Gun politics in Finland

Finland is one of the most progressive nations in Europe with regard to personal firearm ownership.

There are over two million licensed firearms and an estimated quarter-million unlicensed firearms in Finland, with firearms being present in approximately 50% of Finnish homes. Ownership of fully-automatic weapons is not prohibited, and there are estimated to be roughly 30,000 machine guns in private hands. With a population of around 5 million, this gives Finland a per-capita ownership rate of automatic weapons nearly ten times that of the United States, a federation often perceived to have an exceptionally high weapon ownership rate.

Other weapons

Sound suppressors, a firearm accessory strictly regulated in many other jurisdictions, are also widely available in Finland. Their use is promoted as a public good, as they reduce the noise pollution that firearms practice could otherwise produce, and reduce hearing injuries in frequent shooters and range operators. The presence of silencers is not considered problematic as they are almost never used in crimes.

Private ownership of Tear gas or Pepper spray is not prohibited, provided it is for the purposes of personal protection, collection, training, or education.

Black powder firearms manufactured prior to 1890 are free to be possessed without regulation.

Possession of destructive devices such as rocket and grenade launchers, breech loading cannons, artillery rockets is generally not permitted. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has discretion to license such devices to collectors or for motion picture production or exhibition use.

Civil reserve

The military reserve has organized the obtaining of thousands of semi-automatic assault rifles for national defense reservists. This has been passively supported by the government, as it equips the nation with rifles suitable for military use without requiring government spending.

Not having investigated this any further than the Finnish Defence Forces website page on the military reserve sector named "Maakuntajoukot", I will not remove this section, but will, however, mention that firstly the persons do not have to pay for the semi-automatic assault rifles, and secondly they do not keep them at home. The guns are stored by the Defence Forces, and are only given to the persons in training situations and when there is a risk of a war.

Regulation

The ownership and use of firearms is regulated by the Firearms Act of 1998.

Firearms can only be obtained with a license, which can be obtained from the local police for €27. A separate license is required for each individual firearm and family members can have a parallel licenses to use the same firearm.

To obtain a firearms license, the individual must declare a valid reason to own a gun. Acceptable reasons include: hunting, sports or hobby, profession related, show or promotion or exhibition, collection or museum, souvenir, and signaling.

The firearms certificate may be cancelled if a person has committed a violent, gun-related, drug-related crime or broken certificate rules. Also physical and mental problems or reckless behavior are solid grounds for canceling the certificate.

Possessing a firearm without a license is punishable. Unlicensed firearms may be turned over to the police without punishment, provided this happens under the individual's own initiative. Firearms surrender in this manner are auctioned to the public or destroyed.

Gun laws were last changed 1998. At that time flare guns became subject to licensing, and some types of ammunition were specified especially dangerous. In 1999, all existing guns had to be reregistered to update records.