Since the Ministry of the Interior has updated the regulations regarding the detonating pistol or blank pistol, many people have been left in doubt as to how to buy them or what the requirements are.
First of all,
What is a detonating pistol or blank pistol?
This type of pistol, the blank firing pistols, are really similar to real firearms and at first glance, to the untrained eye, they could pass for a real one. But nothing could be further from the truth. This type of blank pistols are weapons that cannot fire real bullets, since their barrel is created in such a way that prevents the exit of any projectile. They use this type of blank cartridges:
Why do people buy blank pistols?
As a rule, a blank pistol, which is very similar in aesthetics and appearance to a real firearm, is usually used in training.It can be used with humans or animals (dogs, horses) or to have at home, as a collector or also because we like guns and want to have a faithful replica hanging on the wall of our house. And then there are those who want to have a blank pistol for self-defence, because it makes a firing noise very equivalent to a real firearm even though it doesn't fire anything (and can scare off an assailant, thief, etc.).
What requirements do I need to have to be able to buy a detonating pistol or blank pistol?
In the past, a national ID card and being over 18 years of age was sufficient. However, things have changed. The law has been made, the trap has been sprung.
Many of these detonating pistols or blanks were used for criminal purposes, and logically, and for everyone's safety, the Interior Ministry has changed the legislation for possessing detonating pistols. Now, the situation is quite different.
To have a detonating pistol in your possession you need to have the following requirements/documentation:
- Firearms licence (more on this later)
- Dog handler's licence
- Cinematic filmmaking (theatre, etc)
- Sporting activities (judges, etc.)
- Collecting, with collector's book issued by the Guardia Civil
I have a valid firearms licence, can I have a detonating pistol in my own home without a collector's book?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: according to Order INT/1008/2017 of 3 July which develops the regime applicable to detonating pistols and revolvers in its art. 3 determines: "The detonating pistols and revolvers may only be acquired, possessed and used for sporting activities, professional dog training, public shows, recreational activities, cinematographic filming and performing arts. They may also be acquired and kept exclusively in one's own home for collecting purposes'. (What we said above, but here more technical) So, based on the above, any firearms licence holder can acquire a detonating weapon. Yes, just one. The requirements, if you have only a valid firearms licence, can be consulted in the BOE, in article 5.2 a) b) c) d) (you must justify the need for its use in the specific activity).
What if you already had a detonating pistol or detonating revolver or blank revolver in your possession before the change in legislation?
All persons who have acquired a detonator or blank gun before the change in legislation have a period of 6 months to justify its legal use by presenting the necessary documentation at the Intervention of Weapons and Explosives of the Civil Guard corresponding to their address. If their use cannot be justified, within 6 months they must present themselves at the said office in order to proceed with the destruction of the detonating weapon.
How to buy a detonating pistol or blank pistol?
Go to your nearest or trusted gun shop and order the detonating pistol or detonating revolver< that you like the most, presenting the necessary documentation indicated in the INT Order in article 5. Short summary: If you have a firearms licence you can acquire only one detonating gun, under the conditions set out in article 5.2.f) of the aforementioned INT Order. If you need more than one, it has to be by providing the necessary documentation of the same INT Order in Article 5.2 a), b), c) and d), that is, by providing the mandatory documentation, or, where appropriate, in accordance with art. 5.2.e) with the requirements established for collecting.
And what do gun shops do when someone buys a detonating pistol?
The gun shop communicates all the requirements and the serial number to the Guardia Civil. If the sale is distance or online, the same thing. Now all we have to do is say goodbye: And with this and a biscuit, see you tomorrow at eight o'clock! Pssst.
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