least two years experience of regular exposure and or experience in the handling and firing of firearms of which at least 6 months must be in the use of muzzle loading firearms. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  50480   Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAPFTC 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    2. DWANDZANI PROJECTS CC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.