Posted: 2/5/2013 10:45:16 AM EDT
| Looking to be able to obtain a firearms license and firearm. I'm a US citizen and will not have citizenship in Austria. What are my challenges and implications? How do I go about this. |
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I'm familiar with Austrian gun laws, we used to go over the border from Switzerland and shoot at a range in Tyrol I think it was.
I'd say the first thing the OP needs to do is familiarize himself with the European Firearms Directive, specifically the firearm categories in it. Category B firearms you can have two of (handguns at least), must be kept locked up, if you want more than two you must have a "good reason", which usually means being a member of a gun club; Category C and D are basically over the counter with ID, except pump-action shotguns, which are prohibited (because of some nutcase who shot up Salzburg). There is a background check. The guys we used to shoot with had their own Steyr AUGs, so definitely possible to legally own them. They were talking at the time about requiring a good reason to get a permit for any category B firearm, not sure if that ever happened but at the time you could get a permit for up to two handguns as a legal right. |
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Hello everyone, basically you only need to be a legal resident in Austria to own guns.
The category C and D can be owned without a gun license (a Waffenbesitzkarte or WBK) if you are of age but are registered on sale. To own a handgun or an AUG-Z you would need a WBK. Obtaining the WBK you will need: A psyc evaluation - there is a list of docs that are ok with the Interior ministery: € 300.- A gun safety course, usually held by a gun dealer: € 50.- A gun safe for your guns. How you will store your guns at home will be checked by the police prior to issuing the license and every five years or so afterwards (stupid and irritating, I know). Declaring a valid reason to own guns: i.e. target shooting (you might need membership of a club) or self - defense. Getting the license can take several months an I've read that it can be tricky for non EU citizens to get one. Getting a carry permit is very, very difficult by now. I would recommend to start a tread on one of the Austrian gun owners forums like Pulverdampf Forum |