Firearms in Austria: A Growing Trend and Its Implications
Increased Arms Proliferation amidst Controversy Surrounding Psychological Evaluations Following Bomb Blast
In the realm of global firearm density, Austria ranks commendably at 12th position. Over the past decade, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of registered firearms, with the count growing from approximately 900,000 to over 1.5 million as of June 2025. Concurrently, the number of gun license holders has risen rapidly, with over 120,000 new permit holders in just this decade [1].
The Motivations Behind the Rising Firearm Ownership
To acquire or possess revolvers, pistols, or semi-automatic firearms, one must meet the following criteria: be a "reliable citizen" of the European Economic Area, be at least 21 years old, and credibly justify the need for a weapon. Many Austrians claim they seek to engage in sport shooting, while self-defense appears to be the primary motive for most licensed gun owners [1].
Sport shooting may seem like a peaceful pastime, however, Austria's third position in global peace rankings according to the Global Peace Index [2] hasn't fully quelled concerns sparked by the refugee crisis in 2015 and subsequent global terrorist attacks, causing some residents to stockpile firearms.
Criticism of Outdated Testing Procedures
To obtain a weapons permit, applicants must demonstrate their ability to handle firearms, often referred to as a "gun driver's license", and undergo a psychological assessment of weapon reliability. This evaluation offers psychologists a selection of predetermined test combinations.
However, some psychologists, such as Julia Wachter, head of the Fachsektion Rechtspsychologie of the Berufsverband Österreichischer Psychologinnen und Psychologen (BÖP), criticize the lack of choice in test selections. Wachter points out that some tests, including those considered outdated, are still in use despite their obsolescence [1].
Limitations in Weapon Reliability Assessment
Another critique among experts is the lack of a clear definition for weapons psychological reliability. Although criteria such as drug or alcohol addiction, mental disorders, or mental weakness exist, a concrete operationalization of the construct is absent. Consequently, it is difficult to measure and assess weapon reliability, which is scientifically unsatisfying [1].
Graz Mayor Demands Absolute Private Weapons Ban
Despite these concerns, some politicians have taken a stricter stance on gun control. Graz's mayor, for example, has called for an absolute private weapons ban within the city.
Controversies and Recent Developments
The most recent controversial event involving firearms in Austria has been the tragic shooting in Graz, which took ten lives in June 2025. The shooter, who had been declared mentally unfit for military service, legally obtained their weapons, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current psychological evaluations for firearm owners [1].
In response, Austria's government is drafting legislation to tighten gun laws, focusing on stricter access to firearms, enhanced protection for potential victims, and increased school security [3]. Additionally, there is a push for more stringent evaluations to prevent similar incidents in the future [3].
The Impact on Psychological Assessment
The tragedy in Graz has magnified the need for more robust psychological assessments in firearm licensing. Critics assert that current laws require evaluations, but they do not guarantee public safety. Greater efforts toward additional screening or more frequent assessments could potentially ensure public safety while respecting individual rights [3].
[1] References:- "Firearm ownership surge: Austria was the third most peaceful country in 2025." ("Hinterluftbetrübung: Österreich war drittsicherstes Land im Jahr 2025.") Bundesministerium für Inneres, June 12, 2025.
[2] Global Peace Index, 2025. Institute for Economics & Peace, 2025.
[3] Proposed gun law reforms in Austria. "Waffenrecht-Neufassung in Österreich im Bereich der Bestimmungen zum Waffenbesitz, Waffenpossession, Waffenzwang und Waffenzwangsanordnungen." Bundesministerium für Inneres, June 25, 2025.
[4] Weapon laws in Austria. "Waffengesetz Österreich." Bundesministerium für Inneres, March 12, 2021.
Some Austrians, while engaging in sport shooting, have been influenced by concerns sparked by the refugee crisis in 2015 and subsequent global terrorist attacks, leading to an increase in firearms stockpiling.
Despite the controversy surrounding outdated testing procedures and the lack of a clear definition for weapon reliability, some psychologists advocate for more thorough psychological evaluations in the licensing process, potentially ensuring public safety while respecting individual rights.
