Privately owned weapons are always a hot topic. The “Krone” has done the test of how fast and how difficult it is to get a gun license.
The Texas gunman, 18, killed 19 elementary school children and two teachers. The US and the prevailing trend towards private gun ownership have again provoked criticism. And although incidents such as those in the United States rarely occur in Austria, it is striking that weapons are also being rearmed in this country.
crises as drivers
Because more and more Upper Austrians are getting weapons. Crises – such as the refugee influx in 2015 or the corona pandemic and the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia – can be cited as driving forces here. But how easy is it to arm yourself legally in Upper Austria – aside from knives and over-the-counter shotguns? Krone editor Markus Schütz explored this question – and began the self-experiment.
Hit rate not relevant for gun license
The gun ownership card (WBK) requires two steps: on the one hand, a psychological report, and on the other hand, a firearms driver’s license. Arrangements for both were quickly made.
sporting interest
Wels shooting scene – here our “Krone” editor has completed the necessary training. All six other students showed a purely sporting interest in the weapon. However, having it quickly at hand in case of an emergency is at least a topic when going through the 26-page legal and technical training. For Krone editor Markus Schütz, it is the first live shot since the army. “Two hits, not bad,” says arms dealer Clemens Wertgarner from Wels.
The shooting performance with the Glock 17 is irrelevant anyway. At a distance of ten meters, only two of the five 9mm bullets hit the target. The middle – far from it. “About 80 percent of all people who buy a gun permit also buy a gun,” explains Wertgarner — 10,000 Upper Austrians with gun permits arrived in the past seven years.
100 questions
The course in Wels also offers the legally required psychotest. “One in ten doesn’t make it,” says the arms dealer. The “Krone” tester passed the psychological certificate two days earlier at the “Gute Reise” Institute in Linz. Psychologist Wolfgang Senk asked for an interview, which in addition to the reason for being armed, was about family and a good night beer. Then came the computer test. There are over 100 questions – none of them were “Who do you want to shoot?” Conclusion: no major deviations, positive report.
“Self-protection” and “sport” as common motives
The way to the district administration is then only a formal act. “Self-protection” and “sport” are considered motives for home firearms. The postman brings the gun ownership card. Whether one actually increases safety with the gun in the closet or achieves the opposite – a matter of trust that our “Krone” editor leaves open on this point.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
