Inquiry Into Obtaining a Concealed Gun License - Growing Curiosity Surrounding Small Firearms
In a significant move to enhance public safety, a new regulation in Berlin, effective from July 17th, bans knives and other weapons, including blank-firing, irritant, and signal weapons, in all S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams. This decision comes as the number of Small Arms Permits in Brandenburg has been on a steady rise for several years, although the specific types of firearms owned in Brandenburg remain undefined.
Germany, known for its stringent gun control laws, has regulations in place that govern the possession and carrying of firearms. The German Weapons Act (Waffengesetz) requires applicants to prove a legitimate need for a firearms permit (Waffenbesitzkarte), such as hunting, sport shooting, or collecting. Carrying firearms in public (Waffenschein) requires even stricter justification, usually limited to professional needs such as security personnel. Permits involve background checks, psychological tests, and secure storage requirements. Unauthorized carrying or possession of firearms is illegal and punishable.
In Brandenburg, the majority of firearm owners are likely hunters and sports shooters, although specific figures are not available. The interest in Small Arms Permits has been increasing, with the number of permits rising by 7,175 from the end of 2020 to the end of June 2022. As of the end of June 2022, there were 27,049 Small Arms Permits in Brandenburg.
However, the exact cause of this increase in Brandenburg remains unclear, as there is a lack of explicit data or analysis from official sources. Factors such as heightened security concerns, changes in laws or administrative procedures, or social and political developments could potentially contribute to this trend.
Individuals aged 18 and above can carry blank-firing pistols outside their homes and property with a Small Arms Permit, but shooting with such a weapon is not allowed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Shooting outside one's own property and outside shooting ranges is also prohibited with a Small Arms Permit. Carrying a Small Arms Permit weapon is prohibited during demonstrations and public events.
By the end of 2024, the number of Small Arms Permits stored in the National Weapons Register was 26,290, and the total number of firearms capable of firing projectiles in Brandenburg was 137,802. The number of people possessing firearms or firearm parts in Brandenburg increased to 29,936 as of the end of June, a rise of 1,417 from the end of 2020.
However, the data does not specify whether the increase is due to an influx of new owners or an increase in the number of firearms per owner. Furthermore, the data regarding firearm ownership in Brandenburg does not mention the number of Small Arms Permits in Potsdam.
By the end of 2024, there were 1,400 fewer registered firearms in Brandenburg. This decrease could be attributed to various factors, such as the sale or transfer of firearms, or the deactivation or destruction of firearms.
This article provides an overview of the current regulations and trends in Small Arms Permits in Brandenburg, Germany. For precise statistics or recent regulatory changes relating specifically to Brandenburg, official government publications or local authorities would be the most authoritative sources.
The Community in Brandenburg, where there has been a significant rise in Small Arms Permits, could potentialize vocational training opportunities in the field of gun safety and handling, given the increasing number of firearm owners. As a means of further public safety, it could be worth considering the implementation of vocational training programs for individuals with Small Arms Permits, particularly considering the rise in sports-related firearm activities mentioned in the article. Additionally, to synergize community engagement and safety, it would be beneficial to integrate sports and recreational activities that cater to these permit holders, fostering a sense of camaraderie and responsibility within the community.
