FIREARMS LAW · Austria
Firearms law in Austria
An overview of Austrian firearms law: categories A, B and C, ownership cards, approved shooting ranges and cross-border travel.
READ THE OVERVIEW ↓Austria classifies firearms into legal categories and uses different official authorisations. Separate rules apply to supervised use at an approved shooting range.
Categories and permits
Austria groups firearms in categories A, B and C. Category B includes pistols, revolvers and certain semi-automatic firearms; category C covers other rifles and shotguns unless they fall within A or B. Current rules set out official authorisations for acquisition and possession depending on category. Category A is governed separately. The classification of a particular model depends on its features.
Possession, carrying and range use
An ownership card permits acquisition and possession within its scope; it does not authorise carrying in public. A firearms pass is a separate authorisation. Section 14 of the Austrian Firearms Act has special rules for using firearms at officially approved ranges. Firearms prohibitions remain in force there, as do range rules.
Travelling from Austria
For a Diamond Defence course in Switzerland, check the actual venue on the course date. Bringing your own firearm across the border requires separate consideration of the applicable travel rules. A European Firearms Pass is not a universal substitute for every other document that may be required.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What you may want to know.
Does an ownership card let me carry a firearm?
No. An ownership card concerns acquisition and possession. Carrying has a separate permit.
Can I practise at an approved range?
Section 14 of the Austrian Firearms Act contains special rules for approved ranges. Firearms prohibitions and the range conditions still matter.
What if I travel with my own firearm?
Check the Austrian rules and the destination country’s requirements for the particular firearm and ammunition before travel.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Read the current rules.
FROM INFORMATION TO TRAINING
Find your course.
Explore our supervised courses and read the requirements of the specific programme and venue.