Switzerland's Growing Interest in Firearms Ownership
Switzerland is witnessing a notable increase in firearms ownership, with more residents applying for gun permits and purchasing pistols and rifles. This trend is attributed to the rising popularity of shooting sports, an increase in the population, and heightened security concerns among individuals.
The country boasts one of the highest gun ownership rates globally. According to estimates from the Geneva-based organization Small Arms Survey, there were around 2.3 million privately owned firearms in Switzerland as of 2018. Interestingly, despite this high ownership rate, Switzerland is also recognized as one of the safest countries, with gun-related crimes remaining relatively rare.
The Swiss national identity has long included a responsible approach to weapons, stemming from historical practices. After completing their service in the militia army, conscripts have the option to purchase their service weapon and store it at home under specific safety regulations. Although this liberal practice faced scrutiny in 2011 following several tragic incidents involving military firearms, a public initiative to tighten gun laws was rejected by voters.
Recent statistics from cantonal police departments indicate a rise in applications for gun permits across the country. For instance, the police in the canton of Fribourg issued 1,549 permits in 2019, increasing to 1,791 in 2024, marking a growth of nearly seven percent. Applicants in Fribourg must provide a justification for their request unless they are recognized sports shooters, hunters, or collectors.
Similarly, Fribourg's neighboring canton of Lucerne saw a rise in permit applications from 1,874 to 2,680 over the same period, which includes additional permits granted since 2019 when the gun law was updated to align with EU regulations concerning semi-automatic firearms. According to a spokesperson from Lucerne's police, the increase includes permits for police officers who wish to retain their service weapons after an upgrade, but overall, there has been a nearly 25 percent increase in permits issued over the past year.
In the canton of St. Gallen, the number of permits issued in 2019 stood at 2,059, which decreased to 1,981 in 2024, while exceptions rose from 184 to 763. Despite fluctuations, police officials note an overall upward trend in permit applications. Speculation regarding these increases often points to global events, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, alongside growing fears of public violence and burglary.
Beyond geopolitical concerns, several factors are influencing the rise in gun ownership in Switzerland:
- Popularity of Shooting Sports: Participation in events like the Eidgenössisches Feldschiessen, which attracted 135,747 participants in 2024, underscores the sport's appeal. The Swiss Shooting Sports Federation reports a stable membership of approximately 130,000 individuals.
- Increased Female Participation: The demographics of shooting sports have shifted significantly, with a growing number of women participating in shooting courses. In 2024, over 2,000 young women took part in youth shooting courses, indicating a cultural shift within the sport.
- Population Growth: Switzerland's population has expanded from eight million to nine million in the past twelve years. While some immigration policies restrict firearm ownership for certain nationalities, the overall growth likely contributes to the rising number of permit applications.
- Security Concerns: Recent statistics show a rise in burglary and violent crimes, prompting some citizens to seek firearms for personal security. This trend reflects a shift in perception regarding personal safety, despite warnings from law enforcement about the risks associated with untrained firearm ownership.
Overall, the increase in firearms ownership in Switzerland raises questions about the balance between personal security and public safety, reflecting broader societal trends in a rapidly changing world.