everydefense
Member
Better late than never??
So, 10 minutes after the press release came out, I ordered semi-automatic ZB.26. I wanted also ZB.30-37 but they are sold out. One of the main points of the directive is banning semi-auto firearms that were made by modification of select-fire firearms. During the phonecall, the "manufacturer" told me that under Czech law, his guns are not modified, but newly manufactured firearms, so he doesn't expect to be covered by the restriction (meanwhile CZ seller told me the opposite about vz.58). Well, leave it to the Czechs to find a loophole.
Nice rifle! What's 7.92×57mm Mauser ammo availability like there? I can't say I've ever seen it on the shelves, here. I'm guessing due to it being an old German military round it should be much more common in Europe than here in the US.
What is the situation in Europe, Switzerland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic regarding its implementation?
Would there be a blanket ban on A7 in the Czech Republic? Or would exemptions be given liberally?
Also, what is the public opinion currently in the Czech Republic? What is the situation with the constitutional amendment in the Czech Republic?
Also, semi-automatic firearms are only to be classified in cat. A if they are select fire, converted frim select fire or easily convertable to select fire - again it is up to the country to decide what "easily convertable" means.
in category A, the following points are added:
‘6. Automatic firearms which have been converted into semi-automatic firearms, without prejudice to Article 7(4a).
7.Any of the following centre-fire semi-automatic firearms:
(a) short firearms which allow the firing of more than 21 rounds without reloading, if:
(i) a loading device with a capacity exceeding 20 rounds is part of that firearm; or
(ii) a detachable loading device with a capacity exceeding 20 rounds is inserted into it;
(b) long firearms which allow the firing of more than 11 rounds without reloading, if:
(i) a loading device with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds is part of that firearm; or
(ii) a detachable loading device with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds is inserted into it.
8. Semi-automatic long firearms (i.e. firearms that are originally intended to be fired from the shoulder) that can be reduced to a length of less than 60 cm without losing functionality by means of a folding or telescoping stock or by a stock that can be removed without using tools.
However, the major thing you can not get around are magazine restrictions, which is not that big of a problem for handguns as they are limited to 20 rounds, but a very big deal for long-guns which are limited to 10 rounds.
2. For the protection of the security of critical infrastructure, commercial shipping, high-value convoys and sensitive premises, as well as for national defence, educational, cultural, research and historical purposes, and without prejudice to paragraph 1, the national competent authorities may grant, in individual cases, exceptionally and in a duly reasoned manner, authorisations for firearms, essential components and ammunition classified in category A where this is not contrary to public security or public order.
In Austria, our current government has told us, nothing will change except for the magazine restrictions (we already have outlawed "easily convertables", which in reality means, you have to switch out 2 parts and you are good to go as a manufacturer...), but the elections have been moved up a year to this fall - so we will see, what the next government looks like.
The recital is not legally binding. It may be used for interpretation of the legal text in case that the binding part leaves any room for interpretation. That is not the case here. ECJ has repeatedly held that recitals may not be used to override the law.Sorry, I have not been precise enough - the part about convertability is included in the "explanation" section, not in the actual amendment. You are correct, the amendment itself only outlaws converted firearms.
As for the magazine restrictions - I am really curious how that will turn out. As I have explained at some point, when we had the "pump-action-ban" in Austria, compliance rate was about 5 to 7 percent. It am sure, the compliance rate with magazine bans will be even lower, as there is no record of magazine sales.
3. Member States shall ensure that an authorisation to acquire and an authorisation to possess a firearm classified in category B shall be withdrawn if the person who was granted that authorisation is found to be in possession of a loading device apt to be fitted to centre-fire semi-automatic firearms or repeating firearms, which:
(a)
can hold more than 20 rounds; or
(b)
in the case of long firearms, can hold more than 10 rounds,
unless that person has been granted an authorisation under Article 6 or an authorisation which has been confirmed, renewed or prolonged under Article 7(4a).
As far as I understand it, there is also the possibility of granting licenses to own converted semi-autos and magazines over the 10 / 20 limit to target shooters, as long as they are members of a shooting club and take part in competitions. Of course we know, the whole thing is BS and I certainly hope the lawsuit of the CR will work out
I certainly hope, the "militia-approach" will work out for you.
Here you can find main points regarding EU Gun Ban: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Firearms_Directive#Content
@RoscoeBryant please let me know if I left anything important out.
Does it need to be a direct transfer to "militia members"? As I understand it, there are a great many surplus military firearms (vz. 58, etc.) that are now owned by Czech citizens... I wonder if that could somehow be used to satisfy that requirement?According to the directive, a state must have had the practice of transferring firearms to militia members in place for 50 years, which would not be the case in CZ as far is I know?
Does it need to be a direct transfer to "militia members"? As I understand it, there are a great many surplus military firearms (vz. 58, etc.) that are now owned by Czech citizens... I wonder if that could somehow be used to satisfy that requirement?
As for the militia exception - would that be a realistic approach? According to the directive, a state must have had the practice of transferering firearms to militia members in place for 50 years, which would not be the case in CZ as far is I know?
On the issue you mentioned earlier - great to hear about the "other side", as the reports in english and german are pretty streamlined sadly. In media reports, I only saw single sided views about the comission launching a suit for breach of contract against CZ, PL and HU, but no mention of the CZ-government wanting to cooperate and being obstructed by Greece and Italy. Who knows why...
Does it need to be a direct transfer to "militia members"? As I understand it, there are a great many surplus military firearms (vz. 58, etc.) that are now owned by Czech citizens... I wonder if that could somehow be used to satisfy that requirement?