Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Research supported by

Go To ..

Argentina — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Argentina is 1,900,000 to 4,600,0001

Compare
Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Argentina is 10.22 firearms per 100 people

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Argentina ranked at No. 193

Compare
Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 178 countries, Argentina ranked at No. 622

Compare
Number of Licensed Firearm Owners

The number of licensed gun owners in Argentina is reported to be 569,9791

Compare
Rate of Licensed Firearm Owners per 100 Population

The rate of licensed firearm owners in Argentina is 1.224 per 100 people

Compare
Number of Registered Firearms

The number of registered guns in Argentina is reported to be 1,240,0005

Compare
Rate of Registered Firearms per 100 Population

The rate of registered firearms per 100 people in Argentina is 3.004

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Shotguns

In Argentina, the number of shotguns in civilian possession is reported to be 347,4956

Compare
Number of Privately Owned Handguns

There are reportedly 796,8746 handguns in civilian possession in Argentina

Compare
Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms

Unlawfully held guns cannot be counted, but in Argentina there are estimated to be 700,000 to 2,000,0007

Government Guns

Compare
Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Argentina are reported to have 555,0007 firearms

Compare
Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Argentina are reported to have 270,0008 firearms

ImpactsDeath and Injury

Compare
Homicides (any method)

ChartIn Argentina, annual homicides by any means total

2009: 2,2159
2008: 2,305
2007: 2,071
2006: 2,052
2005: 2,115
2004: 2,259
2003: 2,876
2002: 3,453
2001: 3,048
2000: 2,653
1999: 2,668
1998: 2,607
1997: 3.265
1996: 3,001
1995: 2,723

Compare
Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2009: 5.59
2008: 5.8
2007: 5.3
2006: 5.3
2005: 5.5
2004: 5.9
2003: 7.6
2002: 9.2
2001: 8.2
2000: 7.2
1999: 7.3
1998: 7.2
1997: 9.1
1996: 8.5
1995: 7.8
1994: 4.5110

Compare
Gun Homicides

ChartIn Argentina, annual firearm homicides total

2008: 1,1989
2007: 1,016
2006: 1,013
2005: 1,044

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2008: 3.09
2007: 2.6
2006: 2.6
2005: 2.7
1994: 2.1111

Compare
Suicides (any method)

ChartIn Argentina, annual suicides by any means total

2005: 3,06912
1996: 2,24513

Compare
Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2006: 7.9012
2005: 7.90
1996: 5.8413
1994: 6.7114

Compare
Gun Suicides

In Argentina, annual firearm suicides total

2001: 1,07413

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2001: 2.7913
1994: 3.0515

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths

In Argentina, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2001: 24713

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2001: 0.6413
1994: 0.3216

Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

In Argentina, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2001: 1,39313

Compare
Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn Argentina, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2001: 3.6213
1994: 3.7117

ProductionGun Industry

Compare
Regulation of Firearm Makers

In Argentina, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is permitted only if the maker holds a valid licence18

Compare
Small Arms Manufacture - World Ranking

In a classification of the world's small, medium and major firearm manufacturers, Argentina is ranked 'small'19

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Compare
Regulation of Firearm Exports

In Argentina, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 20 21 22

Compare
Small Arms Exports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Argentina is reported to be US$18,851,00223 (2011)

Compare
Small Arms Exports - World Ranking

In a comparison of the world's major/mid-level/minor/unknown small arms exporters, Argentina is categorized as 'mid-level'24

Compare
Regulation of Firearm Imports

In Argentina, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 20 21 22

Compare
Small Arms Imports (US$) - Customs

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Argentina is reported to be US$21,463,33623 (2011)

Compare
Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Argentina is reported to be US$1,20025

Compare
Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Argentina, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law22 26

Compare
Transparency of Small Arms Transfers

In the most recent survey of state transparency when declaring firearm and ammunition exports, Argentina was ranked number 34 among 49 major small arms exporting nations in 2011, with a score of 9.00 points of a possible total of 2527

MeasuresGun Regulation

Compare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Argentina is categorised as restrictive28

Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

In Argentina, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence6

Compare
Gun Owner Licensing

In Argentina, only licensed gun owners21 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Compare
Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Argentina are required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, for example, hunting, target shooting, collection, personal protection6

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Argentina is 21 years for military firearms and 18 years for civilian firearms6

Compare
Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Argentina must pass background checks which consider criminal and mental6 records

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Argentina does not stipulate6 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

Firearm Registration

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

In Argentina, the law requires20 21 18 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In Argentina, licensed firearm dealers are required18 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Compare
Gun Manufacturer Record Keeping

In Argentina, licensed gun makers are required18 to keep a record of each firearm produced, for inspection by a regulating authority

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Argentina include6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Argentina include6 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm Marking

In Argentina, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law29

Compare
Firearm Tracing

In Argentina, state authorities carry out20 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

Carrying Guns

Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Argentina, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit6

Compare
Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Argentina are known to have30 31 32 33 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

Compare
Surrendered in Gun Amnesty

In Argentina, the number of firearms and/or rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered for destruction in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 107,761 (2007-11)34 33

Compare
Small Arms Destroyed

In Argentina, the total number of firearms destroyed following recent amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 5,00232 (2002), 20,037 (2007), 32,825 (2008), 51,672 (2009) and 23,39530 31 (2010)

Compare
Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Argentina, it is state policy35 30 31 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

Organization of American States

On 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Argentina adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been signed and ratified36 37 by Argentina

United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

At the resumption of the most recent session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ), a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council mandated to promote action to prevent national and transnational crime, Argentina was listed as an elected member for a three-year term of office38

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Argentina voted to begin39 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

Compare
United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified40 by Argentina

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Argentina committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects41

Compare
UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Argentina has submitted one or more national reports42 26 on its implementation of the UNPoA

Compare
UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Argentina, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated43 26

Compare
UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Argentina, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated43 26

Compare
UNPoA Civil Society Involvement and Support

In National Reports of Argentina submitted to the UN, a history of substantive cooperation with civil society in support of UNPoA activities is apparent43 26

Compare
UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated26 by Argentina to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Argentina has declared44 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Argentina has been a Member State of the United Nations since 194545

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies lists46 Argentina as a Participating State

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2009.‘Country Summaries – Argentina.’ Surplus Arms in South America: A Survey.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 August. (Q5296)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms - Annexe online.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

4.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Argentina.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,17 March. (Q4200)Full Citation

5.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Civilian Firearms Legally Registered.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5679)Full Citation

6.

United Nations.1999.‘Analysis of Country Responses.’ United Nations International Study on Firearm Regulation.Vienna:UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Division,30 August. (Q1)Full Citation

7.

Karp, Aaron.2009.‘Estimated Total Small Arms, Firearms, and Surpluses in Argentina, Rounded.’ Surplus Arms in South America: A Survey.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 August. (Q5295)Full Citation

8.

Karp, Aaron.2012.‘Table 1 - Estimated Law Enforcement Firearms in 20 Selected Countries.’ Armed Actors - Estimating Law Enforcement Firearms.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q6544)Full Citation

9.

UNODC.2011.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Argentina.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,6 October. (Q6233)Full Citation

10.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1301)Full Citation

11.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1297)Full Citation

12.

OAS Observatory on Citizen Security.2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation

13.

Jackson, Thomas.2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation

14.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1302)Full Citation

15.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1298)Full Citation

16.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1299)Full Citation

17.

Krug, E G, K E Powell and L L Dahlberg.1998.‘Firearm-Related Deaths in the United States and 35 Other High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries.’ International Journal of Epidemiology.Atlanta:National Centre for Injury Prevention & Control, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention / CDC,16 April. (Q1300)Full Citation

18.

Argentina.2007.‘Controls Applicable to Production and Sale.’ National Report of Argentina on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations,20 June. (Q4610)Full Citation

19.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘Ranking of World's Small Arms Producers (By Sales).’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q103)Full Citation

20.

Argentina.2007.‘Registration and Tracking of Weapons.’ National Report of Argentina on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations,20 June. (Q4608)Full Citation

21.

Argentina.2007.‘Classification of Lawful Users.’ National Report of Argentina on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations,20 June. (Q4609)Full Citation

22.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q82)Full Citation

23.

Marsh, Nicholas.2013.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,14 February. (Q16)Full Citation

24.

Small Arms Survey.2001.‘60 Known Legal Small Arms Exporting Countries, 2001.’ Small Arms Survey 2001: Profiling the Problem.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q867)Full Citation

25.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

26.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

27.

Lazarevic, Jasna.2011.‘Small Arms Trade Transparency Barometer 2011, covering major exporters.’ Small Arms Survey 2011: States of Security.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,6 July. (Q5354)Full Citation

28.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A Staff Report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

29.

Argentina.2007.‘Marking.’ National Report of Argentina on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations,20 June. (Q4607)Full Citation

30.

Argentina.2010.‘Firearms Destroyed.’ Armas Destruidas.Buenos Aires:National Plan for Voluntary Disarmament - Ministry of Justice and Human Rights of Argentina,11 December. (Q3708)Full Citation

31.

Argentina.2010.‘140,000 Guns Will Never Be Fired Again.’ 140 Mil Armas No Serán Disparadas Nunca Más.Buenos Aires:Ministry of Justice and Human Rights of Argentina,29 December. (Q3707)Full Citation

32.

Godnick, William and Helena Vasquez.2003.‘Weapons Destruction Events facilitated – UN-LiREC.’ Small Arms Control in Latin America: Monitoring the Implementation of Small Arms Control Projects (MISAC).London:International Alert, Security and Peacebuilding Programme,1 March. (Q5565)Full Citation

33.

Ignacio de la Rosa. 2011. ‘Young People Represent the Majority of Deaths by Firearms - Buyback.’ Los Andes (Argentina). 31 August. (N263) Full Citation

34.

Rafaela.com (Argentina). 2011. ‘The Second Phase Is Launched for the Voluntary Exchange Of Weapons.’ 10 August. (N256) Full Citation

35.

UNDPI.2006.‘Major Review at United Nations to Assess Progress Made, Actions Needed to Further Stem Illegal Small Arms Trade.’ Department of Public Information, News and Media Division, Peace and Security Section.New York:United Nations,20 June. (Q5075)Full Citation

36.

OAS / UNODA.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation

37.

OAS.1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation

38.

UNCCPCJ / UNODC.1991.‘Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.’ United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.Vienna:United Nations Economic and Social Council / United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q3222)Full Citation

39.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

40.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

41.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

42.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

43.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

44.

UNODA.2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - The Global Reported Arms Trade.New York:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation

45.

UN.2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation

46.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation