Some random observations on guns in Russia; heavy on facts, light on the politics and even lighter on irony:- The private possession of handguns or any type of automatic weapon is banned.
- There is no link between the right to assemble and right to bear arms as there is in the US Constitution (Amendments 1-4 were crafted to build on each other). The Russian Constitution specifically forbids armed citizens from freedom of assembly. (Article 31).
- Although Russia has some of the most strict gun control laws in the world, the homicide rate is double that of the USA. According to the United Nations, in the USA there are 4.8 homicides per 100,000 people annually as compared to the Russian rate of 10.2 per 100,000 people.
- The easiest way to own a gun in Russia is to buy one on the street. It is illegal to purchase this way but there are lots of guns in Russia. Those mafia guys in the black suburbans aren't carrying water pistols.
Normal question:Q: If I didn't wish to break the law by purchasing a handgun or semi/automatic firearm in Russia, what would be the procedure?
A: You are allowed to purchase a shotgun or air-rifle for hunting and recreation. The government classifies these as "shoulder" guns. You must register that shotgun purchase and have a 5-year record of no arrests or public disturbances with the aforementioned weapons.
After 5 years, you may then begin the mental health and license process to own a real rifle. Handguns are banned at all times.
Here are the next steps:- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must have medial documents to certify good mental health, including a full work-up from a mental health institution.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must have a metal gun case that is permanently attached to a wall of your home, locked, and inaccessible to children or guests.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must be willing to undergo periodic surprise police inspections who will verify that the weapon is in the locked case and inaccessible to children or guests.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must take mental health documents and proof of gun safe purchase to the police and apply for a permit, wait for the surprise home inspection to verify the existence and reliability of the gun safe, and then pay any
bribes fees for processing. The entire process takes from 60-90 days, or more.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must have no criminal record.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must obtain medical certification that you are not addicted to alcohol or drugs. Good luck with that one.
- To legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must undergo special firearms safety training.
- Finally, to legally obtain and hold a hunting rifle in Russia you must join and maintain a membership with a licensed hunting club, firing range club, or other sort of licensed gun club.
- If arrested for any reason, the hunting license is repealed.
- Your rifle/hunting license is good for 5 years and must be renewed.
- Foreign residents may not obtain or possess firearms of any kind. Those mafia guys in black suburbans who are from other regions outside Russia are undoubtedly packing water pistols, not real firearms.
- It bears repeating that the quickest and easiest way to obtain a firearm is to purchase one on the street. Oops, that would be illegal.
Trivia question:Q: When did the Soviet government abolish personal gun ownership?
A: In 1929 after Stalin came to power.
Another trivia question:Q: What were the gun laws under the Tsars?
A: You shot at rabbits, deer, your neighbor, and anybody you didn't like. You just didn't shoot at the Tsar.
Russia Today television survey:- Between 40-60 million Russian citizens would purchase a handgun if given the right, according to the study (June 2012). By contrast in 1991 the Levada centre reported that only 14% of the population supported gun rights. My my, times have changed.
Legislation:- Senator Aleksandr Torshin of the Federation Council drafted a bill last year (2012) that would allow some citizens who pass mental health checks to own handguns. Some would be sanctioned to use weapons to protect their homes only, while others would be authorized to take handguns in their cars. The most privileged group would be permitted to carry pistols anywhere. This third category could include postmen, ambulance staff and social workers. (What, no mafia?!)
Prime Minister Medvedev made sure the bill went nowhere.
Ammo question:Q: Where can I buy ammo?
A; Wherever licensed weapons are sold. Your license will list the types of ammo a dealer can sell to you. As all ammo transactions are logged and tracked, you can only purchase for the caliber of weapon listed on your license.
DIY question:Q: If I purchased the shotgun and obtained that first 5 year license, can I do my own reloading?
A: You may, provided the powder is purchased at a licensed ammo dealer and your purchase is logged.
Dang, yet another trivia question:Q: Wait a second, you said earlier that Article 31 forbids armed citizens from assembling together. But joining a gun club means that you're assembling with other gun owners, right?
A: Okay, duffus. This is Russia. If you want logic, go live under the Queen who really doesn't rule anybody. Now shut up and pay this year's club dues!
Supplies:Q: You say that handguns are illegal but my gal and I walked into a camping store and saw empty holsters and ammo belts for sale in glass cases, but no handguns. What's up?
A: Those were really extra large size cell phone holders that you mistook for holsters. Handguns are illegal in Russia. Those weren't real ammo belts, either. Some Russians like to bend their SIM cards and other digital memory cards into circular shapes and those looped belt circular SIM card holders may look like ammo belts, but their sole purpose is to make it easy for Mom to keep the youngsters organized.
Security guard question:Q: I know a Russian security guard who carries a handgun. Is that legal?
A: Yes. Security guards must pass mental health checks and firearm safety courses to be licensed to RENT guns from the police for the exact term they are employed as a security guard and must surrender weapons when no longer employed in that profession.
Serious trivia question:Q: My gal and I stepped inside a store that sold real guns. Sure there were air-rifles and paint guns but also real rifles. What gives?
A: Nothing gives. Without a license (see the laundry list above), you ain't buyin' nothing. Shop till you drop but you're leaving empty handed without a license (again, see the laundry list above).
Pre-stupid question:Q: I'd like to hunt in Russia with family and friends. Can I bring my own gun or ammo?
A: If you are a Hollywood weirdo who donated some big bucks to a certain Russian politician's campaign, yes. If however you fall into a lesser category you might be interested in knowing that Russia does have a program just for you! It comes with lots of hanging out with other guys, a fairly dramatic weight loss program at no extra charge, frequent romantic engagements, free tattoos, and complimentary head lice. After 2-5 years of draining your family's resources for legal fees you get to return home.
Stupid question:Q: Is there a way to get around all those rules?
A: (sigh) Of course, ever heard of bribes in Russia? I imagine that just about anyone can buy one on the street. There are lots of ex-military guys with connections and with the universal draft, millions of RM had/have access. If you take your chances, make sure you are never caught.
Photo below: Prime Minister Medvedev, like President Putin, belongs to a registered gun club and enjoys shooting.
Russia is an exporter of firearms but most of the items made in Russian factories are not available to citizens.
