What weapons are legal in Italy?

Asked by: Brandy Doyle  |  Last update: May 30, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (4 votes)

In Italy, legal firearms include hunting and sporting guns, antique firearms, and certain low-power airguns, but all require licenses, with limits on quantities (e.g., up to three common firearms, unlimited hunting arms) and strict rules for ammo, while fully automatic weapons are banned, and items like brass knuckles are prohibited. A mandatory licensing system, like the Porto d'Arma, dictates ownership, with permits for hunting, sport shooting, or concealed carry.

What weapons are allowed in Italy?

Italian law sets limits on the number and types of firearms civilians can possess: Up to three "common firearms": This category typically includes non-sporting handguns, but can also encompass any firearm not chambered for hunting calibers, such as 10-gauge shotguns or certain . 22 rimfire pistols and rifles.

Can citizens own guns in Italy?

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: a hunting license; a shooting sports license; and a concealed carry license. The recommended license to go for is hunting, as it lets you engage and carry hunting grade firearms.

Is the AR 15 legal in Italy?

Italy Loosens Their Gun Laws, Legalizes AR-15 Rifles : r/Firearms.

Can you carry brass knuckles in Italy?

Brass knuckles are illegal in several regions, including: Italy, Hong Kong, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Sweden, Singapore ...

Italian Gun Laws: Better Than You Think

20 related questions found

Can I carry a pocket knife in Italy?

Italy. Italians are restricted from buying and owning double-edged knives, automatic (open-assisted) knives, and swords. Carrying knives is permitted only for a 'valid reason', e.g., camping, fishing, etc., usually not in towns, and never for self-defense.

What country has the loosest gun laws?

Yemen does not require any permit or any license for the acquisition or selling of any types of firearms, including fully automatic firearms.

What is the most relaxed gun law in Europe?

Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic generally have some of the most relaxed gun laws in Europe, allowing high civilian ownership for sport, hunting, and collecting, with Switzerland having a strong militia tradition, while Austria requires permits but has liberal rules, and the Czech Republic has relatively accessible permits after training. Other countries like Finland also have high ownership due to hunting culture, but these three are frequently cited for permissive regulations. 

What percentage of Italians own guns?

Gun owners make up about 5% of Italy's population. But that doesn't mean they aren't enthusiastic.

What assault rifle does Italy use?

The Beretta ARX160 was launched in 2008 as a commercial weapon system and was developed for the Italian Armed Forces as part of the layered Soldato Futuro (Future Soldier) program. The current program aims to replace the older Beretta AR70/90 as the standard assault rifle for the Italian Armed Forces.

Is self-defense illegal in Italy?

Italian law provides that one can resort to personal defense when threatened within their own home or workplace. "Anyone, in order to defend their own or others' safety, who uses a legally held weapon or other suitable means, is not punishable."

What countries allow guns like America?

Countries that guarantee a right to keep and bear arms include Albania, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Switzerland, the United States and Yemen.

Is taser legal in Italy?

STUN GUN-TASER

In Italy is not possible to legally use, produce or carry a shocker gun or a Taser.

Can a US citizen bring a gun to Italy?

To be able to import a firearm in Italy, even if for transit purposes only, is necessary to request a special authorization issued by this Consulate General. The authorization is usually issued once the request and the payment of the consular fees have been accepted and processed.

Are katanas legal in Italy?

In Italy, Katanas are classified as weapons, and while ownership is generally legal, carrying a Katana in public is strictly regulated. Italian law requires that swords are kept in the home or securely transported to a lawful location, such as a martial arts dojo or a collector's exhibition.

Are AR-15s legal in Italy?

Laws were loosened in September. Italian culture, linked in the popular imagination with fine art, fashion and good food, does not typically conjure up the image of assault weapons. But in September, the government loosened gun laws, making it possible to own more guns like the AR-15, an assault rifle...

What is the most armed country in the world?

The United States is the most armed country in the world by a significant margin, boasting more civilian-owned firearms than people (over 120 guns per 100 residents) and holding nearly half of the world's civilian guns, far surpassing other nations like India, China, and Pakistan, though military strength varies by nation, with countries like Russia and China having large armed forces.
 

Can you conceal and carry in Italy?

Italy has a complex regulatory framework: Concealed Carry: Legal with a permit, but obtaining one is not easy. Permits: Applicants must demonstrate a need for self-defense or be involved in specific professions. Travel Implications: Firearms can be brought into Italy for sporting purposes, but strict regulations apply.

What country has the freest gun laws?

The United States is widely considered the most gun-friendly country due to its Second Amendment, high civilian ownership (more guns than people), and relatively permissive laws, with other contenders including countries like Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Yemen, which offer easier access or constitutional rights to arms for self-defense or sport, despite varying regulations on types and carrying.
 

Are AR-15s legal in Europe?

Yes, you can own AR-15s in many EU countries, but not all of them. Some countries, like the UK, are notoriously anti-guns.

Where does the US rank in gun violence?

Originally published March 25, 2021. Last updated October 31, 2023. Among 65 high-income countries and territories, the United States stands out for its high levels of gun violence. The US ranks seventh out of 65 for homicides by firearm (age-adjusted).

Can you own guns in Russia?

Gun control in Russia is carried out in accordance with the Federal Law on Weapons. The law establishes three major categories of weapons: civil, service, and military. Civilians in Russia are able to obtain firearms with proper licensure, with some limits on concealed carry.

What is the freest gun state?

There isn't one single "freest" gun state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, Wyoming, Arizona, Montana, South Dakota, and Arkansas consistently rank among the most gun-friendly due to permitless carry, minimal taxes on firearms, strong self-defense laws, and general pro-2A policies, with states like Wyoming having high gun ownership and New Hampshire being a top choice for its low regulation and tax-free status.
 

What country does not carry guns?

In eighteen countries or territories, the police do not carry firearms unless the situation is expected to merit it: Botswana, Cook Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Ireland, Kiribati, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom (except for Northern Ireland), the ...