In India, everything is not a question of choice when it comes to having a gun, but more of law, safety, and maintenance. Even though in movies the characters flash firearms so freely, nothing could be further from the truth. It is one of the strictest firearm regulation regimes in the world, and the perspective of legal guns available in India is highly regulated in the context of the Arms Act, 1959, and the Arms Rules, 2016.
Just imagine, you want to purchase a firearm, either for self-defense, sporting reasons, or for professional reasons. It is beneficial to understand the legal firearms available in India, including their regulations and how to obtain them.
Understanding the Legal Framework
Before we dive into the list of legal guns available in India, it’s crucial to understand the laws that govern their ownership. Automatic guns are not allowed to be owned by Indians. No other firearms are available as a matter of general availability to civilians, but only the non-prohibited bore (NPB) firearms, and only the police officers and armed forces, as well as persons possessing special licenses, may use the prohibited bore (PB) firearms.
The list of kinds of guns, qualifications, and circumstances of illegitimate possession is presented in the Arms Act, 1959. The background checks, required safe storage in which they should be done, and their renewal after a certain time (now and then) are also formulated in detail under the Arms Rules, 2016.
Who Can Own a Legal Gun in India?
It is not a right in India to own a gun, but the consideration of a right is given with heavy conditions with regard to the benefits. To own any of the legal guns available in India, you must:
- Minimum 21 years.
- Present some kind of justification since it is self-defense, crop protection, or sports shooting.
- Experience a thorough criminal record check and psych assessment.
- Home-based gun storage is evidence-based.
Such fulfilment is thus followed discretionally by grants of license by the licensing authority, which in the majority of cases is the district magistrate or the police commissioner.
Categories of Legal Guns Available in India
Legal civilian firearms in India generally fall into three main categories: handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Each has its own set of rules, uses, and market options.
1. Handguns (Revolvers & Pistols)
Handguns are popular among licensed owners due to their compact size and suitability for self-defense. Examples of legal guns available in India in this category include:
- IOF .32 Revolver – Manufactured by the Indian Ordnance Factory, known for reliability.
- IOF .32 Pistol (Ashani) – A semi-automatic pistol for personal protection.
- Imported NPB Pistols – From brands like Beretta or Glock, but only through licensed dealers with special import permissions.
Handguns are generally limited to a caliber of .32 or lower for civilian use.
2. Shotguns
Shotguns are widely used in rural India for crop protection, sport shooting, and sometimes home defense. Common legal guns available in India in this category include:
- IOF 12 Bore DBBL (Double Barrel Side by Side) – A classic choice for farmers and sports shooters.
- IOF 12 Bore Pump Action Gun – Offers faster reloading, often used in security services.
Shotguns are relatively easier to obtain than handguns, but still require a full licensing process.
3. Rifles
- Rifles are less common for civilian ownership due to their long-range capability and higher licensing scrutiny. Still, some models fall under the legal guns available in India for sports shooting and wildlife protection. Examples include:
- IOF .22 Sporting Rifle – Used in target practice and competitions.
- IOF Sporting Rifle – Suitable for long-range shooting and limited hunting purposes.
How to Apply for a Gun License in India
To own any of the legal guns available in India, you must follow this process:
- Application Submission – File an application with your district magistrate or licensing authority, stating your reason for ownership.
- Background Verification – Police check for criminal history, mental health evaluation, and neighborhood inquiries.
- Storage Verification – Authorities inspect your home for secure storage arrangements, such as a gun safe.
- Approval & Issuance – If approved, you receive a license specifying the firearm type you can own.
- Purchase & Registration – Buy the firearm from a licensed dealer, then register it officially.
Cost of Legal Guns in India
The price of legal guns available in India varies widely depending on type, manufacturer, and whether it’s locally produced or imported.
- Indian-made revolvers/pistols: ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
- Imported handguns: ₹3 lakh – ₹8 lakh
- Shotguns: ₹50,000 – ₹1.2 lakh
- Rifles: ₹70,000 – ₹3 lakh
These prices are approximate and can vary by region and dealer. Import duties also significantly increase costs for foreign-made firearms.
Responsibilities of Gun Owners
Owning any of the legal guns available in India comes with significant responsibilities:
- Safe Storage- When unloading or in use, lock up unloaded firearms in a certified gun safe.
- Ammunition Limits- civilians are only allowed to have a limited stock, say 50, at any one time per firearm.
- License Renewal- Gun licenses should be renewed after a set interval of time, usually every 3 to 5 years.
- No Misuse- Unsafe use, handling, and holding a weapon, such as display, brandishing, or handling, will result in license cancellation and lawsuits.
Why the List of Legal Guns is Limited in India
The Indian gun laws seek to strike the right-to-self-defense balance and safety of its population. The limited range of legal guns available in India is a deliberate policy choice to reduce firearm-related crimes. Though this might cause disappointment among fans of hardcore gun designs in foreign countries, it is quite a good fact that gun abuse remains at an adjudged minimum when compared to other nations where there is less control on gun laws.
Final Thoughts
Gun ownership in India is not just about show; it is about responsibility, it is about protection, it is about being honest with yourself regarding your actions governed by law. The legal guns available in India are limited in type and variety, but they fulfill the needs of self-defense, sport shooting, and professional duties for those who qualify.
If you are thinking of applying for a Firearm License, learn the rules, prepare for a long wait, and, more importantly, make a commitment to safe and lawful firearm ownership. Possessing a gun is a big responsibility, and trust me, in India, it’s taken that way.
FAQs
In India, civilians can legally own firearms such as shotguns, handguns, and certain types of rifles, provided they meet the Arms Act requirements. Automatic and military-grade weapons are strictly prohibited.
To own any of the legal guns available in India, you must apply for a license through your local District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police, undergo background verification, and provide a valid reason for ownership, such as self-defense, sports shooting, or crop protection.
The price of legal guns available in India depends on the type, brand, and whether it is locally manufactured or imported. Indian-made firearms generally start from ₹50,000, while imported ones can cost several lakhs.