Which guns are prohibited in India?

Asked by: Dr. Janiya Hackett  |  Last update: April 13, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (73 votes)

In India, automatic weapons, assault rifles, military-grade arms, and most Prohibited Bore (PB) firearms (like those in 9mm caliber) are generally banned for civilians, with exceptions only for police, military, and some with special threat-based licenses. Civilians can own Non-Prohibited Bore (NPB) firearms, such as certain .32 caliber handguns, shotguns, and specific sporting rifles, but must prove a genuine need (self-defense, sports, crop protection) and pass strict background checks under the Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016.

What guns are prohibited in India?

Any firearm which can chamber and fire ammunition of the caliber . 303, 7.62mm; 410,380; . 455; 9mm is specified as Prohibited Bore under The Arms Act of 1962. Smooth bore guns having barrel of less than 20" in length are also specified as Prohibited Bore guns.

Can you own a Glock in India?

When can I buy CMT Glock pistols as a license holder? CMT Glock Pistols is estimated to be available for purchase in 2023 by licensed sports shooters and self-protection license holders as per Arms Act and Arms Rules by Government of India. Click here for more information.

Can US citizens carry guns to India?

No, unless you have a specific firearm permit issued by the cops, nobody is allowed to carry firearms. Not even Indian citizens.

Is AK-47 legal in India?

Civilians in India are not permitted to own, purchase, import, or possess an AK‑47 rifle (or any fully‑automatic or similar assault weapon). The Arms Act, 1959 specifies that fully automatic weapons and most semi‑automatic rifles (including . 303, 7.62 mm, 9 mm, etc.)

What are India's gun laws? | The Hindu

32 related questions found

Can I carry a gun for self-defense in India?

The Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016 ensure that self-defence weapons are available for all citizens under licence unless their antecedents or propensities do not entitle them for the privilege.

Is 9mm prohibited in India?

India's first indigenous 9mm Machine Pistol has been jointly developed by DRDO and Indian Army. Infantry School, Mhow and DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune have designed and developed this weapon using their respective expertise in the complementary areas.

How much is a Glock 17 in India?

₹53,500. "Documents" required to purchase this product. The Glock 17 Gen4 is a CO₂ airgun, which comes with the original markings and a magazine for 4.5 mm BBs. It also has interchangeable backstraps, which allow it to be customized for any user.

How much is a gun license in India?

The fee structure for obtaining a gun permit differ according to the type of firearm one wishes to own; there are application fees, training fees, renewal charges, etc. Here is a rough idea: Application Fee: ₹500 to 1,000. Renewal Fee: ₹200 to ₹500 annually.

Which gun can beat AK-47?

What beats an AK-47 depends on the criteria, but generally, modern rifles like the AR-15 platform (M4/M16) offer better accuracy, lighter weight, and modularity, while rifles chambered in more powerful cartridges (like .308/7.62x51mm) have greater range and stopping power, though the AK's legendary reliability in harsh conditions remains hard to surpass, with newer AK variants and piston-driven ARs closing the gap.
 

Can I carry my father's gun in India?

Can a single arm license be made in the name of two family members and can any of them carry the weapon? Yes. Concept of additional license is introduced in arms rules 2016 for close relatives i.e. Father, mother, son, daughter, brother and sister.

What types of guns are legal to own?

Title I firearms are ordinary rifles, pistols, revolvers and shotguns. Title I firearms can be owned and built by U.S. citizens who can legally possess firearms.

What is India's deadliest weapon?

Agni-BrahMos Are Just The Trailer - India's Most Deadly Weapon Lies Hidden In The Ocean, Ready To Erase Pakistan-China Without A Trace #ZeeCards https://zeenews.india.com/india/agni-brahmos-are- just-the-trailer-indias-most-deadly-weapon-lies- hidden-in-the-ocean-ready-to-erase-pakistan-china- without-a-trace-2989944.

What are the 5 gun rules?

The 5 fundamental gun safety rules emphasize treating every firearm as loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed safely, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, knowing your target and what's beyond it, and using proper safety and storage, with variations focusing on handling, target identification, and maintenance, all aiming to prevent accidents. 

What are the most banned weapons?

Examples of banned weapons include soft-point bullets, cluster munitions, and landmines. The Hague Convention of 1899 prohibits the use of soft-point bullets, also known as lead bullets.

Which pistol can I own in India?

32 Revolver – Manufactured by the Indian Ordnance Factory, known for reliability. IOF . 32 Pistol (Ashani) – A semi-automatic pistol for personal protection. Imported NPB Pistols – From brands like Beretta or Glock, but only through licensed dealers with special import permissions.

Why is the Glock 18 so rare?

The Glock 18 is rare because it's a select-fire machine pistol, legally classified as a machine gun, severely restricting civilian ownership, especially in the U.S. due to laws like the 1986 Hughes Amendment, with most sales limited to military/law enforcement, and even those agencies find its high rate of fire (1,200 RPM) impractical, making it a niche, specialized, and expensive item for specific anti-terror or executive protection roles.
 

What is the lifespan of a Glock gun?

If you keep it clean after every use and oiled you should have no problems with your Glock lasting a lifetime. One suggestion people always ask me is about how much oil/lube? I say with a Glock less is better. You don't want to put too much, you can weigh down your action and it will drag and malfunction.

Which pistol is banned in India?

The Zigana pistol, made in Turkey, is banned in India but prized by gangs, linked to murders of Sidhu Moosewala, Atiq Ahmed, and smuggled via Pakistan and Nepal using drones.

Is 22 or 9mm cheaper?

22LR vs. 9mm ammo, the winner is pretty clear. The . 22LR is usually the cheapest ammo you can find of any caliber.

Is AK 203 made in India?

The AK-203 is produced in India by Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at an 8.5 acres (34,000 m2)-facility at Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The company has 50.5% Indian ownership and 49.5% Russian ownership.

Which gun is best for self-defense?

Best Home Defense Guns

  1. Glock 19 Gen 5 – Best CCW. ...
  2. Walther PDP Full Size 4.5 – Best Full-Size Pistol. ...
  3. Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS – Best State-Compliant Pistol. ...
  4. Mossberg 590A1 – Best Pump-Action Shotgun. ...
  5. Beretta 1301 – Best Semi-Auto Shotgun. ...
  6. Palmetto State Armory AR-15 Pistols – Best Value AR-15.

Which gun does not need a license in India?

In India, you can legally own a variety of non-lethal guns for sport and training without needing a license. Air pistols, BB guns, CO₂ guns, and PCP air rifles under 0.177 caliber are all allowed — as long as they meet the criteria under Indian Arms Rules.