Find out what weapons you can carry and do not require a permit or license in Russia, whether it is permissible to use edged weapons for self-defense and what types are the best for self-defense, whether a permit is required for firearms.
What weapons are allowed in the Russian Federation for self-defense
The types of weapons that can be used for self-defense without contradicting Article 3 of the relevant law of the Russian Federation include:
- Smooth-bore (including traumatic firearms).
- Barrelless with noise, light and other ammunition.
- Gas. This category includes revolvers, pistols, and gas cylinders.
- Electroshock.
Important. All products must be purchased legally in the store and comply with the current requirements of the Ministry of Health and the certification system of the Russian Federation.
A smoothbore weapon is a weapon without rifled channels in the barrel. Its initial bullet speed is obviously lower than that of a combat weapon. These are mostly shotguns and pistols. Barrelless weapons are so called because of their specific design: the cartridge chamber immediately goes into the barrel. A typical representative is “PB-4 Osa”. It is convenient that in this sample you can use flash-noise, gas, and traumatic cartridges.
With gas pistols and revolvers, everything is generally simple: they are loaded with special cartridges filled with an irritating substance. After the shot, the gas begins to act, causing lacrimation and shock in the attacker. Gas spray bottles work like household deodorants. Only they release not an air-refreshing stream, but a caustic substance.
Stun guns use the energy of an electric discharge, rendering the attacker unconscious: the device generates a high voltage current that is not dangerous, but painful for a person. The main emphasis in civilian weapons is that they are not lethal, that is, they cannot lead to serious injury or death. It is for this purpose that rubber bullets, gas cartridges and flash-noise cartridges are used as charges.
After all, the main goal when using “trauma” is to demoralize and break the enemy without causing him significant damage. There are many options for civilian weapons, both based on converted combat prototypes (PM, APS, IZH-78, Nagan), and independently created. The latter include “Wasp”, Guard MP-461”, “Thunderstorm”. They differ in cost, size, caliber.
Purchase rules
Before you go to the nearest retail outlet for a specific purpose, to purchase a good “gas truck” or trauma, it is strongly recommended that you study the rules of sale.
First of all, all weapons are divided into 2 main categories:
- purchased without a license.
- requiring special permission.
If you haven’t previously asked about purchasing self-defense equipment, get ready to take the “exam”: study the rules for handling weapons. The scope and list of questions are determined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This necessarily includes certain sections of the Federal Law “On Weapons”, provisions of the Code “On Administrative Offences”, as well as actions to provide first-aid to persons caught in the fire of firearms or gas protective equipment. In addition, by default, Russians who are under 18 years old can forget about buying a “trauma” or a gun without a barrel. The acquisition of weapons is preceded by an application to the regional internal affairs body to obtain a license.
And there you have every right to demand:
- An application completed in accordance with all the rules.
- A copy of your personal identification document (passport or equivalent).
- Standard photo measuring 3x4 centimeters (2 pieces).
- A medical certificate that the applicant is mentally healthy has no contraindications for owning smooth-bore firearms.
Accordingly, unless one of the specified conditions is met, the issuance of a license will be refused. Failure also awaits those who are already serving a sentence for a crime (have an outstanding criminal record), administrative offenders. Even without a successfully passed test of knowledge in handling weapons, the license is as clear as your own ears. The same applies to citizens without a specific region of residence.
A separate category is made up of weapons without a license. Tear (irritant) gas aerosols, arresters and shock devices are purchased without special permits. Due to the miniscule weight of the bullet and the low initial velocity of the charge, pneumatic weapons are also not subject to strict legal restrictions for free acquisition. Although it is impossible to call it a full-fledged “means of self-defense” due to the above arguments. The exception is samples with a shot energy of more than 3 Kilojoules.
Important. After purchasing a self-defense weapon, the owner registers the purchased pistol or revolver with the police. 14 days are given for this, no more.
In what situations can it be used?
Jurisprudence defines the necessary conditions for application as critical when there is a specific threat to life. For example, a drunk neighbor decided to practice shooting at your windows. Or cheerful “guests” broke into your apartment, but not for tea and coffee, but for the purpose of robbery with the accompanying infliction of moderate and serious bodily harm.
Even in these cases, strictly follow the specific rules:
- Warning. It doesn’t matter how exactly you can convey to your opponent information about the fact of using a means of self-defense. This could be a clear verbal signal, “I have a gun! I will shoot! or a visual demonstration of cocking the bolt, loading the weapon.
- Direct shot. It is definitely not recommended to shoot traumatic cartridges at the head, closer than 1 meter. The choice is small - these are limbs (legs) or the body. In this case, the offender should not receive any serious injuries, especially injuries incompatible with life.
- "Call a friend." When the situation is resolved, dial “102” and wait for the patrol to arrive. He will have to talk about everything that happened, without hiding the details.
Unfortunately, what is so beautiful in abstract situations looks a little different in concrete ones.
- Moment one. While you loudly warn an aggressive client about the use of a weapon, he has plenty of opportunities to use it himself. Or stab you with a knife. So choose: stay alive and explain yourself to the police, or do “everything according to the rules” and be dead.
- Second moment. The representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs who rushed in will be very skeptical about the facts presented (especially if there are no witnesses). There is a real chance of getting into a situation of “exceeding self-defense.”
- The third moment. Do not touch the shell casings or the attacker’s weapon under any circumstances! And it is better to report what happened not only to the police, but also to friends, relatives, and a lawyer you know. The information provided will help avoid annoying mistakes, as well as the prospect of reclassification from a participant in the incident to the accused.
Rating of the best security devices
Today, in order to ensure their safety, citizens prefer stun guns. When struck by an electric shock, a person experiences physical discomfort and psychological shock, while the device makes very threatening sounds. The cost of these devices is relatively low.
The most popular type among stun guns is a device that combines the stun gun itself and a flashlight. This type of protective device will be irreplaceable for those people who return home late through unlit streets. The most expensive example of Taser shockers, the professional model is used by the police. It allows you to stun an attacker from a distance of several meters.
Five of the best stun guns
The characteristic that determines the damaging properties of shockers is the voltage between the electrodes. Manufacturers sometimes quote astounding values of up to 25,000,000 V (25 MV) - this is the open circuit voltage (that is, the voltage without load or current flow). This parameter has no significance for efficiency characteristics. The higher the value of this voltage, the greater the distance between the electrodes, and the louder the shocker cracks when it is activated. This sound can also be used as a weapon and scare attackers with it.
The operating voltage of civilian shockers is from 20,000 to 90,000 V (20-90 kV), it is enough to pierce a layer of clothing and pass a current pulse through human skin.
The country's legislation strictly regulates the voltage characteristics of household shockers.
VIPERTEK VTS-98 – popular model with a flashlight
This device is considered the most popular model among buyers. Although the flashlight is an additional option, it successfully copes with its function.
This is practically the most powerful shocker on the market. An open circuit voltage of 23 MV provides an impressive crackle and will make even the bravest hooligan retreat. The design of the product involves the presence of two sharp electrodes that puncture clothing, and shock from the discharge between them.
Also, the developers of the device provided the option of disarming the defender by grabbing the shocker by the attacker by the part of the device that is located behind the electrodes, and made this part conductive of electric current. So the unlucky robber will immediately receive a powerful shock.
shocker with flashlight VIPERTEK VTS-98
Advantages:
- The most powerful;
- convenient design;
- in demand.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
This product costs about 17 dollars.
VIPERTEK VTS-T03 – shocker hidden in a flashlight
The shocker, decorated under a flashlight, is not conspicuous, but provides serious protection.
In the design of the product, the electrodes of the device are not noticeable; for an attacker, a shock from a current pulse will definitely come as a surprise. This model's power characteristics are almost as good as its larger brother. A powerful flashlight in any situation will allow you to correctly assess the situation and allow you to choose the direction for retreat.
shocker hidden in the flashlight VIPERTEK VTS-T03
Advantages:
- decorated, which is very convenient;
- powerful.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the model is about 12 dollars
Streetwise Sting Ring 18 – shocker disguised as a ring
Of course, this is not James Bond's secret weapon with its terrifying power that allows you to knock out several enemies at once, but this small device can scare off any enemy.
Externally, the device resembles brass knuckles, it is convenient to carry it in your pocket, where it takes up very little space, and if necessary, you can easily take it out. The open circuit voltage is 18 MV, so it will produce almost as much noise as large models. The discreet appearance of the product, its unusual shape and electric shock upon contact will shock any attacker.
shocker Streetwise Sting Ring 18
Advantages:
- comfortable to wear;
- small and discreet.
Flaws:
- high price.
The cost of the product is about 23 dollars.
Streetwise Security Products – stun gun for carrying on a key fob
The appearance resembles a flash drive, the open circuit voltage is 20 MV. The attacker who grabs the keys will be greatly shocked by the electric shock from the key fob. The device is not suitable for full-fledged defense, but by using the factor of surprise, the defender can gain time and run away or call for help.
Streetwise Security Products Keychain Stun Gun
Advantages:
- small size;
- repellent.
Flaws:
- not for full defense.
The device costs about $17.
VIPERTEK VTS-B01 – telescopic baton with shocker and siren
A full-fledged, terrifying-looking defensive weapon will allow you to cope with even several attackers. The idle voltage of the shocker is 30 MV, so there will be an excellent crackling sound, a strong sliding baton and a powerful sound siren will put even several hooligans to flight.
This formidable defensive weapon has overall dimensions, and you can no longer carry it in your pocket; you can store it in the trunk of a car. When traveling, different situations arise, the presence of such an arbiter as a telescopic shocker will add to its owner self-confidence and peace of mind for the safety of loved ones. In this model, the siren is designed to intimidate animals, but its loud howl will also scare away a bully.
The built-in shocker has serious power, you have to be careful when using it, it literally knocks a person to the ground. Although it may not come to the point of being used, when unfolded the baton is a powerful weapon and its appearance can scare away many hooligans, pickpockets and other intruders.
VIPERTEK VTS-B01 – telescopic baton with shocker and siren
Advantages:
- high power;
- will allow you to cope even with several attackers.
Flaws:
- dimensions.
The cost of the product is about 26 dollars.
Taser Pulse with Laser - a shocker that delivers a current pulse at a distance
A Taser is a stun gun that shoots electrodes at a distance of 7 m and delivers a pulse of current. The operating voltage of the device is 50 kV, which is enough to pierce a layer of clothing and send current through the attacker’s skin. The open circuit voltage is not given for this device, since its electrodes are ejected. The design of the device includes two batteries; they are charged from the electrical network.
stun gun Taser Pulse with Laser
Advantages:
- striking range - 7 m, which is quite a lot for defense;
- powerful;
- two batteries.
Flaws:
- very expensive, not everyone will allow you to buy it.
The cost of the product is the highest among this class of devices, about $395.
The best individual alarms
For a child or girl to fight huge hooligans on the street is almost always a losing proposition. The way out of an unpleasant situation is to call the police or simply respectable citizens for help. The personal alarm on the key fob will scare away the villains with its loud roar and signal to others for help. The design of the alarm allows it to be quickly found among things in your pocket and easily activated. The devices are decorated in various styles, from designer to simple and discreet. This product can be used anywhere without any permission in case of a threat.
ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm - the most famous personal alarm
This stylish little thing with a bright design looks like a keychain. To turn on the signal, you need to pull out the fastening ear, and the device will turn on the siren; to turn off the device, the latch must be put in place. The device is waterproof; manufacturers claim that it will work even under water.
personal alarm ROBOCOPP SOS Personal Alarm
Advantages:
- stylish, popular among many, alarm system;
- waterproof.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the device is about 15 dollars.
Vigilant – individual alarm system for car drivers
The gadget is made in the style of a car alarm. When you press the button there is a roar of 130 dB, this is one of the loudest devices. The product is reliable, it is difficult to break it or muffle its sound. The following colors are available:
- red;
- black;
- green;
- yellow.
The key fob contains a fake trigger. If the key fob is thrown on the ground, an audible siren will sound.
An inconspicuous device that does not attract attention, looks like an ordinary trinket that can be attached to a child's or lady's bag. To turn on the gadget, it must be torn off from the mounting ring, and the security siren will start. The alarm sound is standard and therefore understandable to others - it is a call for help.
Individual alarm system for Vigilant car drivers
Advantages:
- the loudest device;
- the device is invisible, similar to a toy.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the gadget is about 16 dollars
Bear Gentleman - personal alarm for a child
The device is hidden in an ordinary children's soft toy, which practically does not attract attention. The sound strength of the alarm is about 130 dB. Among 6 color schemes, the child will choose a toy to his liking. To make a danger sound appear, you do not need to tear the toy from its mount, just pull the siren loop.
personal alarm for a child Bear Gentleman
Advantages:
- average cost;
- loud noise;
- convenient to use.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The cost of the product is about 13 dollars.
Popular pepper sprays and gels
The product, which is quite harmless to health, has a strong stopping effect. Today this is the most popular protective agent. To stop the attacker, the agent is sprayed in the area of the face, getting on the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth, causing a very strong burning sensation and painful shock. The enemy is temporarily blinded and unable to think rationally.
In enclosed spaces, pepper gels should be used; they are more viscous and can be used over a longer range.
SABER 3-IN-1 - the most famous pepper spray canister
When comparing pepper spray canisters to stun guns, their strengths are more lethal than stun guns.
pepper spray canister SABER 3-IN-1
Advantages:
- if gas gets into the eyes of an attacking person, the stopping effect will last long enough;
- gas is sprayed over a distance of up to 5 m;
- the can contains 35 portions of gas;
- effective not only on people, but also on animals;
- Saber products are used by police officers all over the world, which indicates their high efficiency.
Flaws:
- not detected.
This pepper spray is the best safety equipment among all the pepper sprays.
The cost of a can is about 6 dollars.
SABER Red Kuros - pepper spray keychain for absent-minded people
The spray bottle hidden in the keychain will always be at hand. Even the most absent-minded person is unlikely to forget his house keys. When using a device, you need to develop the skill of putting it into combat mode.
pepper spray keychain SABER Red Kuros
Advantages:
- not expensive;
- comfortable in using.
Flaws:
- not detected.
The device costs about $5.
SABER Red Pepper Gel - pepper gel for indoor use
During an attack in an elevator, spraying the spray risks exposing the person defending himself to pepper spray. Manufacturers have developed pepper gel for use indoors; it has a more viscous and thick consistency. The gel sticks to the skin and does not scatter to the sides. The attacking person, trying to remove the gel, reflexively smears it all over his face and further aggravates the situation for himself. Gel cans have an increased range of impact, they hit 10 m, and therefore they can be safely used on the street. They have only 18 charges, unlike their spray counterparts.
pepper gel SABER Red Pepper Gel
Advantages:
- increased impact range;
- can be used outdoors.
Flaws:
- low charge;
- dangerous for the defender himself.
Gel pepper spray costs about $13.
SABER RED Pepper Gel – pepper gel for people involved in running sports
Often, joggers jog in parks in the evening, when the park is almost deserted. At this time, unwanted encounters may occur and to ensure safety it is better to have a protective agent in the form of pepper gel with you. The canister is conveniently attached to the hand with Velcro and is always at hand. A single press of the thumb launches a stream of gel at the offender. The gel is not dangerous for the defending person; it is sprayed only in the direction of the target.
The cost of the protective gel is approximately $9.
pepper gel SABER RED Pepper Gel
Spray and special device for protection against dogs
In the spring, during the rut, dogs gather in packs and are aggressive. It is unwise to run away from angry animals; it triggers the hunting instinct. To protect against aggressive dogs, manufacturers offer an anti-animal spray that works at close range and an ultrasonic emitter that repels them at a long distance.
HALT Dog Repellant Spray – spray for dogs
The use of the spray will not cause any harm to the animal; the components of the gas include capsaicin, which is found in capsicum. The spray must be sprayed at a sufficient distance from the animal's mouth to avoid an attack. The spray will scare away an aggressive animal and force it to retreat.
The cost of the product is about 7 dollars, the range of use is up to 6 m.
spray for dogs HALT Dog Repellant Spray
Advantages:
- effective impact.
Flaws:
- high cost for such a means of protection.
The cost of the product is about 9 dollars.
Where to store and wear
The rules for handling civilian weapons provide for certain standards for storage and carrying conditions. Violating them (and revealing the facts) entails potential problems with the police. More detailed information on these requirements can be found in government regulations and the Law “On Weapons”. In any case, access to the pistol and ammunition by third parties must be excluded.
At home
As a standard, lockable metal cabinets (safes) are used for home storage of self-defense equipment. The weapon itself is stored separately from ammunition, in an unloaded state. A police officer has the legal right to visit the owner of a “trauma” or “gas truck” license to see for himself that the current requirements regarding the presence (and storage) of weapons are met. Any counterarguments of the owner that impede the meeting are not taken into account.
With myself
Of course, carrying a weapon should ensure that it remains unloaded. In other words, for pneumatics this means the clip is removed or the cylinder is removed from the body, and for firearms it means the safety is on and there is no cartridge in the chamber. Otherwise, a “sudden” meeting with a patrol will lead to unnecessary explanations as to why the revolver in the bag or armpit holster is completely ready for battle.
Weapons that require special permission
We are forced to do the opposite in order to double-insure our readers. Many people tend to approach the issue from the point of view of a simple truth: “What is not prohibited is permitted.”
In fact, there is such a thing as judicial practice, and our interpretation of the laws does not have to coincide with the interpretation of the judges. In order not to fall beyond the legal limit when storing weapons, we will first highlight those types that require compulsory licensing.
- Smooth-bore and rifled hunting weapons.
- Firearms for sporting purposes.
- Gas weapons.
- Firearms of limited destruction.
- Signal weapon.
- Pneumatic weapons with muzzle energy exceeding 7.5 J.
- Cold bladed weapons worn with national costumes.
Now it will be easier to understand which weapons or devices can be carried without permission.
