Gun Laws In Austria: Can You Carry A Handgun?

Austria has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the European Union. Austrian citizens over the age of 18 can freely buy and own certain types of shotguns and semi-automatic rifles for sport and hunting. Non-repeating shotguns do not require a license. Austria is one of the few EU countries where self-defence is a valid reason for gun ownership. However, automatic weapons are banned, in accordance with EU-wide standards.

To obtain a handgun or semi-automatic rifle in Austria, you must prove that you are in serious physical danger. You must also pass a criminal history review, complete a mental health survey, and pass a psychological and physical test. You must also complete a course on safe gun handling and storage, and install safe gun storage.

Austria's gun laws compared to other countries

Austria's gun laws are considered relatively liberal, with Austrian citizens allowed to own firearms on a shall-issue basis. Certain classes of shotguns and rifles are available without a permit, while handguns and semi-automatic rifles require proof of serious physical danger, a review of criminal history, a mental health survey, and a series of tests. Austria's gun laws are notably more relaxed than those of the UK, where gun ownership is much more restricted, and New Zealand, where most semi-automatic weapons are banned. However, they are stricter than those of the US, where many Americans can buy a gun in less than an hour, and Yemen, where citizens can simply go to a gun market or find a seller online to purchase a firearm.

In Austria, the Waffengesetz (Weapons Act) defines weapons as objects designed to directly eliminate or reduce a person's ability to attack or defend themselves, or for firing projectiles during hunting or sport shooting. Austrian law divides firearms into three categories, with different requirements for acquisition. Category C weapons, including repeating rifles and shotguns, can be purchased without a permit after a three-day background check. Category B weapons, such as handguns and semi-automatic rifles, require a firearm license, which authorities shall issue to any non-prohibited citizen of the European Economic Area over 21 who can demonstrate a good reason for ownership, such as self-defence. Category A weapons, including automatic firearms and war materials, require further exceptions and special permits for ownership.

Overall, Austria's gun laws are more stringent than those of countries like the United States and Yemen, but more relaxed than those of the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The process for acquiring a firearm in Austria typically involves background checks, training, and demonstrating a valid reason for ownership, which helps to ensure that guns are obtained legally and used responsibly.

The process of buying a handgun in Austria

To buy a handgun in Austria, you must be a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) and be over 21 years old. The process is as follows:

• Prove that you are in serious physical danger and need a handgun for self-defence.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Fill out a mental health survey and complete a psychological and physical test.
• Complete a course on safe gun handling and storage.
• Install safe gun storage, such as a locked "weapon" box.
• Find a licensed dealer or smith willing to sell you a handgun.
• Complete another background check at the time of purchase.
• The dealer must register the sale within six weeks with the central weapons registry (Zentrales Waffenregister).

It is important to note that the purchase of handguns is limited to two initially. This can be extended up to a total of nine, but only at a rate of two more every five years. Additionally, there are strict storage requirements for firearms and ammunition to prevent unauthorized access.

Austria's gun culture

Austria has a relatively high rate of gun ownership, with approximately 30 civilian firearms per 100 people, making it the 14th most armed country in the world. Austrian gun laws have changed over time, with the right of citizens to own handguns being established in 1967. The current gun laws in Austria are outlined in the Waffengesetz (Weapons Act), which divides firearms into three categories: Category C includes rifles and shotguns; Category B includes handguns, repeating shotguns, and semi-automatic rifles; and Category A includes war materials such as automatic firearms, and restricted weapons like firearms disguised as other objects.

Austrian citizens and residents can buy firearms from Category C without a permit, after a three-day background check. However, the law requires the owner to provide a good reason during the registration process, such as self-defence, hunting, sport shooting, or collecting. For Category B weapons, a firearm license (Waffenbesitzkarte) is required. Authorities will issue these licenses to any non-prohibited citizen of the European Economic Area over 21 who has a good reason, allowing the purchase of up to two handguns. To obtain a handgun, individuals must prove they are in serious physical danger, pass a criminal history review, complete a mental health evaluation, and undergo training on safe gun handling and storage.

Overall, Austria's gun culture reflects a balance between the right to bear arms and strict regulations to ensure public safety. While gun ownership is common, there are comprehensive laws in place to control the type and number of firearms that individuals can possess, as well as strict storage requirements to prevent unauthorized access.

The history of gun control in Austria

In Austria, the right to private gun ownership is not guaranteed by law. The country has restrictive gun laws, and only licensed gun owners may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition. Austrian citizens need to prove they are in serious physical danger to obtain a handgun or semi-automatic rifle. They must also pass a criminal history review, fill out a mental health survey, and complete a psychological and physical test, as well as a course on safe gun handling and storage.

• 1853-1938: During this period, the Waffenpatent allowed firearm ownership without a permit for any non-prohibited person. However, a carry permit was required and was issued to respectable citizens.
• 1938-1945: Nazi laws added restrictions on firearm ownership, prohibiting certain groups, including Jews, from owning firearms.
• 1945-1967: The previous law largely remained in effect, and the right of Jews to bear arms was restored.
• 1967-1996: A new law regulating handguns came into effect, recognising the right of law-abiding citizens to own handguns.
• 1994: Pump-action shotguns were banned.
• 1996-present: The Weapons Act was passed in accordance with EU law, regulating the acquisition and possession of weapons. The Act defines weapons and firearms and divides firearms into three categories based on type.

Austria's gun control laws have been associated with a decrease in gun-related suicides and homicides. A study found that the fall in firearm-related suicides was not associated with an increase in suicides by other methods. The legislation is enforced through measures such as regular spot checks by police to ensure safe storage of firearms and psychological screening for firearm license applicants.

The impact of gun control on Austria's society

Austria has strict gun control laws that require individuals to undergo a series of background checks, psychological evaluations, and training to obtain a firearm license. The process can take months and is designed to ensure that only law-abiding citizens with a genuine reason for owning a gun are able to acquire one. These laws have had a significant impact on Austrian society and have contributed to a culture where gun ownership is not widely viewed as a necessity.

One of the most notable effects of Austria's gun control laws has been the reduction in gun-related suicides and homicides. According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the number of homicides and suicides involving firearms in Austria decreased dramatically after the country tightened its gun control legislation in 1997. This finding is supported by statistical data, which shows a steady decline in the rate of gun-related deaths per 100,000 people in Austria over the years.

The strict gun control laws in Austria have also contributed to a general sense of safety and security within the country. In contrast to countries like the United States, where active shooter drills in schools are common, Austrians do not live in fear of mass shootings or gun violence. This sense of security is further enhanced by the knowledge that only individuals who have passed rigorous background checks and psychological evaluations are allowed to own firearms.

However, it is important to note that gun control laws in Austria have also faced some challenges and criticism. There is a significant number of unregistered and illegal firearms in the country, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million. This suggests that despite the strict laws, there is still a thriving black market for guns in Austria. Additionally, the process of obtaining a gun legally can be cumbersome and time-consuming, leading some individuals to seek alternative means of acquiring firearms.

Despite these challenges, Austria's gun control laws have overall had a positive impact on society. The reduction in gun-related suicides and homicides, as well as the sense of safety and security that comes with strict gun control, has improved the well-being of Austrian citizens. The country's experience serves as a model for other nations seeking to reduce gun violence and create a safer environment for their citizens.

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