Regulating firearms in gun-loving Switzerland

Switzerland’s gun laws and high rates of gun ownership reflect the country’s deep-seated belief in the right to bear arms and the needs of its militia army. But recent votes and agreements with the European Union have launched debates over who may own which types of guns, and the risks involved. Until 1999, every Swiss canton had its own gun laws, some more liberal than others. Organising weapons laws under this federalist system led to Switzerland long having among the least strict gun laws in Europe.-- More...