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Guam — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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ImpactsGun Death and Injury

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Number of Gun Homicides

ChartIn Guam, annual firearm homicides total

2007: 01
2004: 6

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

In Guam, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2007: 0.002

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in Guam is categorised as permissive3

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Guam is the Guam Code, Chapter 60, Firearms4

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in Guam are regulated by the Chief of Police, the Guam Police Department, and the Department of Public Safety5 6

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Right to Possess Firearms

In Guam, the right to private gun ownership is guaranteed by law7 5

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Prohibited Firearms and Ammunition

In Guam, civilians are not allowed to possess machine and sub-machine guns, automatic rifles and any other firearm not a rifle having a barrel length of sixteen inches or greater or not a shotgun having a barrel length of eighteen inches or greater or a revolver or pistol having a barrel length of more than twelve inches8

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Regulation of Automatic Assault Weapons

In Guam, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited8

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In Guam, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence8 9

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Regulation of Handguns

In Guam, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence9 8

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Gun Owner Licensing

In Guam, only licensed gun owners10 11 6 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Genuine Reason Required for Firearm Licence

Applicants for a gun owner’s licence in Guam are not required to prove genuine reason to possess a firearm, unless seeking approval for a permit to carry a concealed firearm for self-defence purposes11 12

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in Guam is 18 years13

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Gun Owner Background Checks

An applicant for a firearm licence in Guam must pass background checks which consider criminal, mental and medical13 records

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Reference Required for Firearm Licence

In Guam, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required14

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in Guam does not stipulate14 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In Guam, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is not required14 for a firearm licence

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Gun Owner Licensing Period

In Guam gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every 3 years15

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Licensing Records

In Guam, authorities maintain a record15 of individual civilians licensed to acquire, possess, sell or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Limit on Number of Guns

Licensed firearm owners in Guam are permitted to possess any number of firearms14

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Limit on Quantity, Type of Ammunition

A licensed firearm owner in Guam is permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition14

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In Guam, the law requires16 15 17 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

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

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Background Checks on Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in Guam is obliged19 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In Guam, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted20 21 10

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In Guam, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is not unlawful10 20 21 22

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Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In Guam, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is limited to only those firearm types indicated on the holder's identification card15

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in Guam do not include14 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private firearms and ammunition by licensed gun owners

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in Guam include23 18 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Government

Government regulations in Guam do not include14 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by state entities

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Guam do not include14 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In Guam, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law24

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Firearm Tracing

In Guam, state authorities carry out25 26 27 28 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures

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Ballistic Marking of Firearms and Ammunition

In Guam, state authorities do not employ14 ballistic fingerprinting technology to trace guns and ammunition

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In Guam, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is permitted9

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In Guam, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is prohibited unless an applicant shows exceptional cause therefor12 29

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Penalty for Illicit Firearm Possession

In Guam, the maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is 3 years prison and a $1,000 fine30 31

MeasuresInternational Controls

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Guam is not a Member State of the United Nations

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list32 Guam as a Participating State
Last Updated on 29 January 2012

Short References

1.

WISQARS.2009.‘Injury Mortality Reports 1999 and Onwards (USA).’ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System / WISQARS.Atlanta:National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,9 December. (Q1377)Full Citation

2.

GunPolicy.org.2011.‘Calculated Rates – Guam.’ Historical Population Data – USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,1 April. (Q4339)Full Citation

3.

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

4.

Guam.2003.‘Guiding Legislation.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q1502)Full Citation

5.

Guam.2003.‘Definitions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q772)Full Citation

6.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card Required.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q749)Full Citation

7.

USA.1970.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington DC:Congress of the United States of America,1 January. (Q1954)Full Citation

8.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., of Certain Firearms Prohibited.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q754)Full Citation

9.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., Permitted.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q753)Full Citation

10.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card – Possession.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q748)Full Citation

11.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card – Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q746)Full Citation

12.

Guam.2003.‘Concealed Firearms.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q747)Full Citation

13.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card — Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q752)Full Citation

14.

Guam.2003.‘Firearm Legislation.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q4141)Full Citation

15.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card: Contents.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q751)Full Citation

16.

Guam.2003.‘Registration.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q759)Full Citation

17.

Guam.2003.‘Registration of Prohibited Firearms.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q755)Full Citation

18.

Guam.2003.‘Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q765)Full Citation

19.

USA.2007.‘Identify Groups and Individuals Associated with Illicit SALW Activities.’ National Report of the United States of America 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 the United States to the United Nations,17 July. (Q1592)Full Citation

20.

Guam.2003.‘Transfer of Firearm: Private.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q761)Full Citation

21.

Guam.2003.‘Private Sale or Transfer.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q762)Full Citation

22.

Guam.2003.‘Dealer: Register: Dealer, etc., must register.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q763)Full Citation

23.

Guam.2003.‘Conduct of Dealer's Business.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q757)Full Citation

24.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card – Possession.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q766)Full Citation

25.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America 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 the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1588)Full Citation

26.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America 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 the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1590)Full Citation

27.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Marking and Tracing.’ 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:UN Development Programme / UNDP, UN Institute for Disarmament Research / UNIDIR, UN Office for Disarmament Affairs / UNODA, Small Arms Survey,1 November. (Q1977)Full Citation

28.

Wintemute, G J.2009.‘Introduction.’ Disproportionate Sales of Crime Guns Among Licensed Handgun Retailers in the United States: A Case-Control Study.London:BMJ Journals: Injury Prevention,5 October. (Q1979)Full Citation

29.

Guam.2003.‘Identification Card — Restrictions.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 — Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q756)Full Citation

30.

Guam.2003.‘Prohibitions and Penalties.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q769)Full Citation

31.

Guam.2003.‘Ownership, Etc., of Certain Firearms Prohibited.’ Public Law 27-61, Title 10, Chapter 60 – Firearms.Hagatna:Guam Legislature,22 December. (Q767)Full Citation

32.

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