Gun control in Italy 🇮🇹

To get a gun license in Italy, you must be at least 18, have a clean criminal record, pass a medical exam for fitness, and complete a firearms safety course and practical exam to demonstrate proficiency. You apply for a license through your local Questura (Provincial Police office) or Carabinieri station. There are three main types of firearm licenses: for hunting, shooting sports, and concealed carry.

Eligibility Requirements
Age: Be at least 18 years old.

Criminal Record: Have a clean record, as verified by the police.

Medical & Mental Fitness: Pass a medical examination to certify physical and psychological fitness and not have a history of mental illness or substance abuse.

Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in safe firearm handling, usually by completing a practical course at a shooting range.

Residency: Provide provisions for securely storing firearms.

Types of Licenses

Hunting License: Allows you to own and carry hunting-grade firearms.

Shooting Sports License: For owning firearms manufactured for sports, including some semi-automatic weapons.

Concealed Carry License: Requires proving a definitive "threat to life" as a reason for carrying a firearm.

Where to Apply

Applications are submitted to the Questura (provincial police office), specifically its "Ufficio Armi" (Firearms Office), or through local Carabinieri stations.

What You Can Own

The type and number of weapons you can possess depend on the license obtained:

Common Firearms: Up to three, typically handguns not using hunting calibers.

Sporting Weapons: Up to six weapons classified by the National Proof House.

Hunting Weapons: An unlimited number of rifles and shotguns.

Antique Weapons: Up to eight historical weapons manufactured before 1890.

Air Guns: Unlimited numbers of air guns under 7.5 Joules of muzzle energy, which don't require a license.