The article in brief
This article explains which firearms are authorised without a licence in France, what restrictions apply and what precautions should be taken. Here are the key points:
- The weapons of category D are authorised without a licence for adults
- Defence aerosols, electrical discharge weapons and neutralised weapons are included
- Carriage and transport outside the home are prohibited without legitimate reason
- From severe penalties apply in the event of an infringement
- Declaration and secure storage are mandatory
Hi friends! You've probably already wondered what weapons you can get without getting bogged down in paperwork, right? Well, let me enlighten you on this fascinating subject. As a weapons pro, I'm going to explain it all to you with a bit of humour, so we don't fall asleep on our sticks!
Category D weapons: your best allies without a licence
Let's start with the main course: Weapons authorised without a licence in France. These are mainly category D. Mind you, this doesn't mean you can play Rambo in the street! These little marvels are for responsible adults only.
Defence aerosols: your anti-emmerdeur spray
Ah, tear gas! Here's a self-defence classic. But be careful, we're not talking about industrial cans here. The law authorises tear-gas canisters of no more than 100 ml. That's enough to make an assailant cry, believe me!
Electrical pulse weapons: a shock for your opponents
You're probably familiar with electric truncheons. They are legal, but only for contact use. You can't play Pikachu from a distance! These little toys can get you out of a tight spot, but don't overuse them.
Neutralised weapons: for peaceful collectors
If you like history but not trouble, neutralised weapons are for you. These are old weapons rendered harmless. Perfect for impressing your friends without risking a hole in the wall!
The rules of the game: port, transport and penalties
Now that you know what you can buy, let's talk about the rules. Because yes, even without a licence, there are limits to be respected. And believe me, it's better to know them to avoid trouble!
Wearing and transporting: keep your toys at home
You are entitled to have these weapons in your home, but carrying them around town is another matter. You are not allowed to carry or transport a category D firearm outside your home without legitimate reason. And no, "just in case" is not considered a valid reason!
Penalties: when a joke goes wrong
If you are caught with a category D firearm without good reason, be prepared to open your wallet. For a non-pyrotechnic weapon, the fine is €750. For others, the fine rises to €15,000 and up to a year's imprisonment! And if you do it in a gang, the fine is doubled. That's a hefty price to pay for a ride!
Legal alternatives: stay within the law
If you really want to have fun with guns without risking prison, there are options. Accompanied hunting is a good way of getting started legally. And for the more peaceful, there are always category D non-lethal weapons. Enough to satisfy your desire for action without ending up in the police station!
| Type of weapon | Authorisation | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Tear gas aerosol (<100ml) | Yes | Wearing prohibited without reason |
| Electric contact baton | Yes | Wearing prohibited without reason |
| Weapon neutralised | Yes | No |
| Shotgun | No (with some exceptions) | Permit or licence required |
Pitfalls to avoid and good reflexes
Well, now that you know all you need to know about unlicensed firearms, let me give you a few friendly-uncle tips. I've seen quite a few customers come through my gun shop, and believe me, some of them could have done with a few tips!
The first golden rule is to declare your firearm. Even if you don't need a licence, any legally-held firearm must be declared to the prefecture. It's like doing your taxes - it makes you grumble, but it's compulsory. And above all, store your weapons securely. A safe is ideal. It avoids nasty surprises and impromptu visits from the police.
The second crucial point is neutralisation. If you've inherited an old rifle from grandad and you want to keep it without worry, have it neutralised. But don't do it yourself! Neutralising a firearm is like a surgical operation - it has to be done by professionals. In this case, it's the National Proof House in Saint-Etienne that does it. One day, a customer came to see me with his 'home-made neutralised rifle'. Suffice to say that the gendarmes didn't appreciate the joke!
Finally, don't forget that regulations on over-the-counter weapons may change. Keep an eye out for changes in the law. What's authorised today may not be tomorrow. If in doubt, come and see me in the shop - I'll be delighted to advise you!
Speaking of shops, let me tell you a little story. One day, a young man came in to buy a spray can. He was very proud of the fact that he could buy it without a licence. I asked him why he wanted one. His answer? "To scare away dogs that bark at night". I had to gently explain to him that this wasn't really the intended use and that it could get him into serious trouble. We ended up finding a more suitable (and legal) solution to his neighbourly problem!
That's it, folks! Now you know all about Weapons authorised without a licence in France. Remain responsible, respect the law, and everything will be fine. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to come and see me. We can have a chat over a nice cup of coffee, without a gun on the table, of course!
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