In the Northern province of Punjab, legal rifles for common civilians can be procured under the Non-Prohibited Bore category. NPB category firearms are provided mainly for self-defense and sports. The most popular types of guns include the .22 caliber rifles and the smoothbore guns.
To purchase a gun in India, potential owners are required to obtain a license in accordance with the Arms Act of 1959 and the Arms Rules of 2016. According to recent news, procuring legal rifles in Punjab is not an easy task, as the Indian government has enforced stricter rules, fearing the misuse of firearms.
Top Rifles in Punjab, India, in the Non-Prohibited Bore Category:
- .22 bore rifles, primarily used for target practice, protection, and sport.
- Smoothbore guns are used for the protection of crops and sport.
- Sporting firearms, which include .3.15 and .30-60 sporting rifles.
The Need For Guns in Punjab
Punjab state in India has vast farmlands. People living in this state require guns for the protection of crops against wild animals like the Indian wild boar. To save their farms from extensive damage, farmers seek firearms as a source of defense. The guns culture in Punjab is also influenced by status and tradition. Several schemes and initiatives by the government have linked gun licenses to support environmental causes like tree planting.
Guns For Protection – A Farmer’s Perspective
The destruction of forests and the construction of roads and buildings are some of the prime reasons for the shrinking of habitat. As a result, more wildlife enter farmlands in search of food, increasing human-wildlife conflict.
Legal rifles in Punjab are purchased out of necessity. Most farmers in the state face huge losses when wild animals destroy their crops and land. In such a scenario, gun are seen as a powerful tool for defending their farms.
Gun for Tree Planting – A Smart Initiative By The Government
In the year 2019, gun applicants in Punjab were directed to plant ten tree saplings prior to their license application. To own a legal rifle in Punjab, they were asked to submit photos or selfies with their saplings. This initiative was taken as a large number of trees were cut in some areas, like Firozpur, and tree planting was a smart solution.
According to government data, Punjab is home to one of the largest gun license holders in India. A selfie with tree saplings meant that potential applicants’ applications would be considered and processed. The rule was passed on World Environment Day. Applicants are also requested to submit follow-up pictures every few months to prove that they are taking care of the plants.
From gun license approvals to environmental link (planting trees), potential legal license guns owners in Punjab, India must follow protocols to get one. Tree planting is urged to combat issues like deforestation and groundwater depletion in the state. Such schemes motivate gun owners to contribute to the environment and help replenish the depleting store of groundwater in the land.
Gun Licensing & Regulations in the State of Punjab
- Eligible applicants who want to purchase legal rifles in Punjab must have a genuine need for firearms, such as for self-defense, sport, or crop protection.
- Applications are processed via the NDAL-ALIS web portal, which requires police investigation and assessment by the licensing officials.
- According to the Punjab government regulations, the unnecessary display of guns at public functions is strictly restricted for gun owners.
- As per Indian law, PB or Prohibited Bore Firearms category can be used only by the defense and law enforcement authorities. PB guns are prohibited for civilians.
Top rifles in Punjab, India, include the Corbett 22 LR Bolt-Action rifle from GEAM Guns. They are popular with both beginners and experienced shooters. Corbett 22 scores over other semi-automatics because of its low recoil and inexpensive ammunition. It is a detail-oriented rifle ideal for the Indian market.
Farms & Gun Safety Rules
Guns are potent tools that prove handy in any farmland. Gun owners in rural places use them chiefly for the protection of crops and livestock. Guns are also used for the protection of the family and in self-defense. Some shooters hunt wild game for their meat.
Both new and professional firearm owners must adhere to the following 5 critical rules to stay safe and never fire accidentally:
- Keep your rifle pointed in a safe direction so that even if you fire accidentally, no one gets hurt.
- Make sure your finger is not on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot. Chances of an accident can be diminished when your finger is not on the trigger.
- Never assume the gun is not loaded; always point it in a safe direction and maintain other safety protocols. In this way, no one can get hurt, even accidentally.
- Know about your target and the nearby surroundings. Be doubly sure that you are shooting only at the target.
- As a responsible gun owner, you must know what is beyond the target, so that if you miss it or if the bullet passes through the initial target, there is no second target.
FAQs
Why is training with professional firearm trainers crucial for new gun users?
The training period for all gun owners is very important and should never be avoided. To use firearms safely and correctly, gun training is a must. It is more than going to the shooting range and firing some rounds.
Proper gun training with a professional trainer can help you become a better shot. Training frequently with an experienced shooter can turn you into a more responsible and better shooter. Approaching professional gun trainers can be worth every penny.
How to store firearms safely?
Storing a firearm in a safe place is the primary responsibility of a gun owner. You may come across many storage options if you search online. You can also ask experienced shooters and other firearm owners regarding gun storage for rifles, handguns, or shotguns.
A firearm must be unloaded and locked in a separate lockbox meant only for storing guns. The locker details and numerical combinations must be inaccessible to others to prevent accidents and robbery. It is advisable to take the necessary precautions and store guns in a moisture-free safe or locker.
Why are guns part of the Punjab culture?
People in Punjab associate guns with status and wealth. Legal rifles in Punjab symbolise power and prestige. Owning firearms is a part of their tradition. According to a study, Punjab state is one of the top states in India with the highest number of licensed gun owners.
Can one protect livestock with the right gun?
The right kind of gun can be used as a handy tool for the protection of poultry and livestock from wild animals. Many wild animals in India, like leopards, feral dogs, wolves, wild dogs, and tigers, can destroy livestock and kill your stock. While rifles and shotguns are popular choices , you also need the right skill and ammunition to shoot at predators.