Proposed Simplification of Gun Ownership and Usage Regulations Discussed in Parliament

The rules for owning and using firearms may be simplified slightly without compromising public safety. This statement was made today by Vilen Gabrielyan, a member of the 'Civil Contract' faction, during discussions in the National Assembly regarding amendments to the 'Regulation of Firearms Circulation' law.

He reminded that the law came into effect on June 1, 2023. The draft law has gone through several phases of discussion in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with some proposals being withdrawn as a result.

In the current version of the bill, it is proposed to eliminate the 'service' category from the classification of firearms, leaving only civilian and combat categories. Thus, handguns (formally short-barreled firearms classified as service weapons that lack the capability for automatic fire) would fall under the civilian category. Additionally, according to the current legislation, only military personnel with a minimum of 20 years of service and a rank of at least colonel can acquire them. It is now proposed to lower the threshold to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

There is also a proposal to impose a ban on homemade weapons, which would apply to not only firearms but also any other types of weapons.

Simultaneously, it is suggested to reduce the distance from which the use of firearms is prohibited (except for shooting ranges). The existing legislation prohibits the use of rifled firearms within 5,000 meters of populated areas and highways, while the draft proposes to reduce this distance to 3,000 meters. The distance for smoothbore firearms is proposed to remain at 500 meters.

Furthermore, it is proposed to exempt those who have served in the armed forces from the firearms application exam, allowing them to take only the theoretical test.

Arpine Sargsyan, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, noted that the well-known restrictions on the right to own firearms will come into effect (including psychological instability and crimes related to violence, including domestic violence). According to her, the new regulations will help private investors open shooting ranges, including in rural areas.