Sorry if this is a dupe, just thought it was interesting that a restrictive totalatarian society such as Russia is now leaning toward more freedom as regards gun ownership since the government cannot always protect its citizens from terrorist attack. This is a translation from Pravda, so expect errors.

Firearm fever in Russia


After the recent terrorist act in Beslan, Russians began purchasing legal means of self-defense.

Some even address direct letters to different law-enforcement agencies across country with a plea to authorize sales of hunting rifles and self-defense firearms.

State Duma plans to adopt certain amendments by the end of this month, aimed at restricting the overall turnover of firearms and explosives in the country. The amendment however will apply only to Russian special services. At the same time, many delegates express their affirmative views to make the firearms market more liberal. According to them, if the state is unable to protect its citizens, let them have the right protect themselves, writes "Izvestia".

"It appears that the Russian peoples have nothing else to do but to act as mere sacrificial lambs. Rebels do not take militia hostage; they prefer to torture defenseless people. And the government is incapable of protecting us," states Yuri Dotsenko in his letter from Sochi. "I am not saying that each of us needs a personal bodyguard. There is another issue at stake here. There is simply the lack of a governmental system aimed at protecting its people. In my opinion, there is only one way out of this mess: the state has to make guns legal. Let people protect themselves and their kids. Those rebels would not have seized the school had they known that every parent had had a gun."

Russian society is on the verge of the real firearms fever. People are racing to hospitals, psychiatric facilities in order to obtain needed certificates which will enable them to purchase firearms. They all are one thing only: to acquire a legal permission to store firearms at home in order to protect their families.

Those, whose past is rather shady (and there is a growing number of such people in our corrupted government) prefer to buy guns on the black market for about $1000 a piece.

Some experts claim that such "fever" has to do with the new hunting season and pose no danger. Others however are inclined to believe that such great demand for the means of self-defense will lead to tragic consequences. State Duma intends to return to discussing the issue of legalizing some types of firearms pertaining only to the special services.

Last year (17 September 2003) State Duma had already discussed such legislative initiative prompting to mitigate the law. Back then, majority had voted "No" in regards to the issue, informs "Izvestia".

In the meantime, Kalashnikov look-alikes are in great demand these days. Barrel-free pistols gain popularity among people in Moscow as well. It is exceptionally difficult to obtain a permission for one of these guns. In critical situations however these types of guns appear to be way more effective than any other guns, reports the newspaper.

"Gas weapons are long past due," explains one of the managers of the "Oruzheiny Dvor" store Kirill Konyaev. Times change.today Muscovites are thinking about the real protection. Gas weapons can no longer ensure their safety. Majority of guns are quite bulky.Such barrel-free guns represent the best alternative.

One can acquire special permit at a licensing department of Moscow"s department of internal affairs. Their offices are located in every district of the city. A person just needs to prove that he/she is in good mental health, demonstrate his ability to load/unload a gun and the person will be free to head to the local gun store in a few weeks. According to some knowledgeable residents, it is possible to finish the entire procedure in a day or two if one has extra $150-200 USD to spare.

ETA I have no idea what a "barrel-free" gun is.








 

Teachers, pilots, indian chiefs....the all need guns.

Good for them.

"People need democracy to protect them, not guns" - Rebecca Peters, Director of IANSA

Someone tell that bitch from the UN that PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO DEFEND THEMSELVES!!   This is just a CASE IN POINT.  

This seems to be a thought gaining momentum in Europe these days. More and more people are getting fed up with the increasing crime rates and terrorist threat in the aftermath of pointless firearms restrictions.

I think "barrel free" means a covered barrel as in a semi-auto - makarov, 1911 style.  Barreled means revolver?  

What the hell is that?  Not a Makarov.

It looks like a Mak with an adjustable rear sight

I think Russian civilians will have little trouble finding modern firearms with the thriving black market in Russian these days.

too long - and the while the new russian maks are available with adj. sights - they don't look like the one in the guy's hand (and the FS surely isn't drifted in).

Anywhere, here's free pisol (not my first choice for SD!):

Ejection port looks kinda like one.  Same for safety and rib across the top.  Perhaps its one with adjustable sights?

For the 3rd time it is not a MAK!

Quoted: you guys need to hang out with us commie-gun guys more often! heheh!

That's true - but the smell...



Thanks CAMPY!

Quoted: "People need democracy to protect them, not guns" - Rebecca Peters, Director of IANSA

Yep, all Russia needs is democracy...just like Austrailia and England.

Tagged. Anyone know where the original article is?? I would like to download it in the original Russian. I have a doctor, Female, Russian and straight off the boat (about 7 years ago). When Quering me about my lifestyle I mentioned a "severe" interest in guns. To which she became very upset and nervous. (PS- never tell people you just met you sleep with a Kalashnikov ) She did'nt understand the "rights" we have here. She grew up in Soviet times. She realises now That I'm harmless............ So Every chance I see her I try to tell her how owning guns is Every "EARTHLINGS" right. Not just for breakfast anymore. And the very last time I saw her we talked about the incident in Beslan. I think I have a chance of making a new convert now, a New york, ex-soviet convert.

Quoted: Tagged. Anyone know where the original article is?? I would like to download it in the original Russian. I have a doctor, Female, Russian and straight off the boat (about 7 years ago). When Quering me about my lifestyle I mentioned a "severe" interest in guns. To which she became very upset and nervous. (PS- never tell people you just met you sleep with a Kalashnikov ) She did'nt understand the "rights" we have here. She grew up in Soviet times. She realises now That I'm harmless............ So Every chance I see her I try to tell her how owning guns is Every "EARTHLINGS" right. Not just for breakfast anymore. And the very last time I saw her we talked about the incident in Beslan. I think I have a chance of making a new convert now, a New york, ex-soviet convert.

Link at bottom of page.

english.pravda.ru/main/18/90/361/14240_Firearms.html

Barrel Free guns…

I think they mean a sort of mini riot gun… In Russia you can buy a self defence pistol that fires a 20mm hard rubber ball or CS gas rounds… not perfect but by know means uselss.

ANdy