27/08/2026
Manually Operated Rifle (MOR) training teaches the safe, lawful and competent use of rifles that require a manual action between shots, such as bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action and similar manually cycled rifles.
For firearm proficiency training in South Africa, the training normally focuses on:
Firearm safety: muzzle discipline, trigger-finger discipline, safe loading/unloading, checking that the firearm is clear, and correct handling on and off the shooting range.
Knowledge of the rifle: identifying the action, barrel, chamber, magazine, safety mechanism, sights, stock and other major components.
Ammunition: correct calibre identification, safe inspection, storage and handling of ammunition, and understanding the dangers of using incorrect or damaged ammunition.
Operating the action: correctly loading, chambering, firing, extracting and ejecting cartridges while maintaining control of the firearm.
Safe firing techniques: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.
Malfunctions and stoppages: recognising problems and responding safely without unnecessarily endangering the shooter or others.
Range procedures: understanding range commands, shooting positions, safe direction, cease-fire procedures and the responsibilities of the shooter.
Legal knowledge: understanding the responsibilities placed on firearm owners and users by the Fi****ms Control Act 60 of 2000, including lawful possession, transport, storage and responsible use.
Practical assessment: demonstrating that the learner can safely handle, load, fire, unload and make the rifle safe under assessment conditions.
A manually operated rifle course is particularly relevant for people intending to use rifles for hunting, sport shooting, farming-related lawful activities, or other authorised purposes. The objective is not merely to teach someone how to fire a rifle, but to develop a shooter who can handle the firearm safely, responsibly, accurately and within the law.
For your training material, an appropriate heading would be:
MANUALLY OPERATED RIFLE TRAINING – UNIT STANDARD 119651
The key message to students should be: competency is demonstrated through safe handling and responsible decision-making first; accurate shooting comes second.