Gun control in Russia

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Gun control in Russia is carried out in accordance with the Federal Law on Weapons. The law establishes three major categories of weapons: civil, service, and military. [1]

Contents

Overview

As of 2013 Russian citizens over 18 years of age can obtain a firearms license after attending gun-safety classes and passing a federal test and background check. Firearms may be acquired for self-defense, hunting, or sports activities, as well as for collection purposes. Carrying permits may be issued for hunting firearms licensed for hunting purposes. Initially, purchases are limited to long smooth-bore firearms and pneumatic weapons with a muzzle energy of up to 25 joules (18 ft⋅lbf). After five years of shotgun ownership, rifles may be purchased. Handguns are generally not allowed, but with the growing popularity of practical shooting events and competitions in Russia in recent years (e.g., IPSC), handgun ownership has now been allowed and the handguns have to be stored at a shooting club. Rifles and shotguns with barrels less than 500 mm (20 in) long are prohibited, as are firearms which shoot in bursts or have more than a 10-cartridge capacity. Suppressors are prohibited. An individual cannot possess more than ten guns (up to five shotguns and up to five rifles) unless they are part of a registered gun collection. [2]

History of changes

In 2014 Russia relaxed its gun laws by allowing concealed carry firearms for self-defense purposes; [3] simplifying regulations for foreigners who legally bring their firearms to Russia; and making regulations stricter for firearm licensing, safekeeping, and for the purchase of non-lethal firearms. [2]

In July 2016, requirements were updated for registration, licensing, and storage of hunting, sporting, pneumatic, and gas weapons. [4] [5]

In the wake of the Kazan school shooting various proposals for tighter gun control were voiced [6] [7] [8] [9] and a bill drafted earlier and submitted in December 2020 is to be considered by the State Duma in May 2021. [6] [10] [ needs update ]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ. ФЕДЕРАЛЬНЫЙ ЗАКОН Об оружии ("Russian Federation. Federal Law on Weapons")
  2. 1 2 "Firearms-Control Legislation and Policy: Russian Federation". Law.gov. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  3. ↑ "Можно ли в России теперь носить оружие?" [Can you now carry weapons in Russia]. 2014.
  4. ↑ "Russia: New Requirements for Firearms Operation Licenses"
  5. ↑ ""
  6. 1 2 При нападении на школу в Казани погибли девять человек. Kommersant (in Russian). 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  7. ↑ "Единая Россия" считает необходимым ужесточить законодательство в сфере оборота оружия. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  8. ↑ Володин заявил о необходимости обсудить уход от анонимности в интернете. TASS (in Russian). 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
  9. ↑ Золотов предложил ввести психологическое тестирование при получении справки на оружие. TASS (in Russian). 2021-05-13. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  10. ↑ Комитет Госдумы одобрил ужесточение правил выдачи лицензий на оружие. Kommersant (in Russian). 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2021-05-12.
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