Gun laws in Syara
Gun laws in Syara cover the legality of purchasing firearms within Syara.
Background
The Commonality Constitution recognizes the right to self-defense and the right of Syaran citizens to protect themselves, others, and their property from harm. This has traditionally been interpreted by the Syaran judicial system as allowing for the private ownership of firearms, with the balance being struck between the need to respect the property rights of citizens while also accounting for public health concerns regarding gun violence.
Syaran gun laws occur at both the national and the Realm government level. Firearm licenses are issued at the Realm level, but a national registry is maintained by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs estimates that there are around 25 million privately owned firearms in Syara.
Legality
Although exact regulations vary from Realm to Realm, certain federal standards are enforced across the Commonality. Ownership of firearms is generally allowed to all citizens over the age of 18. Firearm ownership is prohibited to individuals with a criminal record, a diagnosed mental health illness, or a history of substance abuse. Since 2004, registered sex offenders are not authorized to own firearms.
Syaran gun laws largely favor long guns while prohibiting "short guns", namely smaller weapons to include handguns, submachine guns, and personal defense weapons. Firearms must be purchased at a registered and licensed dealer. Firearms must be purchased in person with licensing and a form of photo identification. Foreigners or alien residents in Syara are not authorized to purchase firearms.
An individual found to have illegally acquired firearms can face fines and imprisonment depending on the nature of the violation. Illegal ownership is grounds for future prohibition of firearm ownership.
Licenses
There are three categories of licenses available to Syaran citizens, labeled A, B, and V (the first three letters of the Syaran alphabet).
Class A Licenses are the most commonly issued and can be applied for by any Syaran otherwise not prohibited from owning firearms. Class A Licenses cover shotguns, bolt-action, lever action, and single-shot rifles. Class A Licenses can be acquired after paying a fee and attending a safety and familiarization course, after which firearms can be purchased freely. Syaran citizens do not need to register firearms that fall under a Class A License coverage. 89% of all Syaran gun owners fall under Class A.
Class B Licenses cover semi-automatic firearms. Class B Licenses require a certification course and are significantly more expensive. Any semi-automatic weapon purchased under a Class B License must be registered with the Commonality Firearm Registry (Заеднички регистар за огнено оружје, Zaednički Registar za ogneno Oružje; ZRO). Class B Licenses must be renewed every three years.
Class V Licenses cover "concealable weapons" and automatic firearms; assault rifles, pistols, submachine guns, and personal defense weapons. Class V Licenses are the most expensive and require extensive certification and justification; less than 1% of Syaran gun licenses are Class V. Class V Licenses must be renewed annually and updated with each purchase.