Are firearms really the problem?
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In the wake of the last two mass shootings, one in Georgia and the other In Colorado, it has brought up gun control debates once again.
Many people claim if we didn’t have any firearms on our streets then crime would go down.
However, a vast majority of the population isn’t out to harm one another and commit crimes. Shouldn’t a free people have the right to defend themselves?
Some people like to use the argument that many countries around the world with strict gun laws are the reason why they’re safe and eliminate the cause of mass shootings. However, this isn’t exactly true.
Here is a list of countries around the world with lax gun laws.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
The weather might not be for everyone’s taste, and sure, there’s the strong language barrier, but the gun laws here are one of the most lax in all of Eastern Europe. 59% of the population owns guns. In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked at No. 34. When you get a permit, you are automatically granted concealed carry rights.
• Finland
Finland boasts First World qualities like great health care, healthy living and mountain views to die for. Finland also has high per-capita gun ownership like in other Nordic countries, due to strong hunting traditions. The number of guns per capita is rated at 12.81 percent, however, this is based on registered ownership. Many World War II-era guns are thought to be in circulation, but there are no definite numbers on these.
• United Arab Emirates
You’ve seen the videos. Guys everywhere taking out their rifles and shooting in the air just to celebrate a wedding. Pet cheetahs and golden AK-47s, man. If you are a gun enthusiast, the United Arab Emirates might be the place for you if you have the budget, it is an expensive country to live in, due to the approach the government has taken to elite lifestyles in some parts of the country, like Dubai.
In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, the United Arab Emirates ranked at No. 24. Incredibly, the UAE has really low homicide rates, with 69 homicides for 2012. It has one of the lowest gun-crime rates in the world.
• Norway
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s a great country for outdoor activities thanks to the Fjords, the varied wildlife, Viking history and breathtaking natural sceneries that would make any media producer drool. Also, it has one of the highest guns per capita percentages in the world.
Concealed and open carry are prohibited, but after a test and a qualifying course to obtain your permit, you might be eligible to own semiautomatic rifles with a special permit.
• Italy
The Tower of Pisa, the Coliseum, Italian food, great weather, elite shopping, cheap retirement options, and fully automatic rifles. In Italy, a license is needed to get your hands on any type of gun. There are 3 licenses that allow individuals to own firearms: Hunting license; Shooting Sports license; and Concealed Carry license. The recommended license to go for is hunting, it lets you engage and carry hunting grade firearms. A concealed carry license is another thing. To obtain one, you must prove you have a definitive “threat to life.”
Depending on the type of license you get, you are allowed to carry:
Up to three common firearms (usually handguns, but all firearms not using hunting calibers fall into this category, such as 10-gauge shotguns, or some .22 rimfire pistols and rifles);
Up to six weapons that have been classified as manufactured for shooting sports by the National Proof House;
An unlimited number of hunting weapons (both rifles and shotguns);
Up to eight antique or historical weapons (manufactured before 1890);
Unlimited numbers of single shot muzzle loader replicas, for which no registration is needed;
Unlimited numbers of air guns under 7.5 Joules of muzzle energy, specifically approved by the Ministry of Interior, which require no registration as well.
Since guns like Remington 970, AR-15, AK-47 and similar rifles fall into the category of hunting weapons, .223 type of ammunition and higher are commonly used in hunting, so generally you wouldn’t have to worry about ammunition laws. Even .22s used for hunting can be owned in an unlimited number.
• Canada
Canada is the most projected destiny for Americans after the elections. The reasons are quite simple. Canada is one of the best destinations in the world because of its completely public health system, stable and ongoing economy, the minimal culture shock Americans would experience, great culture, and one of the lowest rates for crime in the whole world. And this is coming from a country that also is gun enthusiastic. Many wonder about the difference in gun-crime between Canada and the States as they have similar approaches to gun ownership.
Canada’s strong hunting tradition has made gun culture a staple, despite many attempts by anti-gun lobbying groups to bury it. 23.8 percent of people reportedly have legal ownership of firearms in their homes. They have a very good selections of firearms available.
That’s about it for the good part. Canada has outright bans on semi-auto rifle magazines holding 6 rounds and up, and semiautomatic pistol magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Pistols with barrel lengths over 4.1 inches, long guns with an overall length under 26 inches and semi-auto rifles with barrels under 18 ½ inches can only be shot at firearms ranges and require special license. All gun ownership requires a “possession and acquisition license.” Canada’s storage requirements state that the guns be unloaded and rendered inoperable or locked. No using them for self-defense; concealed carry is highly restricted for civilians.
Canada isn’t exactly an exotic retirement or living destination, and the weather is outright terrible for the majority of the year. Nevertheless, if you appreciate the conservative approach to retiring, Canada is a great option.
• Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the best places to go in Europe. It has all the charm of the Old World at even better prices. The capital, Prague, is often compared with Paris, and it is understandable. In its glory days, Prague, 14th-century capital of the Holy Roman Empire, was of greater repute than the City of Light.
It is a nation that has been riddled with struggle before the 21st century. Czechs have spent time much of their history fighting, including two civil wars—one of which lasted 200 years. After the fall of communism, Czechs restored their gun rights and now have some of the best gun laws in Europe.
Recreational shooting is the third most popular sport in the Czech Republic, only behind soccer and hockey. Czech law also recognizes the right to self-defense more strongly than most nations, even if the right of firearms is not constitutionally recognized. Citizens may obtain concealed-carry permits without declaring a reason. You may carry up to two concealed firearms, even.
• Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Housing and food culture are all high quality. You can even drink the water from public fountains with confidence. Crime rates are as low as they come because of a more than great and stable economy, making it a very safe city, even described as “surreal.” The largest city, Zürich, consistently ranks as one of the top 3 cities to live in the world. And man, Swiss chocolate.
Apart from the picture-perfect overview, Switzerland is widely known for its vast gun culture and having one of the best gun laws in the world.
Until 2010, all capable males were required to keep a Sig SG 550 and a Sig Sauer p229 at home or the local armory to provide for the national defense. The service is now voluntary, where they have comprehensive military training. So-called “free arms” such as single-shots and bolt-action rifles can be purchased by anyone over 18 years of age without a permit. You are only allowed to conceal-carry your Sig Sauer issued to you only after you show “proof of genuine need and tangible danger.” Automatic rifles are allowed with a special permit, usually for hunting. Most types of ammunition is legal, and there are a lot of shooting ranges throughout the country.
Keep in mind, though, that when issued a gun you are legally responsible for all activities related to the firearm, even if someone steals it and commits a crime.
The fact that we’ve ranked Switzerland number one on our list doesn’t mean that its laws are lax, on the contrary. But they are so well-administered that it meets world standards.
_____________________________________
It seems though crime rates are not raised or by the existence of firearms in these nations. In fact their renown economies are the reason they have less crime.
What do you think the cause of crime and mass shootings are, especially in the United States?
In the wake of the last two mass shootings, one in Georgia and the other In Colorado, it has brought up gun control debates once again.
Many people claim if we didn’t have any firearms on our streets then crime would go down.
However, a vast majority of the population isn’t out to harm one another and commit crimes. Shouldn’t a free people have the right to defend themselves?
Some people like to use the argument that many countries around the world with strict gun laws are the reason why they’re safe and eliminate the cause of mass shootings. However, this isn’t exactly true.
Here is a list of countries around the world with lax gun laws.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
The weather might not be for everyone’s taste, and sure, there’s the strong language barrier, but the gun laws here are one of the most lax in all of Eastern Europe. 59% of the population owns guns. In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked at No. 34. When you get a permit, you are automatically granted concealed carry rights.
• Finland
Finland boasts First World qualities like great health care, healthy living and mountain views to die for. Finland also has high per-capita gun ownership like in other Nordic countries, due to strong hunting traditions. The number of guns per capita is rated at 12.81 percent, however, this is based on registered ownership. Many World War II-era guns are thought to be in circulation, but there are no definite numbers on these.
• United Arab Emirates
You’ve seen the videos. Guys everywhere taking out their rifles and shooting in the air just to celebrate a wedding. Pet cheetahs and golden AK-47s, man. If you are a gun enthusiast, the United Arab Emirates might be the place for you if you have the budget, it is an expensive country to live in, due to the approach the government has taken to elite lifestyles in some parts of the country, like Dubai.
In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, the United Arab Emirates ranked at No. 24. Incredibly, the UAE has really low homicide rates, with 69 homicides for 2012. It has one of the lowest gun-crime rates in the world.
• Norway
Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s a great country for outdoor activities thanks to the Fjords, the varied wildlife, Viking history and breathtaking natural sceneries that would make any media producer drool. Also, it has one of the highest guns per capita percentages in the world.
Concealed and open carry are prohibited, but after a test and a qualifying course to obtain your permit, you might be eligible to own semiautomatic rifles with a special permit.
• Italy
The Tower of Pisa, the Coliseum, Italian food, great weather, elite shopping, cheap retirement options, and fully automatic rifles. In Italy, a license is needed to get your hands on any type of gun. There are 3 licenses that allow individuals to own firearms: Hunting license; Shooting Sports license; and Concealed Carry license. The recommended license to go for is hunting, it lets you engage and carry hunting grade firearms. A concealed carry license is another thing. To obtain one, you must prove you have a definitive “threat to life.”
Depending on the type of license you get, you are allowed to carry:
Up to three common firearms (usually handguns, but all firearms not using hunting calibers fall into this category, such as 10-gauge shotguns, or some .22 rimfire pistols and rifles);
Up to six weapons that have been classified as manufactured for shooting sports by the National Proof House;
An unlimited number of hunting weapons (both rifles and shotguns);
Up to eight antique or historical weapons (manufactured before 1890);
Unlimited numbers of single shot muzzle loader replicas, for which no registration is needed;
Unlimited numbers of air guns under 7.5 Joules of muzzle energy, specifically approved by the Ministry of Interior, which require no registration as well.
Since guns like Remington 970, AR-15, AK-47 and similar rifles fall into the category of hunting weapons, .223 type of ammunition and higher are commonly used in hunting, so generally you wouldn’t have to worry about ammunition laws. Even .22s used for hunting can be owned in an unlimited number.
• Canada
Canada is the most projected destiny for Americans after the elections. The reasons are quite simple. Canada is one of the best destinations in the world because of its completely public health system, stable and ongoing economy, the minimal culture shock Americans would experience, great culture, and one of the lowest rates for crime in the whole world. And this is coming from a country that also is gun enthusiastic. Many wonder about the difference in gun-crime between Canada and the States as they have similar approaches to gun ownership.
Canada’s strong hunting tradition has made gun culture a staple, despite many attempts by anti-gun lobbying groups to bury it. 23.8 percent of people reportedly have legal ownership of firearms in their homes. They have a very good selections of firearms available.
That’s about it for the good part. Canada has outright bans on semi-auto rifle magazines holding 6 rounds and up, and semiautomatic pistol magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Pistols with barrel lengths over 4.1 inches, long guns with an overall length under 26 inches and semi-auto rifles with barrels under 18 ½ inches can only be shot at firearms ranges and require special license. All gun ownership requires a “possession and acquisition license.” Canada’s storage requirements state that the guns be unloaded and rendered inoperable or locked. No using them for self-defense; concealed carry is highly restricted for civilians.
Canada isn’t exactly an exotic retirement or living destination, and the weather is outright terrible for the majority of the year. Nevertheless, if you appreciate the conservative approach to retiring, Canada is a great option.
• Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is one of the best places to go in Europe. It has all the charm of the Old World at even better prices. The capital, Prague, is often compared with Paris, and it is understandable. In its glory days, Prague, 14th-century capital of the Holy Roman Empire, was of greater repute than the City of Light.
It is a nation that has been riddled with struggle before the 21st century. Czechs have spent time much of their history fighting, including two civil wars—one of which lasted 200 years. After the fall of communism, Czechs restored their gun rights and now have some of the best gun laws in Europe.
Recreational shooting is the third most popular sport in the Czech Republic, only behind soccer and hockey. Czech law also recognizes the right to self-defense more strongly than most nations, even if the right of firearms is not constitutionally recognized. Citizens may obtain concealed-carry permits without declaring a reason. You may carry up to two concealed firearms, even.
• Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Housing and food culture are all high quality. You can even drink the water from public fountains with confidence. Crime rates are as low as they come because of a more than great and stable economy, making it a very safe city, even described as “surreal.” The largest city, Zürich, consistently ranks as one of the top 3 cities to live in the world. And man, Swiss chocolate.
Apart from the picture-perfect overview, Switzerland is widely known for its vast gun culture and having one of the best gun laws in the world.
Until 2010, all capable males were required to keep a Sig SG 550 and a Sig Sauer p229 at home or the local armory to provide for the national defense. The service is now voluntary, where they have comprehensive military training. So-called “free arms” such as single-shots and bolt-action rifles can be purchased by anyone over 18 years of age without a permit. You are only allowed to conceal-carry your Sig Sauer issued to you only after you show “proof of genuine need and tangible danger.” Automatic rifles are allowed with a special permit, usually for hunting. Most types of ammunition is legal, and there are a lot of shooting ranges throughout the country.
Keep in mind, though, that when issued a gun you are legally responsible for all activities related to the firearm, even if someone steals it and commits a crime.
The fact that we’ve ranked Switzerland number one on our list doesn’t mean that its laws are lax, on the contrary. But they are so well-administered that it meets world standards.
_____________________________________
It seems though crime rates are not raised or by the existence of firearms in these nations. In fact their renown economies are the reason they have less crime.
What do you think the cause of crime and mass shootings are, especially in the United States?
31-35, M
