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Gun politics in France


In France, to buy a weapon, in line with the European Firearms Directive, a hunting licence or a shooting sport licence is necessary depending on the type, function and magazine capacity of the weapon.

As of September 2015, classification has been simplified to 4 categories:

One cannot own more than 12 centerfire firearms, and cannot own more than 10 magazines per firearm owned. One also cannot own more than 1000 rounds per firearm.

It is not allowed for a civilian to carry any of the above mentioned weapons. A special form allows a civilian to apply for a 1 year carry licence if they are "exposed to exceptional risks to their life" and allows them to carry a pistol and a maximum of 50 rounds. In practice, such authorizations are extremely rare, and it is actually unknown if any were ever granted. It has been clear that the State will provide police protection and bodyguards rather than issue a carry licence.

Since the November 2015 Paris attacks, police officers are allowed to carry their firearms off duty.


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Wikipedia

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