Is it legal to own a gun in Malta?
Yes, it is legal to own a gun in Malta, but the process to obtain a firearm license is highly regulated and requires meeting strict criteria. The Maltese government has implemented various laws and regulations to ensure responsible gun ownership and to minimize the risk of gun-related incidents.
How can one obtain a firearm licence in Malta?
To obtain a firearm license in Malta, one must go through a rigorous application process, which includes the following steps:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Passing a background check
- Providing a valid reason for owning a firearm, such as hunting or target shooting
- Completing a firearm safety course
- Undergoing a psychological evaluation
- Obtaining a medical certificate confirming physical fitness to handle firearms
- Submitting an application to the police for review and approval
Once the application is approved, the individual is granted a firearm license, which must be renewed every five years.
Malta has strict laws and penalties related to gun ownership, including:
- Illegal possession of firearms carries a prison sentence of up to four years
- Using a firearm in the commission of a crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years
- Illegal manufacturing or trafficking of firearms carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years
Additionally, Maltese law prohibits the possession of certain types of firearms, such as fully automatic weapons, and imposes restrictions on the capacity of magazines for semi-automatic firearms.
What is the public opinion on guns and firearms in Malta?
Public opinion on guns and firearms in Malta is generally conservative, with the majority of the population supporting strict gun control measures. The Maltese public tends to view gun ownership as a privilege rather than a right and believes that the strict regulations in place help to ensure the safety and security of the country.
Which guns are commonly found in Malta?
The most commonly found guns in Malta are shotguns, which are primarily used for hunting purposes. Other types of firearms, such as rifles and handguns, are less common but can still be found among licensed owners who use them for target shooting or personal protection.
What are the rules regarding air rifles and airsoft guns in Malta?
In Malta, air rifles and airsoft guns are subject to similar regulations as firearms. Individuals must obtain a license to possess or use these types of guns, and they are required to follow the same safety and storage rules as for firearms. The minimum age for obtaining an air rifle or airsoft gun license is 18 years old.
According to the Small Arms Survey, there are approximately 32,000 registered firearms in Malta, which translates to a rate of 7.12 firearms per 100 people. This places Malta in the lower-middle range of firearm ownership rates among European countries. Malta has a relatively low rate of gun-related deaths, with an average of 0.30 deaths per 100,000 people in 2017.
The primary government resource related to gun ownership in Malta is the Malta Police Force, which is responsible for enforcing firearm regulations and overseeing the licensing process. The Maltese government also provides information and resources related to firearm safety and responsible gun ownership through various educational programs and initiatives.