Hi friends! Today we're going to be talking about a subject that's fascinated me ever since I opened my gun shop: the 4 categories of weapons<\/strong>. Believe me, it's a fascinating field, full of subtleties. So fasten your seatbelts, we're diving right in!<\/p>\n You're probably wondering why we need to classify weapons. Well, it's simple: it allows us to regulate their acquisition and possession. In France, since 2013, a system has been in place with 4 categories of weapons<\/strong>. It's like a colour code, but for guns!<\/p>\n Let's start with the big one: category A. It's a bit like the VIP gun club, but in a \"no public access\" version. There are two sub-categories:<\/p>\n These babies are off-limits to ordinary mortals. Only a few people with special authorisation can access them. It's a bit like having the keys to the safe at Fort Knox!<\/p>\n Then there's category B. This is like a driving licence for weapons. Do you want a handgun or certain long guns? You'll have to ask the prefect nicely. And believe me, it's not enough to say \"please\"! Authorisation is valid for 5 years, and sports shooters have a maximum quota of 12 weapons. That's not bad enough for a small personal museum!<\/p>\n Category C is a little cooler. You can buy certain long guns, but don't think it's open bar! You still have to make a declaration. It's like telling your parents that you've brought home a pet. Only this time it's a bit more serious!<\/p>\n Now that we've seen the most regulated categories, let's move on to the last. It's a bit of an all-you-can-eat weapons buffet!<\/p>\n It's party time for category D! Unrestricted acquisition and possession of historical, bladed or neutralised weapons. It's a bit like being told \"Go ahead, help yourself\". But that doesn't mean you can do anything with them. Responsibility is the key!<\/p>\n Do you think that's all? No, it's not! There are a whole host of little rules to be aware of. For example, if you want to travel with your toys in the European Union, you'll need a European firearms pass. It's like a passport for your guns!<\/p>\n And since 2018, if you want to sell a gun to your neighbour, you'll have to go through a professional. It's as if I were the official arms broker. It makes me laugh!<\/p>\n Oh, and I almost forgot! We now have a super computer system to manage all this: the SIA. It's like a adjusting the rise and handlebars<\/a>but in digital form. It centralises everything and makes life easier for gun owners. That is, when it works!<\/p>\n Here is a summary table to help you find your way around:<\/p>\n The world of weapons is like fashion: it evolves! Recently, there have been some interesting changes. For example, pump-action shotguns have been upgraded to category B. It's as if your favourite toy had suddenly moved up to the big leagues!<\/p>\n And hold on to your hats, neutralised weapons are now in category C. It's a bit like saying to a toothless tiger: \"Come on, you're a bit dangerous, we're going to keep a close eye on you!<\/p>\n I remember one customer who came to me in a panic because he thought his Skorpion<\/a> was going to change category. I had to explain to him that no, this little gem was staying right where it was. We had a good laugh!<\/p>\n Finally, don't forget that if you have any questions, there are always professionals like me to help you. And if you want to find out more, I recommend you take a look at des<\/strong>armes%C3%A0<\/strong>feu\u00a0\u00bb>glossaire des armes \u00e0 feu<\/a> et au weapons wiki<\/a>. Because in this field, knowledge is power!<\/p>\nWeapons categories: a well-oiled system<\/h2>\n
Category A: prohibited weapons<\/h3>\n
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Category B: weapons subject to authorisation<\/h3>\n
Category C: weapons to be declared<\/h3>\n
Weapons to suit all tastes<\/h2>\n
Category D: weapons on the loose<\/h3>\n
The rules of the game<\/h3>\n
The Weapons Information System (WIS)<\/h3>\n
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\n Category<\/th>\n Status<\/th>\n Examples<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n A<\/td>\n Prohibited except with special authorisation<\/td>\n Weapons of war<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n B<\/td>\n Subject to authorisation<\/td>\n Handguns, certain long guns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n C<\/td>\n Subject to declaration<\/td>\n Certain long guns<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n D<\/td>\n Free acquisition and ownership<\/td>\n Historic weapons, white, neutralised<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n ![\"What](\"https:\/\/essai-armes.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/classification_des_armes_2713.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe changing weapons landscape<\/h2>\n