Quoted: what are the laws in Russia for owning a firearm? just curious, never heard it mentioned on here. -mark
|
Hi, Mark!
Concerning gun laws in Russia:
Any law-abiding citizen of 18 years old and elder may receive a permit to own and carry a shotgun for sporting purposes. Shotgun must have receiver and barrel length of at least 20 inches, and must be capable of firing only if it’s length is over 31 inches (i.e. a special safety is engaged when stock of folding-stock shotgun is folded or detached). Magazine capacity must not exceed 10 rounds, no full-auto weapons are legal. Each shotgun possessed must be registered in police. Weapon must be stored at home under lock. Weapon must be transported (in car or bag) unloaded, and can be loaded only at home, range or hunting ground.
After five years of owning a shotgun, a person may receive a permit to own a rifle, with the same limitations: at least 20 inches long with stock folded (non-firing position), 31 inches with stock extended. No full-auto, no mags above 10rd.
Total number of shotguns a person may possess is five, total number of rifles – also five. If a person receives a collector’s permit, he may own an unlimited number of rifles and shotguns, but receiving such license is rather complicated: I know only two people with such licenses among about two hundred shooters i know.
Another license a person may perceive is a license to carry of less-lethal weapons. These weapons are basically different handguns converted to shoot rubber of plastic projectile only, and they are declared to be not capable to kill if shooting in center-mass.
Owning “real” handguns by individuals is not allowed, though handgun may be owned by a shooting club, and stored there. Currently there is only one certified model of centerfire handguns legal for civil clubs – Viking MP446 in 9x19, but we all hope that this part of law is to be changed in sometime.
We also expect a legalization of high-capacity magazines for IPSC shooters in nearest time, because currently the law demands to load not more than 10rd in all our guns.
If You have any other questions on guns in Russia – please ask.
Concerning close-up photos of my new Vepr – I’ll make them in a few days, when I get some camera. Here is a close-up from russian 'Kalibr' magazine - sorry for the quality.
Yours sincerely,
Sergey Podgirin