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Swiss voters on Sunday approved a measure to tighten the Alpine nation's gun laws, bringing the country in line with many of its European partners despite the objections of local gun owners, Swiss media reported, citing official results.
Switzerland's public broadcaster said more than 63% of voters nationwide agreed to align with European Union firearms rules adopted two years ago after deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Germany and Britain.
The vote Sunday was part of Switzerland's regular referendums that give citizens a direct say in policymaking. It had stoked passions in a country with long, proud traditions of gun ownership and sport and target shooting. Switzerland, unlike many other European nations, allows veterans of its obligatory military service for men to take home their service weapons after tours of duty.
The Swiss proposal, among other things, requires regular training on the use of firearms, special waivers to own some semi-automatic weapons and serial number tracking system for key parts of some guns. Gun owners would have to register any weapons not already registered within three years, and keep a registry of their gun collections.
(Score: 2) by Arik on Friday May 24 2019, @02:33AM (1 child)
Indeed I am. Thank you, anonymous sir or madam, for a truly informative post.
That said, I must point out that this is not a very sensible regulation, as it defines whether or not a weapon is adequate simply by the calibre. Not only is the 5.56 prohibited for deer hunting, so is the 22-250! The 6mm Remington is legal, but the 5.56 is not? Depending on the load there's a hair of difference between the two. And that old .30 carbine that's nowhere near as capable as the 5.56, yeah, that's legal too.
I'm not trying to narc on the .30 carbine btw. It's fine. But so's the 5.56.
What doesn't work is someone that thinks that a big powerful cartridge will compensate for lack of accuracy. That is all.
If laughter is the best medicine, who are the best doctors?
(Score: 1, Touché) by Anonymous Coward on Friday May 24 2019, @03:03AM
Well, this is from WA state where even a Marlin Model 60 is now defined as a "semi-automatic assault weapon". Keep expectations low out here on the Pacific coast.