This uptick is attributed not only to increased interest from the public but also to service officers benefiting from recent legal adjustments that ease their access to firearms, which is aimed at bolstering the nation's defense capability amidst Russia’s war in Ukraine.
According to the report, Poland now has 843,000 legally owned weapons across 324,000 individuals. This marks a substantial increase, with nearly 41,000 new permit holders within a single year, raising the count of privately owned firearms by over 83,000.
The data reflects a sustained interest in collecting and sports-related firearms, yet the most notable shift is the sharp rise in permits for personal protection. Over the last year, the number of such permits skyrocketed to 6,242, a stark contrast to the mere 81 and 154 permits issued in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
To obtain a gun permit in Poland, applicants must fulfill several criteria, including a clean criminal record, being at least 21 years old, possessing permanent residence in the country, and maintaining sound mental health.
Additionally, membership in a "shooting-collecting" association and passing a relevant exam are required, with a notable increase in such associations in recent years.
(jh)
Source: Rzeczpospolita