— Directive 2026-03

Safety first,
always.

Every GHFTA-sanctioned shoot operates under a written safety protocol. Range officers are certified annually, and every lane is inspected before the first peg of the day. These are the non-negotiables.

Rule 01

Muzzle discipline

Treat every rifle as loaded. Muzzle always points down-range or vertically at the skyward ready — never across the line, never at another shooter.

Rule 02

Action open, off the peg

Rifles remain un-cocked with action open whenever the shooter is off the peg. No exceptions, including between lanes.

Rule 03

Eye protection mandatory

Shatter-rated eye protection is compulsory for all shooters, range officers and spectators inside the flag line.

Rule 04

Pellet energy limits

HFT class is capped at 12 ft·lb; FT class at 16 ft·lb. A chronograph check is available at every round and is mandatory at championships.

Rule 05

Clear behind the target

Targets must have a natural or engineered backstop. Range officers verify pellet containment before the first shot is fired.

Rule 06

Weather call

The RO may halt fire for lightning, high wind gusts above 30 mph, or any condition that compromises target visibility or pellet trajectory.

§02 · Frequently asked

Questions from new shooters.

No. GHFTA clubs keep loan rifles for novices. Bring eye protection and closed-toe shoes; the rest can be provided for your first session.

Air rifles under 7.5 joules are not licensed under the South African Firearms Control Act. HFT sport rifles above that threshold require a sport-purposes licence. The club secretary can guide you through the process.

Thirty knock-down targets across fifteen lanes, ranges between 8 and 45 metres, two shots per lane — one standing or kneeling where marked. Scored binary: target down scores one. Roughly four hours on the course.

Yes — juniors from age twelve may shoot under direct supervision of a certified range officer or parent with licence. The Junior class caps pellet energy at 7.5 ft·lb.

Attend a practice session at your nearest affiliate club, then request a membership form through the club captain. Annual provincial fees for 2026 are R450.

Safety first,always.