I'm passionate about weapons
I'm passionate about weapons
I have a passion for weapons, particularly collectors' weapons, and I own a piece of land in the Geneva countryside far from any habitation. I would like to point out that I hold the necessary permits to possess these weapons and am trained in their handling. Would it be possible for me to practise shooting on the aforementioned land? Who do I need to apply to for authorisation and what are the chances of obtaining it?
Carlo, Geneva
Article 5 of the Federal Law on Weapons, Weapon Accessories and Ammunition (LArm) prohibits the use of firearms in places accessible to the public other than officially authorised shooting ranges and shooting events. On the other hand, shooting in secure places that are inaccessible to the public and shooting while hunting are authorised.
Strictly speaking, shooting in private places is possible under certain conditions, but federal law does not define what is meant by "secure and not accessible to the public". In Geneva - where hunting is banned - the authorities therefore consider that it is not possible to fire a weapon in a private place that is inaccessible to the public without any other form of accommodation.
The site must meet the standards set out in the Federal Ordinance on Off-Duty Shooting Facilities. These rules are very restrictive and require an application for planning permission to implement the necessary improvements.
In addition, pollution standards must be respected. The Ordinance on Contaminated Sites (OSites) stipulates that above a certain level of lead, the site must be cleaned up. So it's up to the shooter to use suitable ammunition and not to pollute the ground.
Finally, it's important to comply with noise regulations. In Geneva, for example, it is forbidden to engage in noisy activities between 10pm and 6am or on Sundays, and a certain number of decibels must not be exceeded even during the day. Residents affected by the nuisance caused by the shooting could therefore be entitled to lodge a complaint.
Shooting in an approved private venue therefore requires major investment, which is not available to everyone, whereas there are public shooting ranges that allow amateurs to train in excellent conditions at a more reasonable cost.
