Expert Advice
CARTEL — Ammunition · Arms · Automation

Buying guide

HOW TO BUY A FIREARM

Buying a firearm in South Africa is a licensing process, not a checkout — so we run the purchase as an enquiry: we confirm what you want, hold it while your licence is processed and hand it over against your licence card. Here is the whole journey and what we do at each step.

  1. Send an enquiry

    Minutes

    Add the firearm to your enquiry list and send it with your licence status. We confirm stock, price and what the next step looks like for you. Nothing is paid on this site.

  2. Get your competency certificate

    Weeks

    Training with an accredited provider (unit standards for handgun, rifle, shotgun or self-loading), then the SAPS 517 application at your police station. A competency certificate is a prerequisite for a firearm licence.

  3. Apply for the licence

    Months

    Submit the SAPS 271 application for the specific firearm — the make, model and serial number must match ours, which is why we reserve the firearm while the application runs. The DFO takes fingerprints and interviews you and your references.

  4. Approval and licence card

    Months

    The CFR considers the application, then a licence card is printed and collected from your station. Processing times are set by SAPS — nobody, including us, can speed them up.

  5. Pay and take transfer

    Same day

    Once the licence is approved you pay in store or against our invoice and we release the firearm against your licence card. Needs to go to another province or dealer? We arrange a dealer-to-dealer transfer instead.

What to bring to the counter

  • Your ID document and your licence card for the firearm.
  • Proof of address, if your licence was issued recently.
  • Your competency certificate, if you are buying ammunition or components for the first time.

Common questions

Do I need a licence to buy ammunition?
Yes, for live ammunition — you must present a valid licence for the relevant calibre. Components and most accessories do not need a licence, but we may still ask to see your competency for some items.
Can I pay online?
No card details are taken on this site. Every order starts as an enquiry; once we've confirmed stock, price and the licence path, payment is made in store or against an invoice.
Can someone else collect on my behalf?
No. A firearm is released only to the licence holder against a valid licence card, or transferred to another licensed dealer for collection there.
How long can you hold a firearm for me?
We store firearms licenced to you while the process runs; talk to us about storage for items you have bought. Speak to the counter if you need longer-term storage.

Not sure where you fit in?

Tell us what you are after and where you are in the process — we will point you at the right next step, even if it is training before a purchase.

Ask usWhatsApp us

Timelines above are indicative — SAPS sets and controls them. This page is a practical summary, not legal advice; your DFO or a licensed firearms dealer can confirm the requirements for your case. CARTEL is a licensed firearms and ammunition dealer.