Yes, guns are legal in Italy for licensed owners, but the system is highly restrictive, requiring licenses for different purposes (hunting, sport shooting, self-defense), strict background checks, proof of safety training, medical fitness, and specific authorization for purchase, with severe limits on automatic weapons and a ban on open carry. While legally owned firearms are common, mass shootings are rare due to these stringent controls, though laws have seen some loosening for self-defense claims.
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."
According to the 2021 report of the Italian State Police Department more than 90% of organized crime's victims were killed by firearms [5]. In Italy 1.31 firearm related-deaths per 100.000 inhabitants are reported with a homicide rate per year of 0.35 and a suicide rate per year of 0.87.
Italy Loosens Their Gun Laws, Legalizes AR-15 Rifles : r/Firearms.
To put the difference in perspective, as of 2023, the United States reported a civilian firearm ownership rate of 120.5 guns per 100 people, while Italy reported 14.4 guns per 100 people.
Licensing and acquisition. To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.
1. United States — The Gun Capital of the World. With over 393 million firearms owned by civilians, more than its population, the US tops the list by a massive margin. Gun rights are enshrined in the Second Amendment, and ownership ranges from hunting rifles to military-grade semi-automatics.
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.
There is no right to bear arms in Italy and, subsequently, there are strict laws surrounding ownership and use of firearms. Those wishing to own a firearm (either by purchasing or inheriting it) must have the relevant licence that has strict requirements including: A genuine reason to own a firearm.
Only if you purchase a weapon, you must send the sales contract to your cantonal weapons office within 30 days. If you are a foreign national without a settlement permit, you require a weapons acquisition permit for all types of weapon and their essential components (e.g. the barrel or casing).
Italy is notorious for its organized crime groups, which are present worldwide and collectively referred to as the Mafia. Resultantly, financial crimes like corruption, extortion, and theft are the most common type of illicit activity in the country.
Italy has a moderate rate of crime. Although there are incidents of theft, violent crimes are rare. Pickpocketing, particularly in congested areas and on public transport, and break-ins of rented vehicles are common throughout the country.
Italian long tradition of gun making is not only a testament to the region's history and culture, but also to its skilled craftsmen and their dedication to producing the highest quality firearms.
Italian footballers are often better at defending due to a deep-rooted cultural and tactical emphasis on the art of defense. This philosophy, historically centered around the catenaccio (door-bolt) system, prioritizes a highly organized and disciplined backline.
Where Is Pepper Spray Legal in Europe? In Italy − where certain formulas can be purchased, carried and operated license-free by anyone above the age of 16. In France –trade is license-free and ownership is legal for those over 18 but carry can be punished with a fine depending from the quantity and concentration.
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.
With almost 28 guns owned by private individuals per 100 inhabitants, Switzerland ranks fourth in western Europe (after Finland, Austria and Norway) and 14th in the world. The record worldwide, by a long way, is held by the United States (more than 120 guns per 100 inhabitants).
STUN GUN-TASER
In Italy is not possible to legally use, produce or carry a shocker gun or a Taser.
Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Baltic states, Finland) and not just sporting instruments (see Gun laws in the European Union). Right to keep and bear arms is considered to be an attribute of liberty in the country. It is explicitly recognized in the first Article of the Firearms Act.
Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm.
52 ( self-defense) and Art. 55 ( culpable excess) of the Criminal Code provides that: The citizen is authorized to use “a legitimately possessed weapon or other suitable means” for the defense of “his own or others' safety”, or rather, of “his own goods or those of others”.
Italy. Airsoft guns and pistols are allowed a muzzle energy equal or less than one joule. Under the law, airsoft guns are not classified as firearms, but as toys. One can buy and sell them both from stores and from another private citizen, either domestically or from abroad.
Now that you have a little idea of what's involved in gun ownership when moving overseas, here are the 10 countries with the friendliest gun laws:
The Top 10 Most Powerful Countries in the World (2023 US News): According to the 2023 survey, the United States is the world's most powerful country.
Gun Violence by Country 2026