Guide to firearm laws abroad ...

[Swing]

Hello all. I am looking for a guide, either in print or electronic, to the firearm laws in other countries. The data I've found on the web is spotty and, in some cases, suspect because the source is anti-firearms.

Is there a book or site that gives a general overview of the laws and licensing for firearms? I realize that an exhaustive compendium would be impossible. What I am looking for something that covers like so: For this country, you need license X to own Y type of firearms. To qualify for this license you need to [Fill in the blank].

If it helps narrow things down, the only countries I care about reading up on are in Western Europe and Argentina.

Thanks all.

 

[Chevelle SS]

Look on Wikipedia

 

[Swing]

Thanks for note. Indeed, I have read over many of articles on Wikipedia. While a decent primer, the quality and extent of coverage is spotty.

 

[steveno]

once you leave the states gun laws are not very favorable

 

[Swing]

Indeed, with very few exceptions in the first world, I know the are very restrictive abroad. Hence the research.

 

[Midwest]

Czech Republic and Switzerland have good gun laws compared to the rest of Europe.

 

[denton]

The law in Malaysia calls for an automatic life sentence for possession of a firearm or a single round of ammunition. If you possess both, it's an automatic death penalty. You might say the laws there are a bit on the tight side.

 

[Torian]

My guide to firearms laws abroad: DON'T

 

[Prince Yamato]

Oh for crap's sake...

You CAN bring firearms abroad. You can even CARRY in the Czech Republic if you pass their version of a ccw test. Romania has ccw. Russia has limited ccw. Switzerland, it depends on the canton. Finland is decent as well (albeit no ccw).

You can also bring weapons abroad to hunt in most countries.

We are not the only country in the world where people have guns.

If you're looking to move abroad, especially if you have NFA weapons you want to take with you, you need to check with the State Department.

 

[Frank Ettin]

I've never seen any comprehensive guides to firearms laws in other countries.

I know that one may bring guns into Argentina or some Western European countries for hunting. In such cases the hunting excursion would be arranged with an outfitter or guide in the country, and he would handle the red-tape for bringing in your gun (as well as hunting licenses and access to the hunting location).

Specific information might be available through a country's embassy, consulate or government tourist office.

 

[highlander 5]

Someone beat me to it check with the embassy of the country you wish to visit.

 

[Capreolus]

Each country in Western Europe has their own specific requirements for the transport, use and storage of firearms.
The only consistancy across the different countries is the Byzantine complexity of these regulations.
I go to Croatia each year to hunt boar and although the outfitter takes care of all the paperwork and hunting permits just checking the firearms in adds at least two hours to your journey.
This year I am considering hiring a gun for the three days (Benelli 9,3 x 62 ). This will allow me to use a semi- auto which are illegal in the UK and allow me to spend a couple of hours in the bar in serious preparation for the hunting trip.
Ask your outfitter if you can hire a gun and save yourself a huge amount of stress.

 

[Midwest]

There is a "Gun Rights Index" the index was updated as of June 9 2011. Surprisingly Yemen also has good gun laws along with the Czech Republic or Switzerland. The Index can be downloaded as an Excel File Format or Open Office .odf format.

http://www.freeexistence.org/gunindex.html

For a brief starting point for checking laws around the world, though not complete.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics

Israel
...people are allowed to carry a pistol with a license.

Ireland
...people are allowed small bore pistols and air pistols..., and .22 cal pistols if licensed before November 2008. 2 character references and medical records are required for licenses.

Yemen has gun laws almost that like the United States

Yemen allows for open or conceal carry with a permit. Private machine gun ownership is allowed. There are licensing requirements. Personal Protection is a valid reason for buying a firearm. Private sales allowed. There are licenses that must be renewed every 3 years. Right to private gun ownership is guaranteed by law. Minimum age to own firearms is 18. It also says they are allowed one gun (don't know if that means one gun only or if a license is needed for each gun...that part is unclear).

http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/yemen

Carrying Guns Openly in Public
In Yemen, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit

Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public
In Yemen, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit

Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons
In Yemen, private possession of fully automatic weapons is permitted under licence.


Pakistan is Interesting

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_Pakistan

There are no restrictions on shotguns in Pakistan. ... The regulation of firearms in Pakistan is categorised as permissive. Present laws allow ownership of handguns of any caliber, though previously there existed an upper limit restriction of .38-caliber. All shotguns are allowed. Federal prohibited bore permits for civilian fully automatic weapons are issued by the Ministry of the Interior and are valid throughout Pakistan.[6]

In Pakistan, private possession of fully automatic, semi-automatic and handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under license.[15] Only licensed gun owners may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition. Applicants for a gun owner's license are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm. Third party character references are not required. Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Pakistan does not stipulate that a gun license should be denied or revoked. An understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required for a firearm license. Licensed firearm owners in Pakistan are permitted to possess any number of firearms as well as being permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition.