About MSA-South Africa

Magnum Shooting Academy

Professional and affordable Firearm and Security related training is facilitated by our highly qualified trainers. Magnum Shooting Academy is an accredited training provider that facilitates training in Firearms and Close Protection. Some of our services include training in the disciplines of Handgun, Shotgun, Rifles. Our services also include Close Protection training, driver and Tactical training. MSA Offers Security Solutions to our clients that has specific needs. Some of our clients include, Police, Government departments and international clients that have chosen MSA-South Africa for its professional services.

MSA-South Africa Vision

We measure success by:

  • Service delivery
  • Learner Proficiency
  • Striving for a more proficient and safe Firearm society
  • Successful training and development in SASSETA Field 08 security in society
  • Security Solutions – Hi Risk / CPO’s

Mission Statement

Magnum Shooting Academy makes use of accredited training materials that are aligned with SAQA unit standards, which will be delivered to the learner in an outcome-based approach. The aim of making our learners proficient in the skills and knowledge.

Magnum Shooting Academy will ensure that the learner’s assessment is measured against the unit standards and will be assessed true and fair.

MSA’s courses will be aimed at developing our learners from the individual seeking firearm proficiency to the security industry, the CPO, and the tactically minded.


James Bristow – Director of Training & FET Development

Military Service – 
2 Signal Regiment Electronic Warfare Station Pretoria/ Olifantshoek
NAFTA Advanced Instructor / ex Board Member
I.T.A – Advanced Tactical Instructor
USA ASP – Tactical Baton / Handcuff Instructor
Driving Instructor / Offensive & Defensive
SASSETA – Assessor – Moderator
PSIRA- CPO - Grade A - C.I.T
Firearms Qualification NQF4 -50480
SAQA/Professional Tactical Firearms Instructor
SAQA/Professional Firearm Specialist
P.F.T.C Verifier - Professional Firearm Trainers Council 
International Firearm Training Counsellor 
James Bristow – Director of Training & Development
James Bristow – Director of Training & Development

The Magnum Shooting Academy Story

In early 2001 I found myself at my job, bored, wanting to start a different career , wanting a new change. I began to study firearms and training, making a difference in people’s lives so they could protect themselves, creating an immediate difference in our surrounding communities.

From humble beginnings, training friends, to actual clients. With my mind focused on corporate branding to lead MSA into the international training market.

It begun in a back room in my house, I started with four chairs & tables in a make shift classroom. Humble beginnings to say the least.

I really love to shoot all and every types of firearms that I can get my hands on, but my true happiness in this business is to teach others. When a new student attends training with me and I see the progression and the change of the students skill sand knowledge, but also the “what just happened to me”, this in itself is priceless. I believe that my true calling is to teach and really change students’ perspectives, mostly by changing their knowledge, skills and make some difference in their attitude.

Magnum Shooting Academy offers a high standard of training and has been doing so since 2002, offering services to the public, security companies, SAPS, Traffic Police, government departments, game rangers, anti-poaching units, Close Protection Officers and International clients alike.  

Magnum Shooting Academy is accredited with all the industries governing and quality assurance bodies, to allow MSA-South Africa to facilitate training in our field of learning that is relevant to the public, Security and Official training. This is also facilitated to local Government and International departments. MSA-South Africa offer training from basic modules all the way to Advanced, Tactical Tiers and management levels . Bespoke training is one of our specialized divisions.