What weapons can be purchased without permission and license: list

March 2, 2020
Legislation
Natalia Evdokimova

According to the Federal Law “On Weapons” (Article 13), a person who has reached the age of eighteen and is a citizen of the Russian Federation has the right to purchase without a license various types of weapons for self-defense, which will be discussed in this article.

Regulations

The requirements for means of self-defense are provided for in Article 3 of Federal Law No. 150 “On Weapons”. It contains a list of means that civilians are allowed to use. In doing so, gun owners must pursue the following goals:

Hunting.
Education.
Personal protection.
Use as sports equipment.

Most existing weapons require a permit. According to the Federal Law “On Weapons” (Article 13), you can purchase without a license:

Tear gas aerosol (canister).
Electroshock device.
Signal revolver.
Pneumatic weapons whose muzzle energy does not exceed 7.5 J and whose caliber is less than 4.5 mm.

Let's look at all these types in more detail.

Is it possible to use a firearm for self-defense?

It is useful to talk about some topics using the reverse method, so let’s consider what a citizen faces if he uses a weapon for which a permit is provided.

Let's start with the fact that a citizen has no right not only to use some types of weapons, but also to carry them, or store them at home or in a car. All the situations described fall under the violation of the law under Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and are qualified as illegal possession. Regardless of the current situation, such a violation will result in imprisonment.

The court, naturally, will take into account the threat to life as mitigating circumstances, but the term of deprivation will not change significantly. It is defined by law and is up to 4 years.

With the mandatory provision of a license, citizens can purchase weapons, which are discussed in the following classification:

Firearms of limited destruction. This terminology was used not so long ago, so not everyone is aware of what types of civilian weapons fall into this category. In simple words, this is a traumatic weapon, a firearm with rubber bullets, firing a shot with an energy not exceeding 91 J.
A smoothbore gun designed for hunting.
Hunting rifled weapon. Here the approach to issuing a permit is more strict. To obtain such a license, it is necessary to document that wearing, for example, a Saiga rifle carbine is associated with professional activities.
Sports weapons should only be used in certain sports (shooting, biathlon).
Signal weapon. Traditionally it is believed that these weapons are allowed in Russia for self-defense. However, if the caliber exceeds 6 mm, you will have to apply for a permit.

As an educational program, we note that after the issuance of a license and the subsequent acquisition of any of the listed types, you are required to re-appear at the licensing department for subsequent registration. Any violation of document management entails administrative and criminal liability.

Authorized self-defense weapons

The gun store offers various types of weapons for self-defense. If you do not have a special permit, then the corresponding weapons will not be sold to you.

But there is a certain category of citizens who are satisfied with the level of self-defense that is provided by legal means.

They do not cause significant injury, but they do cause injury and also have a psychological effect that allows one to defend against attackers.

Weapons, which by law do not require permission to carry, store and use, are divided into several groups. These groups are united by a common property, which is to limit the destructive effect.

Airguns. A shotgun or pistol that fires small projectiles that are given kinetic energy by the movement of a piston. There are also compression guns in which compressed air is stored in special cans.
Gas canister.
Various types of bladed weapons used for defense purposes.
Stun guns.
Gas pistol. Its destructive substance is the same as that of a spray can, but in appearance it looks like a real pistol, which helps to demoralize the enemy.

It is impossible to single out the most acceptable and effective weapon, since each type has both positive and negative qualities.

Airguns

The choice of many buyers falls on air pistols. Due to the external resemblance to real military weapons, it produces a good effect on the enemy.

Although air guns do not require special permission, when purchasing, you should still pay attention to such a parameter as muzzle energy.

If its value exceeds 7.5 J, then representatives of the law may require permission. All pneumatic weapons used in the forest for hunting or for clay pigeon shooting are subject to mandatory registration.

There is also a limitation on caliber. Up to 4.5 mm has weapons that are on sale.

Pneumatics are distinguished by the principle of air supply, by the external shape of the bullets, and also by the rate of fire. In the first case, the air is either supplied by a piston or pre-compressed. Bullets are hemispherical, conical and flat. Depending on the type of bullet, the enemy receives more or less significant damage.

If you choose an effective air gun, then the most effective is the balloon type. The bullet, under the influence of compressed air, flies out of the barrel. Its energy is enough to pierce a glass bottle, but in winter the bullet will not pass through thick outerwear. Therefore, such a pistol is not effective outdoors in winter.

There are no restrictions on storing pneumatic weapons, but there are recommendations. Weapons must be kept out of the reach of children. You can install a safe for these purposes. It is important not to leave the weapon cocked during storage. This involves not only safety issues, but also operating recommendations, otherwise the spring will quickly lose its elasticity.

Gas canister

Inside the pressurized gas cartridge contains irritating substances that act on the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. When affected, itching, watery eyes, and nosebleeds may occur. The use of gas is completely legal, which is why such weapons are freely sold.

When used, the enemy is temporarily disoriented. During this time, you can run away or call for help. The spray can has become so popular that today it is considered an invariable attribute of a lady's handbag.

Jet gas canisters emit a damaging substance in the form of a jet. The range of such weapons is great, but the enemy can dodge. And yet, the good thing about the jet type is that it can be used even outdoors and in any weather.
The aerosol type of weapon has a larger affected area, despite the fact that the range of action is significantly lower than that of a jet weapon. This canister is more suitable for indoor use. It cannot be used outside in cold and windy weather.

Steel arms

The most common means of self-defense without a license is a household knife. This type of weapon is available in every home. Being hit with a knife is not so harmless. Sometimes a stab with a knife can lead to death, so only certain specimens are allowed for use.

The parameters for carrying and using a knife without a license comply with GOST. The slightest deviation from these parameters forces the owner to purchase a license.

The length of the blade does not exceed 9 cm, and the length of the handle – 7 cm.
If the length of the blade exceeds 9 cm, but not more than 18 cm, then you can use such a knife if it does not have a point.
With a length over 18 cm, the tip is 100 mm higher than the butt.

Folding knives that have a blade ejection feature are considered prohibited weapons. It should be noted that it is not so easy to stab an enemy with a knife. To do this, there must be a certain physical and psychological preparedness. The law on weapons states that the use of a knife as a means of defense is not recommended due to its ineffectiveness.

Stun guns

Another type of permitted self-defense weapon is stun guns. They are capable of striking with an electrical discharge that is formed between two electrodes. The attacker will be immobilized for some time. It is safe to say that a shock with a stun gun leaves no consequences.

When using a contact shocker, you must come close to your opponent. But there are also remote weapons. Those wishing to purchase a stun gun should remember that only Russian-made copies are allowed to be used, and the corresponding certificate must always be with you.

Signal weapon

Signal weapons can only be used if their caliber does not exceed 6 mm. Any signal pistol can only attract attention with a noise or light effect, while frightening the enemy.

An example of a weapon is the Osa or Antidog pistol. In addition to its advantages, such weapons have one significant drawback - the impact on the shooter himself. Therefore, to use the wasp, you have to use rather strange rules, in which it is recommended to close your eyes.

Rules for using and carrying weapons without a license

You should not think that the lack of permission for some types of self-defense weapons allows you to use them without restrictions. There are established rules, violation of which entails quite severe punishment. Thus, you can only purchase weapons if you are 18 years old, so you will always have to carry your passport with you.

To carry pneumatics, you must have a passport for the device itself. Weapons should only be used in extreme cases. It is prohibited to use against children, disabled people, and pregnant women.

Gas weapon

Very often, many people wonder what weapons can be used without permission. A gas can can be used. It is the most affordable and simple weapon for self-defense. However, it does not require any permission. A gas canister is a container containing a caustic substance called an irritant. Today, five types of such substances are allowed to be used on the territory of the Russian Federation. They are capable of depriving a person of the ability to act actively for some time. When entering the body, irritants cause:

Copious tears.
Temporary loss of vision.
Stinging in the eyes. Blood begins to flow from the nose.
Severe skin irritation.

Spray cans are often equipped with a special fuse. Therefore, you won’t be able to press them accidentally. Thanks to this, the owner can avoid accidents.

Traumatic weapons without a license: is it possible to buy, responsibility and consequences

The crime rate in Russia has contributed to the fact that the issue of security has become urgent for people, and they began to acquire various means of self-defense.

Nowadays, it is quite common to buy traumatic pistols.

This is not a combat firearm, and due to its specifics, it will not cause as much damage to health as a firearm wound, but still its use can be justified only when there is an objective danger to the life or health of the owner of this means of self-defense or members of his family. You can even buy trauma equipment online via the Internet.

Electroshock devices

What other weapons can you buy without permission? A stun gun falls into this category. This means of protection is safe and quite compact. As for the owner, the stun gun will not cause him any harm. But the aggressor can suffer significantly.

It is best to have a weapon with a small number of volts, but at the same time have a large current. Thanks to this property, it will be possible to remove a person from an active state for about 30 minutes. If you purchase a weaker stun gun, you must take into account that the device does not work if the attacker is wearing warm clothes. Therefore, it is necessary to find a more vulnerable and open place on his body. For example, you can point a stun gun at the neck area. However, in the case of self-defense, the defender does not always have such an opportunity.

The main disadvantage of using this weapon is the fairly close contact with the aggressor. But with the help of a stun gun you can scare away angry dogs. It affects animals with its high-frequency crackling sound.

"Pioneer"

In our turbulent times, many people are interested in what weapons can be owned without permission. One of these products is the Pioneer pistol. This weapon for self-defense also does not require special permission. It combines a rocket launcher, gas and signal pistol. Today, the Pioneer is the best weapon for self-defense, but you need to learn how to use it correctly.

Advantages of this pistol:

It is compact and lightweight.
It can be recharged fairly quickly.
Its handle has a replaceable clip.
It shoots at about 5m.
There is a bar and an aiming front sight.

Main disadvantages:

Expensive.
There is no laser target pointer.
It can be quite hard to pull the trigger.

Gas pistol

We continue to consider what weapons are allowed in Russia for self-defense. Many people believe that it is possible to use a regular gas pistol without special permission, as long as the canister is allowed. This self-defense weapon is controversial. Its principle of operation is approximately the same as that of a gas spray. The only difference is that the latter is cheaper, but it is much easier to maintain.

The main advantage of a gas pistol is that it can be used to exert good psychological pressure on the aggressor. Outwardly, it is very similar to a military weapon. In most cases, when a criminal sees a gun in the hands of a victim, he changes his mind about committing rash actions.

However, to purchase and carry a gas pistol, you need permission (in accordance with Article 13 of Federal Law 150). For violation of this rule, a fine of 500 to 5000 rubles is imposed. with the confiscation of cartridges and a pistol.

A pocket pistol is ideal for the summer!

The cold weather is over, and now there is no need to wear jackets, sweaters, and coats. This means that you have to be more careful when carrying your firearm under your shirt. In the summer it is not always easy to hide a pistol under clothing, so it is better to consider purchasing a smaller weapon.

A pocket pistol (or ladies pistol) will be an excellent option for concealed carry in the summer! Carrying a pocket pistol is the best solution without worrying about its outline being visible under clothing.

Here are a few options for firearms that may be the best to carry during the summer.

Sources

Tolstaya A.I. History of state and law of Russia; Justitsinform - M., 2010. - 893 p.
Abdurakhmanova, I.V. History of state and law of foreign countries: examination answers / I.V. Abdurakhmanova, N.E. Orlova. - M.: Rostov n/d: Phoenix, 2003. - 416 p.
Degai Pavel On the commission of serfdom on the basis of general Russian laws; Mechanical engineering - Moscow, 1990. - 642 p.
Ivlieva Marina Financial law in questions and answers. 3rd edition; Prospect - M., 1985. - 508 p.
Titarenko Alena Land law. Crib; Scientific book - M., 2009. - 540 p.

Air gun

Currently, many people are wondering whether it is possible to buy a gun without a permit. This is allowed if its muzzle energy does not exceed 7.5 J and its caliber does not exceed 4.5 mm. Air pistols fire rubber bullets. The main task of such weapons is to influence the aggressor. Air pistols are very similar to firearms. Thanks to this, it is possible to quickly disorganize the attacker. However, it should be noted that this is also a weapon. Therefore, if an air pistol has a caliber of more than 4.5 mm, it requires a license.

"Hit"

What weapons can be used without permission? These include the “Udar” pistol. This self-defense device is something between a gas canister and an air gun. It is based on the use of a liquid solution and is a Russian-made mechanical sprayer. Its advantages:

Duration of use. On average, one device is enough to fire 2000 shots.
Firing range. Regardless of the weather, it is possible to make shots up to 5 m.
Can be used indoors.

The main disadvantages of this weapon, which does not require a permit, are:

Precision is required to hit the aggressor.
There are misfires, but only if low-quality capsules are used.
This device is not suitable for left-handed people.

"WASP"

What weapons can you purchase for self-defense without a license or permit? One of them is the OSA pistol. This device operates on the principle of a combination of sound and light. Thanks to this, you can quickly throw your opponent off balance.

To use these weapons, according to legal documents from 2022, a special permit was required. Currently, sellers claim that this pistol can be purchased without a license, citing changes in legislation. However, no one can name the exact names of the documents. Therefore, this issue needs to be clarified at the licensing and permitting department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at your place of residence in order to avoid troubles.

The main advantage of this type of weapon, which can be purchased without permission, is:

Low cost.
Compactness of the device.
The gun is easy and simple to use.
He is able to scare off several attackers.

The main disadvantage is the possibility of blinding and stunning the shooter. This must be taken into account when using this weapon. Some experts recommend closing your eyes when you pull the trigger.

○ Features of purchasing traumatic weapons

Not all citizens can purchase traumatic weapons, but only those who are over 18 years old. Persons for whom there is evidence that they:

They have an outstanding criminal record.
They were held administratively liable for violating public order.
They have medical contraindications.

Other citizens have the opportunity to purchase self-defense weapons only after:

They will undergo special courses.
Obtain permission to purchase trauma equipment.
will buy it.
Register and receive a license to store and carry weapons.

✔ Registration of permission

After completing special courses, the citizen applies to the territorial police unit. Provides the necessary package of documents on the basis of which a permit to purchase weapons is issued:

Statement.
Copy of passport and TIN.
Certificate or certificate of completion of special courses.
Medical certificate.
Four photographs, size 3 by 4.
Documents for a safe or metal box for storing weapons.
An inspection report on the installation site of a safe or metal box, drawn up by the district police officer.

✔ Completion of training

Special courses are conducted on the basis of specialized educational institutions. During the training period, laws and by-laws are studied that regulate the procedure for using traumatic weapons, the features of their storage and carrying.

During practical classes, skills in dealing with injuries are developed, as well as methods and techniques for providing first aid.

✔ Collection of documents

The list of documents that should additionally be submitted to the police officer responsible for the permitting system after purchasing a weapon includes:

A duplicate of the permit with the store's mark on the sale of weapons.
A set of spent cartridges in original packaging, which is included with the weapon.
An insurance contract drawn up when purchasing trauma equipment.
Receipt for payment of state duty.

✔ Obtaining permission to store and carry

The permit to purchase weapons is valid for six months. During this time, you need to have time to buy or otherwise acquire trauma equipment.

From the date of purchase, it is necessary to register the weapon with the police within two weeks.

One month is allotted for issuing a permit to store and carry traumatic weapons, from the date of its registration with the police. The validity period of the permit is set at five years.

Household knives

When answering the question of what weapons can be purchased without a permit, mention should be made of knives. True, not all of them fall into this category. Many knives are considered to be edged weapons. As you know, it requires appropriate permission. Before purchasing any knife, you must read the documentation that comes with it.

It indicates whether the item is a melee weapon or not. Currently, in our country, those knives are prohibited whose blade length is more than 90 cm, as well as those that have an automatic ejection of the blade. The knife should be used with extreme caution in critical situations. For self-defense, it is more difficult to use than, for example, a gas spray.

Responsibility for carrying weapons without permission: types of punishments

To begin with, it is worth noting how to properly wear and use a traumatic pistol.
So, “trauma” is allowed to be carried in a holster, with a loaded magazine or drum. The law allows you to chamber a cartridge and use a pistol (revolver) against a person only in cases of extreme necessity or necessary defense (clause 63 of the Rules for the circulation of civilian and service weapons, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of July 21, 1998 No. 814).

For example, if hooligans attack in a dark alley and make an attempt on life, health or property, you can use your combat unit, but you need to think about the consequences and not shoot at vital organs (head, face, etc.). At the same time, defense measures must correspond to the severity of the attack by the attackers.

Responsibility for violation of wearing rules

If you carry a traumatic or gas pistol without having the appropriate permission from the National Guard, you will be subject to administrative liability under Part 6 of Art. 20.8 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. A citizen can receive a fine of 3 to 5 thousand rubles, and the violator will also become the object of close attention of police officers.

The question may arise: “Why not a crime?” The answer is contained in the disposition of Part 1 of Art. 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. This legal norm excludes from its composition firearms of limited destruction (traumatic pistol), its components and cartridges for it. Accordingly, only administrative liability is provided for carrying an “injury”.

Flare gun

Many people wonder what weapons can be purchased without a permit, so that later there will be no problems with the law. Flare guns are devices that are also included in the list. True, not all models. This self-defense weapon is used only to exert a psychological impact on the aggressor. In most cases, flare guns are sold only with a license.

However, if the caliber of a weapon is less than 4.5 mm, it does not require registration. Therefore, you are not required to have a license to carry it. Weapons intended for self-defense have up to 5 rubber cartridges in the drum. Its average shot range can reach 7 meters.

The permit to carry and store has expired - what to do?

The license for a traumatic weapon has expired - what to do? If the 5-year validity period of the permit to carry and store traumatic weapons has expired, you must immediately apply for its extension, bearing in mind that it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid the fine provided for in paragraph 4 of Art. 20.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation when directly contacting the Russian Guard.

The extension is carried out in accordance with the norms of the order of the Russian Guard dated June 26, 2018 No. 221, clause 9.3 of which contains a list of documents required for this. When registering a document through the website, you will have to receive it from the Russian Guard, where a protocol on prosecution for delay will be drawn up (clause 103, part 2, article 28.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Note! The order does not provide for such a basis for refusing an extension as missing a deadline. You can read about the procedure for its execution in the article “Protocol on an administrative violation.”

The renewal procedure is also provided for by Order No. 221. The applicant will have to pass an exam on the ability to handle weapons (it is required to be taken at each renewal) and provide a certificate of the absence of medical contraindications.

Spear gun

It is an element of underwater equipment. The Ministry of Internal Affairs does not issue certificates for its storage, carrying, or even transportation. Therefore, answering the question of what weapons can be purchased without a permit, one should also mention an underwater gun. However, nowadays there are quite often cases where customs officers, as well as fisheries inspectors, illegally detain fishermen who have such a device.

There are some requirements regarding the use of this type of weapon:

It must be intended for spearfishing only.
Under no circumstances should it be used in crowded areas, such as beaches.
It is imperative to store, carry, and transport the underwater gun in a special case.

How to choose a self-defense product

When figuring out what weapons can be purchased without a permit, many people pay attention to the knife. Of all the means for self-defense, it is the most accessible and cheapest. However, please note that some knives require a permit. When purchasing any model, you should definitely check whether special documents are needed for this. Currently, there are a huge number of different self-defense products on the market.

To choose the most suitable weapon for yourself, you should familiarize yourself with several recommendations:

You should trust only trusted manufacturers. For example, if we consider an ordinary cheap Chinese spray can, then its effectiveness is in question.
When choosing pepper or gas spray, you need to pay attention to its service life. Expired devices should not be used under any circumstances.
Stun guns and pepper sprays for self-defense are the simplest and most affordable means. They do their job very well. In addition, they are reliable and very compact.
A knife for protection is the safest means, but also less convenient. To use it, you must have certain skills. If you do manage to wound your opponent, it can cause the latter to bleed seriously. Unfortunately, there are situations when the wounds turn out to be incompatible with life, so the enemy dies. The person who defended himself from the attack becomes a murderer. According to the laws of our country, he is imprisoned for up to 2 years.

All this must be taken into account when choosing a means of self-defense. Weapons must be purely individual. Before purchasing, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics, main advantages and disadvantages. Only after comparing all the pros and cons can you buy the product.

○ Responsibility for illegal storage and carrying of traumatic weapons

Current legislation provides for liability if there is no license for a traumatic pistol.

✔ Administrative responsibility

Article 20.8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation establishes a number of sanctions against citizens for:

"4. Violation of the rules for storing, carrying or destroying weapons and ammunition for them by citizens, with the exception of the case provided for in part 4.1 of this article,

- entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred to two thousand rubles or deprivation of the right to acquire and store or store and carry weapons for a period of six months to one year.

4.1. Carrying a firearm by a person in a state of intoxication - entails the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of two thousand to five thousand rubles with or without confiscation of the weapon and ammunition for it, or deprivation of the right to acquire and store or store and carry weapons for a period from one year to two years with or without confiscation of weapons and ammunition.

4.2. Failure of a person carrying a firearm to comply with the legal requirement of a police officer to undergo a medical examination for intoxication - entails deprivation of the right to acquire and store or store and carry weapons for a period of one to two years with or without confiscation of weapons and ammunition. .

6. Illegal acquisition, sale, transfer, storage, transportation or carrying of civilian smooth-bore firearms and firearms of limited destruction - entails the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of three thousand to five thousand rubles with confiscation of weapons and ammunition for them or administrative arrest for a term of five to fifteen days with confiscation of weapons and ammunition.”

✔ Criminal liability

Article 222 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation also provides for various criminal penalties, which depend on the specific situation. So:

"4. Illegal sale of civilian firearms smooth-bore long-barreled weapons, firearms of limited destruction, gas weapons, edged weapons, including throwing weapons - is punishable by compulsory labor for a term of up to four hundred eighty hours, or correctional labor for a term of one to two years, or restriction freedom for a term of up to two years, or forced labor for a term of up to two years, or arrest for a term of three to six months, or imprisonment for a term of up to two years with a fine of up to eighty thousand rubles or in the amount of wages or other income convicted for a period of up to six months or without it.”

Recommendations from experts

It is best to avoid dangerous situations that will lead to the need to defend yourself. However, in other cases they are inevitable. Experts advise:

Take a short self-defense course, where you will learn the basic rules of defense. This will significantly increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Don't panic, be decisive, hide your fear.
Focus on the psychological factor, try to scare the attacker with one type of weapon (even before using it).
Aim correctly. A failed shot will anger the aggressor even more.
Check the condition of the weapon regularly. Then at the right time it will not fail.

We looked at what weapons for self-defense can be purchased in Russia without a license or permit.