17 In 2004 a successful private challenge to Irish gun law allowed handguns to be registered during what became a four year ‘window.’ The number of lawfully held private pistols and revolvers in Ireland shot up from a single legal handgun in July 2004, to 1,842 in July 2008 ― at which point prohibition on further centrefire handgun licensing was reinstated, and the licensing of other short firearms limited (see Handgun Licensing). 11 12 13 14 15 16 9Īlmost all registered civilian firearms in Ireland are sporting shotguns (177,000) and hunting rifles (54,000). 10 The number of certificates has risen slowly since 2000, when 207,000 were on issue. 9 Each certificate qualifies its holder to possess a single, specified firearm, along with a maximum quantity and described type of ammunition. In the year to 31 July 2008, the number of firearm certificates on issue in Ireland was 233,120. 6 7 Ireland is an active supporter of the United Nations process to reduce gun injury (UNPoA). 3 5 The possession and use of realistic imitation firearms in a public place is prohibited. 4 In 2009, the private possession of handguns was curtailed. Licensing of all pistols and revolvers using centrefire ammunition was capped through 'grandfathering,' with new licences restricted to a limited range of small-calibre. 2 3 Although small arms-related death, injury and crime remain relatively low, rising rates of gun violence and firearm ownership in the Republic ― in particular the possession and misuse of handguns ― have become sources of national concern.
In order to possess a limited range of hunting and sport-shooting firearms, 1 gun owners must renew their firearm certificates every three years. Ireland has some of the least permissive firearm legislation in Europe.
Gun Facts Full Article Guns in the Republic of Ireland