For those who confuse the UK with the rest of Europe, as far as gun laws go...

[benEzra]

here's a reminder that most European countries allow the ownership of AR-15's, Glocks, and whatnot. Some nations require more red tape than others (e.g., Switzerland is fairly comparable to the USA, France and Germany require you to jump through more hoops, Finland etc. are in the middle), but most of Europe is most assuredly not as gun-restrictive as the UK...or Chicago, USA for that matter.

IPSC European Championship 2009 - Norway

IPSC Rifle - Sweden

Laëtitia Daguenel - IPSC France - Glock 17

IPSC pistol match - Finland

Civilian AK (RK-95TP) and pistol at the range - Jyväskylä, Finland

Local IPSC match - Spain

Finally got tired of watching videos...Germany, Austria, Switzerland, even Italy...other than the language, it looks just like the same matches we have over here, with the exact same guns.

It also appears that AR-15 type rifles dominate a lot of the centerfire rifle shooting sports over there just like they do over here.

[Bold Lib]

1. Interesting. Thanks for doing this research. I must confess,

that I believed most of Europe was like the UK, Switzerland excepted of course. I used to play the IPSC game quite a lot. Had a Class - B Limited card when work required more and more time and I had to drop out. Still have all the equipment too - and the fishing equipment - and the. . . . . .

[Endangered Specie]

2. Don't forget the Czech Republic, where you can CCW relatively easily...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_the_Czech_Republic

[old mark]

3. I understand that even the dreaded handguns are available to private citizens

in most European countries, with more or less restrictions an dcomplications and from what I read much greater cost.

Even in the UK there are black powder muzzle loader shooters in organized groups. Maybe someday that sad kingdom will be liberated from its fascist imperial government...


mark

[oneshooter]

4. Suppressors are much easier, and cheaper , to get in Europe. n/t

[chibajoe]

5. Yes, they actually consider it civilized

to make as little noise as possible when shooting, so as not to disturb people living near the range. What a novel concept.

[SteveM]

7. Silencers also required in some Euro countries when hunting...

so as not to disturb other wildlife. Now, that's sensitive.

[virginia mountainman]

6. What a eye popping post Ben! you never fail to educate!

Wow!!

Unlike most European countries where permits to carry a concealed weapon is only issued to individuals who demonstrate a specific reason, in the Czech Republic it is a common part of the citizen's right to own guns and every holder of the category E license is allowed to carry a concealed weapon after the formal approval is given (no justification is needed). According to the law, the guns cannot be carried into the courts, or at demonstrations and mass meetings. It is also generally considered irresponsible to take guns to clubs or bars even though it is not explicitly prohibited in the law.<1> Carrying a gun while drunk is however illegal and can lead to heavy fines or losing the gun license.

Carrying guns in schools and campuses is not prohibited by the law and there are no so called "Gun-free zones". Gun must be carried in a concealed manner and no more than two firearms for self-defense can be carried by one person. For special purposes, open carry can be allowed by the police. Carrying concealed weapon is not the subject of controversy in the Czech Republic probably because in reality it does not cause any trouble.

[Glassunion]

8. I was watching the science channel or something like it last night. Thy say that

The Mediterranean is slowly draining and will eventually(long f'ing time) will be empty. It's a good thing they will have a place for all of the blood to flow into. Seas of blood!!!

Europeans are just a bunch on tea-bagging, Bush-loving, racist, NRA(GOP-supporting), Palin-ites.