Yes — but only under strict regulation. Italy does not recognize gun ownership as a constitutional right; rather, it is treated as a privilege regulated by law.
Civilian ownership is permitted, but each firearm must be linked to a specific license type, such as for hunting, sport shooting, or collecting.
Italian gun laws are governed by Law No. 110 of 1975 and later amendments implementing the European Firearms Directive.
To legally own a firearm, an individual must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a clean criminal record and no mental health issues.
- Pass medical and psychological evaluations.
- Obtain a firearms license from the local authorities (usually the Questura).
Gun owners must also register their firearms with the police and comply with limits on quantity:
- Up to 3 common firearms (like handguns).
- Up to 12 sporting firearms (e.g., rifles or pistols for competition).
- An unlimited number of hunting firearms.
Fully automatic weapons are prohibited, while semi-automatics are allowed under license. Magazine capacity and ammunition storage are regulated, and every weapon must be securely stored.
Compared to the U.S., Italy’s system is much more controlled, but within Europe, it’s considered relatively permissive, especially for sport shooters and hunters.
Can You Use a Gun for Self-Defense in Italy?
Self-defense with a firearm is legally recognized but extremely restricted.
Italian law allows the use of force — including lethal force — only when it is:
- Proportionate to the threat, and
- Immediately necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury.
In practice, this means that shooting an intruder or attacker may only be justified if there was no other way to avoid harm.
Owning a firearm for sport or hunting does not automatically grant the right to carry it for self-defense. To do so, a person must apply for a “Porto d’Armi per Difesa Personale” (personal defense carry permit).
However, such licenses are rarely granted, typically reserved for:
- Security professionals,
- High-risk individuals, or
- Those who can prove a serious personal threat.
Ordinary citizens generally cannot legally carry a firearm in public for protection. Therefore, while self-defense is a legal concept, practical use of firearms for personal defense in Italy is very limited.
What Is the Most Gun-Friendly Country in Europe?
Gun laws in Europe vary significantly.
According to international comparisons:
- Czech Republic: Often considered the most gun-friendly country in Europe. Czech citizens can obtain concealed carry permits more easily than in most EU nations.
- Switzerland: Also has relatively liberal laws, thanks to its militia tradition and widespread familiarity with firearms. Citizens may keep service rifles at home after military service.
- Finland and Austria also have strong sport-shooting cultures and accessible licensing systems.
By contrast, countries such as the U.K., Netherlands, or Japan (outside the EU) enforce some of the strictest prohibitions on civilian firearm possession.
Italy sits somewhere in the middle of the European spectrum — more restrictive than the Czech Republic or Switzerland, but less so than France or the U.K.
Is the AR-15 Legal in Italy?
Yes, but only under specific conditions.
The AR-15 platform is legal to own in Italy as long as it is a semi-automatic version that meets the technical requirements set by law.
Automatic rifles and weapons resembling military assault rifles are prohibited.
To legally possess an AR-15-style rifle, an individual must:
- Hold a valid sport-shooting or hunting license.
- Register the firearm with authorities.
- Ensure that it complies with magazine capacity limits (e.g., 10 rounds for rifles).
The firearm must also be stored according to Italy’s secure storage laws, and ammunition purchases are restricted by license type.
In summary, AR-15 rifles are legal in Italy — but only as semi-automatic sporting firearms, owned and used under strict regulatory control.