Overview of gun laws by nation

Understanding Gun Laws Across Nations

Gun laws and policies vary significantly across countries, shaping how civilians can manufacture, sell, transfer, possess, modify, and use small arms. These regulations are not uniform; some nations allow a right to bear arms, while others restrict access. The intent behind legislation is often to curb the usage of firearms in criminal activities by targeting specific types identified in crimes. Persons restricted from legal access may include those with a criminal record, mental illness, or history of domestic violence.

Firearms licenses for purchase or possession can be denied to individuals deemed most at risk of harming themselves or others. Legislation also restricts other weapons such as explosives and pepper spray, along with firearm accessories like high-capacity magazines and auto sears. There may be restrictions on the quantity or types of ammunition purchased.

Gun laws can be classified into three categories: shall-issue, where granting a required license is subject only to the applicant meeting determinate criteria; may-issue, where granting a permit or license is partially at the discretion of local authorities; and no-issue, where granting a permit or license is forbidden, or allowed only in very limited circumstances.

Firearms are not defined the same way in each country, leading to wide variations in gun laws across different jurisdictions. In various countries, laws regarding firearm ownership differ significantly:

Key Differences Across Countries

• Kenya and the UK: Authorities have discretion on what constitutes a good reason for owning a firearm.
• China, Japan, Venezuela, and Myanmar: Require trained individuals meeting specific conditions to own firearms.
• Cambodia, Eritrea, and Solomon Islands: Prohibit civilian firearm ownership except for private security companies, militias, or paramilitary groups.

Firearm Licenses by Jurisdiction

Some countries require licenses to buy ammunition. Jurisdictions may require separate licenses for rifles, shotguns, or handguns. Requirements include background checks, storage requirements, and completion of firearms safety courses.

Africa: A Closer Look at Gun Laws

• Bamako Declaration: Aims to combat small arms proliferation in the region.
• Botswana: Limits licenses issued annually due to a low acceptance rate.
• Central African Republic: Has limited permit holders mostly among parliamentarians.
• Chad: Requires permits with taxes ranging from 500-3000 CFA francs depending on the firearm type.

Firearm Ownership in Gambia and Beyond

In Gambia, firearm licenses are a privilege and authorities have full discretion in issuing them. Ghana allows acquisition of shotguns and handguns but has an acceptance rate of 57% for license applications as of 2002. Handgun preferences vary by region, with revolvers being popular in Greater Accra Region.

Kenya regulates firearms under the Firearms Act, requiring applicants to be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Discretion is granted to the Chief Licensing Officer to award or revoke licenses.

Liberal Gun Ownership Laws

• Liberia: Regulated by the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, which governs possession and use of small arms.
• Mozambique: No licensed firearm dealers; applicants must travel to another country for a license.
• Namibia: Firearm ownership under license issued on a may-issue basis. Currently, 200,100 registered firearms are in circulation.

Rigorous Gun Control Measures

• Senegal: Strict gun legislation; applications require an identity card, medical check-up, and tax stamp. The acceptance rate is low at 80%.
• Sierra Leone: Gun ownership legalized in 2012, but authorities have discretion over licensing decisions.

Yemen: A Permissive Policy

In Yemen, there are no permit requirements for firearm ownership. The 1992 Law ‘On Regulating Carrying Firearms and Ammunitions and Their Trade’ established the right to own firearms for legitimate defense in Yemen.

Firearm Licenses in Europe

• Austria: Only partial licensing is allowed. The Waffengesetz defines weapons as objects designed to eliminate or reduce ability to attack or defend oneself, while firearms are defined as projectiles fired from a barrel in a predefined direction.
• Belgium: Acquisition and possession of firearms are permitted only by those with good cause who meet certain age requirements and are not considered a danger to themselves or others.

Firearm Regulations in the United States

The Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms since 1791. The Supreme Court ruled in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for traditionally lawful purposes such as self-defense.

Firearm ownership in the United States is by right and does not require licensure or proof of need. Federal law sets minimum ages for possessing handguns and long guns, with varying requirements for purchasing ammunition. The process can take months, sometimes even years, involving fingerprinting, photo ID, and a tax of $200 per application (per weapon).

Conclusion

The landscape of gun laws is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the diverse approaches countries adopt to regulate firearms. Whether through strict licensing or liberal ownership rights, these policies aim to balance public safety with individual freedoms. Understanding these differences can help us appreciate the global context in which firearm regulations operate.